Volunteer Abroad South Africa: Species Conservation Marataba
Have you ever dreamed of experiencing true wilderness while actively contributing to the protection of endangered species? Then the Marataba Conservation Volunteer Programme is just what you’re looking for. Nestled within the spectacular Waterberg Mountains of South Africa, you’ll embark on an intensive, educational, and deeply moving nature experience.
As a volunteer, you’ll join a committed team of rangers, researchers, and conservation experts, accompanying them in their daily fieldwork—whether that’s wildlife monitoring, habitat management, or educational and community outreach activities. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge of modern conservation techniques and discover what it truly means to live and work alongside wildlife.
You’ll be staying in a small tented camp deep in the bush—without unnecessary luxuries but full of authenticity, team spirit, and closeness to nature. Here, you can unwind, settle in, and gain new perspectives on the world, on nature, and on yourself. Start planning your adventure in Marataba National Park now!
Highlights
- Experience firsthand the work of a modern conservation project
- Learn from professional rangers, biologists, and wildlife experts
- Assist with activities such as wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and research tasks
- Explore the unique landscape of the Waterberg Mountains—on foot or by boat
- Enjoy community life in the tented camp with campfires and genuine team spirit
- Push your limits on the Natural Leadership Trail during your final week
Locations
Plan your trip
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Included in the programme fee
- Placement in the programme
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Assistance with selecting travel insurance
- Assistance with booking flights
- Risk coverage certificate
Daniel, your travel agent for South Africa
You would like to learn more about this trip? Don't hesitate to contact me! Our service doesn't end with your departure: I answer all of your questions and support you before, during and after your stay abroad.
Volunteering Conservation Marataba
Become part of a dedicated conservation team in Marataba National Park and help protect endangered wildlife amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Arrival in South Africa
Upon landing in Johannesburg, you’ll be picked up by a transfer service and taken to Marataba Conservation Camp. The journey leads you deep into the stunning wilderness of the Waterberg region.
Once there, the volunteer coordinator will welcome you and provide an introduction to camp life and your project responsibilities.
Activities as a Volunteer
Your tasks will be flexible and aligned with the current needs of the park, varying from day to day. You will, among other things, observe wildlife and collect important data, check and manage camera traps, and assist with various maintenance tasks such as fence and track repairs.
Additionally, you will help the team remove invasive plant species to protect native vegetation and natural habitats.
Each day brings new challenges that are both physically and mentally demanding—but also invaluable opportunities to contribute actively to the protection and preservation of endangered species and ecosystems.
You will work closely with experienced rangers and conservation specialists, learning how modern conservation operates in practice.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in a small tented camp right in the bush sharing the space with up to seven other volunteers, a conservation student, and the volunteer coordinator. Your own tent offers privacy and quietness, while the communal kitchen, lounge, bathrooms, and outdoor areas provide plenty of space for socialising and relaxation.
Electricity is generated environmentally via solar power, and a modern gas stove is used for cooking.
Leisure and board
Meals are prepared together in the camp—you will cook your own food, using fresh ingredients delivered twice a week. This not only fosters team spirit but also ensures a varied and balanced diet during your stay. Weekends usually provide ample time to rest, read a book, or enjoy the peacefulness of nature. Those interested can join group walks or take part in guided game drives through the park to observe wildlife and immerse themselves even deeper in the African wilderness. These free moments are perfect opportunities to recharge and appreciate the unique surroundings consciously.
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Arrival
Travelling to South Africa
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Schedule
Typical day as a volunteer
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Activities
Tasks as a volunteer
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Departure
Your last day at the project
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1. Marakele National Park
Discover the breathtaking landscape of the Marakele National Park! The park is far away from the South Africa’s tourist destinations which means that visitor can look forward to a particularly untouched and exclusive nature adventure in Marakele National Park, including fantastic animal sightings. The malaria-free reserve is home to the largest colony of Cape vultures and therefore one of the best places to watch this rare vulture species.
Marakele is located in the southwest of the Limpopo Province in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. For more than 24 years, the Big Five, wild dogs, giraffes and rare bird species have been protected in the 670 km² large reserve. Marakele is also culturally interesting – many remnants of the Iron Age can be discovered in the park.
Background – Protecting endangered wildlife
Marataba Contractual National Park lies in northern South Africa on the edge of the Waterberg massif. It is part of the larger Marakele National Park and is among the country’s most biodiverse conservation areas. Home to the “Big Five”, over 300 bird species, and numerous other animals, including endangered species such as the black rhinoceros and Cape vulture.
To preserve this richness, the Marataba Conservation Project was established, a long-term conservation programme combining modern strategies with hands-on implementation. The focus is on active fieldwork: monitoring, management, research, habitat care, and community engagement.
As a volunteer, you gain exclusive insight into this work. You will support the team on practical tasks and be directly involved in ongoing projects. Along the way, you’ll learn what modern conservation really means and why it is so crucial for the future of our planet.
Conscious Travel with Natucate
Supporting real conservation projects worldwide through individual wilderness adventures – our ambitions, our values, our service.
