Wildlife Act

Where: Wildlife ACT in Zululand, South Africa. Length: 2+ weeks Cost: $1,420+ USD/trip You can’t make a trip to Africa without seeing wildlife, can you? This program takes it one step further, making it possible to be directly involved in the conservation of the iconic animals we marvel at on nature documentaries. Volunteers help monitor species including the cheetah, rhino, lion, elephant, leopard, and African wild dog across 5 project sites on various reserves in South Africa. Daily tasks include tracking animals, collecting data on behavior, setting camera traps, and more. The program, led by non-profit Wildlife ACT, is supported by the World Wildlife Fund and was runner up for “Best for Wildlife Conservation” at the World Responsible Tourism awards in 2018.
Where: SEE Turtles, Northern Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica Length: 5 days Cost: $1,495 USD/trip Who doesn’t love sea turtles? Endangered leatherback sea turtles nest on Costa Rica’s Caribbean beaches from March to July every year, and you can help save them from extinction. SEE Turtles volunteers assist researchers with nightly beach patrols, turtle nest surveys, turtle data collection, and egg and hatchling relocation. Accommodations at the coastal research station are rustic — you won’t be taking leisurely hot showers or browsing the internet — but then again, that’s not the point! Where: Wildlife ACT, North Island, Seychelles Length: 4+ weeks Cost: $2,800+ USD/trip An island getaway with a purpose? Yes, please! Volunteer in one of the most breathtaking tropical locales on the planet, North Island in the Seychelles, and make a huge impact on our planet’s oceans while you’re there. Volunteers are involved with a variety of activities both on land and in the big blue, including sea turtle monitoring and nest relocation, snorkel surveys, invasive vegetation control, and more. After your volunteer shift is over, you’re welcome to paddle-board, kayak, and snorkel along the coast. Sign me up.