Welcome to
Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa
Join a hands-on Shamwari Conservation Experience in one of South Africa’s most respected private reserves. Over the last 25 years, conservationists and volunteers have helped restore this landscape into a thriving habitat for the Big Five and a wide array of indigenous wildlife.
As part of the Shamwari Conservation Experience, you’ll track endangered species, support habitat restoration, assist with anti-poaching efforts, and engage in meaningful wildlife research.
Volunteers also work alongside the Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat Sanctuary and may assist in wildlife rehabilitation and local outreach programs.
It’s more than just volunteering. It’s a chance to understand what it takes to protect Africa’s most iconic species and play an active role in a top-rated volunteer game reserve in South Africa. This immersive Shamwari conservation experience blends meaningful work with real-world impact.
Why Book This Wildlife Conservation Experience Through Lost Adventures
With over 15 years of experience in African travel and conservation - including as co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana - Lost Adventures offers expert guidance, trusted support, and extended liability cover. There are no added fees, and if anything doesn’t go as planned, we’ve got your back.
HIGHLIGHTS AT Shamwari Conservation Experience
Big Five Sightings with Purpose
Every game drive is both an unforgettable safari and a chance to contribute to important wildlife monitoring. From lions to black rhinos, you’ll help track some of Africa’s most iconic species while learning about their behaviors, threats, and how they’re protected within this exceptional volunteer game reserve in South Africa.
Get Stuck Into Conservation
Volunteering here isn’t about standing back. From telemetry tracking to game drives and bush clearing – this is conservation with muddy boots and a beating heart. It’s an ideal environment for hands-on learning through the Shamwari Conservation Experience.
A Project That’s Made Headlines
From Netflix, Animal Planet to Amazon Prime, the Shamwari Conservation Experience has captured global attention – and now you’re invited to become part of its impact story.
Learning, the Wild Way
Talks, drives, fieldwork – get the inside scoop on what it takes to run a private reserve and protect South Africa’s wildlife. The Shamwari Conservation Experience blends expert-led training with immersive conservation.
Conservation That Sets the Bar
This is no ordinary project. The Shamwari Conservation Experience stands out among wildlife volunteer opportunities – immersive, exciting, and expertly run in a world-class volunteer game reserve in South Africa.
Weekends Are Yours
During your free time, explore the scenic Garden Route, go horseback riding, or simply relax in nature – another reason this Shamwari Conservation Experience stays with you.

Participating in regular game drives not only promises unforgettable experiences with diverse wildlife but also significantly contributes to the project's understanding of the reserve's inhabitants. By assisting the dedicated team, you'll play a crucial role in collecting valuable information on various species' social dynamics, dietary patterns, and other essential ecological aspects. These game drives enable the project to monitor and track the animals' behaviors, movements, and population trends. In turn, this information helps to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem within the reserve. The data collected during these drives is instrumental for the project team in making well-informed management decisions, such as the potential relocation or introduction of certain species to maintain biodiversity and the overall well-being of the reserve.

Volunteers play a significant role in restoring the reserve to its original, unspoiled state by assisting in the removal of non-native plants introduced by former landowners. By contributing to the restoration of the area's natural biodiversity, you'll actively support the preservation of native food sources for herbivores, safeguarding vital water resources, and minimising the risk of wildfires. Additionally, you'll aid in dismantling old constructions and fences that could potentially endanger the wildlife living in the reserve. This collaborative effort ensures the protection and sustainability of the reserve's ecosystem, benefiting both the flora and fauna that call it home.

By using camera traps, Shamwari can consistently monitor the reserve's wildlife, gaining a deeper understanding of the habits and patterns of nocturnal and elusive animals. These continuous observations provide valuable insights that contribute to the overall knowledge of the reserve's inhabitants. For certain high-profile species, such as cheetahs, remote tracking methods like telemetry are employed. This advanced tracking technology is especially useful in managing the interactions between wildlife and livestock on adjacent properties. By monitoring the movements of these predators, Shamwari can take proactive measures to prevent conflicts and protect both the wildlife and the domesticated animals in the surrounding areas. Annual game counts are conducted to determine the reserve's carrying capacity. These counts assist in making decisions about predator-to-prey ratios and the movement of animals on or off the reserve.

The Born Free Foundation has gained a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional work in tackling and spreading awareness about the awful treatment faced by wild animals in captivity across the globe. At the heart of Shamwari Game Reserve, you'll find the foundation's sanctuary and educational center, which provides a home for rescued lions and leopards that cannot be returned to their natural habitats. By participating in this behind-the-scenes tour, you'll have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the sanctuary's daily operations and the level of care given to these majestic animals. This rewarding experience not only furthers the Born Free Foundation's mission but also educates you on the significance of wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.

The Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre was created with the purpose of assisting in the recovery of injured wildlife found within the reserve and its neighboring areas. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to join a tour of the center, during which you'll gain a deeper understanding of the entire process involved in rehabilitating injured animals, from the moment of their rescue until their ultimate release back into the wild. There may also be occasions where you are invited to support the veterinary nursing team or the vet, however, please note that such opportunities are not guaranteed and depend on the specific needs at the time. Regardless, your time spent volunteering will provide you with valuable insights into wildlife rehabilitation and the ongoing efforts to preserve these precious creatures.

During weekends, you typically have free time to explore and participate in a range of activities outside the reserve together with your fellow volunteers. The Shamwari team is more than happy to provide guidance and information on reputable local adventure and leisure providers, ensuring you have access to top-quality off-site experiences. These activities span from immersive cultural tours to exhilarating adventures such as canoeing, quad biking, horseback riding along the beach, and various coastal and marine excursions. It's important to note that these off-site activities are optional and come at your own expense, allowing you to tailor your weekend experiences to suit your personal interests and preferences.

At Shamwari, the research projects you will have the opportunity to be involved in are often carried out in partnership with a diverse range of research and academic institutions, both from South Africa and around the world. These fascinating initiatives encompass an extensive variety of topics, such as examining the reproductive patterns of elephants, collecting valuable data on elusive and lesser-known species like the brown hyena, and many other intriguing subjects. The primary goal of these research efforts is to enhance the team's understanding of these extraordinary animals, as this knowledge is crucial for devising more effective conservation methods and ensuring the protection of their natural habitats. By delving deeper into the distinct behaviours, requirements, and obstacles encountered by each species, the team is better equipped to create customised conservation strategies that address the specific needs of these animals.

While participating in the Shamwari project, you will have the opportunity to connect with neighboring communities and assist with the dedicated Shamwari team to promote the importance of safeguarding wildlife and emphasising the crucial role of conserving natural habitats within Shamwari and the adjacent areas. Your involvement can span various initiatives aimed at improving local living conditions and environmental sustainability. These may include creating and tending to vegetable gardens that promote self-sufficiency, engaging in inventive recycling projects to reduce waste and pollution, refreshing learning spaces by applying new coats of paint to classrooms, or building enjoyable and safe play areas such as jungle gyms for the community's children. These combined efforts contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the interdependence between humans and the natural world.

Throughout your stay at the project, you will have the chance to engage in a wide range of thrilling activities, and the longer your visit, the more diverse and enriching experiences you may encounter! These activities may include assisting with wildlife capture and relocation efforts, embarking on guided nature walks to learn more about the local flora and fauna, participating in memorable sleep-outs under the stars within the reserve, supporting the dedicated anti-poaching team during their vital patrols, and even lending a hand with essential veterinary tasks to ensure the well-being of the animals. Your days will be filled with adventure and purposeful work, as you contribute to the ongoing efforts of preserving the natural environment and its inhabitants. With a variety of tasks and experiences, you can expect to be fully immersed and constantly occupied during your time at this dynamic and action-packed game reserve.
Activity Overview

Join game drives that double as research missions. You’ll help gather data on species behavior, movement, and population dynamics, contributing directly to long-term conservation strategies. Volunteers in the Shamwari Conservation Experience also work with camera traps and telemetry systems – particularly for elusive animals like cheetahs and brown hyenas. This is core to life at a true volunteer game reserve in South Africa.

Support the ongoing restoration of Shamwari by removing invasive species, clearing outdated fencing, and protecting native habitats. Volunteers help reduce wildfire risks and improve biodiversity – a vital part of any Shamwari conservation experience.

Tour the Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre and see how injured animals are prepared for release. Depending on needs, you may assist veterinary teams. You’ll also visit the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary – a powerful highlight of this volunteer game reserve in South Africa.

Your time off is yours to explore. Whether you’re horse riding on the beach or relaxing with fellow volunteers, the Shamwari conservation experience gives you access to South Africa’s coast, culture, and natural beauty.

Work alongside international researchers on elephant reproduction, predator-prey dynamics, and more. These studies are a defining feature of this volunteer game reserve in South Africa and offer valuable insight into long-term protection efforts.

