Wildlife conservation projects undertake valuable scientific research and often directly responsible for preventing species from disappearing at a local or global level. Unfortunately, worldwide ignorance or apathy mean these projects are often without the funding they need to save these fragile ecosystems, and so rely on volunteers like you to help get the work done.
If you choose to undertake a conservation project as part of your gap year experience, you will be helping to give something back and to make a difference. It's easy to travel the world and see lots of new places, without actually doing anything. But it is so much more rewarding to give a little back along the way. You will be working alongside like minded people and will probably learn some new skills that will be valuable when you get back home, perhaps in your career.
Make a genuine difference with Oyster's many links to charities and organisations from around the world. Volunteer with exotic wildlife and help with environmental conservation by choosing from a variety of beautiful and exotic locations. Volunteer from as little as one week to up to 12 months.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Oyster Worldwide
This is our most popular Program,a 10 week program in NZ & Australia. Think service learning conservation projects in diverse national parks, outdoors expeditions, backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, surfing & educational adventure travel in NZ & Australia's mountain, forest and beach environments
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Pacific Discovery
Maximo Nivel’s volunteer programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru provide unique opportunities to live and work in Latin America, while giving back to the global community and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Maximo Nivel
Volunteer at a widely-accredited wildlife ranch in South Africa! This ranch is home to over 90 species of endangered animals. Volunteers will get up-close with various animals. Visitors come to the ranch to learn about these animals and how important their conservation
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Go Eco
This 10 week South East Asia Program incorporates various service learning projects such as elephant conservation & volunteering with a school. In addition expect a meditation retreat, rock climbing, caving, trekking, river boat, tubing, jungle exploring, visiting temples, muay thai & cookery class
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Pacific Discovery
Volunteer at a primate rehabilitation centre in rural Africa and be prepared for lots of monkey hugs! You'll be a surrogate parent to orphaned and mistreated monkeys and baboons, as they continue on their journey back to life in the wild.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Oyster Worldwide
On this 10 week program in Nepal&Tibet you experience Nepali language&culture immersion whilst home-staying in a rural village.You'll have the opportunity to volunteer on a community development project, trek Annapurna circuit, study yoga&meditation, raft down Kali Gandaki & visit Everest Base Camp.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Pacific Discovery
Volunteer in a brown bear sanctuary in Romania, helping to sort through food donations and feed the bears. Over 100 bears have been rescued and now live in the huge enclosures, emerging from the trees when it's feeding time. Volunteers are vital for the running of the sanctuary, and you could help.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Oyster Worldwide
Join our 4 weeks all inclusive volunteer placements in the greater Kruger National park, South Africa.
Live on a big 5 wildlife reserve, take part in game drives, bush walks and over 12 different and important conservation projects!
Perfect both for a gap year experience or wildlife enthusiasts
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Hamba Africa
PMGY offer some of the most amazing Under 18 volunteer projects in gorgeous, exotic locations abroad from 1-week to 6-months.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Plan My Gap Year
Volunteering on a stunning game reserve, you'll have the chance to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat - elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo and leopards. Participating in this project, you will contribute to the protection of these beautiful animals and their unique habitat.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Oyster Worldwide
Gap year programs are transformative. The more life experience you bring to university and to your career the more successful you will be. This is because you are more focused and more aware of what you actually want to do. There are so many great reasons to travel!
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Maximo Nivel
PMGY offer some of the most amazing wildlife conservation volunteer projects in gorgeous, exotic locations abroad from 1-week to 6-months.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Plan My Gap Year
Plan My Gap Year is an award-winning volunteer travel organisation, working across 17 countries in Africa, Asia & South America. PMGY provide a safe, structured and social experience with opportunities available from 1-36 weeks.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Plan My Gap Year
Make a genuine difference with Oyster's many links to charities and organisations from around the world. Volunteer with exotic wildlife and help with environmental conservation by choosing from a variety of beautiful and exotic locations. Volunteer from as little as one week to up to 12 months.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Oyster Worldwide
4 Weeks wildlife placement working on over 12 conservation projects in the greater Kruger National park plus a week dedicated to adventure and travel!
Explore South Africa, help wildlife, discover natural wonders and try adrenaline pumping activities.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Hamba Africa
Gain experience providing care for wildlife species at a rehabilitation center in South Africa! Volunteers will provide care for various animals, including hand-rearing orphaned animals when necessary. This center aims to rehabilitate & release all animals, but there are some who cannot be released.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Go Eco
Volunteer at a rural charity in South Africa.
Live and work onsite, get to know a new culture and play a key role in various projects to help uplift the community, teach children, develop local infrastructure and the economy and break the poverty cycle in this personally rewarding experience.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Hamba Africa
PMGY offer some of the most amazing teaching volunteer projects in gorgeous, exotic locations abroad from 1-week to 6-months.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Plan My Gap Year
Volunteer at a wildlife rescue centre in the jungle of Ecuador! The rescue shelter is home to various species of native Ecuadorian wild animals that have been abused, injured or neglected.
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Go Eco
This is our most popular Program,a 10 week program in NZ & Australia. Think service learning conservation projects in diverse national parks, outdoors expeditions, backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, surfing & educational adventure travel in NZ & Australia's mountain, forest and beach environments
Get more details & apply
Make an enquiry with Pacific Discovery
As more and more of the world's population become wealthy enough to travel to distant countries, the impact on the environment and upon local communities and wildlife become more noticeable and more reported. This has lead to a proliferation in the number of conservation based gap years and gap year projects focused on helping and giving back to the communities that are being visited. Many of the most fragile marine and terrestrial environments are located in some of the world's poorest areas. While many governments recognise the need to protect these valuable ecosystems, not least because of the tourist revenue that they generate, conservation often isn't at the top of their list of priorities. Gap year companies are increasingly working with local groups to offer gap year workers who can volunteer their time and skills.
The gap year conservation companies we work with offer a wide variety of exciting conservation projects all over the world, including animal conservation in Game Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Amazon Rainforest. Construction of model farms in India, sustainable development and agriculture. Plus many more.
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