Goodbye to the everyday. Hello to real African wildlife conservation.
Volunteering with us, you can be sure your time and energy are having a real impact on Africa’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems. You’ll live and work behind the scenes in some of Africa’s leading projects, many of whom partner with global organisations like WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). You’ll receive training and guidance from teams of highly skilled experts. And you’ll get involved in exciting and meaningful work. No filter, no fluff - just real life on the frontline of wildlife conservation.
What’s more, we’re here to support you at every step of your journey. From selecting a project (or projects) that match your interests to helping you navigate rural Africa, we help you focus on what really matters - gaining real-world experience and playing your part in the future of Africa’s wildlife.
Vet work in the African bush is a completely different experience to work in a European clinic. I have come home with new skills, incredible memories, and friends for life.
This trip has left me even more motivated to pursue a future in zoo-based conservation. This was more than just a volunteer trip; it was a real turning point for me, both personally and professionally. I’m so grateful to ACE for making it happen.
As an avid photographer, I loved being able to take so many incredible photos and fitting so many animals in one frame! The most unbelievable sighting of this project was a herd of over 100 elephants walking towards us as they were grazing.
As a travel and hotel professional I have high standards. I know how important planning and logistics are and ACE are true professionals. Booking is so easy, and the call with the consultant was so helpful. This was a dream come true - and I loved every minute!
This was a trip of a lifetime and I am so thankful I made the decision to do this. If you are unsure about travelling - don't be. Just do it. You will be so glad you did!
The whole experience was amazing, everything from the people to the experience itself, to the jobs we were doing. If I had to use one word… it would be life-changing!
If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation in Southern Africa and want to be part of a project that has a genuine, lasting impact, reach out to ACE.
With African Conservation Experience, wildlife volunteering abroad is a way to make a measurable difference - joining conservation volunteering abroad projects designed for real impact. That means working with animals, learning from experts in the field, and supporting initiatives that align with respected organisations like WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
Our focus is on quality, ethics, and conservation outcomes. From monitoring elephant movements in Botswana to caring for orphaned rhinos in South Africa, every project is rooted in science and animal welfare best practices. You’ll leave with skills, confidence, and memories that last a lifetime. And you'll leave behind a legacy of care that supports endangered animals long after your experience.
South Africa volunteer opportunities
Our South Africa volunteer projects give you unrivalled access to one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. South Africa is home to dramatic landscapes - from the sweeping savannahs of Kruger National Park and the Drakensberg mountains to the lush subtropical forests of KwaZulu-Natal and the arid beauty of the Karoo. Each region offers a unique conservation challenge, and as a volunteer in South Africa, you’ll have the chance to contribute directly to protecting these fragile ecosystems.
The country shelters an incredible variety of wildlife, including the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, pangolins, and hundreds of bird species. As a South Africa volunteer, you could be tracking predators across vast reserves, assisting vets during wildlife relocations, or helping care for rescued vultures at rehabilitation centres. These opportunities bring you face-to-face with species found nowhere else in the world and allow you to play a vital role in their survival.
Volunteer in Botswana and the Okavango Delta
Our Botswana volunteer projects place you right at the centre of one of Africa’s most remarkable ecosystems. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast wetland that floods seasonally and sustains elephants, wild dogs, antelope, giraffe, hippos, lions, and crocodiles. As a Botswana volunteer, you’ll live and work within this extraordinary landscape, learning from local professionals and experiencing nature in its most authentic form.
Unlike tourist safaris, volunteering here is about true immersion. You might learn how to use line transects to collect data on wildlife in the area, record vegetation changes, and observe animal behaviour for long-term monitoring projects. Volunteers may rotate their base camps, sharing meals and stories around the campfire with like-minded people and on-the-ground experts. This rhythm of research, learning, and living together is what makes conservation volunteering abroad in Botswana so unique.
