top of page
Volunteer leading an educational activity with children in South Africa

Volunteering with children & wildlife
in South Africa

Education, conservation and real impact on the ground

Children observing a giraffe during an educational activity in South Africa

I still remember my arrival…
And that moment when I saw giraffes roaming freely along the road.
You instantly realize you’re not in a place like any other.

Located near Kruger National Park, DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is set in an environment where wildlife is truly part of everyday life.

Since 2006, this project has been working to raise awareness among children from nearby villages about the environment, health, and civic values, while also caring for wild animals that are unable to survive on their own.

MY FIELD PERSPECTIVE :

Here, the impact goes beyond the animals:  it reaches the children… and therefore the future.
What makes this project even more powerful is that some of the people working here today were once students themselves. It represents a real opportunity for the younger generation, while also being a place that shelters animals that cannot be released back into the wild.

Why this mission is unique

Here, you don’t just come to help…
you share knowledge.

A deeply human mission

You support children in discovering nature and wildlife… while helping them build their future.
→ A role that goes far beyond volunteering.

​​

A real immersion

You become part of the center’s daily life.
You take part, observe, and learn.
→ No tourism here. Just real, hands-on experience.

​​

Animals at the heart of the project

Animals are not here to be “seen.”
They are part of an educational program.
→ You contribute to their well-being while understanding their role.

A tangible and lasting impact

Here, what you do truly matters.
For the animals, but above all for the children
(and you genuinely feel it on the ground).
​​

Volunteer with children at a school in South Africa

Your mission

What?

A unique mission combining education and wildlife conservation.
In practice, your days alternate between:
– time spent with children
– educational activities
– animal-related tasks

Here, you are truly involved in the daily life of the center.

Who?

This mission is for you if:
– you are
18 years old or older
– you are comfortable speaking English
– you are motivated, curious, and committed

No specific qualifications are required — your mindset is what matters most.

When?

All year round (from mid-January to mid-December)
Arrivals and departures take place on
Saturdays.

How long?

From 1 to 12 weeks, with the possibility to stay longer for a deeper immersion.

Shall we talk about it together?

Lion in a wildlife conservation center in South Africa
Serval in a wildlife conservation center in South Africa
Nyalas in a wildlife conservation center in South Africa

What your mission includes
(and your contribution)

Your contribution directly supports:
– children’s education
– wildlife protection
– the day-to-day running of the center

Here, every action has a real impact.

What’s Included in Your Fee

What’s not included

These elements remain your responsibility to give you more flexibility.

Vaya Planet support: before, during, and after your mission
 

Transfers to/from Hoedspruit
 

On-site accommodation (tiny house option available at an extra cost)
 

3 meals per day
 

Laundry service and daily cleaning
 

Wi-Fi in common areas

International/domestic flights
 

Tourist visa
 

Travel/medical insurance (mandatory)
 

Personal toiletries (shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent)
 

Excursions or personal activities

Contributions vary depending on the duration of your stay, the time of year, and the type of accommodation.

Each contribution directly helps fund the project on-site.
Here, nothing is “touristic”, you are part of a real commitment.

 

Example contributions :

Full transparency, no hidden fees.

1 week
→  710€ - 
$780 

3 weeks
→  1850€
$2.020 

8 weeks
→  3600€
$3.970

Want to be sure you’re making the right choice?

Each project is different, and places are limited.
Let’s talk together to see if this mission truly matches your profile.

bottom of page