Spending six months at DAKTARI is a very different experience from joining for just a few weeks. It gives you time to settle into life in the bush, take on real responsibility, and become part of a team working across wildlife conservation, children’s education, and community development.

If you are considering a long-term volunteer placement at DAKTARI, here is what you can expect.

Take On Your Own Role While Supporting the Wider Team

Long-term volunteers usually join DAKTARI with a specific area of responsibility, depending on the position they hold. This could be in project management, marketing, fundraising, outreach, or animal care. Over six months, this allows you to take ownership of your role, contribute meaningfully, and gain valuable experience in your field.

At the same time, DAKTARI is a small and collaborative organisation. Even when you have your own main duties, you may also step in to support other areas when needed — whether that means helping with animal care, assisting with children’s environmental education, or joining outreach activities in an assistant role.

– Our current project manager, Isadora (Left), and outreach manager, Francesca (Right)

Gain a Well-Rounded Experience in a Close-knit Team

One of the biggest advantages of long-term volunteering at DAKTARI is the chance to see how many parts of a non-profit organisation fit together.

Because DAKTARI is a close-knit team, long-term volunteers often gain insight into a wide range of areas, including operations, marketing, fundraising, animal care, outreach programmes, education, and volunteer experience. Rather than only focusing on one task, you get a broader understanding of how the organisation runs and how each department supports the others.

– Our current fundraising manager, Felicia (Left), and marketing manager, Beeno (Right)

Build Meaningful Bonds With the Animals

A longer stay also gives you more time to connect with DAKTARI’s animals. Instead of meeting them only briefly, you have the chance to get to know their personalities, routines, and individual needs over time.

Through daily care and regular interaction, long-term volunteers often build a sense of trust with the animals that shorter placements may not allow. These moments can become some of the most special parts of the experience.

– Our current animal manager, Damini

Be Part of DAKTARI’s Daily Life — and Special Moments Too

Long-term volunteers are not only involved in the day-to-day running of DAKTARI, but also in the wider life of the organisation. You may attend weekly office meetings, contribute ideas to future planning, and take part in special events such as farmers’ markets, celebrations, and other important moments throughout the year.

This gives you the chance to understand DAKTARI on a deeper level — not only as a volunteer placement, but as a growing organisation with a long-term mission.

Life at DAKTARI is busy and meaningful, but it also offers something many people are looking for: balance. Living in the South African bush means being surrounded by nature, sharing daily life with an international team, and having time to enjoy the environment around you.

Over six months, you are not just visiting DAKTARI — you are becoming part of it. And that is what makes the experience so rewarding.

Ready to Stay Longer at DAKTARI?

If you are looking for a volunteering experience that offers responsibility, variety, and the chance to immerse yourself in wildlife conservation and education, a long-term placement at DAKTARI could be the perfect fit.

We would love to welcome passionate volunteers who are ready to stay longer, contribute meaningfully, and experience life in the bush from the inside.