Is it safe to volunteer in this area?

Yes, absolutely. The project is located on a private, professionally managed reserve with electric fencing around the camp and a dedicated support team on-site. You’ll also have 24/7 emergency contacts and experienced local partners to ensure your safety throughout the experience.

Will I see the Big 5?

Yes! The reserve is home to the Big 5 - White & Black Rhino, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Lion - plus many other amazing species like brown hyena, aardwolf, and over 250 bird species.

What kind of work will I be doing?

Volunteers help with conservation research, wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching support, game counts, and even assist with vet visits or relocation efforts when needed. Every day is different - no two game drives or tasks are ever the same.

What’s the accommodation like?

You’ll stay in permanent tented camps with access to hot water, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and even a bird hide and fire pit for evening sundowners. It’s rustic but comfortable - real bush living with creature comforts.

Do I need any experience to join?

Not at all. You’ll receive full guidance from experienced conservationists on-site. All you need is a passion for wildlife, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to get involved in hands-on fieldwork.

Big 5 Conservation & Research Volunteer Project South Africa

Would you love to see the White & Black Rhino, The African Elephant, The Cape Buffalo, The African Leopard, and The African Lion in the Wild? If you want the ‘Big 5’ and you’re passionate about conservation research then this is the Volunteer project you’ve been looking for!

Make a difference on a private Big 5 Reserve in South Africa with this exciting adventure project.

What Sets Us Apart

For over 30 years, International Working Holidays has helped turn dreams into destinations, providing safe, ethical, and truly unforgettable work and volunteer experiences worldwide. Every project is carefully vetted, with secure accommodations, trained staff, and 24/7 support. We handle the details so you can focus on the impact.

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Overview

Included

How It Works

Typical Day

Reviews

For those who dream of protecting Africa’s iconic wildlife, you'll help protect Africa’s iconic wildlife by tracking the Big 5, supporting anti-poaching patrols, and contributing to vital conservation research

Make a difference on a private Big 5 Reserve in South Africa with this exciting adventure project.

Would you love to see the Big 5 – White & Black Rhino, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Lion – in the wild? If you’re passionate about conservation and want to be part of real research and protection efforts, this is the project for you

Highlights

Unreal Location: Live and volunteer on a 37,500-hectare Big 5 reserve in South Africa - that’s 365 square km of wild, breathtaking beauty, just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg.
Anti-Poaching Impact: Your presence alone helps protect wildlife. Poachers avoid areas with volunteer activity, making every game drive a vital patrol
Photography Paradise: From golden hour landscapes to close-ups of elephants and lions, this place is a dream for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike
Incredible Wildlife: Explore an area home to over 60 types of mammals, 43 reptiles, and the Big 5. Bring your camera - sightings are epic and frequent.
Massive Reserve, Endless Exploration: With 565 km of roads the reserve is like its own wild city - full of discoveries at every turn.

Overall Trip Rating:

Total Reviews 14

Average Rating

5.0

Based on 14 travel reviews

5 Excellent

4 Very Good

3 Average

2 Poor

1 Terrible

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By Nicole September 2, 2025 You'll regret it if you dont book it.
You'll regret it if you dont book it. International Working Holidays were amazing (especially Shelby)! They were so helpful to find the right project for me and answer all my questions I had for months before I went away! I went to South Africa - surprisingly I felt safe the entire time - I didn't once feel worried, unsafe or unsure of where I was! I loved it so much I have been back to South Africa 3 times now. I have made new friends and pretty much family over there all thanks to IWH. Definitely recommend to book through them as they organize it all for you from the project through to flights and insurance! Best money I've ever spent!

Date of Experience: August 21, 2020
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By Nicole Beale September 2, 2025 From Camp America to South Africa - Stress-Free Journeys with IWH
I first came across International Working Holidays in 2015 when I applied for Camp America. The website was extremely easy to navigate as was the application process. The team was super helpful, organised and quick at responding to my concerns and questions via email or phone. Camp America was going to be my first overseas trip, and although I was travelling alone I never felt alone. I felt well looked after and supported the whole time. It was awesome the way the team organised a lot, particularly travel. This took a lot of stress off of my shoulder. In 2017, I again applied to work overseas as a volunteer with International Working Holidays in South Africa. When I first started seriously thinking about this trip, I knew it was South Africa as my destination however I was unsure of what programme I really wanted to do. There was an amazing list of programme options to choose from. Again, like my experience of Camp America it was incredibly easy to go through the process of applying and organising this trip. I would highly recommend International Working Holidays to anyone wishing to travel overseas for an easygoing, stress free experience.

