Join the Rhino Care and Conservation Volunteer Program and become part of the fight to save one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species. Based at the largest rhino sanctuary on the planet, you’ll work alongside an internationally recognized team dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting rhinos from extinction, while helping to build a sustainable future for both wildlife and local communities.
| Starting days | All year around, Tuesdays to Wednesdays |
| Minimum Requirements | 8 days and longer subject to visa requirements. A minimum age of 16 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian. |
| Cost | £1300 for 8 days and £850 for each additional week |
| What is included | 3 meals a day, accommodation, meeting you at Kruger Mpumalanga airport, airport collection and drop-off, pre-departure support, donations to the sanctuary, in-country team, 24- emergency help and more. |
| What is not included | Flights, visas, travel insurance, spending money. |
| Best for | Veterinary students and those studying the animal sciences, conservationists, career breakers, families, post-retirement gappers, wildlife lovers, nature lovers, volunteers who like to get hands-on. |
Project Description
For nearly two decades, the Rhino Care and Conservation project has offered volunteers a rare, behind-the-scenes experience at the world’s largest orphaned rhino sanctuary. Normally closed to the public, the rhino sanctuary opens its doors to volunteers who play an active role in supporting daily care and conservation work. You’ll witness firsthand the devastating impact of poaching, while contributing directly to the rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding, and release of orphaned and injured rhinos.
This is not just a volunteer placement—it’s a chance to be part of one of Africa’s most important conservation efforts, helping ensure that rhinos survive and thrive in the wild.
Why Rhinos need protecting
Rhinos are among the most endangered animals on Earth, their populations devastated by relentless poaching and habitat loss. Poachers kill rhinos for their horns, which fetch staggering prices on the black market despite having no proven medicinal value. As natural grazers and browsers, rhinos play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems that support countless other species. Beyond their ecological importance, they are an integral part of Africa’s natural heritage and a major draw for eco-tourism, which in turn provides essential income and opportunities for surrounding communities. Protecting rhinos means preserving biodiversity, safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, and ensuring that future generations can experience these magnificent animals in the wild.
The Rhino Poaching Crisis
Rhinos are among the most endangered animals on Earth, their populations devastated by relentless poaching and habitat loss. Poachers kill rhinos for their horns, which fetch staggering prices on the black market despite having no proven medicinal value. As natural grazers and browsers, rhinos play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems that support countless other species. Beyond their ecological importance, they are an integral part of Africa’s natural heritage and a major draw for eco-tourism, which in turn provides essential income and opportunities for surrounding communities. Protecting rhinos means preserving biodiversity, safeguarding cultural and natural heritage, and ensuring that future generations can experience these magnificent animals in the wild.
Volunteer Duties
As part of the daily sanctuary operations, you’ll assist experienced staff with the care of young rhino orphans.
Volunteer tasks with the young rhino orphans may include:
- Preparing milk and bottle-feeding
- General husbandry and boma care
- Dry feed preparation and maintenance
- Conducting health checks and behavioural observations
- Assisting with cleaning and facility care ensuring a hygienic and safe environment for the rhinos
Because the rhino sanctuary’s long-term goal is always to return rhinos to the wild, direct hands-on contact with the rhino orphans is limited to essential care only. The priority is their well-being and successful release back into the wild. Working with megaherbivores is serious and potentially dangerous, so for your own safety, all volunteers must follow strict rules and guidelines.
The Rhino Care and Conservation volunteer project is a hands-on, challenging program that demands dedication, long hours and it is physically demanding, so volunteers should have a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate. But the reward is life-changing: you’ll leave knowing you’ve played a direct role in safeguarding a species under threat, while gaining invaluable insight into wildlife conservation and the urgent fight against poaching.
You are welcome to take photos and videos to capture your experience. For the safety of the rhinos and staff, we kindly ask that you do not share them on social media and ensure all location settings are turned off.
Please be aware that all volunteer duties and activities are based on the need at the time and that working with wildlife is very unpredictable and not guaranteed. Volunteers need to be adaptable and assist with the need and focus at the time.
Beyond orphan care duties, volunteers may also take part in other duties and activities depending on their stay duration:
Core Rhino & Wildlife Activities
- Join staff on monitoring drives to track released rhinos
- Data capture body condition photos
- Record behavioural observations
- Monitor the growth of calves born within the reserve
- Wildlife feeding in the winter months and monitoring the sables
- Work with other African wildlife species in rehabilitation
- Observing and assisting veterinary procedures and treatments
- Contribute to protected area management
- Assist capturing and recording essential information on EarthRanger on wildlife drives
- Invasive plant control, road repair and veld management
Animal Care & Anti-Poaching
- K9 patrol and grooming
- Horse washing and grooming
Educational & Conservation Experiences
- Educational lectures delivered by expert staff
- Guided nature walks and discussions (botany, geology, birding)
- Wildlife drives and monitoring (day and night)
- River walks
- Scorpion, snake, and insect discussions
Cultural & Social Activities
- Traditional braai evenings
- Bonfires
- Movie nights
- Rhino Olympics (fun volunteer activities)
- Stargazing
Excursions & Community Engagement
- Town trips
- Visits to Kruger National Park (depending on stay duration and additional expense)
- Mine shaft expeditions (depending on stay duration)
- Participate in ongoing community projects to support and uplift local communities
Accommodation
Volunteers are accommodated on-site in shared, rustic cabins, each equipped with a bathroom and shower in very natural surroundings . Private rooms can be arranged on request at an additional cost for those who prefer more privacy. The sanctuary is located in a remote and peaceful area, offering a unique opportunity to live close to nature and the animals you are helping to protect.
Basic amenities are provided to ensure comfort during your stay. Volunteers have access to laundry facilities, WiFi, a swimming pool, and a communal games area for relaxation and socialising after project work. As there is no on-site store or canteen, we recommend bringing along your own snacks, drinks, and any personal comfort items you may wish to have during your stay. Private rooms can be arranged subject to availability and there will be an addition fee.
Food
Volunteers are provided with three freshly prepared meals each day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The experienced kitchen staff offer a variety of nutritious and balanced meals, with vegetarian options available as part of the standard menu.
If you have additional dietary requirements such as gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan meals, these can be accommodated upon request at an additional cost. Please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Location
The Rhino Care and Conservation Volunteer Program is based in the stunning natural surroundings of the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, near Mbombela. For the safety of the rhinos, the exact location of the sanctuary is not disclosed, as it is home to vulnerable and endangered animals.
Volunteers fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), which serves as the arrival and departure hub for the project. The sanctuary lies within easy reach of Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. This close proximity makes it possible for volunteers to combine their hands-on rhino conservation experience with unforgettable safari opportunities before or after their placement.
Surrounded by mountains, savannah, and bushveld, the area offers a rich biodiversity and a true sense of being immersed in wild Africa—an inspiring backdrop for the vital conservation work taking place at the sanctuary.
We don’t have set assigned days off. Generally, the volunteers will let their volunteer coordinator know when they would like to take a day off. Extra activities are mostly planned for weekends.
For more information or to book our Rhino Care and Conservation volunteer project, please use the contact form or email us at info@volunteerinternationaladventures.com
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