What we rate and what we don't
76 Volunteering with animals vacations found
Volunteering with bears in Romania
Volunteer at an inspiring bear sanctuary in Transylvania
From £925 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Flexible departures available throughout the year, minimum stay 1 week
Exclusive discount for Responsible Travel users: Save £100 on departure between now and 30th August 2019. Very limited spaces remaining!
Volunteer with elephants in South Africa
Volunteer with elephants on the stunning Garden Route
From £1,295 21 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Departures can be arranged at anytime to suit you, all year round
Thailand wildlife sanctuary volunteering holiday
Volunteering break at a wildlife sanctuary in Thailand
From £739 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This project can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Volunteer with monkeys in South Africa
Help re-habilitate orphaned monkeys in beautiful rural South Africa
From £769 10 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Departures can be arranged at anytime to suit you, all year round
Travel Team
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Volunteer with turtles in Costa Rica
Protect nesting turtles on Costa Rica's beautiful beaches
From £889 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Flexible departures July - December (nesting season)
Spaces available from July 1st 2019
Wildlife conservation vacation in South Africa
Assist with conservation & research in Greater Kruger Park
From £1,095 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 1 Aug, 15 Aug
Animal project in South Africa
Animal Welfare in Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre & Hospital
From £1,395 4 weeks ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be arranged at any time throughout the year for up to 12 weeks
Volunteering with bears in Cambodia
Care for rescued bears in tropical Cambodia
From £645 7 days ex flights
Small group travel:
Departures every Sunday throughout the year
We are looking for volunteers to join our team in Cambodia in the next few months and help provide a safe haven for the bears!
Volunteering Thailand, wildlife rescue centre
Work with rescued tropical animals such as monkeys and bears
From £645 7 days ex flights
Small group travel:
Placements last from 1-12 weeks and can start on any date throughout the year
There is still time to join our team in Thailand and care for animals in need!
Wildlife rescue volunteering in Costa Rica
Assist caring for rescued animals in Costa Rica
From £745 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Our team in Costa Rica are looking for volunteers to help care for animals at a tropical wildlife sanctuary in the next few months!
Animal rescue volunteering in India
Animal rescue project in India
From £595 7 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 21 Jul, 28 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 25 Aug, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct, 20 Oct, 27 Oct, 3 Nov, 10 Nov, 17 Nov, 24 Nov, 1 Dec, 8 Dec, 15 Dec, 22 Dec, 29 Dec
2020: 5 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 26 Jan, 2 Feb, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep ...
2020: 5 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 26 Jan, 2 Feb, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 1 Mar, 8 Mar, 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 26 Apr, 3 May, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep ...
There is still time to join our team in India and care for rescued animals in need!
South Africa wildlife volunteering vacation
Conservation & animal care in a South African Big 5 Reserve
From £709 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Carnivore conservation & research in Namibia
Rehabilitate and release cheetah in the wilds of Namibia
From £1,135 17 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 30 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 8 Nov, 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 6 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec, 27 Dec
Namibia wildlife sanctuary volunteering holiday
Care for rescued animals in Namibia
From £895 15 days ex flights
Small group travel:
This trip deaparts every Monday and Thursday throughout the year
Travel Team
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Vervet monkey rehabilitation project in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Care for, Rehabilitate, Release Vervet Monkeys into the wild
From £895 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Malawi volunteering vacation
Volunteer at Africa's top wildlife sanctuary
From £1,370 to £4,350 14 days ex flights
Tailor made:
Departures can be arranged at anytime to suit you
Endangered wildlife conservation in South Africa
Award-winning, Fair Trade certified wildlife conservation!
From US $1,425 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 29 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 9 Sep, 23 Sep, 7 Oct, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 18 Nov, 2 Dec
2020: 13 Jan, 27 Jan, 10 Feb, 24 Feb, 9 Mar, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 20 Apr, 4 May, 18 May, 1 Jun, 15 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 19 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov, 30 Nov, 14 Dec, 28 Dec
2020: 13 Jan, 27 Jan, 10 Feb, 24 Feb, 9 Mar, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 20 Apr, 4 May, 18 May, 1 Jun, 15 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 19 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov, 30 Nov, 14 Dec, 28 Dec
50% Late Availability Discount on all bookings made in July 2019, to join our award-winning Endangered Species Conservation Projects. Fair Trade Tourism certified and awarded 2nd place at the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2018
Elephant conservation vacation, Thailand
Care for Asian elephants saved from a life of abuse
From £645 7 days ex flights
Small group travel:
Trips last for 1-6 weeks and start every week on a Sunday
We are still looking for volunteers to help care for elephants in need!
