Pangolins: conservation on all scales
It’s unlikely you would have ever seen a pangolin as they are by far the rarest and most elusive of mammals, and we have it on good authority their pee tastes like ants!

Phinda Wildlife Research Project: 28 November - 12 December 2023*
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!
🇿🇦 South Africa
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.
Assist in managing this critical rhino population through daily monitoring and horn trimming, in order to deter poachers.
By working with the wildlife in Phinda, you’ll support major international conservation organisations.
Most of the Phinda reserve is owned by the local community so your placement will help to support this unique initiative.
Due to its growing cheetah population, Phinda plays a pivotal role in cheetah conservation throughout the whole of southern Africa.
The Phinda reserve is situated within one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots known as the Maputaland complex.
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:
To maintain the perfect balance of species within the reserve, Phinda’s conservationists keep a close watch on population numbers.
Careful management of the wildlife is vital to Phinda’s conservation success.
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.
As well as gaining hands-on experience, you’ll also learn about the conservation, ecology, biology and behaviour of Phinda’s wildlife.
It’s unlikely you would have ever seen a pangolin as they are by far the rarest and most elusive of mammals, and we have it on good authority their pee tastes like ants!
The Golola Rhino Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre is the world’s first dedicated rhino orphanage. Their mission is to ensure the species survive. Read Lonely Planet's article about the Rhino Orphanage here.
Animal Planet and Dr. Chris Brown visited our Phinda Wildlife Research Project for the latest Vet Gone Wild episode.
Before volunteering at one of our conservation projects, test yourself with some useful phrases - South Africa alone has 11 official languages!
Learn more about the two-part placement available as part of the ACE Rhino Conservation Experience.
Read all about Sonia's ACE trip as she visited four different conservation projects across 12 weeks.
Discover the top facts about cheetahs, and which ACE projects you should visit to learn more about them.
Discover what makes a conservation project good, what a good conservation traveller looks like, and which projects you should choose to support.
Did you know the Phinda Wildlife Research Project featured in a recent ITV series?
Hyenas are rarely the favourites, but this is why they absolutely should be!
Enjoy up to 30% off Phinda Wildlife Research Project for travel between 28 November - 12 December 2023*
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.
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.