A Love Story That Inspired DAKTARI Ian and Michèle Merrifield officially opened DAKTARI Bush School in 2006, after years of dedication and hard work. They first met while Ian was working as a game ranger at Tshukudu Game Lodge and Michèle was volunteering there. While caring for injured zebras, wildebeest, and warthogs, they fell in love and shared a vision of protecting wildlife through education. DAKTARI’s mission is to educate and inspire local children to value their environment while supporting community development. Located in the South African bush near Kruger National Park, DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is a local NGO founded in 2006. The organization provides environmental education programs where children stay at DAKTARI for five days to learn about wildlife conservation and their natural heritage. Children also help care for animals that cannot be released back into the wild, helping develop empathy, respect, and responsibility toward wildlife. Volunteers from around the world support the program by teaching lessons and helping guide children in animal care activities. In addition, DAKTARI runs an Outreach Program, including weekly ECO Clubs and Wildlife Crime Campaigns, to inspire positive attitudes toward environmental conservation within local communities.
TAILOR-MADE TRIPS Odyssey creates tailor-made trips for schools, student groups, volunteers, and travellers who want a journey designed around their goals, interests, and budget. Whether you are looking for a conservation-focused experience, an educational safari, a meaningful volunteer program, or a unique South African adventure, we work closely with you to create an itinerary that meets your needs from start to finish.
Our conservation camp is a welcoming base for travellers, students, and volunteers passionate about wildlife, nature, and environmental conservation. Surrounded by unspoiled beaches, forests, lakes, and rich Zulu culture, the camp offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of northern South Africa while making a meaningful impact. Our primary mission is to help protect the remaining hippos of Lake Sibaya, South Africa's largest freshwater lake. Volunteers contribute to wildlife monitoring, beach clean-ups, biodiversity surveys, and other conservation projects. Those with practical or creative skills can also assist with building and improving our base camp. Located near Sodwana Bay, famous for its world-class scuba diving, the camp is the perfect place to combine conservation, adventure, and an authentic African experience.
Stay Africa Volunteers (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was established in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It served as the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities originated during the Apartheid era. For over 40 years, we have played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel and are well-equipped to help young people realize their travel dreams. We have achieved this by working with reputable and internationally recognized partners from around the world. Stay Africa's volunteer programs are operated in accordance with the guidelines established by these international organizations. Over the past 15 years, Stay Africa has expanded its offerings to include exciting opportunities for international travelers to experience South Africa through Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, High School Exchange, and group travel programs.
Welcome to the Vervet Monkey Foundation (VMF)! Established in 1993 in South Africa, our sanctuary was born out of urgent necessity. When a tiny orphaned baby vervet monkey was brought to founder Dave, he quickly discovered a tragic reality: there were no specialised facilities dedicated to rehabilitating or protecting this indigenous species, which is frequently misunderstood, orphaned through human conflict, or targeted as pests. What started with a single orphan soon evolved into a lifeline for thousands. Our Mission Our core mission is simple yet profound: to provide a sanctuary for abused, orphaned, injured, and lab-rescued vervet monkeys, while working tirelessly to conserve the species and their natural habitats. We believe that every monkey deserves a life free from exploitation, surrounded by their own kind. The VMF Story & Breakthroughs Over the past three decades, VMF has pioneered groundbreaking primate rehabilitation. We don’t just house monkeys; we help restore their identity. We achieved a world-first by successfully rebuilding natural, self-sustaining social structures from orphaned individuals, allowing them to form deep, complex bonds within a troop. From the intensive, around-the-clock care in our sickbay for vulnerable babies, to the gradual and rewarding process of integrating monkeys into a family, our work covers every stage of recovery. The Volunteer Experience As a volunteer, you are the backbone of our foundation. You won’t just be watching from the sidelines; you will be directly involved in making a difference. Your days will include preparing specialised diets, constructing and repairing essential infrastructure, assisting with enrichment activities to keep the monkeys stimulated, and witnessing incredible milestones—such as seeing an underweight orphan take its first brave steps into a new troop. By volunteering with us, you become a vital part of our ongoing history, helping us give these beautiful primates a second chance.
We, Volunteer International Adventures, are a passionate, hands-on organisation based in Africa, with a dedicated team creating meaningful volunteer experiences since 2008. We welcome students, travellers, families, friends, gappers, and career breakers to join our ethical projects in South Africa, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe, focusing on animal and youth projects. We believe in responsible and inclusive volunteer travel, offering opportunities that not only support important projects but also allow volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, build real connections, and create lifelong memories. Our local teams are committed to your journey by ensuring your safety, supporting your personal growth, and guiding you every step of the way so you can focus on making a genuine difference where it is needed most. Volunteers in our Knysna projects can contribute in areas such as veterinary medicine, animal care, youth development, social work, teaching, early childhood care, sports coaching, and community development with NPOs.