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 [...]
Volunteering at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage offers a rare opportunity to combine hands-on conservation work with environmental education for local children. In this guide, you will learn how it can be fruitful and priceless. Daily Life: Practical, Hands-On Experience Life at DAKTARI is structured and active. Volunteers are involved in the daily care [...]
Rooted in the bush near Hoedspruit, DAKTARI has grown hand in hand with the surrounding community, building relationships that extend far beyond the classroom. A Lovely Presence in Community Life This past Easter holiday, DAKTARI proudly took part in the vibrant Saturday Farmers Market in Hoedspruit. Engaging with visitors, locals, and supporters, the team shared [...]
South Africa’s Environmental Champion Being Recognised We are beyond excited to share inspiring news from the heart of DAKTARI. Our Co-Founder, Michèle Merrifield, has been recognised as a Runner Up in the 2025 WESSA Individual Awards — one of South Africa’s most respected environmental accolades! WESSA Award The Wildlife and Environment Society of [...]
DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage has been a place of discovery, growth, and unforgettable encounters with nature. With the support of DAKTARI’s Youth Development Programme, Isaac and Caroline embarked on life-changing wildlife experiences that sparked personal growth and inspired their futures. Isaac’s First Safari Adventure Isaac could hardly contain his excitement. This was his [...]
For many children growing up in rural Limpopo, early childhood comes with invisible obstacles. Limited stimulation, few age-appropriate educational tools, and under-resourced crèches make learning harder. Yet the earliest years are the most important. During this time, a child’s brain forms more than a million neural connections every second. This window of opportunity must not [...]
At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, education is the foundation of conservation. That is why our Wildlife Crime Campaign focuses on raising awareness among young learners before they even arrive at camp. Step by step, we help them understand the reality of poaching and their role in protecting wildlife. A three-year journey for lasting [...]
At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, we empower people in our local community through education, employment, and professional development. One inspiring example of this commitment is the journey of Isaac, our dedicated Head Chef, whose passion and hard work recently led him to a special training opportunity with our partner, Sausage Tree Safari [...]
We are thrilled to announce that DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage has officially received the Top Rated Program Badge from GoAbroad. This recognition highlights the impact, dedication, and meaningful experiences that define our volunteer program in South Africa. For our team, volunteers, and supporters around the world, this badge represents much more than an [...]
This weekend, DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage celebrated 20 years of empowering children, protecting animals and inspiring volunteers from around the world. For two decades, our NGO in South Africa has combined environmental education and wildlife care to create a lasting impact in rural communities near the Kruger region. Since 2006, DAKTARI’s mission has [...]
At DAKTARI, every new arrival at camp is an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Recently, we welcomed five very special new residents: chickens! While our wildlife education programs in South Africa often focus on wild animals, introducing chickens to camp has added a powerful new dimension to our hands-on learning experience. To give them [...]
At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom. It includes health. It includes dignity. And above all, it includes confidence. Thanks to the generous support of a dedicated sponsor, DAKTARI can now provide 200 ready-made reusable sanitary pad kits to girls attending our environmental education program in South [...]
A dream come true A dream has come true at DAKTAR. After 20 years of commitment to environmental education, our brand-new game drive vehicle has finally arrived. This important milestone opens a new chapter for our NGO in Limpopo, South Africa. Most importantly, it strengthens our mission: educating children through direct contact with nature. Learning [...]
What happened? In recent months, South Africa experienced some of the most severe flooding seen in decades. In Limpopo Province, where DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is based, relentless rainfall transformed roads into rivers, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted daily life for both communities and wildlife. What unfolded was a true test of resilience — [...]
At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, we’ve always celebrated the incredible diversity of life that thrives around us — and every now and then, nature gifts us with a story so charming, we can’t help but share it. Today, we are delighted to introduce Eric, our newest resident and the tiniest heart-stealer at camp. [...]
Protecting wildlife in Limpopo Province In South Africa’s Limpopo Province, wildlife conservation faces constant pressure. Poaching remains one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. Every snare, every illegal hunt, weakens fragile ecosystems. At DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage, education and action go hand in hand. Recently, we were proud to welcome a local anti-poaching [...]