Connect with nearby communities through sustainability projects. From recycling initiatives and community gardens to brightening up classrooms, this element of the Shamwari Conservation Experience ensures that conservation extends beyond the reserve.

dive into the details
Accommodation
Shamwari's accommodation for wildlife volunteers, called Madolos Retreat, is situated in the far northern extent of the reserve and hosts a maximum of 20 guests. There are 10 rooms, each with two twin beds and an en suite bathroom that includes a shower, a toilet and a basin. Each room is assigned based on gender, although accommodations can be made for couples by special request. All rooms include an en-suite bathroom that includes a shower, a toilet and a basin. The lodge facilities include a communal lounge area, a dining area, a swimming pool and an outside boma area, for enjoying a relaxing evening around the fire and under the stars.
Communal Facilities
Outdoor boma area and fireplace; swimming pool; dining area; beverage storage fridge; lounge and entertainment area; television with accessto local cable channels; desktop PC (Wi-Fi vouchers can be purchased onsite).
Laundry
Laundry services are provided once per week on average.
Meals
Three meals are provided daily. Meals will be served at the lodge or taken pre-packed, depending on activities. Meals are planned with the goal of exposing participants to an array of local dishes and are generally taken on a self-service basis with juice, tea or coffee. Soft drinks are available for purchase on-site and from the local trading store. Meals can be catered for vegetarians and others with dietary requirements, with advanced notice. However, there are no facilities to service Kosher or Halal meal requirements. For an additional fee, accommodations can be made, depending on availability.
Communication
Wi-Fi vouchers can be purchased on-site. Due to the position of the lodge, internet speeds are slow, but can be used for communication to your friends and family. Cell phone reception is available. Check with your service provider for costs or purchase a local SIM card at the airport.
Shops
Small consumables, such as soft drinks, chocolates, and chips, are available on-site.
Dates
The program starts and ends on Mondays, with options to book from 2 to 12 weeks.
Number of volunteers
Max 20
Prices (2025) Per Person Sharing
900 Euro per week, with a minimum stay of 2 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks.
+ Airport Transfer between Port Elizabeth Airport & Shamwari - 110 Euro/person
The Price Includes:
Accommodation at Shamwari.
3 delicious meals a day.
All activities at Shamwari.
Guidance and support throughout your stay.
Full orientation
Project equipment and resources
The Price Does Not Include:
All flights
Visa related costs
Travel insurance
Airport transfer between Port Elizabeth and Shamwari (110 Euro/person)
Soft and alcoholic beverages, snacks etc
Personal items
Location
Shamwari Private Big 5 Game Reserve is only a 1 ½-hour drive from Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in South Africa. Several adventure and leisure activities are nearby, stretching down a beautiful coastline known as the Garden Route. Activities include surfing, canoeing, horse riding and bungee jumping, to name a few!
Climate & Seasons
The Eastern Cape province in South Africa has a diverse climate, but Generally, the province has a mild to warm climate, with cooler temperatures in the higher altitudes.
Summer in the Eastern Cape lasts from December to February, with hot and humid conditions along the coast and warm temperatures inland. The average high temperature is around 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day, and the average low temperature is around 15-20°C (63-68°F) at night, depending on the location.
Autumn lasts from March to May, with mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. The average high temperature is around 20-25°C (72-77°F) during the day, and the average low temperature is around 10-15°C (52-57°F) atnight.
Winter in the Eastern Cape lasts from June to August, with cool temperatures and occasional rainfall. The average high temperature is around 18-21°C (64-70°F) during the day, and the average low temperature is around 5-8°C (41-46°F) at night, depending on the location and altitude.
Spring lasts from September to November, with mild temperatures and occasional wind. The average high temperature is around 22-25°C (72-77°F) during the day, and the average low temperature is around 10-13°C (50-55°F) at night. Overall, the Eastern Cape has a mild to warm climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Visitors should be prepared for occasional rain fall and windy conditions.
This guide will provide you with essential information for a smooth journey to and from Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa, including details on flights, transportation, vaccinations, visas, and travel insurance.
Flight Itinerary
For volunteers joining the shared transfer to Shamwari, book your flight to Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) to arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. on Mondays. When leaving Shamwari, the shared transfer departs for the airport at 10 a.m. and arrives around 12 p.m. We recommend scheduling your departure flights after 2 p.m.
Airport Transfer
Shamwari arranges shared transfers to and from the airport, taking approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. Please note that transfers are not included in your project fee and cost 110 EUR for a return transfer.
Vaccinations
We strongly advise you to consult your doctor to ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations for your trip. The Eastern Cape district, where Shamwari GameReserve is located, is a malaria-free area. Here are some of the most common vaccinations recommended for travel to South Africa:
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travellers to South Africa, regardless of the length of stay or their planned activities.
Typhoid: Recommended for all travellers to South Africa.
Yellow fever: Required for travellers coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies: Recommended for travellers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or work with animals.
Tetanus: Recommended for all travellers
Visa Information
