Embark on a transformative journey with GAAAP’s 10-day paid volunteering programme, designed for conservation enthusiasts and veterinary students passionate about wildlife and ecological preservation. Experience the heart of South Africa’s bushveld in Thabazimbi, Waterberg, and surrounding areas, while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts.
Hands-On Conservation Work: Participate in critical conservation activities, including wildlife management, biodiversity surveys, and ecological research.
Expert-Led Training: Learn from seasoned conservation professionals through interactive lectures and fieldwork. Hear stories that can only be told around a campfire.
Unique Experiences: Gain exclusive access to renowned GAAAP enlisted conservation sites like De Wildt Cheetah Center, Vulpro and a trip to Marakele National Park.
Community Impact: Contribute to local conservation projects and make a tangible difference in preserving South Africa’s rich biodiversity.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals passionate about conservation and wildlife.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO EXPERIENCE THE HEART OF AFRICA?
About the Project – Embark on a 10-day conservation safari that immerses you in the heart of wildlife conservation and ecological management. This unique volunteer program offers an opportunity to actively participate in conservation efforts, from educational sessions to hands-on fieldwork to learning sustainable farm management practices.
What You Will Learn
Why You Should Sign Up
Join us in 2026 and be a part of this impactful conservation initiative. Contact us for more information on costs and detailed trip plans. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to meaningful conservation work while expanding your horizons!
Comprehensive Learning: Engage in educational sessions covering conservation techniques, ethical wildlife practices, and ecological sustainability.
Field Excursions: Participate in excursions to leading conservation centers and national parks, enhancing your understanding of real-world conservation challenges.
Personal Growth: Develop new skills, gain practical experience, and enrich your understanding of conservation in a unique and impactful setting.
During your time here with us, you will acquire a variety of essential skills from the experienced guides and animal experts, including:
On certain days, you will also have the opportunity to participate in day excursions to some GAAAP-enlisted conservation organizations. These visits will allow you to learn about the operations, challenges, and successes of various conservation efforts firsthand. Day Excursions:
Your accommodation at Waterberg Hideaway will be in a charming cottage on a beautiful game farm near Thabazimbi, South Africa. The cottage has three comfortable bedrooms, with two volunteers sharing each room. Facilities include two shared toilets and two showers, as well as access to a communal kitchen and living area. Outside, you can enjoy the swimming pool and tranquil bushveld surroundings. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of a welcoming community, with people from around the world coming together to share experiences, contribute to conservation, and connect in this unique setting. The cottage is equipped with basic amenities, including hot showers, a communal kitchen where we will be cooking for you, and a common area for relaxation and socializing. Volunteers for this Conservation Project come from all over the world, fostering a lively community of like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Enjoy the convenience of proximity to various exciting destinations while being surrounded by the beauty of nature. The accommodation is nestled in the heart of the bushveld, just 15 minutes from town, 20 minutes from our planned game farms, and 5 minutes from Marakele National Park. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive from the planned conservation sanctuaries and about 3 hours from the airport (O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg (JNB), where we will pick you up.
Your volunteering day starts between 05:00- 08:00 (depending on the day’s activities) after a hearty breakfast and wraps up around 17:00-19:00, though times may vary depending on activities and driving distances. Regular breaks are included to keep you energized! Meals are varied and plentiful, offering both western favorites and local specialties. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice!
Don’t let this opportunity soar past you! For a limited time, take advantage of our early bird discount and save big. Book by 31 March 2026 to enjoy an exclusive €100 discount and be part of our exciting Conservation Safari. Act fast – spaces are limited to this exciting adventure!
Deposit:
A deposit of 25% of the total price is required to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are processed through PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment:
Your final payment will be arranged with GAAAP and is due 2 weeks before your arrival. Common payment methods include bank transfer or cash payment at the project site on arrangement.
Minimum Age: 18 years – In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills- You need to speak English (intermediate level)
Required Documents- Booked Flights and Visas, CV,/Resume, Letter of Motivation, and Signed Liability form (provided during application process)
Additional Information:
Packing List: A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.
Health and Safety: Ensure you have up-to-date travel insurance, including medical coverage. Inform us of any medical conditions or medications you are taking in advance.
Travel Arrangements: Volunteers are responsible for their own travel arrangements to the nearest airport, where a scheduled pickup will be arranged. More Info will be provided about Taxi Pickup Timings, be sure to enquire before booking your flights.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and activities related to wildlife conservation.
Dietary Requirements: Inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies well in advance.
Accommodation – You will be living in a shared semi-private room at a small Game Farm right next to Marakele National Park. Depending on how many other volunteers are attending this project at one time
Meals and Beverages – Volunteers will be provided three meals a day for their entire stay
Transportation – Shuttle from and to the airport, and transport is provided to and from all locations.
Conservation Activities- Daily Conservation Activities, Lectures, Training, Conservation Sanctuaries, National Park Entry.
Flight Tickets and Visas- Volunteers must book their own flights. The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. Please ensure that you enquire about your visa requirements and ensure that you apply well in advance to avoid inconveniences. (Email for more info on arrival and departure flight times before booking)
Travel Insurance- Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft – a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a must have.
Vaccines- If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa
Extras- Please ensure you have extra money for souverneirs, snacks, extra drinks (including alcohol) and free time activities
We welcome all conservation organizations committed to making a positive impact on our environment. To join our community of dedicated conservation projects, ensure you meet the following criteria:
Must be a Certified NPC/NPO with a registered South African Bank Account
Must have an approved PAYFAST Gateway Account
Legitimate Conservation Projects only
Commitment to Transparency
Verification Documents Ready (Refer to our verification guide below)
Our commitment to transparency means we verify each conservation organization. Submit the necessary verification documents through our secure portal.
Organization Details:
Contact Information:
Submit accurate contact details, including a dedicated email address for communication.
Verification Documents:
Verification Process:
Our team will carefully review your submission to verify its legitimacy and alignment with our mission. This process typically takes 3-5 business days.
Once verified, your conservation project will be live on our platform. Donors can find, support, and contribute directly to your cause. Share you link and let the Fundraising begin!
Donors contribute directly to your conservation project through our platform.
Secure Payment Gateway: We use PayFast (A Trusted Payment Gateway Service Provider) for seamless transactions.
Transaction Fee: A 10% fee is deducted for GAAAP, plus the Payment Gateways Transaction fees. See below for more information.
We provide ongoing support and marketing to ensure your conservation efforts receive the attention they deserve. Regular updates keep our supporters informed and engaged. Join us in Creating a Sustainable Future for Our Planet!
A 10% transaction fee is applied to the donation amount donated on our platform to cover platform maintenance, marketing efforts, support, and further development. This helps us sustain and grow, ensuring we can continue supporting conservation efforts.
PayFast deducts a standard fee for processing payments securely.
Please review PayFast’s fee structure on their official website for more details.
