When we think about wildlife conservation, we often picture rangers protecting animals, researchers studying ecosystems or conservationists working in the bush. But protecting African wildlife does not only happen in nature reserves. Our everyday choices can also play a part. From what we buy to how we travel, and from the experiences we choose to [...]
Operating a bush camp in a rural area comes with challenges that are not always visible to visitors. From managing electricity and maintaining facilities to working with local schools and securing funding, keeping DAKTARI running requires constant planning, teamwork and support. Keeping the Camp Running DAKTARI relies on its solar farm for much of its [...]
Imagine growing up knowing animals mainly from television, seeing nature through a screen, and learning about the environment from a textbook without ever touching the soil, hearing birdsong or observing wildlife up close. For many children, this is becoming increasingly common. Children today are growing up in a world where school, technology and busy schedules [...]
In January 2026, DAKTARI faced some of the worst flooding in recent years. Heavy rainfall caused extensive damage across Limpopo, including DAKTARI, where the bridge providing access to our camp was completely washed away. As we shared in our previous article, our team worked hard to care for the animals, maintain our programmes and manage [...]
When we think about wildlife conservation, we often picture animals living freely in the African bush. But what happens to animals that can no longer return to the wild? This is where animal sanctuaries play an important role. An animal sanctuary provides a safe, protected home for rescued, injured, orphaned, or otherwise vulnerable animals that [...]
Finding a first job can be challenging for young people, especially when they are unsure how to prepare for the workplace. At DAKTARI, our Job Hunting Programme gives young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, gain work experience, and build confidence for their future. For 18-year-old Joseph, joining the programme was a chance to [...]
When people think of wildlife crime, they often picture poachers in national parks. While poaching is one part of the problem, wildlife crime is much broader. It includes the illegal hunting, capture, trade and trafficking of wild animals and plants, threatening countless species across Africa and around the world. South Africa remains one of the [...]
South Africa is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, attracting millions of visitors each year with its incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable safari experiences. But as tourism continues to grow, so does the responsibility to protect the very environment that makes the country so special. The future of conservation isn't just about protecting [...]
Wildlife conservation is surrounded by myths. Some come from films, others from social media, and many are simply misunderstandings that have been passed down over the years. At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, we see firsthand how education can change these misconceptions. Every week, local children and international volunteers learn about South African wildlife [...]
Volunteering at DAKTARI is about so much more than caring for wildlife and inspiring local children. During your time with us, you'll also have the opportunity to discover some of the most incredible experiences that South Africa has to offer. Whether you're passionate about conservation, eager to spot Africa's iconic wildlife, interested in local culture, [...]
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 [...]
Planning your trip to volunteer at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage? One of the most common questions we receive is: how do I actually get there from Johannesburg? DAKTARI is located in the South Africa bush near Hoedspruit, reaching us takes a little planning — but don’t worry, it is very straightforward once you [...]
From sunrise animal care to inspiring young minds, every day at DAKTARI brings a new adventure. Volunteering at DAKTARI is much more than a typical wildlife experience. Nestled in the heart of the South African bush, our volunteers join a unique programme that combines wildlife conservation, environmental education, and community development. No two days are [...]
Finding a job is rarely easy, but for many young people living in rural South Africa, the challenge can be overwhelming. Limited employment opportunities, a lack of professional networks, and little access to career guidance often make the transition from education to employment difficult. At DAKTARI, we believe that creating lasting impact means supporting communities [...]
Leaving for South Africa to volunteer is not something you decide to do every day. Yet for Philipp, joining DAKTARI quickly felt like the right choice. Encouraged by a friend who had already experienced the programme, he was attracted by the combination of animal care and working with children. Before arriving, he had seen pictures [...]
Introduction What inspires someone to leave behind a comfortable life and dedicate themselves to educating children and caring for wildlife in rural South Africa? In this candid interview, DAKTARI founder Michèle Merrifield reflects on the moments that shaped her journey—from the chance encounter that inspired DAKTARI's creation to the challenges, sacrifices, and personal experiences that [...]
2 months ago, five students from France arrived at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage full of excitement, curiosity, and a little uncertainty about what awaited us. Today, with only a few days remaining before our departure, we find ourselves looking back on an adventure that has exceeded every expectation. What began as a marketing [...]
At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, every team member brings their own story, passion, and dream. For Anthony, working in the kitchen became much more than preparing meals — it became an opportunity for growth, teamwork, and the discovery of a future filled with hope. Ana, a two-month French university intern of DAKTARI, sat [...]
At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, every volunteer arrives with their own expectations, ambitions, and unique story. For five French students from Tarbes, this experience quickly became far more than a simple internship abroad — it turned into a life-changing adventure. Who Are We? We are a group of five French students from the [...]
At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, every child who walks through our gates carries a story waiting to unfold. For Katlego, that story began at 14 — and it has since grown into a journey of purpose, resilience, and development. A Place That Felt Like Home When Katlego first arrived as a student, he [...]
Who is Lesley? Lesley is a participant in the Youth Development Program at DAKTARI in Hoedspruit, South Africa. He grew up with limited opportunities and an uncertain sense of his future. Through DAKTARI, he entered a completely new environment where education, wildlife, and volunteers are combined. Today, Lesley represents growth, resilience, and transformation through hands-on learning and exposure to wildlife care. Below is [...]