Would you like to live a unique experience in South Africa, helping underprivileged children to protect wild animals? Become an ecovolunteer with an association located in the heart of the bush near the Kruger National Park! This association offers ecovolunteer programs for anyone (aged 18 and over) wishing to experience the bush in a family atmosphere, while supporting the education of local children. You'll also look after the wild animals collected at the center. All selected ecovolunteer missions here.
Action in the heart of the South African bush
The association is located in a private game reserve in South Africa, near the Kruger National Park. It was founded in 2002 by Ian and Michèle Merrifield (French). They set up a school to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the environment among underprivileged village children, through an orphanage for wild animals. Each week, the association welcomes a group of 8 children for 5 days of environmental education, covering anti-poaching, wildlife, private reserves and tourism, as well as general culture. Schools are overcrowded, and the children don't always benefit from the quality education they need to get a good grounding in their studies.
The three missions of ecovolunteers in South Africa
Teaching
From Monday to Friday, you teach a group of 8 children, aged 13 to 15, how to protect the environment and wildlife. Lessons cover the ecosystem, poaching, tracks and animal knowledge. Lessons start at 9:00 am and finish at 4:30 pm. This is followed by group discussions with the children on social issues. Some lessons take place in the NGO's classrooms, others in the bush.
Taking care of animals
Many animals cannot be released back into the wild because they are injured or need special care. The NGO is able to give them a second life. Many children from neighboring villages have never seen the local wildlife, but here they have the opportunity to observe South African wildlife. As an ecovolunteer, you'll learn a lot about the different species and help keep the animals happy and healthy. Activities include cleaning and renovating enclosures, feeding the animals and enriching their environment.
Engaging with local communities
As an volunteer, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get involved in the local communities around the NGO. Twice a week, the NGO organizes ECO Clubs at a local school. The ECO CLUB is a club in which children participate to learn more about the environment. Volunteers can join the NGO's Outreach Officer each week to help run the ECO CLUB.
| Fees | 2023 | 2023 |
| Euros (€) | GBP (£) | |
| 1 week | 590.00 | 530.00 |
| 2 weeks | 1090.00 | 930.00 |
| 3 weeks | 1590.00 | 1360.00 |
| 4 weeks | 1790.00 | 1550.00 |
| 5 weeks | 2090.00 | 1810.00 |
| 6 weeks | 2390.00 | 2070.00 |
| 7 weeks | 2690.00 | 2330.00 |
| 8 weeks | 2990.00 | 2590.00 |
| 9 weeks | 3290.00 | 2850.00 |
| 10 weeks | 3590.00 | 3110.00 |
| 11 weeks | 3890.00 | 3370.00 |
| 12 weeks | 4190.00 | 3630.00 |
Price includes
- Transfer from local Hoedspruit airport to DAKTARI
- Accommodation
- Three meals a day, tea, coffee and fruit juice
- Laundry
- One day a week in the nearest town
- Technical support
Price does not include
- Air transportation to the nearest airport
- Additional drinks and personal expenses
- Assistance - repatriation - medical expenses - cancellation - luggage and other insurances
No special skills are required. However, it is necessary to have a sufficient level of English to make children aware of the importance of protecting wild animals. As soon as you make an inquiry, the team will speak to you in English, even if the director is French. You will be accommodated in a traditional chalet, which you will share with other volunteers. DAKTARI is located in the bush in the middle of a wildlife reserve. You have access to running water and electricity.
The three missions of ecovolunteers in South Africa
The partner association
DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is a South African association founded in 2006 by Michèle, a Frenchwoman. Its aim is to inspire children to value their environment. The children come to DAKTARI for five days and attend classes as part of the environmental education program. In addition, the children help care for certain animals in captivity that cannot be rehabilitated or released back into the wild. The program instills a sense of care, respect and empathy for animals and wildlife in their communities.
