To apply for an

Enkosini Eco Experience

volunteer project:

Enkosini Eco Experience offers self-funding volunteers a unique opportunity to work at some of South Africa's leading wildlife conservation, rehabilitation and research projects.

A conservation placement is the ultimate life changing and rewarding experience. Placements range from 2 to 12 weeks, giving volunteers the opportunity to become involved in a wide variety of conservation activities; including anti poaching patrols, animal care and feeding, monitoring and counting of wildlife, erecting and checking of game fences, bush rehabilitation and everyday reserve maintenance and management. Volunteers can also divide their time between different conservation projects (i.e. 2 weeks at the Makalali Game Reserve, 4 weeks at the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary and 6 weeks at the Baboon Sanctuary) or organize the perfect custom safari through Enkosini before or after their volunteer placement. All of our conservation projects have a strong element of continuity. The work of one volunteer is carried on by subsequent volunteers and, collectively, the Enkosini Eco Experience network makes a lasting impact on local communities, wildlife and wildlands in South Africa.

A proudly South African organization, Enkosini Eco Experience is the only volunteer placement organization operated by a local wildlife conservation project – the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary (www.enkosini.com). In 2003 Enkosini recognized that most South African wildlife conservation projects outsourced their volunteer recruitment to large placement organizations operating from the UK/US/Europe. These international placement organizations typically keep a substantial commission to perform this service so only a portion of a volunteer’s contribution actually reaches the projects. Enkosini Eco Experience was formed to provide a direct path for volunteers to secure placement at some of the South Africa’s finest wildlife conservation projects, while ensuring that every contribution directly aids our partner projects. Enkosini Eco Experience allows you to volunteer in a way that fills your heart, mind and spirit and maximizes your financial contribution to the projects you choose.

Enkosini’s carefully selected projects are not just “placements” – they are our colleagues, our mentors, our partners. A tight-knit South African community, we work together to achieve higher standards in conservation and to fight unethical wildlife activities through advocacy, media exposure and legislative change. Enkosini Eco Experience supports our partner wildlife projects with the necessary financial and volunteer assistance required to achieve their goals in conservation and community development.

In addition to managing the Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary, the staff of Enkosini Eco Experience has traveled extensively through Southern Africa - teaching, working, volunteering, studying, backpacking, and managing tour groups. Our knowledge and understanding of where to go, when to go, what to do and how to do it will prepare you for traveling abroad to South Africa. You‘ll enjoy Enkosini’s complete support before, during and after your experience including emergency phone lines, in the field co-ordinators, full training where required, independent travel advice, and most importantly a team with the experience to answer all your questions. We are well-informed about local issues and culture, and ensure that all the costs and organizational details for your project are covered so that your experience is safe, enjoyable and fulfilling.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life – from gap year students to career breakers to retired people – and we organize placements for people of all nationalities. Whether you are burned out from running the rat race, exploring a new direction in your life or just aching to see the world, an Enkosini Eco Experience is an absolute must for anyone who is enthusiastic about conservation and the environment. Enkosini’s range of volunteer projects offer the adventurous individual the chance to take part in valuable and rewarding hands-on conservation work that provides a sustainable future for South Africa’s important ecosystems. And, of course, South Africa is a great place to travel with magnificent scenery, fabulous weather, good infrastructure, fascinating cultures, and last but not least, spectacular wildlife! 

Let the adventure begin…