Come and work as a volunteer at the Kariega Game Reserve. Here you can really make a difference! You grow with the task and learn new skills and contribute to the work of protecting Africa’s wildlife – including endangered species. An experience for life. At Kariega, you are at the forefront of this kind of work. As a volunteer, you help monitor elephants, leopards, lions or rhinos, for example. This is a little more than “just” safari – here you get soil under your nails and you get close to life on a Big 5 Reserve. If you want to know more than what is written here – send us an e-mail.
This program is a source of inspiration — each trip is unique and tailored to you.
Kariega’s program for volunteers / volunteers is the ultimate experience from working with wild animals. In addition, people from all over the world come to experience an adventure and to become wiser about the nature of Africa. During your stay, you will step into the role of “Assistant Manager” and the data you collect will subsequently be used for various practical purposes – your work makes a difference.
Your private mentor will ensure that you have a good experience where you learn and develop. The aim is also to give you a greater insight into various issues. You will work between 7-9 hours / day during the week. Most often you can take time off at the weekend.
In the evenings you take time off and on Saturdays you often go to Kenton-On-Sea, Port Alfred or Grahamstown, where you can shop, eat or walk in the city. As a volunteer, you also have the opportunity to explore the amazing coast of South Africa. Kariega is only 16 km from the sea, so the Indian Ocean is not far away. Dive into nature, the sea, go on safari or just enjoy the time and the landscape.
In addition to the practical things on the reserve, will you help teach or help in any other way at the local school – maybe you can teach English?
Areas where you can also gain experience are within research, nature conservation, education and community development.
Your home is simple but clean and well maintained. Access to pool and billiards.
Ecorating: 4
Airport: Cape Town International / Port Elisabeth
Length and dates: There are no fixed dates, but you must arrive on a Monday. Minimum stay is 2 weeks and you can stay for a maximum of 12 weeks.
Requirements: You must be at least 17 years old. When you fill out your application, you accept the conditions and risks that exist when working close to wild animals in unfamiliar conditions.
Accommodation: Kariega’s volunteer camp with shared kitchen, pool, etc. All volunteers live together.
Price includes: Return flight to Port Elizabeth, share in a room, three meals per day, all activities on Kariega.
Price does not include: Insurance, extra meals and rides, transfer between Kariega and the airport.
Good to know about South Africa:
Travel Ethics: No special conditions
Driving license: To drive a car in South Africa, it is a good idea to bring an international driving license. This is also available at borger.dk. Remember to drive on the left side!
Time zone: GMT + 2
Vaccinations: Read more at Statens Serum Institut
Packing: Sunglasses, sunglasses, sunscreen, good shoes to walk in
Weather: The weather in Cape Town on dmi.dk
Mobile networks and internet: Yes, generally good coverage everywhere
Water: Clean drinking water in the hotels. If you buy bottled water, do not throw your waste in nature.
Travel entry requirements: : As of July 1, 2026, all travellers arriving in or departing from South Africa must complete a digital Traveller Declaration. This must be done no earlier than 24 hours before departure (for arrivals with connecting flights, the time is counted from the departure of the final flight leg directly to South Africa). The declaration can be submitted via their website, the SATMS mobile app, a QR code, or via self-service kiosks at certain locations. Travellers who are only in transit in South Africa, without leaving the designated transit area, do not need to complete the digital traveller declaration.
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Kariega is actively involved in responsible tourism, and is also the largest employer in the city of Kenton-on Sea. You work with local development and local responsibility. The Kariega Foundation is the sponsor of three schools: Farmfield School; Ekamvalesizwe School and Nompucuko School. Kariega believes that the future lies in the young and that education is the only real tool. The vision is to help these relatively poor school districts become places where young people can receive education, hope and pride. The Kariega Foundation receives its funds from donors, and it also receives help from volunteers from the hotel.
Kariega is also involved in the following projects – which you as a guest are welcome to participate in.
One also supports a local school, by offering transportation to the school on occasion.
