Volunteer and live the reality of rhino conservation.
Purpose-led conservation volunteering. Structured programme. Limited spaces available.
Some supporters give from across the world. Others come closer and give their time.
Volunteering at Care for Wild is unlike any other wildlife experience.
This isn’t about watching from the sidelines or ticking off a bucket-list adventure. It’s about stepping into the daily life of a working rhino sanctuary, where every task contributes to the care of orphaned and injured rhinos and the protection of the wild places they will one day call home.
One day you might be preparing milk for an orphaned calf. The next, you’re monitoring rewilded rhinos across the reserve, joining the Anti-Poaching Unit, restoring habitat, or learning from the people who have dedicated their lives to saving one of Africa’s most iconic species.
No two days are the same, but every day offers a rare opportunity to experience conservation as it really happens.
Experience every side of conservation
Care for Wild is one of the few places in the world where volunteers can experience the full journey of rhino conservation.
You’ll gain an understanding of what it takes to rescue, rehabilitate, protect and ultimately return rhinos to the wild, not from behind a fence or through a guided tour, but alongside the people doing the work every day.
Whether you’re helping prepare feeds, walking with rangers, learning from veterinarians or watching a rewilded rhino with her calf, you’ll leave with a perspective few people ever have the chance to gain.
Volunteering at Care for Wild is about service, contribution and purpose. It is about becoming part of the work, not standing apart from it.
Is this volunteer programme for you?
This programme is designed for people who want more than a wildlife holiday.
You don’t need previous conservation experience, just passion, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.
Some days are physically demanding. Some are emotional. Every day is rewarding.
If you’re ready to work hard, embrace new experiences and become part of a passionate conservation team, you’ll find a place here.
Conservation-minded travellers
People who want their time in South Africa to support real conservation work.
Students and young adults
Individuals interested in wildlife, conservation, veterinary care, ecology, animal welfare or environmental education.
Career-break volunteers
People who want to spend meaningful time contributing to a cause larger than themselves.
Families or small groups
Purpose-driven families or groups who want to support conservation together, subject to programme suitability and availability.
Returning supporters
Past donors, adopters or friends of Care for Wild who want to experience the mission more closely.
Volunteer spaces are limited and are subject to availability, suitability and operational requirements. Care for Wild is first and foremost a sanctuary and conservation operation, and all volunteer involvement is guided by the wellbeing of the rhinos and the needs of the team.
What volunteers do
Volunteer activities may vary depending on the needs of the sanctuary, the season, the age and stage of the rhinos in rehabilitation, weather conditions and operational requirements.
Every task contributes to the daily care and protection of the rhinos and the wider conservation environment.
Rhino Care Support
Assisting with sanctuary routines that support the care of rhinos in rehabilitation, under the guidance of the Care for Wild team.
Feeding Preparation and Cleaning
Helping with food preparation, cleaning, boma support, equipment cleaning and the daily tasks that keep the sanctuary running safely and effectively, including preparing feeds and milk, feeding calves, packing bedding and food, and assisting with raking, sweeping and mopping.
Habitat and Reserve Support
Supporting practical maintenance projects across the sanctuary, including basic repairs, painting, digging, fence clearing, weeding, alien invasive plant removal, habitat management and other essential tasks.
Monitoring and Observation Support
Taking part in the daily monitoring of rhinos in rehabilitation and released rhinos through guided health and behavioural observations.
Community and Conservation Support
Learning the theory behind the practical through lectures on rhino biology, rehabilitation, medical cases, rewilding, anti-poaching and community initiatives, alongside school holiday programmes and livestock herd health initiatives.
Explore the Protected Area
Discover this incredible landscape through game drives to see the rewilded rhinos and their calves, bush walks, night drives, river health assessments, geology trails, stargazing and rhino running trails.
Security & Protection
Spend time with our Anti-Poaching Unit, walking with rangers, visiting the Operations Room, assisting the Mounted Unit, accompanying the K9 Unit and experiencing drone and surveillance demonstrations.
Discover the Surrounding Area
Discover more of Mpumalanga through optional excursions including the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park, historic mines and other natural and cultural attractions.
General Sanctuary Support
Helping with the everyday behind-the-scenes work that allows the team to care for vulnerable rhinos and protect the conservation environment.
Educational Presentations
Go beyond the experience with engaging presentations and interactive lectures that offer exclusive insight into the science, strategy and stories behind Care for Wild's conservation work.Your stay helps support the mission
By volunteering, you are not only giving your time. You are helping fund the environment that makes rescue, rehabilitation, protection and rewilding possible.
Your volunteer fee includes a conservation contribution that directly supports Care for Wild’s rescue, rehabilitation, protection and rewilding programmes. It also covers the cost of hosting you at the sanctuary, allowing you to experience life at one of the world’s largest rhino rehabilitation centres while helping support its ongoing work.
