Scout Ranger Trainee

location
2 - 22 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Protect Wildlife: Help protect endangered species and rehabilitate injured wildlife under the guidance of experienced conservationists.
  • Immersive Experience: Immerse yourself in a truly African wilderness experience, living in the heart of the South African bush with like-minded individuals.
  • Personalized Learning: Get personalized training and education from experienced conservationists and field guides on wildlife conservation and ecology.

Highlights

  • Protect Wildlife: Help protect endangered species and rehabilitate injured wildlife under the guidance of experienced conservationists.
  • Immersive Experience: Immerse yourself in a truly African wilderness experience, living in the heart of the South African bush with like-minded individuals.
  • Personalized Learning: Get personalized training and education from experienced conservationists and field guides on wildlife conservation and ecology.
  • Hands-on Activities: Engage in a wide range of hands-on activities, including tracking, monitoring, and caring for wildlife, building enclosures, and more.
  • Make a Difference: Contribute to the long-term sustainability of SanWild Sanctuary and help to make a real difference in the conservation of African wildlife.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    SanWild’s volunteer program is your chance to spend two weeks or more participating in the daily operations and research projects of a working wildlife sanctuary.

    Looking to conserve and protect wildlife in a direct way? SanWild’s volunteer program is your chance to spend two weeks or more participating in the daily operations and research projects of a working wildlife sanctuary. 

    Join one of the oldest volunteer programs in South Africa. Accompany our ...

    About the program

    Looking to conserve and protect wildlife in a direct way? SanWild’s volunteer program is your chance to spend two weeks or more participating in the daily operations and research projects of a working wildlife sanctuary. 

    Join one of the oldest volunteer programs in South Africa. Accompany our experienced game rangers out in the field on our 3,000-hectare Big-5 private game reserve. Work on conservation and research projects, and assist our staff in the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Anyone 18 or older can sign up for this paid life experience, but places are limited.

    • The standard volunteer period is a minimum of two weeks. 
    • Your days will be varied – and completely unpredictable.
    • Living alongside lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, you’ll be part of an international wildlife conservation team with a 20-year track record in rescuing and releasing animals back into the wild.
    • You will be supporting research into endangered wildlife species, understanding poacher prevention, or helping to restore the landscape to wild savannah conditions.
    Helping to give wild animals a second chance will be life-changing – and have a lasting impact in our wildlife sanctuary. 

    • You’ll enjoy comfortable shared accommodation in a standard two-bedded Comfort tent at SanWild Lodge, with en-suite bathroom and a cleaning service once a day.
    • For an additional charge, two people can upgrade to a Deluxe tent with an open-plan bathroom, bar fridge, coffee station and plush furnishings. (Subject to availability) 
    • Scout Rangers will be provided with three meals per day, which will be prepared by our lodge staff. Note that beverages are not included in the daily rate, but can be purchased from the bar.
    • Complimentary Wifi & laundry service is included with your stay. 
    • You will have access to the SanWild Lodge common area, lounge, dining room and swimming pool. 
    • Participation in daily SanWild Sanctuary operations which includes the animal rehab centre and predator enclosures.
    • Participation in ongoing conservation and research programs. These will vary by season and the current situation and is constantly changing.
    At SanWild, our volunteers receive training in survey techniques to ensure the effective and accurate collection of data. You have the opportunity to participate in tracking and spotting activities of a variety of wildlife, including cheetahs, leopards, pangolins, elephants, and rhinos within the reserve. The information we gather provides valuable insight into predator-prey relationships, animal behaviour, geographical movements genetic makeup, and social structures. Our reserve management team uses this information to constantly update our wildlife management plan in order to maintain a healthy balance of natural resources. The research information is also shared with researchers, ecologists and universities to contribute to collective knowledge pool for the successful conservation of endangered African species. 

    Current Projects that Scout Rangers can participate in: 

    Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre 

    The SanWild Rehabilitation Centre is the core of the Sanctuary, where injured and orphaned wildlife are rescued. Wherever possible, these animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

    Staff and volunteers work in the facilities assisting with food preparation and feeding of orphaned and injured animals, cleaning animal enclosures and when possible, assisting with veterinarian care and animal rescues.

