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DAKTARI Bush School & Animal Sanctuary is a registered non-profit organisation located in the Limpopo Province, near the world-famous Kruger National Park and close to the town of Hoedspruit, in South Africa.
The children of today will be the future custodians of nature. We focus on our local underprivileged children, and we believe the key to the protection of the environment lies in education. It is a sad fact that many of the underprivileged
6 hours of help per day
Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.
Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
Teaching Languages: Teaching a language to the host, guests, or local communities.
Amount: € 710 Per day
Fee pays for: Materials for volunteer activities and Donation to project
Description: What is Included in Your Contribution Three meals per day Tea, coffee, juice, and water Accommodation in one of our chalets Laundry and ironing daily Pick-up and drop-off at Hoedspruit on Saturdays only One trip into town per week Free wifi What is NOT Included in Your Contribution International/national flights and travel arrangements Travel insurance (required) Personal toiletries Soda and alcohol
2 days off per week
Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.
Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Intermediate English or Beginner English
Between 18 and 75 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Travel insurance
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
What will I be doing at DAKTARI?
Each week, we invite children from the local underprivileged schools to stay at DAKTARI. We take between eight and ten at a time, which provides a unique opportunity for them to benefit from a more individual learning experience.
You will be teaching these children. We believe that education is the only way to a better future, and therefore, we have developed an educational program with a special focus on the environment and wildlife. We have included lessons in life skills about relationships, substance abuse, safe sex, violence, and respecting your environment.
Many of these children have not had the opportunity to learn about wildlife, and therefore, we encourage interaction with wild animals in order to stimulate a sense of responsibility for their heritage.
A very important aspect of DAKTARI is the animal sanctuary. We care for animals that are hurt, orphaned, or too tame to be rehabilitated into the wild. We provide them with good facilities, care, and love. They also serve as a great educational medium for the children who assist in the daily care, cleaning and feeding of these animals. Please note that we rehabilitate the animals in our care when it is possible for them to survive in the wild.
A typical day at DAKTARI combines animal care, environmental education, and social activities with the children. Volunteers work as part of the DAKTARI team and may alternate between supporting the children and assisting with our animals throughout the day.
Daily Schedule
7:30 AM – Morning Stabling
The day starts with morning stabling. Volunteers help feed the animals and clean their enclosures, making sure everything is clean and ready for the day.
8:30 AM – Breakfast
Everyone have breakfast before the day's activities begin.
9:00 AM – Morning Lessons & Animal Care
The morning programme starts at 9:00 AM. Volunteers are divided between the different activities.
Some volunteers work with the children during their lessons, helping with teaching, games, activities, and other educational tasks. At the same time, other volunteers assist our animal team with big cleans of the animal enclosures.
12:30 PM – Lunch & Break
Lunch is served at 12:30 PM, followed by a break (kids swim) until 2:00 PM.
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Afternoon Lessons
The lessons and educational activities resume at 2:00 PM and continue until 4:30 PM.
4:30 PM – Afternoon Stabling
Afternoon stabling starts at 4:30 PM. Volunteers feed the animals again, refill their water, and clean up any leftover food from the morning feeding.
5:00 PM – Children's Shower Time
At 5:00 PM, the children have time to shower and get ready for the evening activities.
5:30 PM – Social Talk Lesson
The children take part in a social talk lesson.
6:30 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served at 6:30 PM.
7:30 PM – Evening Fun
The day ends with fun activities such as games or a movie. This is a relaxed time for volunteers and children to spend time together and enjoy the evening.
Working as a Team
Rules & Expectations
Passion for Animals & Children
You must have a genuine passion for animals and a love for working with children, as you will be spending a large part of your day working closely with both. A positive attitude, patience, and enthusiasm are essential for making the most of your experience at DAKTARI.
