Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce had a dream—the dream that all nations could live in peace with one another. Joseph’s Dream Stud is more than just a breeding stud. We are training both people and horses, but most importantly, we let horses teach people: how to listen... listen to nature, listen to silence, and listen to the ancient rhythms of the Earth. The healing power that comes from connecting with the souls of these incredible creatures allows us to open up and learn the language needed to make Joseph’s dream a reality in this world—between people, between people and animals, and between people and the planet. Joseph's Dream Stud is situated at Sandwerf Retreat in Namibia, surrounded by one of the country's most beautiful landscapes. A riverbed runs through the property, shaded by camel-thorn trees that are hundreds of years old. The founders of Joseph's Dream Stud & Training Center are Annika Funke-Barnard and Leon Barnard. Annika is the breeder, manager, and photographer of the Joseph's Dream horses. Her husband, Leon, is the architect and designer of Sandwerf Farm and its beautiful holistic setting.
Our main mission at Tortugas de Pacuare is to protect endangered sea turtles such as the Leatherback sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle, and Green sea turtle. With the support of the local community and international volunteers, we aim to conserve the environment. By working with sea turtles, local communities, and environmental education programs, we strive to educate people on the importance of protecting the valuable marine ecosystem. Turtle seasons: - Leatherback turtle season: from the last week of February to the end of June - Green turtle season: from July to September - Hawksbill turtle season: from April to August One important thing to remember when working in animal protection is that wildlife is unpredictable, so we cannot guarantee exactly what your experience will be like. The only certainty is that nature is amazing and always full of surprises—that is why we love working to save turtles. Working with turtles: Working with turtles involves night patrols on the beach. Alongside local guides and other volunteers, you will patrol the beach to collect turtle eggs and relocate them to a turtle hatchery, where they will be protected from poachers. You will also work at the hatchery, caring for the eggs and newly hatched turtles, ensuring they are well prepared for their journey back into the sea. The Leatherback Turtle: Leatherbacks are the largest turtles on Earth, growing up to seven feet (two meters) in length and exceeding 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) in weight. These reptilian relics are the only remaining representatives of a family of turtles whose evolutionary history dates back more than 100 million years. Once widespread across most oceans except the Arctic and Antarctic, the leatherback population has declined significantly in many regions. Unlike other sea turtles, leatherbacks do not have hard, bony shells. Instead, they have a flexible, leathery carapace that gives them their name.
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.
The sole purpose of our project is to care for the welfare and well-being of domesticated elephants. At ECRF, we prioritize the mental and physical health of the elephants under our care. We do not engage in riding or exploitative activities with our elephants. Mornings begin with cleaning the elephants’ beds, collecting food for the day, preparing vitamin balls (sometimes containing necessary medicine), and assisting with day-trip visitors. Renting and maintaining elephants is extremely expensive, and the project relies solely on donations and volunteer support, which is why we ask for a fee to join. Our dream is to buy a piece of land where our elephants can roam as freely as possible. We aim to educate as many people as possible about the realities of tourist attractions and the logging industry, so we hope you will have many questions to ask.
Zoorefugio Tarqui is a wildlife rescue center in the Ecuadorian Amazon, founded in 2008 to protect animals affected by illegal trafficking. The center provides care, rehabilitation, and safe housing for a variety of species, including monkeys, reptiles, felines, and birds, while promoting conservation and environmental awareness in the local community. Volunteers support daily tasks such as animal care, feeding, enclosure maintenance, and enrichment activities. The experience offers hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to live in nature while contributing directly to wildlife protection.
IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on environmental education and scientific research in biodiversity, ecology, and the behavior of Brazilian fauna and flora. It works to support conservation projects across ecosystems in Brazil. IPBio is partnered with FreeWildlifeBrazil Celine, a non-profit dedicated to native bird release. In 2024, both organizations merged into a joint program, combining efforts to protect wildlife through shared volunteer and internship initiatives.
IPBio – Biodiversity Research Institute is a non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology, and the behavior of flora and fauna in Brazilian ecosystems. Its reserve is accredited as an “advanced outpost” by UNESCO. IPBio has contributed to publications in leading scientific journals such as Science and Nature – Scientific Reports. The organization also supports both indirect conservation through sustainable development and direct conservation through reforestation and a wildlife release center in the Atlantic Forest.
Founded in 2013, MRCI is a government-approved organisation in Madagascar working across environmental research, conservation, community development, medical assistance, and content creation. Its projects focus on marine, forest, and turtle conservation, alongside education and infrastructure support in remote villages. In partnership with international organisations, MRCI conducts long-term biodiversity monitoring and species protection initiatives on land and underwater. It also supports community health and education while providing a safe, inclusive space for global volunteers to contribute to sustainable development and conservation in Madagascar.