    In order to prevent human imprinting on the animals in our care, the Centre itself is not open to the public. Also note that we do not allow playing or cuddling with animals by staff members or volunteers as this causes human imprinting. 

    Preditor Sanctuaries for Lions & Hyhenas

    The Large Predator Sanctuaries on SanWild house predators such as lions and spotted hyenas that have been rescued from lion hunting farms, zoos and circuses from around the globe.

    These proud animals no longer fear humans and lack important survival behaviours, so unfortunately they cannot be released back into the wild. We provide these animals with large enclosures where they are looked after while they live out the rest of their lives in a habitat that is much more natural to them.

    The staff and volunteers at these facilities help with feeding the animals, cleaning the enclosures, and at times may also assist with veterinarian care.

    Free-range Cheetah breeding project

    SanWild’s Cheetah Project participates in a national breeding program for wild and free range cheetahs. Cheetahs wander freely within our Sanctuary, but are tracked and monitored with radio collars to gather information for research programs. SanWild was instrumental in introducing the first wild cheetahs back into Malawi from offspring born on our Sanctuary. Cheetahs are highly endangered, and we work together with other sanctuaries and reserves to ensure their survival for future generations.

    Staff and volunteers help with the weekly tracking and monitoring of our cheetahs in the greater wildlife sanctuary, noting their preferred prey, hunting areas, hunting frequency, mating, births etc. This information is used to determine the carrying capacity of the Sanctuary and assist researchers with the placement of offspring in other reserves.

    Elephant Management Project

    SanWild is home to a herd of rescued elephants with a current population of 13, despite a carrying capacity of only 16 as determined by our Environmental Impact Study and Elephant Management Plan. To proactively manage the population, our elephants are placed on birth control, with sexually mature cows receiving injections every couple of months. 

    We also take measures to protect the environment by using electric fences and wire mesh to protect endangered trees, or implementing new strategies such as placing beehives or miniature granite pyramids around tree trunks. Additionally, we actively replant endangered tree species in the sanctuary. 

    Staff and volunteers play an active role in the Elephant Management Project, assisting with research, habitat protection, and veterinarian interventions.

    Rhino Conservation Project

    SanWild's Rhino Conservation Project is fighting back against poaching with a high-risk/low-reward approach. We've upgraded our perimeter fence with a hi-tech alarm system that is monitored 24/7 and dehorned all our rhinos to make them less valuable to poachers. Since mid-2020, rhino poaching attempts on our sanctuary have dropped by over 95%, and we have not lost a single rhino during the past 3 years. 

    Our Volunteers help with fence patrols, tracking rhinos on foot, and assisting during dehorning procedures. For safety reasons, volunteers are not permitted to accompany Game Rangers or security personnel when they are pursuing poachers. However, they are allowed to assist in the operations room to monitor cameras and help dispatch rangers.

    Our Rhino Conservation Project is making a real difference, and we're always looking for more help to keep up the fight against poaching.

    Wildlife Gene Exchange Program

    To keep wildlife populations healthy and genetically diverse, SanWild participates in gene exchange programs. We exchange animals with other reserves and sanctuaries, which our staff and volunteers help capture, translocate, and release on SanWild and other properties. 

    These programs are crucial for the survival of wildlife populations in South Africa that consist of mainly fenced in properties unlike free-range areas that you would find in Kenya or Tanzania. 

    Habitat Rehabilitation Program

    If we had a time machine and could travel back a hundred years, SanWild’s landscape would look very different. Prior to human intervention, the area would have been dominated by vast savannah grass plains, punctuated by trees and rocky outcroppings. However, with the arrival of farming, much of the land was overgrazed by cattle which caused environmental damage that needs to be reversed. 

    Portions of the Sanctuary suffers from invasive thorn species, and soil erosion. Our Habitat Rehabilitation Project addresses both challenges by clearing sickle bush and working a compost mixture with grass seeds into the soil to establish new grasslands that prevent further erosion. 

