Phinda is one of the great success stories of African wildlife conservation. Unlike many private safari reserves, most of the land is owned by the local community which means everyone works together to protect the wildlife – and everyone benefits from the park’s success.
As a Phinda volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in this amazing story. As part of the reserve’s research team, you’ll help to manage thriving populations of elephant, rhino, lion, cheetah, pangolin and many other species. You’ll have countless chances to observe these animals in their natural habitat and by working behind the scenes, you’ll see a side of Phinda that tourists don’t usually experience.
You will also have the unique opportunity to monitor black rhino as part of Phinda’s involvement with the pioneering WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project.
Find out more in the video below - you can click 'CC' for subtitles and find chapters in the progress bar!
As a conservation volunteer at Phinda, you’ll experience life behind the scenes on a safari reserve and get closer to the wildlife than you ever could as a tourist.
Protect one of Africa’s largest rhino populations
Assist in managing this critical rhino population through daily monitoring and horn trimming, in order to deter poachers.
Supported by the WWF and Rhinos Without Borders
By working with the wildlife in Phinda, you’ll support major international conservation organisations.
Owned by the Zulu community
Most of the Phinda reserve is owned by the local community so your placement will help to support this unique initiative.
Great cheetah viewing
Due to its growing cheetah population, Phinda plays a pivotal role in cheetah conservation throughout the whole of southern Africa.
Biodiversity hotspot
The Phinda reserve is situated within one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots known as the Maputaland complex.
Do
As a volunteer on our Phinda Wildlife Research Experience, there’s always something to do. Your role will be varied and hands-on. Depending on the animals being managed and researched, you’ll be involved in the following activities:
Wildlife research
To maintain the perfect balance of species within the reserve, Phinda’s conservationists keep a close watch on population numbers.
Record wildlife sightings and map their movements to build up a detailed database of animals’ territories
Use satellite technology to track the movements of collared wildlife such as elephants and pangolins
Monitor priority species such as black and white rhino, elephants, cheetahs and lions, to help protect them from threats such as poaching
Study the behaviour and population dynamics of animals such as elephants and predators
Assist the research team to determine prey utilisation by lions, leopards and cheetahs
Wildlife management
Careful management of the wildlife is vital to Phinda’s conservation success.
Help to notch rhino ears, enabling researchers to identify, monitor and protect individual animals
Assist with humane rhino horn trimming, an effective anti-poaching strategy
Learn about the use of non-hormonal contraceptive programmes to effectively manage the populations of elephants and predators
Get involved with Phinda’s wildlife relocation programmes, helping to move species such as rhino, lion and antelope
Manage and preserve wildlife habitats to ensure a sufficient supply of resources such as food and water
Community support
As Phinda is mostly owned by the community and is a major employer in the area, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the local people.
Learn
As well as gaining hands-on experience, you’ll also learn about the conservation, ecology, biology and behaviour of Phinda’s wildlife.
Conservation
Rhino poaching, anti-poaching methods in the field, and relocation programmes
Breeding programmes for rare and endangered species – such as Phinda’s black rhino custodianship programme
Wildlife relocation programmes – including the WWF’s Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, the Rhinos Without Borders programme, and lion relocation to Rwanda
Ecology
The natural environment of the Big 5 and other African species
The role of different species in the ecosystem
The impact of population growth or decline of certain species, such as lions and elephants, on the ecosystem as a whole
Interesting smaller ecosystems on the Phinda reserve, including a unique sand forest
Biology
The physiology and natural diets of the Big 5 and other African species
Native African plants, reptiles, amphibians and birds
Behaviour
The relationship between predator and prey species
Behaviour of animal groups, such as the social structure in a pride of lions and herds of elephants
Predator hunting behaviour and the differences between social predators such as lions and hyena, compared with solitary predators such as leopards and cheetah
Mating and breeding behaviour of Big 5 and other African species
The movement of herd species such as elephant, buffalo and antelope
Can I volunteer at more than one project and how much will it cost?
Most of our travellers like to combine multiple projects to create a tailor-made trip. The combined price of projects is cheaper than the individual projects added up online.
We offer combinations of conservation projects, transport between them, accommodation and travel insurance as you require. We are a travel operator, not an agent, which means we take full responsibility for your trip which will be financially protected through ABTA and ATOL.
We will discuss your options and tailor your experiences so you can realise your dreams.
How do I book?
Your journey to Africa starts with our online application form. This is your chance to tell us about yourself and what you want from your African experience. Following our communication, we’ll send you a bespoke itinerary and quote. Then, you only need to pay a deposit amount of GBP 295 / USD 400 / CAD 500 / AUD 500 / EUR 350 to book your entire trip.
The cost below for this experience includes:
Accommodation
Internal Flights
Airport Meet & Greet
Transfers
24/7 Support
Personal Guidance
Meals
Cost Calculator
Total Cost: GBP 0000
Traveller Stories
Marc’s Story
Remembering our fantastic hands-on experiences, how well we were looked after by ACE, and knowing that our donations have gone to worthwhile projects just keeps us coming back.
The level of support I received from ACE was great. I went to four different projects and I was completely looked after. The whole ACE team is always there for you!
I’ve seen so much, but I think the first moment of seeing that hyena on our second night, while eating in the camp, with it only being a few metres away from my tent, was really special.
Right at the beginning, there was someone waiting for us at the airport, which was really nice. All of the flights were organised, everything was really good with the transfers – we knew where and when we were going to get picked up. All easy, very easy, no stress at all!
The consultation and booking process was really personal and efficient and ACE made it easy for me to select the right projects. They are caring experts!
I would discuss my thoughts and plans with the ACE team and they helped to advise me on which projects would be best for a more comprehensive understanding of wildlife industries, which will go on to help me in the future. Whilst in South Africa, I was able to contact the ACE team 24/7.
If you are thinking about going, go! It is life-changing and it’s amazing to see how professional and dedicated everyone is on the project sites. To work with all kinds of people all around the world and to learn so much about the situation in Africa around the wildlife is fantastic.