Volunteer with elephants in South Africa, 1 week
Care for rescued elephants on the stunning Garden Route
From £825 7 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Veterinary externship in Malawi
Gain veterinary experience at Africa's top sanctuary
From £1,370 to £4,350 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug, 27 Aug, 3 Sep, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct, 8 Oct, 15 Oct, 22 Oct, 29 Oct, 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 26 Nov
Conservation internship in Malawi
.Combine sanctuary and field experience in Malawi
From £2,335 to £4,450 4 weeks ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug, 27 Aug, 3 Sep, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct, 8 Oct, 15 Oct, 22 Oct, 29 Oct, 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 26 Nov
Lion rehabilitation volunteering in South Africa
Care for and rehabilitate lions rescued from canned hunting
From £1,475 14 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be 2 - 12 weeks long can start on the 1st or 3rd Friday of every month, all year round.
Orangutan sanctuary volunteering in Borneo
Care for stunning endangered orangutans in beautiful Borneo
From £1,195 to £1,895 13 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 28 Jul, 11 Aug
2020: 1 Mar, 30 Mar, 26 Apr, 31 May, 28 Jun, 26 Jul, 23 Aug
2020: 1 Mar, 30 Mar, 26 Apr, 31 May, 28 Jun, 26 Jul, 23 Aug
Sri Lanka dog shelter volunteering
If you love dogs then help volunteer with dogs in Sri Lanka
From US $1,039 21 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 3 Aug, 10 Aug, 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 31 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 28 Sep, 5 Oct, 12 Oct, 19 Oct
Travel Team
If you would like some help or advice, or just want to discuss your ideas for your next trip, do give us a call.
Wildlife justice internship in Malawi
.Gain experience in wildlife law in beautiful Malawi
From £1,360 to £12,910 4 weeks ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Malawi conservation volunteering experience
.Two weeks exploring the Wild Heart of Africa
From £1,800 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 10 Sep
Volunteer at a wolf sanctuary in Portugal
Volunteer with wolves at a sanctuary near Lisbon
From £1,248 to £1,746 14 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Laos Wildlife sanctuary volunteering vacation
Care for animals rescued from illegal trafficking in Laos!
From £485 to £1,700 14 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 17 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 30 Oct, 6 Nov, 13 Nov, 20 Nov, 27 Nov, 4 Dec, 11 Dec, 18 Dec
Ocean research vacation in Baja, Mexico
Participate in turtle research and observe ocean wildlife.
From US $2,695 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 7 Mar, 8 Mar, 9 Mar, 10 Mar, 11 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 14 Mar
Elephant conservation and hill tribe volunteering in Thailand
Conservation project returning elephants to the forest
From £450 6 days ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
From
US $1,425
excluding flights
This was an amazing vacation and I really did not want it to end. (more)Anne Brown
There were many memorable moments - Finding the wild dogs after hours of scanning and watching them watching us :-) An elephant herd having their veggie dinner in the breath-taking sunset... Observing the pack of wild dogs hunting and sharing the prey like a family...
(more)Ilona Schultz
The feeling you get when you stay a month in the African bush is an amazing experience. (more)William Esbjug Gromstad
From
£1,095
excluding flights
It was great to learn about reserve management at Kruger and I also met
some amazing people. (more)Arjun Dasgupta
Working with people who are dedicated, informed and enthusiastic about conservation in a practical and realistic way. And of course, seeing the wildlife as they are meant to be....This vacation was a life changing experience and will affect what I do next in my career and attitude to conservation.
(more)Louise Sexton
From
£645
excluding flights
I went to the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Thailand, this was a fantastic project helping animals who had been mostly kept as pets. It’s hard to say what was the most memorable part of this vacation as there was so much variety and different experiences, it’s difficult to decide what was the best part of it.
