African Wildlife Conservation for Teens

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 15 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Go on a wildlife safari adventure in a private South African nature reserve.
  • Visit the famous Kruger National Park and go hiking, climbing, or kayaking in the Drakensberg Mountains.
  • Live with a group of teens from around the world and make new life-long friends

Highlights

  • Go on a wildlife safari adventure in a private South African nature reserve.
  • Visit the famous Kruger National Park and go hiking, climbing, or kayaking in the Drakensberg Mountains.
  • Live with a group of teens from around the world and make new life-long friends
  • Learn how you can identify predators, like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as megaherbivores like elephants and rhinos.
  • Master radio telemetry techniques and learn how to track and record animal movements.


  • Especially good for

    Age 15+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Spot lions, elephants, rhinos and other wildlife on a safari conservation awareness experience with other teens in South Africa. Ages 15-17

    This project gives you a real and unfiltered look into South Africa’s iconic wildlife. However, unlike a traditional tourist safari, you will learn about conservation issues in the region and what is being done by local organisation like the South African National Parks authorities and ...

    About the program

    This project gives you a real and unfiltered look into South Africa’s iconic wildlife. However, unlike a traditional tourist safari, you will learn about conservation issues in the region and what is being done by local organisation like the South African National Parks authorities and international organisations to conserve South African species under threat as well as their habitat.

    This wildlife conservation volunteering program is designed for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, to teach them what a career in conservation would really look like. You will learn how to identify South African animals and how tracking them and recording data on their location and behaviour assists with their conservation. You volunteering project also includes a visit to the Kruger National Park and adventure activities in the scenic Drakensberg mountains. Teens will be lead by experts in their field who have been chosen for their mix of relevant experience and ability to mentor and inspire young people.




    Typical day

    Typical Itinerary:


    Day 1: Saturday
    Arrive in the South African province of Limpopo, known for its abundant wildlife. A GVI staff member will be collecting you from the airport and take you to your overnight residence.

    Day 2: Sunday
    Hop onto a safari vehicle for your first game drive out onto the South ...

    Typical day

    Typical Itinerary:


    Day 1: Saturday
    Arrive in the South African province of Limpopo, known for its abundant wildlife. A GVI staff member will be collecting you from the airport and take you to your overnight residence.

    Day 2: Sunday
    Hop onto a safari vehicle for your first game drive out onto the South African savannah. Spot lions, leopards, and other iconic wildlife species. Watch the sun set over the African plains.

    Day 3: Monday
    Find out how to identify South African animals based on their appearance, as well as any paw prints or other evidence they leave behind.

    Day 4: Tuesday
    You will engage in similar activities as on Day 3; learning how to identify South African animals based on their appearance, as well as any paw prints or other evidence they leave behind.

    Day 5: Wednesday
    Help to engage local primary school students in protecting the local natural environment. Your lunch will be a traditional South African barbeque, known as a braai.

    Day 6: Thursday
    Help to engage local primary school students in protecting the local natural environment. Your lunch will be a traditional South African barbeque, known as a braai.

    Day 7: Friday
    Explore the South African wild on foot during an early morning walk. Learn how indigenous plant species are used in traditional South African cultures.

    Day 8: Saturday
    Create educational resources for the local primary school. Sleep under the stars and feast on a traditional South African potjie dinner, a stew cooked in the open air.

    Day 9: Sunday
    Head out on your second bushwalk. Take a different route and put your knowledge of plants to the test. Complete a lecture to learn about wildlife. Go on a game drive.

    Day 10: Monday
    Visit a reptile rehabilitation sanctuary to learn about the important role this organisation plays in engaging the local community in the protection of snakes and other reptiles.

    Day 11: Tuesday 
    Visit the famous Kruger National Park. Spot the African “Big Five”: lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Leave the park just as the African sun sets over the horizon.

    Day 12: Wednesday:
    Head out in the early morning, one of the best times to spot local wildlife, on a safari drive. In the afternoon and evening, work on educational resources for local primary school learners.

    Day 13: Thursday
    Go hiking, climbing, abseiling, and kayaking in the Blyde River Canyon, part of the Drakensberg or “dragon’s mountain” range.

    Day 14: Friday
    On your final morning walk and afternoon safari drive put your newly acquired knowledge of the South African environment to the test.

    Day 15: Saturday
    Leave the South African wilds behind as you, and your new, life-long friends, travel back to the airport with GVI staff for your return flight home.


    Free-time activities

    Your local weekend adventures will be your chance to see more of the local area, including a visit to the famous Kruger National Park and a local township or other activity (all adventure activities are subject to availability and substitutions may be made). 


    Free-time activities

    Your local weekend adventures will be your chance to see more of the local area, including a visit to the famous Kruger National Park and a local township or other activity (all adventure activities are subject to availability and substitutions may be made). 



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 15 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 15 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Parental consent form, medical form and passport copy

    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 GVI

    WHAT'S INCLUDED

    • 24-hour emergency phone
    • 24-hour in-country support
    • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
    • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
    • All necessary project equipment and materials
    • All necessary project training by experienced staff
    • Location orientation
    • Long term experienced staff
    • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
    • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
    • Welcome meeting

    WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

    • Additional drinks and gratuities
    • Extra local excursions
    • Flights
    • International and domestic airport taxes
    • Medical and travel insurance
    • Personal items and toiletries
    • Police or background check
    • Visa costs (where necessary)

    Airport Pickup at Hoedspruit Airport

    One of our dedicated staff will greet you at the airport and take you to our base. 

    Most long distance international flights into Johannesburg are overnight flights, so you should be able to book a flight that lands that morning in time for you to get a connecting flight to Hoedspruit. There are 2 scheduled flights per day from OR Tambo airport 10:15am and 12:15am with SAA Express. You will need to be through customs by 09h00 to make the earlier flight. 

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is in shared same sex rooms with shared bathroom facilities at both bases. There is cold running water available for showers. Flush toilet facilities are available, and participants share base duties, including cleaning and other chores. 

    Food & Beverages

    Participants take it in turns to prepare meals for the group. Food is very basic with about two thirds of the meals vegetarian. Breakfast could be cereal, fresh fruit, rusks etc., lunch is typically sandwiches, salads and a typical evening meal may include rice, fresh veg, etc. 

    Internet Access

    Limited 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

    Due to the current situation you have the flexibility of changing the destination and start dates for this program at no extra cost. 


    • 13th July 2025
    • 27th July 2025
    • 10th August 2025

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks 3,145€
    Average fees 1,573€/week

    Program fees

    1,573€ per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 15 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 2 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 GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    GVI

    Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 1998

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Bianca

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

    Meet your organization

    Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


    We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

    221 reviews · rating4.8

    My 4 weeks at GVI Limpopo's base allowed me to collect the necessary data for my university research project. The fact that GVI was able to cater to my specific project's needs was absolutely brilliant. Very nice, accommodating staff on base, as well as a very friendly communications team ...
    Izabelle Humphreys rating5

    2023 at African Wildlife Conservation for Teens

    I attended the GVI Under-18s South Africa program in the summer of 2023 and it was amazing!!! I had a brilliant time tracking animals, learning about the wildlife in the South African bush and helping in local community projects. I even made some lasting friendships with like-minded people from ...
    Pam Parkes rating5

    2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

    I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
    Mary Christensen rating5

    2024 at Community Development Internship

    GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
    GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
    Olivia Babbage rating5

    2024 at Teach English to locals

    3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...

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