South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience – Volunteer Vacations | Discover Corps
The Greater Kruger National Park region is is one of the world’s greatest wildlife refuges. This park is comprised of more than 7,500 square miles of protected land and has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It’s also home to more than 500 species of birds and contains more species of large mammals than any other African reserve. Within this region, it’s possible to spot all “Big 5” (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros).
Some of the most inspiring and innovative conservation efforts in the world are happening in this same area. Become part of the solution helping local conservationists set camera traps to protect leopards and go behind-the-scenes in the reserve. Along the way, you’ll get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife in a way most travelers never do, including a visit to Jabulani, an elephant sanctuary that will introduce you, up close and personal, to African elephants and the conservation work that surrounds them. This trip allows you to go far beyond the safari — you’ll become part of the wildlife conservation movement!
Arrive in Johannesburg and make the scenic drive to Greater Kruger National Park. Along the way, stop at the stunning Blyde River Canyon, the third largest on Earth. Settle into the comfort of your 4-star safari lodge, the jumping off point for our adventures over the next nine days. Split your time with game drives in the park and engaging with projects and people making a difference. Visit Down to the Wire, an innovative organization helping to raise awareness around poaching. Set camera traps to record the movement of leopards in the park, meet the ambassador animals at a wildlife & rescue center and visit a social impact project linking conservation with community issues and ideals, finding integrated sustainable solutions to issues plaguing conservation such as wildlife crime, poverty, low levels of education and food insecurity. End the trip with an inspiring visit to an elephant sanctuary before taking a short flight back to Johannesburg.
$4,395 Adult*
$4,195 Child*
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement = $895. This will guarantee you your own, single occupancy room for the entirety of the trip. If you are a solo traveler and would like us to match you with a roommate of the same gender, please book as double occupancy. See full details here.
- *Price does not include mandatory $250 one-way domestic flight supplement
What’s Included:
- 4-star lodging in renowned nature reserve
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
- Expert local guides that are there to support, inform and guide you throughout the trip
- Reliable in-country transportation with experienced drivers
- Admissions and entrance fees to national parks, historic sites and other scheduled events throughout the trip
- An active daily itinerary including lectures, day trips and work assignments alongside the local community
- All gratuities for hotels, meals, baggage & transportation
- All land transportation during the trip with licensed drivers
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline & turnkey service
What’s Not Included:
- Tip for the Discover Corps Guide and Driver
- International Airfare
- Mandatory One-Way Domestic flight Supplement ($250 additional supplement per person, added at checkout)
Small Group Dates
January 4-13, 2026
February 1-10, 2026
March 8-17, 2026
April 5-14, 2026 — LIMITED
April 19-28, 2026
May 24-June 2, 2026 — FULL
June 3-12, 2026
June 14-23, 2026
June 28-July 7, 2026 — LIMITED
July 9-18, 2026
July 19-28, 2026
August 9-18, 2026
August 23-September 1, 2026
September 13-22, 2026
September 27-October 6, 2026
October 25-November 3, 2026
November 29-December 8, 2026
December 13-22, 2026
January 3-12, 2027
January 31- February 9, 2027
March 7-16, 2027
April 4-13, 2027
April 18-27, 2027
May 2-11, 2027
June 13-22, 2027
June 27-July 6, 2027
July 8-17, 2027
July 18-27, 2027
August 8-17, 2027
August 22-August 31, 2027
September 12-21, 2027
September 26-October 5, 2027
October 24-November 2, 2027
November 28-December 7, 2027
December 12-21, 2027