Date of Experience: August 25, 2020
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By Josh Lunny September 2, 2025 Amazing experience!
Life changing experience coordinated by great people.

Date of Experience: August 20, 2020
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By Claire Ellis September 2, 2025 LOVED WORKING WITH IWH
As a 18 year old girl, who had never travelled by myself let alone outside of OZ and NZ, I was apprehensive about finding the right company to trust and give my money to. Once I signed up I had two fabulous conversations that put me at ease straight away. The team at IWH were quick to make sure I was welcome and understood what would happen. In July 2015, I spent 2 weeks at The Big 5 Conservation and Research where I had the best time of my life and was influenced by my trip to go on and become an ecologist. I start my PhD in ecology in November and without working with IWH and the people in SA I wouldnt be where I am today!

Date of Experience: August 21, 2020
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By Gemma Coutts September 2, 2025 IWH are AMAZING
International Working Holidays were SO HELPFUL right from the start! From visa applications, to finding flights and sorting travel insurance, they just made sure the whole experience went super smoothly for me. I was doing my own travel before participating in the IWH's programs, and after volunteering I was going to do my own travel again. That last bit changed while I was overseas but the IWH were so helpful and ensured I had flights and tours booked so that I wasn't left in the lurch. I was originally going to be in South Africa for 2 weeks volunteering and then meeting up with friends (but they bailed), so I ended up volunteering in South Africa, then heading to Zimbabwe on my own to check out Victoria Falls, then down to Cape Town to spend a week exploring there. It was just an amazing trip, and Cape Town is for sure A MUST-SEE!!! Zimbabwe is really beautiful too, I spent a good part of the afternoon bargaining at the markets by the falls. Loads of fun, and it wouldn't have been possible without IWH and the amazing team there, (and of course, the team over in South Africa!) :)

Date of Experience: August 21, 2020
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By Oren C-P September 2, 2025 Stress-Free Solo Travel with Incredible Support from IWH
International Working Holidays (IWH) has got to be one of the coolest travel companies that has helped me with exploring new countries! The people that work there were amazing help sorting out all the details of getting to and from the various places I went. As it was my first time traveling solo I was a little bit nervous about it all but it was completely unfounded as every pick up/drop off at the airports was faultless and the accommodation was very good. All in all a very happy customer and the experiences I had will never be forgotten!

Date of Experience: August 21, 2020
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By Charlotte Greenaway September 2, 2025 I couldn't recommend them more
I couldn't recommend them more! They made everything super easy, and were extremely helpful in answering any questions or concerns I had. Along with this they were not pushy with decision making and let you take your time in deciding what programs you wanted to do. I had the most amazing experience that wouldn't have been possible without them. Overall the whole experience was really good and made the trip enjoyable and stress free!

Date of Experience: August 21, 2020
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By Kerry September 2, 2025 Couldn’t be more grateful for IWH
Couldn’t be more grateful for IWH, they made my first time travelling alone such a breeze and completely stress free! From the moment you first sign up you’re part of this quirky little family and they’re there for you every step of the way no matter what you need. Being alone in a new country can feel a bit daunting but the emails and phone calls just to “check up” never went unnoticed. 100% recommend these guys, you won’t regret it! 💛

Date of Experience: August 21, 2020
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By Liana Smith September 2, 2025 Genuine legends!
I really don’t know how many great things I can genuinely say about IWH & the team behind the scenes!! I’ve gone through them multiple times now & can’t wait to tick off more in the future!! From their broad range of opportunities to some AMAZING places around the world, partnering with truly authentic volunteer projects so you can be sure you’re actually doing some good, their commitment to helping you choose the right one for you and helping manage your itineraries and ensuring your safety as you travel to get there?! Truly above & beyond service that adds such a special feeling to the whole experience! Thanks guys!!

Date of Experience: August 24, 2020
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By Nicola September 2, 2025 First solo adventure with IWH
I chose to do my first solo travel experience with International Working Holidays and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Right from the start I was offered all the additional information I needed to make an informed decision on which volunteer experience would be best suited to me in South Africa. There were so many to choose from, and I genuinely couldn't decide, but we collaboratively managed to decide on the Welgevonden Big 5 project, and I'm so glad I went! The experience was incredible, and I truly made friends for life. At the time, I was a zoology student looking to put my knowledge into practice and see how a game reserve runs, and it cemented my passions for wildlife conservation. The only thing I will say though, is be prepared that not all the experiences listed on the brochures for each project will actually happen when you get there. I saw and did a lot of amazing things, but also didn't get to do some things I was really hoping would be on offer, but it's really just luck of the draw! Overall I had an amazing experience at my project and with IWH! Would definitely recommend checking them out!

Date of Experience: August 28, 2020