When arriving in South Africa, visitors from most countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations, are automatically granted a tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. Please ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages for immigration use and remains valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your arrival date.To confirm if your country qualifies for the visa exemption, consult the South African government's list of exempt countries at: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/countries-exempt-from-sa-visas
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance covering emergencies, delays, medical expenses, and evacuation is mandatory. Please check with your current insurance company or credit card issuer for advice and guidance.
Credit Card & Cash
You can take out cash in town once per week. Shamwari recommends you bring South African rand in small bills to purchase snacks, soft drinks and other goods on-site.
“I SPENT 4 WEEKS AT SHAMWARI
I spent 4 weeks at the Shamwari Conservation Experience, and had an absolutely unforgettable time there. Mikkel was beyond helpful with providing information and answering questions, there was never a moment I felt unsafe or unprepared thanks to him. I couldn't have found a better place to volunteer - thank you Mikkel for all of your help and for making this experience possible for me!“
-CECILIA GULDBERG, DENMARK
“AMAZING EXPERIENCE WITH LOST ADVENTURES
Our 20 year old daughter Cecilia has just returned from a 4 week stay at Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa. She has had the most incredible time and learned so much about wildlife and conservation in South Africa. She has had the time of her life and met so many amazing people from around the world, and has gained lifelong friendships :).
We can not thank Mikkel enough for his commitment, engagement and very professional manner. He was always quick to respond to our mails if we had any questions. As a nervous mom sending our daughter around the world, we were not at one point worried :) After being back for a few weeks our daughter is already talking about joining another of Mikkels programs with Lost Adventures in the near future :) Thank you, Mikkel for making this possible, and for being SO hands on and committed through it all.“
-Lotte Schaumburg GULDBERG, DENMARK
“HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE
Had the time of my life at one of the wildlife programs and that’s all because of Mikkel and Lost Adventures. All my questions were answered and I felt safe on my travels due to the great help I got. Would definitely recommend these guys! Truly the best!“
-RONJA REIGSTAD, NORWAY
“THE BEST EXPERIENCE
I had a great experience booking my African trip through Lost Adventures. Mikkel makes sure that you feel safe and he will answer any questions any time of the day. Even during the stay in Africa he wrote me and made sure I was fine. This is my second time booking with Mikkel and I will defently choose him again. The best recommendations from me. Thanks for all your help!“
-TRINE LAUDRIDSEN, DENMARK
Join the Shamwari Conservation Experience
For animal lovers, those interested in conservation, or anyone looking to make a real difference, Shamwari is the place to be. Connect with nature, help protect wildlife, and make memories you'll always cherish. Contact us and start your amazing African adventure.
Experience the incredible Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa
Engage yourself in wildlife conservation at the renowned 23,000-hectare Big Five Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa. As a leader in promoting the synergy between conservation and eco-tourism, Shamwari invites you to be part of its passionate team, eager to share their enthusiasm for wildlife conservation, wildlife rehabilitation and nature. Famous for its luxurious safari adventures, Shamwari's collaboration with the Born Free Foundation, and its feature in the hit series "Shamwari – A Wild Life" on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, and Nat Geo Wild, this exceptional volunteer programme in South Africa is truly world class.
Engage in meaningful wildlife conservation projects
As a wildlife volunteer at Shamwari, you will actively engage in various short- and long-term conservation projects managed by the esteemed Shamwari Wildlife and Conservation Department. The Shamwari Conservation Experience offers a unique blend of hands-on involvement in the daily operational tasks of managing the game reserve and learning through presentations and talks on wildlife conservation. Key activities include game monitoring, game counts, research projects, telemetry tracking, and insightful presentations about the ecosystem and wildlife conservation. The programme typically runs from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00, or as needed by the reserves operations. Occasionally, you and your fellow volunteers may be asked to support related weekend activities.
Weekends off: Explore the magical Garden Route and much more!
During your weekends off, explore the wide range of off-site activities available, such as cultural tours and exciting adventures like canoeing, quad biking, horse riding on the beach, or coastal and marine tours. Shamwari can provide recommendations and information on local registered adventure and leisure operators. While off-site activities are optional and at your own expense, you may choose to savor the tranquility and natural beauty of the game reserve instead. The Shamwari Conservation Experience is truly an extraordinary experience and an adventure you will never forget!

Why we love SHAMWARI CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
Meaningful conservation, expert guidance, and lasting impact. Here’s why the Shamwari Conservation Experience stands out among our top wildlife volunteer experiences in South Africa.
A Big Five Reserve Like No Other
Get real-world experience in game management and research while helping protect some of Africa’s most iconic species. The Shamwari Conservation Experience offers daily impact.
Nature, Protected and Alive
Learn how conservation and eco-tourism work hand-in-hand to protect Shamwari’s ecosystems – and how you can be part of the solution at this leading volunteer game reserve in South Africa.

Where Ethics Meet Action
Engage with Born Free and the rehab team to see what ethical conservation truly looks like – up close and personal. It's a signature part of the Shamwari conservation experience.
Beyond the Reserve
With the Garden Route nearby, you’ll have the freedom to explore South Africa’s coast and culture on your days off – from horse riding to marine adventure
Make an enquiry for
Shamwari Conservation Experience
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.