Your contribution helps keep the sanctuary moving every day, from the visible work of rhino care to the unseen systems that make conservation possible.
Your volunteer fee includes:
Not included:
Accommodation and practical arrangements
Volunteers stay in our rustic bush-style volunteer camp, offering a comfortable and welcoming place to relax after a rewarding day at the sanctuary. Accommodation is in shared wooden cabins with ensuite bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
The camp also features a communal lounge and relaxation area, a small splash pool and a dining area where three freshly prepared meals are served each day, along with tea and coffee.
Private rooms may be available at an additional cost, subject to availability. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know when booking. We will do our best to accommodate them, although additional charges may apply.
Room allocation depends on availability, group size, gender considerations and operational requirements. Because volunteer bookings require careful coordination, applications are reviewed before confirmation.
Accommodation and practical arrangements
Volunteers stay in our rustic bush-style volunteer camp, offering a comfortable and welcoming place to relax after a rewarding day at the sanctuary. Accommodation is in shared wooden cabins with ensuite bathrooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
The camp also features a communal lounge and relaxation area, a small splash pool and a dining area where three freshly prepared meals are served each day, along with tea and coffee.
Private rooms may be available at an additional cost, subject to availability. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know when booking. We will do our best to accommodate them, although additional charges may apply.
Room allocation depends on availability, group size, gender considerations and operational requirements. Because volunteer bookings require careful coordination, applications are reviewed before confirmation.
A day in the life of a volunteer
Every day at Care for Wild is shaped by the needs of the rhinos, the sanctuary team and the conservation environment. Some days may be physically active. Others may involve quieter, repetitive but important support work.
Volunteers should come with flexibility, patience and a willingness to help wherever they are needed.
No two days are exactly the same. The most valuable volunteers are those who arrive ready to serve the needs of the sanctuary.
Before you apply
Volunteering at Care for Wild requires respect, responsibility and a willingness to follow instructions. This is a working sanctuary environment where animal welfare, safety and operational discipline come first.
Volunteers should be
Care for Wild reserves the right to assess volunteer suitability before confirming a booking. This helps ensure the experience is safe, meaningful and aligned with the needs of the sanctuary.
A meaningful and humbling experience
Volunteering at Care for Wild can be deeply moving. Many rhinos arrive after loss, trauma or injury. Their recovery requires time, patience, expert care and extraordinary commitment from the team around them.
Volunteers may witness both the fragility and resilience of life in a conservation setting.
This experience is hopeful, but it is also real. It asks volunteers to approach the work with respect, humility and care.
You may arrive wanting to help rhinos. Many volunteers leave with a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to protect them.
Ready to volunteer?
If you would like to spend meaningful time supporting Care for Wild, the next step is to complete a volunteer enquiry or application.
Our team will review your details, confirm availability and guide you through the next steps.
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Volunteer spaces are confirmed based on availability, suitability and operational requirements.
Apply to volunteer at Care for Wild
Please complete the form below so that our team can understand your interest, preferred dates and suitability for the volunteer programme.
Once submitted, a member of the Care for Wild team will review your enquiry and contact you with the next steps.
Special Programs
Volunteer FAQs
Can anyone volunteer at Care for Wild?
Will I work directly with rhinos?
What kind of work will I do?
Is accommodation included?
Can I choose my room or who I share with?
Do volunteer fees support Care for Wild?
Can families or groups volunteer?
How far in advance should I apply?
What should I bring?
Can I volunteer and also donate or adopt a rhino?
Not ready to volunteer in person?
You can still support Care for Wild from anywhere in the world. Every form of support helps protect rhinos, people and wild spaces.
Donate
Make a once-off or monthly donation to support rhino rescue, rehabilitation, protection and rewilding.
Adopt a Rhino
Choose a rhino, follow their journey and support ongoing care and protection.
Fund a Need
Support a tangible sanctuary need such as milk, feed, veterinary supplies, security equipment or priority projects.
Stay at Rhino View Lodge
Experience a premium conservation stay that supports the Care for Wild mission.
Donate
Make a once-off or monthly donation to support rhino rescue, rehabilitation, protection and rewilding.
Adopt a Rhino
Choose a rhino, follow their journey and support ongoing care and protection.
Fund a Need
Support a tangible sanctuary need such as milk, feed, veterinary supplies, security equipment or priority projects.
Stay at Rhino View Lodge
Experience a premium conservation stay that supports the Care for Wild mission.
Come closer to the mission.
Volunteering at Care for Wild is a chance to give your time to something real. It is practical, purposeful and deeply connected to the daily work of rhino care and conservation.
If you are ready to contribute, we invite you to take the next step.
Limited spaces. Structured programme. Real conservation support.