We are a marine conservation organisation with over a decade of hands-on experience protecting the reefs of Koh Tao. Our focus is to protect coral reefs through restoration, research, education, and community action. We train both divers and non-divers to take part in real conservation work, including coral restoration, reef monitoring, citizen science, internships, and environmental initiatives. We collaborate with local dive centres to promote a united, science-based approach to reef protection. As climate change and human impact continue to threaten marine ecosystems, our mission is to provide practical skills and real field experience that participants can apply beyond the program. Our projects focus on both natural and artificial reefs, collecting long-term data and actively supporting reef health improvement. Whether beginner or experienced, everyone can get involved in meaningful marine conservation.
Bali offers several eco-tourism and conservation programs focused on marine ecosystems, including sea turtle conservation, coral reef restoration, and mangrove rehabilitation. These marine camps are typically immersive volunteer or educational experiences run in collaboration with local communities in Bali. The programs combine hands-on activities with environmental education and are designed for volunteers, students, groups, and eco-tourists. Sea Turtle Conservation: Volunteers work closely with turtle conservation activities, including monitoring nesting beaches, collecting data for conservation methods, observing feeding grounds, and assisting in the care of injured turtles in rehabilitation centers. Coral Reef Protection: Coral reefs play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat for fish and crustaceans. Activities include reef cleaning, coral restoration, reef monitoring, and supporting coral planting programs while helping protect reefs from pollution. Mangrove Ecosystems: Mangroves are essential coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity, produce oxygen, and filter air and water. Volunteer activities include mangrove planting, biodiversity monitoring, and education on their role in coastal protection.
Ecotourism Nusa Penida was created by our conservation community, Nuansa Pulau, which has been committed to protecting the environment since 2017. Since then, we have planted more than 95,000 corals. We actively rehabilitate coral reefs and mangrove forests, preserve traditional seaweed farming practices, and work toward a sustainable future for the island while educating the next generation.
Eco Hero Conservation is a marine research and conservation program based in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, that trains and educates divers in the conservation of marine megafauna. We are always looking for marine enthusiasts to join our research diver training program and research team. This conservation program builds on the experience and expertise of volunteers from around the world. Coral reefs are essential to both human and marine life. They provide habitat for a wide variety of species and protect coastlines from erosion and storms. However, reefs are under severe threat from human activities such as irresponsible fishing, pollution, and climate change. Conservation is therefore essential, including keeping coastlines clean, preventing erosion, practicing sustainable fishing, avoiding coral damage, involving local communities, improving management capacity, and rehabilitating damaged reefs. We believe true conservation lies in allowing nature to function with minimal human interference. However, human activities such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and destructive practices disrupt this balance. As our work is ocean-based, we combine marine activities with ecological education. Participants may join a divemaster internship with marine ecology specialties, contributing to daily data collection on manta rays, turtles, and fish, learning about corals, and participating in coral propagation programs. We also organize beach and reef cleanups, awareness activities, and community support such as teaching English to local children. The internship includes training, materials, instructor support, and certification. Accommodation and lunch are provided on ocean training and research days.
United Tansania e.V. is a German NGO, registered in 2021 and based in Tanzania. We study both hyena species: the striped hyena, classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, and the spotted hyena, which is threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. To understand the drivers of sustainable carnivore survival outside protected areas, we work on mitigation solutions with communities that experience hyena conflicts. Due to their negative reputation and responsibility for livestock losses, hyenas are subject to high levels of persecution, including the use of snares. Our team, led by a veterinarian and supported by local trackers and camp staff, is committed to empowering local communities and conducting research on spotted and striped hyenas. Our long-term goals include developing effective strategies for carnivore conservation and improving animal health.
In 2010, Dr. Edward Louis, who has worked in Madagascar since 1998, established the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership (MBP), a Malagasy non-governmental organization created to expand innovative conservation projects throughout the country. MBP is dedicated to protecting Madagascar’s unique forests and biodiversity while sustainably improving the quality of life for local communities that rely heavily on natural resources. Guided by the belief that “everything is connected,” or “Mampifandray ny tontolo,” MBP combines conservation, education, research, and community development to achieve long-term sustainability for both people and the environment. Through this volunteer program, MBP aims to support conservation research, community-based conservation, education, and outreach activities. Volunteers contribute to projects that help preserve the environment, support sustainable development, and strengthen local understanding of conservation challenges and solutions. MBP works closely with local communities to encourage environmental awareness, improve educational opportunities, and create empowerment initiatives that benefit residents living near conservation areas. Volunteers may assist with environmental education, research support, outreach programs, and other community-focused activities designed to create a lasting positive impact. The main project site is the Grewcock Ihofa Vohitsara Bioreserve (GIVB) in central-east Madagascar. This area is rich in biodiversity and provides volunteers with a unique opportunity to experience Madagascar’s natural beauty while contributing to meaningful conservation and community efforts.
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.