SanWild Sanctuary
A 3,000-hectare (7,500-acre) protected reserve in the South African savannah.
A safe refuge for injured and recovering animals.
A place where endangered wildlife can roam free.
Where the animals own the land.
Where humans are just the custodians.
Help us shoulder this responsibility.
SanWild is a working wildlife sanctuary. Daily operations and conservation are our focus.
Volunteer on the front line of conservation in Africa, experiencing a working wildlife sanctuary. Space is limited.
When conscience demanded more than words, Louise created SanWild.
Xyla returns to the wild.
A SanWild success story.
Born in October 2022 at Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn as part of a cheetah breeding programme, Xyla was hand-raised and accustomed to people, making survival in the wild unlikely without intervention.
She arrived at SanWild in June 2024 with one goal: to give her the chance to become a wild cheetah.
In the early stages, Rangers guided her into the greater sanctuary to build fitness, introduce her to the area, and allow her instincts to develop.
Over time, she learned to focus on realistic prey such as duiker and impala, developing the patience and timing needed to hunt. Instinct became skill, and gradually, independence.
She was released onto the greater SanWild sanctuary, where she now lives fully wild - hunting successfully and moving freely across the reserve.
She occasionally returns briefly to the lodge, sometimes resting on the deck before heading back into the bush.
In April 2026, she gave birth to her first cubs in the wild.
A true rewilding success.
SanWild Sanctuary: a unique reserve
3,000 hectares
of protected reserve. 7,400 acres for wildlife to recover and roam free in, with a 26-year history.
100% independent
Funded by Scout Ranger Volunteer fees, SanWild Lodge, partners and individual donors.
Ethics over selfies
Limited direct contact with wildlife. Animals are never placed on display for visitors.
Aim is to rewild
Rehabilitation means (re)introducing animals to the wild wherever this is realistic and feasible.
Is Scout Ranger Volunteering right for you?
✅ A good fit if you:
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Want to experience the inner workings of a working wildlife sanctuary
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Respect ethics and animal welfare
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Can adapt when plans change and help where it’s needed
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Are fit enough for walking and outdoor activities
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Understand English easily
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Don’t expect to have close contact with wild animals
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Understand that this is a fee-based programme that funds our ongoing work
❌ Probably not a fit if you:
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Hope to hold and bottle-feed baby animals
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Aim for selfies with wildlife
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Need a fixed daily schedule or guaranteed activities
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Are limited in mobility
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Do not like to spend time outdoors
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Do not understand English well
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Are looking for a safari holiday rather than a hands-on conservation experience
Programme details and FAQs >
What people say about volunteering at SanWild:
What it’s actually like to be a Scout Ranger Volunteer
“SanWild scores an A+ for their care and concern for wildlife ... You need to be flexible, enjoy being surprised, and know your volunteer relationships will play a significant part in your enjoyment…
You get to know everyone and build relationships beyond a regular safari visit. The cooks, staff, coordinators, Rangers, and leaders are all wonderful…
We are older than most volunteers, but that didn’t matter in the least. The workload varies in subject and difficulty, and when your contribution is minimal, you laugh about it …
SanWild isn’t for everyone. Things can go wrong, schedules change, and it isn’t a 5-star safari lodge …
For many, this is the experience of a lifetime. It was for us, mainly because it’s dissimilar to anything else.”
Chaz S, Charlotte, NC, USA
Programme details and FAQs >>
