Volunteer with Wildlife Conservation in Africa

Explore our diverse wildlife conservation projects across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Engage in hands-on activities that make a real difference in preserving endangered species and habitats. From volunteering to internships, our programs offer comprehensive and impactful experiences.

Wildlife Conservation
Volunteering

At Lost Adventures, we work with unique wildlife conservation volunteering programs where passion meets preservation. Our programs merge fieldwork with education to enhance your conservation skills while contributing to meaningful wildlife protection efforts. Engage in hands-on activities that support endangered species and their habitats across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

Volunteers work closely with experienced conservationists, gaining practical knowledge and making a real impact.

The wildlife conservation projects are particularly special to us, as our founder, Mikkel Legarth, is also the co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana (2010). This deep connection ensures a personalized and heartfelt approach to wildlife conservation.

As a volunteer, you will gain access to breathtaking locations in Africa and work on projects that include tracking and monitoring wildlife, participating in anti-poaching patrols, and restoring natural habitats. Educational sessions cover topics such as wildlife management, the impact of climate change, and community engagement.

Testimonial

“I did a 10 week program in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa on Wildlife Research and Conservation. It was amazing. I honestly thought I’d move there and never return to the states. The people I met were incredibly welcoming and friendly. I made lifelong friends. I experienced hands-on knowledge and this paved a path for me to go home and start a college degree in wildlife biology.

I am incredibly thankful and grateful for my experience through Lost Adventures. I would highly recommend it and I would do this again and again and again.

Thank you Mikkel so much for your kindness!!!”

Maria Noyola, USA

Modisa Wildlife Project

Botswana

2 - 12 weeks

1,750 - 8,500 Euro

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Modisa Wildlife Project

Volunteer at the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana's Kalahari for a transformative conservation adventure. Contribute to monitoring, meet Sirga the Lioness & Valentin Grüner, and help preserve Africa's unique natural legacy.

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Shamwari Conservation Experience

South Africa

2 - 12 weeks

1,400 - 8,400 Euro

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Shamwari Conservation Experience

Get behind the scenes at the world-renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve - a 23,000-hectare Big Five Reserve, featured in documentaries on Nat Geo Wild & Animal Planet.

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Big Cat & Elephant Research

Kenya

2 - 12 weeks

3,045 - 7,545 Euro

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Big Cat & Elephant Research

At this exciting project, you will be actively involved in wildlife research by assisting wildlife researchers and scientists in the Mara Naboisha Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve.

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Big Five & Wildlife Research

South Africa

2 - 12 weeks

2,695 - 6,195 Euro

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Big Five & Wildlife Research

Join the research team in the Greater Kruger Area, and assist the expert field guides and research team in various tasks contributing to wildlife research and conservation.

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Internship with Wildlife Research

South Africa

8 - 12 weeks

5,085 - 6,485 Euro

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Internship with Wildlife Research

This 8-12 week mentorship offers a unique chance to explore South Africa's ecosystems and focus on specific animals in conservation. Ideal for those aspiring to a lasting role in wildlife preservation.

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Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Zimbabwe

1 - 12 weeks

1050 - 12,600 Euro

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Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Get involved first-hand in the daily care of endangered rhinos and elephants and join the anti-poaching efforts, conservancy management and maintenance of this family-run conservation project.

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Kariega Big Five Conservation

South Africa

2 - 12 weeks

1,100 - 6,600 Euro

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Kariega Big Five Conservation

Join Kariega Big Five Conservation for a transformative wildlife adventure in South Africa. Contribute to monitoring and community initiatives, making a real difference in conservation.

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Testimonial

“I did a 10 week program in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa on Wildlife Research and Conservation. It was amazing. I honestly thought I’d move there and never return to the states. The people I met were incredibly welcoming and friendly. I made lifelong friends. I experienced hands-on knowledge and this paved a path for me to go home and start a college degree in wildlife biology.

I am incredibly thankful and grateful for my experience through Lost Adventures. I would highly recommend it and I would do this again and again and again.

Thank you Mikkel so much for your kindness!!!”

Maria Noyola, USA

Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana

Volunteer at the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana and immerse yourself in the conservation efforts of the Kalahari Desert. This project focuses on protecting and studying a variety of wildlife, with significant attention on predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs. Volunteers engage in tracking, monitoring, and data collection, contributing to the overall understanding and protection of these species.

A unique aspect of this project is the opportunity to experience co-founder Valentin Gruener’s close bond with Sirga the lioness, an ambassador for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Volunteers also participate in educational sessions covering wildlife management and the impact of climate change on the desert ecosystem. This immersive experience ensures a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies in wildlife conservation.
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Volunteers sitting at the fireplace in the wilderness at Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana.

