FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Every Monday. The programme runs year-round.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.