    Volunteers assist in the re-establishment of grass plains and the planting of endangered trees and other plant species.

    Counter Poaching Patrols 

    SanWild participates in counter-poaching patrols, not only on our own Sanctuary, but also on neighbouring reserves. For volunteers, these patrols are an opportunity to learn about animal and plant species, identify animal spoor and delve into the vast knowledge of our experienced Game Rangers.

    When indications of human activity are found in the bush it usually indicates meat poaching activity. Participants learn how to trace the movements of the poachers to find – and remove – the animal snares that they have set. As a bonus, volunteers have the opportunity to turn their removed snares into souvenir armbands and other forms of jewellery at a workshop in Hoedspruit called Down-to-the-Wire. 

    Our counter-poaching patrols are safe to participate in and discourages meat poachers from setting snares as they know our teams are active in the area and will discover and remove any snares before they can catch any animals. 


    Typical day

    Flexibility is a key expectation of all participants.


    Animal rescues and rehabilitation are event-based and can not be planned for. Likewise, new opportunities to experience once-in-a-lifetime wildlife events such as game captures, rhino-dehorning or veterinarian interventions constantly happen ...

    Typical day

    Flexibility is a key expectation of all participants.


    Animal rescues and rehabilitation are event-based and can not be planned for. Likewise, new opportunities to experience once-in-a-lifetime wildlife events such as game captures, rhino-dehorning or veterinarian interventions constantly happen unannounced. We propose a minimum of a two-week stay to maximise your opportunities. The longer your stay with us, the more chances you will have to experience and participate in unplanned events that will enhance your wildlife experience with us. 

    A sample schedule of a typical day: (Not that there is such a thing as a typical day in a wildlife sanctuary)

    • 6:00 am: Wake-up call
    • 7:00 am: Morning Game Drive
    • 8:00 am: Breakfast
    • 9:00 am: Project
    • 13:00 pm: Lunch and nap
    • 14:00 pm: Project
    • 16:00 pm:  Evening Game Drive
    • 18:00 pm: Sundowners
    • 19:00 pm: Dinner / Braai 
    • 20:00 pm: Socialize; you decide when to go to bed
    Note that nothing is set and stone, and flexibility is key. We adjust as and when opportunities present themselves.

    As a Scout Ranger Volunteer, you will be out on at least one Game Drive per day and have the opportunity to participate in any of our projects that are active. 


    Free-time activities

    Did you know that SanWild is home to an elephant graveyard and amazing hand-excavated gold mines dating from over 130 years ago? Of course, you will get to see and explore these when you are here, but there's always the surrounding area which has some of the best places to visit in South Africa.

    Weeke

    Free-time activities

    Did you know that SanWild is home to an elephant graveyard and amazing hand-excavated gold mines dating from over 130 years ago? Of course, you will get to see and explore these when you are here, but there's always the surrounding area which has some of the best places to visit in South Africa.

    Weekends are yours to explore the region and its many attractions. You are, of course, also allowed to just chill and relax at SanWild's pool with a good book or continue with your research out in the field; the choice is always yours. 

    We are always happy to assist and arrange a day or overnight trip for our Scout Rangers over weekends. This includes arranging for transportation etc. Please note that these trips are not included in your package fee and that you will need to budget for them separately. 

    Some samples of local attractions and activities include:

    • Kruger National Park
    • Hot Air Ballooning in Hoedspruit
    • Magoebaskloof Adventures - Canopy Tours Zip Lining, Tubing, Abseiling, quad-biking 
    • Magoebaskloof Hiking Trails
    • Debigeni Water Falls
    • Helicopter Flights
    • Blyde River Canyon
    • Horseback Safaris (Next to SanWild)
    • Kukura Wellness Spa (Next to SanWild)
    • Leydsorp ghost-town Hotel & bar (Next to SanWild)
    • Meranti Restaurant in Gravelotte (Next to SanWild)
    • The Giant Baobab Tree (Next to SanWild)
    • Cape Town (a two-hour flight from Hoedspruit airport)

