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Wildlife Experience with the Big 5 logo

Wildlife Experience with the Big 5

by: Oyster Worldwide

9.78 (9)Verified

Live the life of a game ranger and groundskeeper on a huge, private game reserve in South Africa. Gain the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with a multitude of different animals. Home to the Big 5 - elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and lions - you will get the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. It is so much more than a safari! You can get involved with programme...

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Program Highlights

Experience full immersion into life on a beautiful game reserve.

Make a genuine contribution to land and wildlife conservation.

Work with local guides to gain amazing insight into game reserve life.

Become part of inspiring community programmes, helping provide kids with enough food to be able to concentrate at school and enjoy education.

Live in a beautiful setting close to the sea and the excitement of Port Elizabeth.

Quick Details

Locations
  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Cost Per Week$900-1250
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Eco-Tourism
  • Environment
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
See all program details

Awards

Gap Year Association

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.78

Total Reviews

9

I am so grateful to her for helping make my trip as magical as it was.

January 18, 2025by: Hayley SpicerProgram: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5
10

I went to South Africa for a little over two weeks and in those two weeks I participated in two of Oyster Worldwide trips (one week per trip plus a couple days between flights for transport purposes) and I had an amazing time. The main reasons I went on this trip is for work experience however I also had my birthday during my time there and it was important to me that there would be no complications. I had a very kind and informative member of the admin team, her name is Kate, who helped my sister and I during the entire process, from the booking of flights, to the arrangements of mid-trip transport (my experience was unique due to taking part in two different excursions which were located in different areas of South Africa- Kate helped us arrange overnight accommodation due to flight times, transport to and from the airports and so much more when it came to moving from one excursion to the other). Kate also was extremely helpful when I had some technical difficulties when trying to access my personal oyster worldwide portal and she very efficiently got it sorted for me. This was my first time flying long haul as a young person and my first time flying without my parents and naturally I was nervous about the many things that are entailed in the planning of a trip like the one i was on, Kate made my experience a lot more comfortable and explained everything clearly and concisely and overall much more manageable process. I am so grateful to her for helping make my trip as magical as it was and it has definitely convinced me to user Oyster Worldwide again in the future.

What an amazing time he had at the reserve

August 15, 2024by: Diane PettProgram: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5
10

My son was 17 when we booked his trip to South Africa as part of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. I just wanted to let you know what an amazing time he had at the reserve. He loved everything about the trip, had some fantastic experiences and met some lovely people. Thank you so much for helping us along the way. You were able to put our minds at rest and answer our questions. I will definitely be recommending your company.

The Wildlife conservation experience was amazing

August 06, 2024by: Tobey PettProgram: Wildlife Experience with the Big 5
10

The Wildlife conservation experience was amazing thank you Oyster Worldwide, I loved every second and had the best experience ever, I wanted to say thank you for being able to help with everything and allowing me to do this.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Community Development
  • Conservation

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian

Cost per week

$900-1250

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Phone/Video Interview
    • In-Person Interview when Feasible
    • Online Application
    Oyster Worldwide

    Oyster Worldwide

    9.78Verified

    Ready to Learn More?

    Live the life of a game ranger and groundskeeper on a huge, private game reserve in South Africa. Gain the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with a multitude of different animals. Home to the Big 5 - elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and lions - you will get the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. It is so much more than a safari! You can get involved with programmes and make genuine contributions to the welfare and conservation of animals as well as the lives of people from local communities. Volunteers who make a real difference are those willing to get stuck in and show initiative. If you want to see the Big 5 and other iconic African animals, but also want to contribute to the reserve they live in, this would be the ideal programme for you.

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