Question 1

What do people take away from the Scout Ranger Volunteer experience?

Accepted Answer

Most leave with a clearer understanding of what conservation work on the ground really means, the satisfaction of doing something that matters, and a sense of being part of the SanWild family.

Many volunteers describe leaving with less illusions - and more respect - for the work and the people behind it. And almost everybody wants to - and many do - come back again.

Question 2

Is the Scout Ranger Volunteer programme free of charge? Is it a paid job?

Accepted Answer

The programme is neither free nor a paid job. It is a fee-based volunteer programme that gives you the chance to become member of the team in a working wildlife sancturary. It is a life experience. Plus, your 
programme fee helps fund SanWild’s conservation work.

Question 3

What is included in the programme fee?

Accepted Answer

The fee includes accommodation and three meals a day on site, airport transfers to/from Hoedspruit Airport on Mondays, Wi-Fi, laundry, housekeeping, and the opportunity to do real conservation work on the ground.

Question 4

What does the programme fee not cover?

Accepted Answer

The programme fee does not include:
any flights
travel insurance
health insurance
visas
soft or alcoholic drinks
any excursions and meals outside the reserve

Question 5

Do I need special experience or qualifications to be a Scout Ranger Volunteer?

Accepted Answer

No prior experience or qualifications are required - just a positive attitude.

Question 6

What are the basic requirements for volunteering at SanWild?

Accepted Answer

Being a Scout Ranger Volunteer requires that you:

Have a moderate level of fitness for walking and sustained outdoor activities
Possess a good understanding of English
Are at least 18 years old
Are willing to keep to our mandatory safety rules, procedures and ethical guidelines
Have a flexible attitude and respect for staff, other volunteers and the animals in our care
Do not expect to have close contact with wild animals
Can show proof of health insurance
Have signed our Indemnity Contract

Question 7

Is volunteering a cheap way to have a safari experience?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a paid volunteer experience at a working conservation sanctuary; not a safari vacation or an animal-interaction holiday.  
In some ways it goes much further than a safari. Volunteers are not passive "game viewers". They are out of the vehicle, helping on the ground and learning from our expert Rangers.

Question 8

Can I choose which activities I do?

Accepted Answer

Tasks are assigned by the on-site team based on daily priorities and animal welfare needs. 
On-site work is not compulsory, but before booking, please keep in mind that SanWild is a working sanctuary, not a safari resort.

Question 9

How physically demanding is on-site volunteer work?

Accepted Answer

Moderate. Activities involve walking and practical outdoor tasks in a reserve environment. 
At a minimum, you should be fit enough to walk easily, carry things, and take stairs.

Question 10

When does the programme start?

Accepted Answer

Every Monday. The programme runs year-round.

Question 11

How long can I volunteer for?

Accepted Answer

From one week upwards. We strongly recommend minimum of two weeks. Longer stays allow for a broader experience.

Question 12

Where do I stay while volunteering?

Accepted Answer

On site at SanWild Lodge, in shared safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, included in the programme fee.
Single occupancy and upgrade to a Deluxe tent with a private sitting area and open plan bathroom are available for an additional charge.

Question 13

Will I work directly with wild animals?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers do feed predators who are kept in enclosures. If animal rescues or veterinarian interventions are necessary, volunteers also take part, but these occurences are not planned cannot be guaranteed.

Otherwise direct contact is intentionally limited to reduce human imprinting and protect animal welfare.

Question 14

What health precautions are required?

Accepted Answer

Proof of health insurance is required before you arrive, so you are covered in a medical emergency. Private hospitals in South Africa are excellent, but generally require a credit card up front, and expect that you will get reimbursed at home.

No mandatory vaccinations required for our programme, but volunteers are advised to update their vaccinations prior to arrival.

Also please consult your doctor or a travel clinic for guidance before travelling. Follow their advice on malaria tablets (if appropriate), and take your own personal health precautions. Malaria is extremely rare in our region, but taking precautions such as insect repellent is recommended during the southern hemisphere summer months (October to April).

If you are taking any prescription medications, please bring enough for your full stay.

Question 15

Do I need a visa for South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and most EU nations do not currently require visas for stays of less than 90 days in South Africa. 
Requirements can change or vary. It’s your responsibility to double-check your own visa requirements.

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Fly to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in South Africa, changing in Johannesburg or Cape Town.  
On Mondays, SanWild provides a transfer from Hoedspruit to/from the reserve, which takes about 45 minutes (60 km/37 mi).

Please note:
Free transfers to/from Hoedspruit are provided on Mondays only (the programme start and end day).
Hoedspruit arrivals or departures on other days can be arranged for an additional charge. 
We do not offer pick-ups or drop-offs  in Johannesburg. It is easiest to fly on to Hoedspruit.
Self-driving at your own expense is an option. Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport is a 450 km (280 mi), five-hour drive from SanWild.  Note that there are four tolls en route, which only take cash or South African credit cards.  Withdraw 300 Rand from an airport ATM.  Guest parking is available free of charge at SanWild.

Question 17

Is SanWild government-funded?

Accepted Answer

No. SanWild is 100% independent. We are funded through volunteer programme fees, lodge operations, partners, and individual donors.

Question 18

Is the Scout Ranger Volunteer programme for everyone?

Accepted Answer

It’s not for everyone. It is for people who value ethics, responsibility, and making a real contribution over a luxury safari, close animal contact or photo opportunities.

Question 19

Will I need cash in Rand during my stay?

Accepted Answer

No. South Africa is now an almost cashless economy. You can pay with an ATM card, all major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay essentially everywhere – all stores, restaurants, petrol stations, fast food places – and even with small vendors and market stalls! Likewise, excursions booked with us can be paid  by card.

ONE important exception to this: if you are self-driving to SanWild, highway tolls can only be paid in cash. Toll stations do not accept foreign cards or digital payments.

Question 20

Is there an ATM near SanWild?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is an ATM in Gravelotte, about 2.5 km from SanWild Lodge, half a kilometre from the Sanctuary entrance. It is less costly to withdraw Rand from an ATM than to change currency at a bank.

Question 21

Is it safe getting to SanWild? Will I be safe while I'm there?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
When travelling here, your flight transfers in Cape Town or Johannesburg happen within the airport premises. Your flight then lands at Hoedspruit Airport, a rural community where everybody knows everybody.  There, you are picked up by our own shuttle service.

SanWild Lodge is located within a protected reserve.

Question 22

Do I have time off? Can I explore on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Weekends are free. 
SanWild is centrally located in a breathtaking area with many tourist attractions such as Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon and Magoebaskloof.  We arrange weekend trips for volunteers at an additional charge.

Question 23

I am an influencer, photographer or film-maker. Can I stay for free in exchange for a collaboration?

Accepted Answer

No. 
We are completely dependent on Volunter Programme fees to maintain our operations. 
Professional filming or photography is possible - at a daily fee.

Question 24

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

You must provide proof of health insurance before arrival.

We strongly recommend that you also take out travel insurance at the time of booking, as we do not offer any refunds for interrupted stays or short-term cancellations.

Scout Ranger Application Form

FAQs