Join a lion and tiger rescue on a private nature reserve in South Africa, supporting the ethical care of rescued big cats and other wildlife. Volunteers contribute to daily sanctuary operations, a variety of animal welfare activities, and ongoing sanctuary improvement projects alongside experienced South African staff. The program follows a hands-off policy with wildlife, placing animal wellbeing, safety, and responsible care at its core. As a volunteer, you will live on-site in comfortable lodge accommodation, surrounded by the wildlife living at the sanctuary and natural landscapes of the reserve.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
Arrival Day – Sunday: Volunteers arrive in Johannesburg airport, pick up and transfer to the reserve. They are welcomed by the team, shown to their accommodation, and introduced to life at the sanctuary. This includes a guided orientation of the surrounding reserve, an overview of safety guidelines, and an introduction to the animals and daily routines.
Typical Volunteer Days – Monday to Saturday: Most days begin with breakfast around 7:00 AM, followed by volunteer work starting at approximately 7:30 AM. Volunteers work in small teams on a rotating schedule that may include preparing food and animal enrichment, cleaning enclosures and work areas, and assisting with reserve maintenance. Breaks are scheduled throughout the day, and work usually finishes in the late afternoon.
Free Time & Evenings: After work, volunteers have time to relax on the reserve, enjoy the pool or fire pit while socializing with fellow volunteers. Review camera trap footage, observe wildlife around the accommodation area, or enjoy the quiet bush setting.
Sunday: Volunteers work six days per week and receive one scheduled day off, normally Sunday. Depending on transport availability and group arrangements, days off may be used to rest on-site or visit nearby towns and attractions to stock up on supplies. GoEco volunteers also enjoy a weekly quad bike tour of the reserve (subject to weather and local conditions). A zip-line park activity is included for GoEco volunteers staying 3 weeks or longer.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
The program takes place on a private nature reserve in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, approximately a two-hour drive from Johannesburg. The reserve covers a vast savannah landscape and supports a wide range of wildlife, including free-roaming native species and rescued animals living under human care. The area features open grasslands, trees, and water sources that attract birds and smaller mammals.
Large, natural enclosures have been created for animals that cannot return to the wild, allowing them space and environmental enrichment. Conservation efforts on the reserve extend beyond animal care and include habitat restoration, ecosystem management, and wildlife monitoring. The location is rural and peaceful, offering limited access to urban amenities and a strong focus on nature and conservation. Volunteers live and work within the reserve and are expected to respect its calm and wildlife-focused setting.
About the Program
This volunteer program is based on a large private nature reserve in South Africa and focuses on the ethical care of rescued big cats and other wildlife that can no longer live independently in the wild. Many of the bog cats were rescued internationally from circuses, private owners, zoos, or facilities that do not meet acceptable welfare standards. After rehabilitation, they were transferred to South Africa to live in spacious semi wild camps that provide stability, appropriate living conditions, and long-term sanctuary care for the remainder of their lives.
Alongside the established Lion and Tiger rescue, the project is transforming a former predator facility into a reserve focused on welfare and conservation for the animals who live there. This includes upgrading enclosures, restoring habitats, and improving infrastructure for a variety of wildlife that were born into unethical captive conditions.
Volunteer Role
Volunteers rotate daily between the established Lion and Tiger sanctuary and the developing wildlife sanctuary located on the other side of the reserve. All work follows a strict hands-off policy with wildlife, meaning volunteers do not touch or directly handle big cats or any other animal. Instead, volunteers support the animals through behind-the-scenes tasks that are vital to their care, mental and physical enrichment, and living environment. The work is active and often physical, taking place outdoors in a reserve setting.
Some of your tasks may include:
A Typical Day
A typical day begins around 7am with breakfast, followed by volunteer activities until 1pm. You will then have a one hour lunch break before continuing at 2pm with additional tasks until around 5pm. Volunteers are assigned duties by the coordinator and work in small teams alongside staff. Regular breaks are scheduled for water and rest as needed. Evenings are generally free for relaxation, with dinner at 6:30pm shared with fellow volunteers and local staff.
Daily schedule and volunteer tasks can change depending on the weather and the needs of the sanctuary.
Living and volunteering on a private nature reserve offers a rare opportunity to experience daily life in a working wildlife sanctuary. Volunteers spend their days surrounded by open landscapes, bushveld, and free-roaming wildlife, with regular opportunities to observe animals and learn about their behavior in a non-exploitative setting. The reserve environment provides a strong sense of connection to nature and conservation work.
Beyond daily volunteering, participants can enjoy a weekly quad bike tour of the reserve, offering a guided way to explore the landscape and gain a broader perspective of the area. Volunteers staying three weeks or longer may also take part in a zip line activity, adding a recreational highlight to their stay. Both activities are subject to weather and local conditions.
During free time and days off, volunteers can relax on-site, review camera trap footage, enjoy wildlife observation, or socialize with fellow participants. Depending on availability and transport arrangements, optional outings to nearby towns, nature reserves, or other local attractions may also be possible on days off.
🌍 Volunteer & Travel Across Southern Africa with GoEco
GoEco has a network of impactful volunteer opportunities and tours throughout South Africa and Zimbabwe, allowing you to combine multiple programs and explore new regions.
✈️ We’ll help with all your travel arrangements for a smooth, stress-free experience!
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