Working with wildlife and underprivileged children

Country

South Africa

Duration

7-84 Days

From

US$670

Apply now

Highlights

Would you like to get hands-on experience with injured and orphaned wild animals whilst educating local underprivileged children, perhaps giving both of them a brighter future? At this Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, this is exactly what you can do!

Overview

This South African project near Kruger Park aims to educate local underprivileged children about their environment through a wildlife orphanage. Each week, a new group of 8-10 underprivileged children arrives on Monday. Your role as a volunteer includes teaching, fostering a passion for wildlife and conservation, and supplementing their basic English, math, life skills, and social issues education.

The orphaned animals form a foundation for inspiring environmental compassion, although direct interaction isn’t always possible. The children, aged 13-16, lack English proficiency and personal attention. Your involvement helps them flourish. No specific skills are needed; enthusiasm suffices.

This is a two-way learning experience where you contribute positively to the children, environment, and yourself. Enjoy the family atmosphere, excellent food, and making a meaningful impact on conservation, animal welfare, and local-international connections.

Project area

The project is set in a beautiful nature reserve with granite hills and the most stunning views. It hasn’t got the Big Five, but leopard and hyena do roam around next to the general plain game like impala, kudu, wildebeest, zebra and giraffe. You will mostly work in and around the camp with the children, but if you want to and where possible, the project leaders will also take you for walks and drives in the reserve. The scenery is stunning. Besides, it’s a great opportunity to pick one of the project leaders brain and learn from his vast knowledge on the bush and wildlife!

Photo Gallery

Activities

Begin your day with a 7.00 AM coffee gathering before a 7.30 bush walk with children and dogs. Animal feeding and camp cleaning follow, leading to an 8.30 breakfast. Lessons span 9.00 to 12.30. After lunch, a break until 2.00 PM is followed by lessons till 4.30 PM.

Animals are fed once more from 4.30 to 5.00 PM, preceding discussions on social issues. Dinner at 6.30 is followed by an educational game before bedtime. Group meetings address tasks and children’s progress.

Volunteers assist with stabling duties including cleaning, feeding, health checks, and record-keeping, even offering basic first aid, often extending into nighttime care.

Volunteers work 5 days a week, 7 AM to dinner, with a lunchtime break and pool access. Weekends are free to explore, with Saturday town trips and various excursions like Kruger National Park or Blyde River Canyon tours.

Field conditions

Embrace weekends of adventure! Saturdays and Sundays offer the chance to explore the surroundings. Join our Saturday town trip, a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community.

Your accommodations include charming rondavels with thatch roofs, or rooms in the main house. These rustic yet comfortable spaces feature toilets, showers (with hot and cold water), and no shortage of authenticity. While the farm lacks conventional electricity, solar lamps illuminate your way, and a generator ensures ample power for charging batteries, cameras, and laptops. Plus, enjoy the luxury of High-Speed WiFi, ensuring you stay connected while immersed in nature’s embrace.

Costs

1 week US$670

2 weeks US$1190

3 weeks US$1750

4 weeks US$1960

5 weeks US$2310

6 weeks US$2640

Included

  • Transfers from/to Hoedspruit Town/Airport, for arrivals on Saturday
  • Three meals per day, tea, coffee, juice
  • Accommodation including bedding and towels
  • Laundry (daily)
  • One trip to town per week
  • Working in the community
  • Access to High Speed WiFi

Excluded

  • Flights, internal and international
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal toiletries such as shampoo, sun block, mosquito cream
  • Sodas, cokes, alcohol

FAQ

How do I get to the project?

You can book a flight to Johannesburg and then an internal flight to Hoedspruit airport where you will be picked up by the project team. You can also book a shuttle from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit.

Enquiries

Excited to join this project? Share your preferred dates, interests, and any specific needs with us!

Location