Volunteer work with animals abroad: a life-changing experience
Animal conservation volunteering is about more than just wildlife care; it's also about gaining perspective. Whether you’re rehabilitating an injured predator, supporting veterinary fieldwork, or gathering biodiversity data, you’ll see firsthand the challenges and rewards of conservation. We know from years of experience that animal volunteering abroad can transform career paths, build lifelong friendships, and instil a deep respect for the natural world. That’s why we offer programs for all backgrounds, all ages, and all levels of experience.
FAQs
What is volunteering abroad?
Volunteering abroad means travelling to another country to support projects that benefit wildlife, ecosystems, and communities. With African Conservation Experience, you’ll join conservation volunteering experiences in Africa that combine a combination of hands-on fieldwork, animal care, land management initiatives, wildlife veterinary work, and even marine conservation efforts.
Do I need experience to volunteer abroad on a wildlife project?
No. A small selection of our programs have specific requirements, which you can read about on their individual pages, but for most of them - no previous experience is necessary.
How safe is it to volunteer in Africa?
African Conservation Experience is one of the most trusted names in volunteer travel, and the health and safety of our volunteers is our top priority. With the expertise of our team and our comprehensive safety protocols, we’ve helped thousands take part in volunteer work in Africa with confidence and peace of mind.
We're ABTA-accredited, ATOL-bonded, and follow strict UK and international travel standards. That means complete protection, legally and financially, for your booking. We also have our own on-the-ground support team, available 24/7. You can find more information on how our volunteers travel with confidence at the dedicated page.
How long can I volunteer with animals abroad?
You can join a project for as little as 1 week, or stay for up to 12 weeks or more. There’s flexibility to make the most of your time abroad, at a Single project or a Combined experience.
What’s the difference between volunteer abroad wildlife projects and safaris?
Unlike safaris, volunteer abroad wildlife programs put you behind the scenes. You’ll be gathering data, providing animal care, or assisting with conservation tasks, directly contributing to the protection of Africa’s ecosystems.
How does animal volunteering abroad help conservation, and is it ethical?
Animal volunteering abroad sounds amazing - and it is! But with us, it's not just about getting up close to the wildlife, it's about doing good the right way:
We only partner with wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres in Africa that comply with the animal welfare guidelines established by SATSA and ABTA. This guarantees that our projects uphold the highest standards of care, conservation value, and ethical treatment of animals.
For more information on the topic of supporting ethical wildlife volunteering abroad, please refer to our Animal Welfare page.
And we only partner with wildlife research projects where animal populations are either fully self-sustaining or largely sustainable with minimal human support - a model we refer to as "assisted sustainable". This approach allows animals to live as naturally as possible, which is vital for ensuring high standards of animal welfare and enabling genuine conservation efforts.
For more information on the topic of supporting sustainable wildlife management, please refer to our Sustainable Populations page.
What are the best Africa volunteer programs that are animal-focused?
Who can apply for wildlife volunteer opportunities in Africa?
Anyone aged 16-70+ can join! Whether you’re a student, animal lover, or experienced professional, we have programs available. We do our best to schedule trips with people of a similar age, depending on your interests, skill level and availability, and each project's capacity. We are happy to chat to you about this in more detail.
Why volunteer with African Conservation Experience?
As southern Africa’s original conservation travel company, African Conservation Experience offers more than just travel - we create customised, ethical experiences, shaped by qualified zoologists and conservationists. With our own operations team on the ground and dedicated support from start to finish, you'll join vital conservation initiatives that genuinely make a difference. It’s this expert care and long-standing credibility that make us a trusted choice for animal volunteering abroad.
Are there any reviews for your volunteer abroad programs?
Absolutely! In addition to our Google Reviews, we're thrilled to showcase first-hand stories from people who've joined our volunteering programs in Africa. Their experiences speak volumes about what makes an African Conservation Experience so special.
How do I volunteer with wildlife in Africa?
Take the first step on your adventure by simply submitting an enquiry form. We offer volunteer opportunities based on your experience, goals, and interests. You can visit a Single project or even combine multiple projects to create an exciting Combined experience. You can find out more about how we take time to create a customised African Conservation Experience that’s just right for you here.
We can't wait to speak with you about the best wildlife volunteer opportunities in Africa!
