Would you like to enjoy a unique experience in South Africa, helping to raise awareness among underprivileged children about wildlife conservation? Become an eco-volunteer with an organisation based in the heart of the bush near Kruger National Park! This organisation offers eco-volunteering placements for anyone (aged 18 and over) wishing to experience life in the bush in a family atmosphere whilst supporting the education of local children. You will also look after the wild animals taken in by the centre. See all eco-volunteering placements in South Africa here.
An initiative in the heart of the South African bush
The organisation is located in a private reserve in South Africa, near Kruger National Park. It was founded in 2002 by Ian and Michèle Merrifield (French). They set up a school aimed at raising awareness among disadvantaged children from local villages about the importance of protecting the environment through a wildlife orphanage. Every week, the charity welcomes a group of eight children for five days of environmental education, with the programme covering anti-poaching, wildlife, private reserves and tourism, as well as general knowledge. It is important to note that schools are overcrowded and that children do not always receive a quality education that would enable them to build a solid academic foundation.
The three missions of the eco-volunteers in South Africa
Education
From Monday to Friday, you teach a group of eight children, aged 13 to 15, about ways to protect the environment and wildlife. The lessons cover the ecosystem, poaching, tracking and animal behaviour. Classes start at 9.00 am and finish at 4.30 pm. Afterwards, you hold group discussions with the children on social issues. Some lessons take place in the NGO’s classrooms, others in the bush.
Caring for animals
Many animals cannot be released back into the wild because they are injured or require special care. The organisation is able to give them a new lease of life. Many children from neighbouring villages have never seen the local wildlife, but here they have the chance to observe South African wildlife. As an eco-volunteer, you will learn a great deal about the different species and help to keep the animals happy and healthy. Activities include cleaning and refurbishing enclosures, feeding the animals and enriching their environment.
Engaging with local communities
As an eco-volunteer, you will have plenty of opportunities to get involved with the local communities around the organisation. Twice a week, the NGO runs ECO Clubs at a local school. The ECO Club is a club where children come together to learn more about the environment. Volunteers can join the NGO’s awareness-raising officer each week to help run the ECO Club.
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Prices |
2026 in € |
2026 in £ |
2027 in € |
2027 in £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 week |
710.00 |
590.00 |
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|
2 weeks |
1,350.00 |
1,120.00 |
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3 weeks |
1,850.00 |
1,540.00 |
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|
4 weeks |
2,200.00 |
1,830.00 |
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|
5 weeks |
2,550.00 |
2,120.00 |
||
|
6 weeks |
2,900.00 |
2410.00 |
||
|
7 weeks |
3,250.00 |
2,700.00 |
||
|
8 weeks |
3,600.00 |
2,990.00 |
||
|
9 weeks |
3,950.00 |
3,280.00 |
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|
10 weeks |
4,300.00 |
3,570.00 |
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11 weeks |
4,650.00 |
3,860.00 |
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12 weeks |
5,000.00 |
4,150.00 |
The price includes
- The transfer from Hoedspruit Local Airport to DAKTARI
- Accommodation
- Three meals a day, tea, coffee and fruit juice
- Laundry
- One day a week in the nearest town
- Technical support
The price does not include
- Air travel to the nearest airport
- Additional drinks and personal expenses
- Insurance covering assistance, repatriation, medical expenses, cancellation, luggage and other cover
No specific skills are required. However, you must have a sufficient level of English to raise children’s awareness of the importance of protecting wild animals. From the moment you enquire, the team will communicate with you in English, even though the director is French. You will be accommodated in a traditional chalet which you will share with other volunteers. DAKTARI is situated in the bush in the middle of a wildlife reserve. You will have access to running water and electricity.
Tous les avis sur Marine Daktari Bush School
The three missions of the eco-volunteers in South Africa
The partner organisation
The partner organisation is a South African charity founded in 2006 by Michèle, a Frenchwoman. Its aim is to inspire children to value their environment. The children attend for five days and take part in classes as part of the environmental education programme. In addition, the children help to care for certain captive animals that cannot be rehabilitated or released into the wild. This programme instils a sense of care, respect and empathy towards animals and wildlife within their communities.
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