Shamwari Conservation Experience in South Africa

Experience the renowned Shamwari Conservation Experience, a leader in promoting conservation and eco-tourism. This project takes place within the 25,000-hectare Big Five Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Volunteers engage in wildlife monitoring, game counts, and telemetry tracking. You'll also have the chance to join the wildlife vet on fieldwork and participate in visits to the Born Free Foundation, which rescues and rehabilitates captive animals from around the world.

Volunteers contribute to the restoration and rehabilitation of the reserve, learning about the challenges and successes of managing a large conservation area. The Shamwari Conservation Experience includes community outreach programs that educate local populations on sustainable practices and the importance of wildlife conservation.

This comprehensive experience ensures that volunteers gain a broad understanding of conservation efforts and their impact on both wildlife and human communities.
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Cheetah at the Shamwari Conservation volunteer experience in South Africa.

Big Cat and Elephant Research in Kenya

Volunteer in the Big Cat and Elephant Research project located in the Pardamat Conservation Area within Kenya's Masai Mara ecosystem. This project focuses on the conservation of lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and elephants. Volunteers engage in hands-on wildlife monitoring, data collection, and field research, gaining insights into the behavior and ecology of these iconic species.

Daily activities include tracking and identifying animals, contributing valuable data to the Mara Predator Conservation Programme, and participating in game counts to monitor wildlife distribution and movement patterns.

Additionally, volunteers work on conservancy tasks such as removing invasive plant species, monitoring soil erosion, and maintaining predator-proof bomas. You'll also have the chance to immerse yourself in Maasai culture, learning about the balance between wildlife conservation and traditional lifestyles.

This enriching experience not only supports vital conservation efforts but also provides a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the Masai Mara ecosystem.
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Lion at the volunteer project Big Cat and Elephant Research in Masai Mara in Kenya.

Big Five and Wildlife Research in South Africa

Join the Big Five Wildlife Research project in the Greater Kruger Area and immerse yourself in the heart of South Africa's wildlife conservation efforts. Volunteers engage in tracking, monitoring, and data collection, focusing on the iconic Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Participate in game drives, assist with wildlife monitoring, and contribute to vital conservation research. In addition to fieldwork, volunteers help with habitat restoration tasks such as removing invasive species and participating in anti-poaching snare sweeps. Educational sessions cover topics like wildlife management, ecological research techniques, and the impact of human activities on wildlife.

This experience provides a thorough understanding of the challenges and strategies in wildlife conservation.

Volunteers also have the chance to explore the stunning landscapes of the Greater Kruger Area, enhancing their understanding of the region's biodiversity. This project offers a unique opportunity to work closely with conservationists and researchers dedicated to protecting some of Africa's most iconic species.
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Giraffes at the volunteer project Big Five and Wildlife Research in South Africa.

Internship With Wildlife Research

Join our Wildlife Research Internship in the Greater Kruger Area for an immersive 8-12 week experience. Work alongside expert researchers and field guides, engaging in wildlife monitoring, data collection, and ecological research on the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Interns participate in game drives, assist in anti-poaching initiatives, and conduct habitat restoration activities such as removing invasive species. Educational sessions cover wildlife management, research techniques, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems.

Based at a privately-owned lodge on the Olifants River, the program offers specialization in areas like botany, ornithology, ecology, or entomology. Enhance your skills and contribute significantly to the preservation of Africa’s diverse wildlife.
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Volunteers at the Internship with Wildlife Research project in South Africa.

Rhino and Elephant Conservation in Zimbabwe

Join our Rhino and Elephant Conservation project in Zimbabwe and engage in hands-on conservation efforts. This program focuses on the daily care of endangered rhinos and elephants, anti-poaching initiatives, and conservancy management.

Volunteers participate in wildlife monitoring, data collection, and habitat restoration activities, gaining insights into the behavior and ecology of these majestic animals. Volunteers also assist with community education and outreach programs, enhancing local awareness and support for conservation.

Based in a 4,000-hectare conservancy, volunteers have the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes of Zimbabwe, making this an enriching and impactful adventure. Work closely with dedicated conservationists and researchers to make a significant contribution to the protection of Zimbabwe’s wildlife.
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Black rhinos at the animal volunteer project Rhino and Elephant Conservation in Zimbabwe.

Kariega Big Five Conservation in South Africa

Join the Kariega Big Five Conservation project and immerse yourself in the conservation efforts of a 11,000-hectare private game reserve in South Africa's Eastern Cape.

Volunteers participate in wildlife monitoring, game counts, and anti-poaching initiatives, focusing on the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Volunteers engage in diverse activities, including elephant and rhino monitoring, lion prey studies, and leopard population research through camera trap analysis.

Volunteers also participate in habitat management, removing invasive species, and community outreach programs.

This enriching experience offers a comprehensive understanding of conservation challenges and strategies, allowing you to make a significant impact on South Africa's wildlife preservation efforts.
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Elephants at Kariega big five conservation experience in South Africa.

FAQ'S

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