About Us
A Love Story That Inspired DAKTARI
Ian and Michèle Merrifield officially opened DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage 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.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
DAKTARI offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to wildlife conservation and environmental education in South Africa.
Volunteers gain hands-on experience working with animals while making a meaningful impact in local communities. The program combines conservation, education, and cultural exchange, creating a rewarding and eye-opening experience.
Volunteering at DAKTARI also allows participants to develop new skills, create lifelong memories, and become part of a passionate and supportive team.
Requirements
- You should love children and animals.
- For children joining together with their guardians, the minimum age is 10 years old.
- Volunteers should be able to communicate in English
Volunteer experience
Monday to Friday, volunteers teach a group of around eight children aged 8 - 10. Lessons focus on environmental education, wildlife conservation, and social topics in South Africa such as safe sex and substance abuse. All classes are taught in English, but no teaching experience or native-level English is required, as full support and materials are provided.
The day starts at 7:00 AM, with classes beginning at 9:00 AM and finishing around 4:30 PM. Volunteers also take part in group discussions, games, swimming, bonfire evenings, and other fun activities with the children. In addition, volunteers help feed and care for the animals at DAKTARI alongside the staff team.
2026 Euro (€) GBP (£)
1 week €710.00 £590.00
2 weeks €1,350.00 £1,120.00
3 weeks €1,850.00 £1,540.00
4 weeks €2,200.00 £1,830.00
5 weeks €2,550.00 £2,120.00
6 weeks €2,900.00 £2,410.00
7 weeks €3,250.00 £2,700.00
8 weeks €3,600.00 £2,990.00
9 weeks €3,950.00 £3,280.00
10 weeks €4,300.00 £3,570.00
11 weeks €4,650.00 £3,860.00
12 weeks €5,000.00 £4,150.00
DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is located in a stunning nature reserve with granite hills and free-roaming wildlife such as zebra, giraffe, kudu, buffalo, and impala. The camp is in the heart of the bush, where volunteers work with children and enclosed animals while also exploring the surrounding natural environment.
DAKTARI CAMP
Accommodation is rustic but comfortable, with traditional chalets offering hot showers, running water, and solar-powered lighting. Volunteers may share a chalet with up to four same-sex volunteers, with each person having their own bed and storage space.
There are no plug points in chalets, but a shared charging station is available during the day. Hair dryers and straighteners are not allowed due to limited solar power.
Laundry is done daily except Sundays, rooms are cleaned every day, and bed linen is changed weekly.
At DAKTARI, volunteers are provided with three meals a day prepared by our experienced kitchen staff. We can cater for vegetarians and vegans. Volunteers who require a gluten-free diet are asked to bring their own food for the first week and can restock during weekend shopping trips. Unfortunately, gluten-free products are too expensive for us to provide without additional cost.
All arrivals and departures are on Saturdays only. We can pick you up from Hoedspruit Airport or Hoedspruit town (if you arrive via the early shuttle). On arrival, you will receive a tour and introduction to DAKTARI. Sunday is a rest day, giving you time to relax, recover from travel, meet other volunteers, and prepare for your lessons starting on Monday.
Living and working at DAKTARI is safe and enjoyable, provided you respect the camp rules.
Weekends and time off:
On Saturdays, volunteers can join a trip to Hoedspruit for shopping and lunch at local restaurants.
Adventure awaits:
Volunteering at DAKTARI also offers opportunities to explore South Africa, including visits to Kruger National Park and other nearby attractions.
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