Wildlife Program (in and around Cape Town)

If you love animals and dream of helping them, consider volunteering in South Africa for wildlife conservation. The country has diverse landscapes with elephants, lions, and scenic hiking trails. RCDP Volunteers runs a program in a Big 5 Game reserve near Port Elizabeth, focusing on saving local animals and plants.

Despite the rich wildlife, South Africa faces challenges like poaching. RCDP Volunteers' program aims to address these issues and needs your dedication to make a positive impact. Your help will save animals from extinction and support injured ones in rehabilitation. Volunteering makes you a vital part of the solution for these animals and plants to thrive in their natural home. Your passion for wildlife is crucial for a brighter future for endangered plants and animals in South Africa.

Your Activities as a Volunteer

In this program, you have the opportunity to contribute to the operation of a game reserve and observe Africa's famous Big 5 animals up close. The reserve spans a picturesque 6000-hectare area with diverse landscapes, including grasslands, bushes, and water areas.

As a volunteer in the South Africa Wildlife Program, you play a crucial role in safeguarding local animals and plants. The program addresses challenges like poaching and illegal trading through various projects dedicated to wildlife protection.

Your tasks as a volunteer include clearing unwanted plants, monitoring animals such as lions, rhinos, and buffalos, planting trees to prevent soil erosion, exploring nature on walks, inspecting and repairing fences and enclosures, counting and occasionally relocating animals, assisting the vet, feeding recovering animals, and participating in game drives in the morning, afternoon, and evening. All these activities are guided by an experienced game ranger.

Project Skills Required

Joining the wildlife conservation volunteer program in South Africa doesn't require specific skills or qualifications. We simply ask for your passion to work with different animals and an interest in wildlife conservation. While those with animal or veterinary experience may offer additional assistance in certain areas, there's a meaningful role for everyone to contribute positively to the lives of these animals. Participants must be at least 18 years old to take part.

Project Location

The wildlife program is situated at a Big 5 Game reserve just outside Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The reserve covers a stunning 6000 hectares, featuring a blend of grasslands, sub-tropical vegetation, fynbos, and bushveld. It is adorned with naturally formed water pockets, captivating rock formations, and splendid flora.