- Home
- Destinations
- Africa
- South Africa
- Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth
What is Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth all about?
Volunteer in Port Elizabeth and work alongside South Africa’s Big 5: lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and leopard. This impressive game reserve is situated in the Eastern Cape (85km out of Port Elizabeth, towards Grahamstown) and spans almost 6000 hectares. In addition to the Big 5 roaming free, the reserve has a predator educational and rehabilitation centre, which houses endangered and orphaned predators, such as rare Bengal tigers, wild dogs, white lions and more. Volunteering on this project will allow you to make a difference in the lives and futures of South African animals through conservation efforts.
Why choose this Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth project?
This programme is designed for volunteers interested in having a truly African experience, while making a difference in the local wildlife and environment. During your stay, you’ll act as an assistant conservationist, working to improve the quality of the reserve.
Role of the Big 5 volunteer
As a volunteer, you will be providing an essential extra pair of hands as there is always plenty to do on the reserve. Volunteers will work together in groups with an assigned leader to complete daily activities. Activities that you may be involved with include:
- Lion tracking and monitoring
- School feeding schemes (let us know if you are interested as spaces are limited)
- Wildlife structures
- Game count
- Game capture
- Removal of alien vegetation in and around the reserve
- Planting of indigenous trees
- Fauna and flora work in the nursery
- Wilderness trail walks and patrols
- Fence patrol
Activities vary on a day to day basis and will depend on the need at the time you will be there.
Skills Required to be a Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth
No specific skills are needed for this project, however, it is expected that volunteers will have a genuine interest in wildlife and conservation. Patience and flexibility are imperative, as this is a dynamic environment and project activities often change.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To get up close to Africa’s Big 5
To assist with the protection of endangered animals
To experience life in Southern Africa
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS




Where will I work in South Africa?
About the location
Port Elizabeth is located on the southern tip of South Africa in an enchanting place known as the Eastern Cape. This location is home to the village of Sidbury that was built by British settlers to support sheep farming communities.
Accomodation
The game reserve is situated about 85 km from Port Elizabeth. The site offers a dormitory accommodation for volunteers where you’ll spend evenings with fellow volunteers sitting around the fireplace, visiting the entertainment room, or enjoying the amazing views. You can’t miss the reserve’s traditional African cuisine, served with a touch of spice.
What to do in your spare time?
Overall, the area has a past as rich as its abundant wildlife population. Port Elizabeth boasts a beautiful beach and a range of fun activities like hiking, bungee jumping, whale watching and watersports.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 2+ weeks
- Cost: £1189/$1856 for 2 weeks
£415/$648 for each week thereafter - Requirements: Age 16+
- Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Working hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 – 16:30
- Project availability: All year round
- Arrival day: Monday
What is included
- Accommodation: luxury single sex dorms, dining room, lounge outdoor braii (BBQ) and swimming pool (upgrades available for an extra fee)
- Food: 3 meals per day while on the reserve, soft drinks with meals
- Weekly laundry service (R60 per kilo)
- Scheduled airport pick up and drop off in Port Elizabeth.
- Training: pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation and project induction
- Cap and t-shirt
- Support: 24-hour support from on-site coordinator
- Scheduled weekend excursion to Port Elizabeth or Jeffreys Bay (accommodation in dorms & transportation is covered, extra costs are your responsibility).
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Activities on excursions and trips
- Food during weekend excursions
- Private weekend excursions
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

Join Kaya's whale and dolphin conservation internship on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador to protect habitats and species.
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Join this fantastic Marine Science Education Internship in Little Cayman and experience life on a tropical island whilst contributing to meaningful conservation work!
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Join this amazing Marine Science Research Internship in Little Cayman and get some real insight into marine conservation in the Caribbeans!
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Experience the wildlife show of a lifetime whilst contributing to key research and conservation efforts in the Maasai Mara
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Refine your photography skills, enhance your CV and help create impactful images for a local NGO in Cape Town
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Join the sustainability internship in South Africa and make an impact environmentally, economically or culturally depending on your field!
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Join the nursing and medical internship in South Africa, shadow professionals locally to develop your own skills and learn about healthcare.
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Join our social work internship in South Africa and get involved in a local community while developing your professional skills in a different environment.
wishlistRemove from
wishlist

Join our human rights internship in South Africa and get involved with a local community on a worthy cause.
wishlistRemove from
wishlist