7 Day Wildlife Volunteer Safari in the Kalahari

The 240,000-acre reserve in South Africa's North West Province is a success story of land restoration and species reintroduction. Once farmland, the area has been returned to nature since 2007, and now supports free-roaming rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, pangolin, and the critically endangered African wild dog. Volunteers play a direct role in supporting the reserve's biodiversity and long-term ecological health.

As a conservation volunteer, your days will be spent in the field, working alongside experienced rangers and ecologists. Activities may include:

• Monitoring predator-prey dynamics and population trends of species like lion, cheetah, and African wild dog.
• Placing and managing camera traps for data collection and species ID.
• Conducting game counts to assess wildlife numbers and health.
• Removing invasive plant species and legacy fencing to support wildlife movement.
• Participating in anti-poaching patrols and assisting with patrol data recording.
• Supporting vegetation surveys and ecosystem assessments.

You'll also learn core field techniques such as GPS animal tracking, identifying spoor, and understanding behavioural patterns in wild animals.

Depending on ecological needs, you may observe or assist in specialised conservation projects such as:

• Ear-notching of rhinos and lions for monitoring.
• Fitting or removing tracking collars to aid research.
• Translocating predators to other reserves to support genetic diversity.

All such activities follow strict conservation protocols and ethical guidelines. No animal is ever darted or handled for tourism purposes.

Accommodation consists of comfortable, safari-style tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, electricity, and a shaded veranda overlooking the bush. Meals are served in a central dining tent, and the communal boma is perfect for sharing stories by the fire under star-filled skies. The reserve is entirely private and not accessible to the public, ensuring an undisturbed wilderness experience.

Your adventure begins with a road transfer from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to the reserve—a 7-hour journey that showcases South Africa's changing landscapes. On arrival, the conservation team will welcome you with a full briefing on the week's programme. Daily activities vary based on seasonal needs, but always contribute directly to the reserve's sustainability.

This 7-day volunteer safari is more than just an adventure. By the end of your stay, you'll leave with:

• A deeper understanding of the Kalahari's conservation challenges and successes. Read our Kalahari Travel Guide to learn more about this remarkable region.
• Hands-on skills in wildlife tracking, data collection, and ecological monitoring.
• Insight into predator behaviour, biodiversity protection, and ethical conservation.
• A lasting connection to a unique landscape and the animals that depend on it.

If you're passionate about wildlife and want your safari to have a purpose, this volunteer experience offers an unforgettable way to give back. With limited spaces and growing interest in conservation travel, early booking is essential.