(more)Cathy Bisset
I had so many fantastic experiences, and the center itself was in an idyllic area, on the grounds of a Buddhist temple. One highlight was spotting wild elephants in a nearby national park, after dark. (more)Olly Carney
From
£925
excluding flights
We saw a number of bears taking a dip in the water and I enjoyed seeing the pleasure on their faces as they enjoyed the therapeutic effects of the water (more)Suzanne Jones
Excellent. Exceeded my expectations, all very well organised, very good accommodation with lots of help from local rep. Brasov had plenty to offer and the bears were amazing! (more)Deborah Robson
The most memorable part of the vacation was...getting to spend time watching the bears play together, and seeing them all so happy. (more)Melinda Kerr
From
£645
excluding flights
I loved every second of my trip - the people, the country, the bears I worked with... (more)Louise Bednarz
Meeting the bears and being able to really make a difference to their day-to-day lives with enrichment, feeding and cleaning; some of the things we were doing (such as enrichment to keep the bears active and happy) wouldn't get done unless we were there to help out! (more)Heather Reynolds
We were so close to the bears and keepers that you feel part of the project rather than just a short stay helper. I think we were really lucky... to have the baby bear (Lola) arrive when we were there too. (more)Anon
From
£645
excluding flights
The experience was EXCELLENT! (more)Cordelia Barrera
Wonderful unforgettable experience I feel privileged to have been on. (more)Anne Feltwell
Being with the elephants and their handlers. Having the big bull elephants walk past you, just inches from your face, leaving you to feel completely small and vulnerable as these pre-historic like mammals move by with grace, softness, power and majesty! (more)Georgina Hickman
From
£1,395
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Tips?
Local benefits?
Overall rating?
Poor. Not much meaningful work. It was not well organized in keeping volunteers busy. There were lots of occasions when we ran out of jobs and were told to wander around and look for things to do. Myself and my grandchildren were extremely disappointed. We had a family meeting and left early. Still a bad taste in our mouth. After staying there I felt that the fee charged was excessive.
John Brown. (more)John Brown
From
£545
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Going on a horseback safari and getting only six metres from a wild giraffe!! I also loved being so close with the monkeys in the center
Tips?
You must like dogs as the site is full of them (all friendly of course!!) and not be afraid to get your hands dirty. You will be cleaning up after animals, it's not all
cuddles!!
Local benefits?
It definitely benefited the sanctuary. Whilst I was there, there was only myself as a short term volunteer and four long... (more)Carrie Hogan
From
£1,135
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
All of it ! Being involved with an on-going human conflicr situation where the farmer was loosing livestock to a problem cheetah allowed me to see 1st hand the devastation that can be caused; then being lucky enough for our group to accompany the vet who darted the problem cheetah who had been caught in a catch cage, thanks to the skill and knowledge of our coordinator. The cheetah's vital signs were all checked, a new GPS collar fitted and then she was re-located.
Tips?
Bring... (more)Mairi Hutchison
From
£845
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
I can't name that one and only moment I have to say. The whole experience was memorable. Not only the work but also the people I had the pleasure to meet.
Tips?
I was camping the first time in my life and did some research beforehand. However I did of course made a few mistakes. The next time I would definitely bring a bigger tent and 2 very strong head torches. My tent was ok for 2 weeks but for a longer period it would be to small. A very strong head torch is a... (more)Patricia
From
£709
excluding flights
The highlight was being able to see so many different animals during the multiple game drives: elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, zebras, buffalos. It was truly amazing!
(more)Caroline Mancioppi
5 I couldn't of had a better time. I truly had the time of my life, I felt at home, happy and really didn't want to go home. It seems crazy now to think its all over but this whole experience couldn't have been much better. Best decision of my life. (more)Kirstin Runcie
A fabulous experience and I would be keen to return. (more)Mark Milligan
From
£925
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
I think we will all remember watching the cubs not so gently nursing with their mom; "bread bear" running out at feeding time to stealthily take a loaf of bread
and scurry back into the bushes while other bears happily ate the other food together; the mucky, fun mess of making bear ice cream; just watching the bears be bears.
Tips?
Be prepared to get dirty and smell the expired food (but you'll get used to it). Bring an apron and rubber gloves and don't bring nice... (more)Heather Jain
From
£240
excluding flights
I am so pleased I got to have this experience and I will remember the Karen villagers, the mahouts, the elephants and the foundation staff with the fondest of memories. Can’t praise highly enough.
(more)Kelvin Simnett
The Elephant Conservation Project with Hill Tribes trip and walking with elephants was the most memorable. Just amazing, the best experience ever! The team are wonderful, passionate about their individual roles, the location is beautiful and the elephants are enjoying life to the full. (more)Sally Hillyer
Every moment was worth it. Unforgettable experience, just following the elephants every day as they forage and bathe and drink and eat in their natural home, the forests. (more)Cindy Fung
From
£715
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
Helping animals.