    There are many more places to see and visit, and our staff will be more than happy to chirp in with advice on things to do.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    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 (basic level) or German (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by SanWild Sanctuary

    Fees Include
    * Airport pick-up and drop-off (from Hoedspruit airport exclusively on Mondays)
    * All necessary project equipment, materials and training
    * Location orientation
    * Experienced Rangers and Staff
    * Meals while on the sanctuary
    * Sanctuary fees and permits
    * Shared accommodation in Comfort or De-Lux Safari Tents 
    * Field experience with professional game rangers
    * Complimentary courses
    * Participation in SanWild Projects

    Fees Exclude
    * Beverages
    * Gratuities
    * Optional courses on request
    * Extra local excursions
    * Flights
    * International and domestic airport taxes
    * Medical and travel insurance
    * Personal items and toiletries
    * Visa costs (where necessary)

    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    We provide a complimentary pickup and drop-off service on Mondays at Hoedspruit airport!

    Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services at Hoedspruit airport (Eastgate Airport) are available exclusively on Mondays and are included in the volunteer program fees. Any other day of the week will require special arrangements and is not included in the volunteer program fees. 

    The Hoedspruit airport is 60 km (37 mi) from SanWild and takes about 40 mins by car. 

    Drop-offs happen on Monday Mornings before Noon, and pick-ups are on Monday afternoons afternoon. We can sync up arrival and departure times with other participants to minimise waiting times; this will be discussed with you in more detail when making your reservation. 

    Alternatively, participants are welcome to utilise self-drive options to reach Sanwild at their own expense. Johannesburg International Airport (OR Thambo) is about 400 km (248 mi) from SanWild and takes about 5 hours to drive by car. 

    Accommodation

    At SanWild, we take glamping to a whole new level! 

    Accommodation is provided at SanWild's luxury safari-tented lodge with a large common area that includes a lounge, bar, dining room, kitchen, lapa (fire-pit), pool and wooden deck that overlooks a waterhole where animals come to quench their thirsts. 

    You’ll enjoy comfortable shared accommodation in a standard two-bedded Comfort safari tent at SanWild's luxury lodge, with an en-suite bathroom and a cleaning service once a day.

    Two participants can upgrade to a Deluxe safari tent with an open-plan bathroom, bar fridge, coffee station and plush furnishings with a cleaning service once a day for an additional € 60 per person per night (Subject to Availability). This is ideal for couples and older participants who would like more privacy and luxury. 

    A laundry service, Wifi and complimentary coffee and tea are included with your accommodation. 

    Food & Beverages

    Delicious meals prepared by our lodge staff!

    Scout Rangers will be provided daily with breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepared by our friendly staff at the Lodge. You will experience true South African hospitality with Bush braai's (barbecues) out in the wilderness and evening socials around the fire pit while preparing true South African meal favourites like potjiekos. You are also always welcome to jump in and lend a hand, learn how to prepare traditional South African meals and share your own cooking tips with our staff. This is, after all, one big family, and we want you to be as involved as you'd like to be. 

    When at the lodge, meals are served around the large dining room or outside on the wooden deck overlooking the waterhole while lions roar in the distance.  

    You are also welcome to visit nearby restaurants at Leydsdorp Hotel, Kalima Game Reserve and Meranti Restaurant in Gravelotte, but note that meals and activities outside of SanWild Sanctuary are not included in your volunteer program fees. 

    Bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included in your program fees but can be purchased at the bar in the main building. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    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 plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    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. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    SanWild's Scout Ranger Volunteer program continues throughout the year and reservations can be made on a rotational basis based on availability. 

    Two participants can opt to upgrade to De-Lux tents for an additional fee, this is ideal for couples and older participants who would like more privacy and luxury. 

    We recommend a minimum stay of two weeks. 