Tips?
It’s a lot of work, but it pays off! The animals and the people are phenomenal.
Local benefits?
Yes
Overall rating?
Great experience! (more)Maya Dite
From
£769
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
It was very interesting observing and learning about the elephants. Following the elephants up into the forest was exciting, and I loved getting so close to the elephants and getting to touch them.
Tips?
Make sure that you bring an old pair of pants, top, shoes and gloves if you end up doing some wall painting, as you will get paint all over your new clothes. But
it's so much fun doing work around the camp, no matter how dirty you get!
Local benefits?
I feel... (more)Sue San
From
£845
excluding flights
Memorable parts?
To experience the rare opportunity to work with the amongst the most amazing scenery that I have ever seen.
Tips?
The journey to the Field House is a long but beautiful one. The Field House is basic, rustic but very comfortable and surrounded by amazing scenery.
Local benefits?
Yes most definitely, the placement is amongst a local village, and the local villagers appreciated the efforts made by the volunteers.
Overall rating?
I would highly recommend... (more)Julie Marshman
From
£767
excluding flights
Very good and an experience of a life time :-) (more)Tanja Larsen
Swimming with the baboons! The people, the monkeys ... an incredible experience made special by Bob, Lynne, Mias and all the volunteers. (more)Helen Cook
Be prepared for fun but also a lot of work. Do not wear glasses, the monkeys love them! (more)Pagona Roussi
From
£1,370
excluding flights
Just do it, you won't regret it! (more)Chris Wade
Great from start to finish - the staff, the country, the project, the work - I was sad to leave and hope to go back. I went for the animal work which I really enjoyed but an unexpected highlight of the trip was getting out into the community to see one of their fuel briquette projects. (more)Kat Wendels
A great experience. I got to know some local people and volunteers from different countries and I learned about animal conservation and the social/ economic situation in Malawi. (more)Steve Boud
From
£1,255
excluding flights
The most memorable was working in a tropical downpour and seeing a mother and baby Orangutang climbing a tree near the work site. An interesting and insightful look at conservation in Sabah, Borneo. A bit short though - two full weeks would be better. (more)Conrad Blakemore
Seeing a large wild male Orangutan eating figs in a tree by the Kinabatangan River was the most memorable - we were so close to him and he looked so relaxed! What a beautiful special creature. A fabulous experience. (more)Sue Jarrett
From
£739
excluding flights
Even in the short time we were there (2 weeks), we saw animals arrive and leave, and got a glimpse of the process between rescue and return to the wild. (more)Camille Askins
The people with whom you're working with are terrific. From the other volunteers to the staff and those who stay for the long term there was a very good wibe within the WTTF community. (more)Stuart Moncrieff
It was a very rewarding 2 weeks and I would recommend it to anyone who has a keen interest in animal welfare. (more)Colin Harvey
From
US $1,095
excluding flights
From
£1,295
excluding flights
The most memorable part of the vacation was being so close to such amazing animals and being accepted by them. Preparing the enrichment birthday treats was fun and creative and then feeding it to an individual elephant was wonderful (more)Jane Stoyles
Fantastic!.... The whole experience was very good (the organisation of the trip,
the traveling itself, the people...) but of course being able to spend time with
these amazing animals was the highlight of the vacation and possibly of my last
few years as well. (more)Darina Brejtrova
Most exciting vacation ever...Go for it (more)Ailish Scanlon
From
£889
excluding flights
It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I can’t wait for a chance to
go back and to share the trip with others who would enjoy it! (more)Jonah Cedar
I enjoyed the night patrols, walking by moonlight, seeing the constellations, milky way, shooting stars & some of the lightening storms were spectacular. (more)Julie Clark
This is a really sound conservation project with some clear tangible benefits and as a volunteer you really fee like you're making a difference.
Would highly recommend this project to anyone. (more)Katie Wilkinson
From
£895
excluding flights
The highlight was walking with cheetahs. Unforgettable. (more)Chris Downing
I had an amazing time!!! I felt like I was really making a contribution to the functioning of the wildlife sanctuary with food prep, cleaning enclosures, feeding and caring for animals and being responsible for the environment and impact on the ecosystem with recycling and conservation efforts . (more)Naomi Soffa
Staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, the volunteers all worked well together and a range of activities were provided... All in all, one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I will be going back! (more)Frances Toomey
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