    • Arrivals and Departures for participants happen on Mondays.
    • Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services at Hoedspruit airport (Eastgate Airport) are available exclusively on Mondays. Any other day of the week will require special arrangements. Alternatively, participants are welcome to utilise self-drive options to reach Sanwild.
    • Participants need to check-in at SanWild on Monday afternoons before 7 pm. 
    • Participants need to depart SanWild on Monday mornings before 10 am.
    SanWild is an organization that offers equal opportunities to all participants, irrespective of their age, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. We strive to provide a secure and welcoming environment for everyone. 
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 2,240€
    3 weeks 3,360€
    4 weeks 4,480€
    5 weeks 5,600€
    7 weeks 7,840€
    9 weeks 10,080€
    22 weeks (max. stay) 24,640€
    Average fees 1,120€/week

    Program fees

    1,120€ per week 2 - 22 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 22 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by 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 agreed with SanWild Sanctuary during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    SanWild Sanctuary

    Outstanding 5 rating (10 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2000

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Didi

    About the project

    SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary & Rehabilitation Centre is a thriving refuge for wild animals in the heart of the South African wilderness.

    Meet your organization

    Spanning 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) of South African savannah, SanWild Sanctuary is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) plus a profusion of native wildlife.  


    Founded by the late conservation champion Louise Joubert, SanWild Sanctuary has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wild animals back into their natural habitats for more than 20 years. The sanctuary provides a safe game reserve for rescued animals, where they can live out their natural lives, wild and free. 


    Since the year 2000, the animal care and rehabilitation facility established by Louise Joubert has been funded by the non-profit SanWild Wildlife Trust. At this centre, our aim is to provide true rehabilitation and, wherever possible, to release rescued animals back into the wild where they belong.

    That’s why the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at SanWild Sanctuary is not open to the public! Our staff, students, and volunteers work under strict guidelines to minimise human interaction and prevent human imprinting from developing with the animals in our care. 

    We also partner with other rehabilitation centres in South Africa, offering our 3,000-hectare sanctuary as a safe and secure release site for animals rescued in other locations. 


    One of our main objectives is to educate the public on conservation, specifically on ethical conservation. For this purpose, we run projects with the participation of the public, whereby they can develop an understanding and appreciation for our natural heritage and become ambassadors for wildlife conservation.


    To accomplish this, we run a paid-for volunteer life experience program whereby participants from all over the world come to participate in our wildlife conservation projects, thereby generating much-needed income to fund our sanctuary while at the same time creating ambassadors that take the knowledge they gain from us back to their countries of origin. 

    10 reviews · rating5

    Kathrina Walther rating5

    2023 at Scout Ranger Trainee

    Volunteering at SanWild has been the most amazing time! It is such a great way of experiencing the bush, wildlife and a great way to learn so much more about the Beauty Of the African bush! SanWild has everything and more I can dream of! Facilities, surroundings, adventures and most important to ...
    Pedro Picolo rating5

    2022 at Scout Ranger Trainee

    Memorable and educational experience in the wild. Sanwild provided the opportunity for me and my kids to experience nature and chance to care for and interact with wild ...
    Claudia Picolo rating5

    2022 at Scout Ranger Trainee

    It was a great experience that will be remembered forever and i would definitely love to go back. It was a great way to interact with the animals and show how much they are cared for. I really loved the fact that we had a chance to positively affect the animals with our help. SanWild provided all ...
    Michael Picolo rating5

    2022 at Scout Ranger Trainee

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time during the volunteer program. I got to feed buffalo and also see a rhino, something that is simply unforgettable. The free- time activities were plentiful and the pool was a nice touch to the place. I loved the safari game drives and getting to see the different animals ...
    Peg Shannon rating5

    2022 at Scout Ranger Trainee

    The absolute best experience of my life. Booked it for 2 weeks and extended 2 more. If you are looking to immerse yourself in your experience with wildlife this is absolutely the trip you want. I learned so much because it was hands on. I was able to feed baby zebras, help with finding snares, ...
    Ann Orrsten rating5

    2022 at Scout Ranger Trainee

    I've been a steady volunteer and regular visitor to SanWild over the years, from the very start way back in 2004. I've seen numerous animals rehabilitated and released back into the wild - some of them actually still on the property! Helping out with everything from cleaning bomas to bottle ...

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