Your guide to life with us.
Everything you need to prepare for your stay, understand the work and make the most of your Wildlife Paws SOS volunteer experience in Dullstroom.
Come as a friend. Leave as family.
Wildlife Paws SOS offers a hands-on volunteer experience centred around wildlife care, rehabilitation, conservation and education.
Our rehabilitation centre receives a wide variety of wildlife, from primates and servals to birds of prey, meerkats, antelope and other animals requiring treatment or specialised care.
Volunteers become part of everyday life at the centre and assist where appropriate with the practical work that keeps the animals, facilities and rehabilitation programme running.
No two days are the same.
Wildlife, weather and daily rescue needs are unpredictable. That means your day will adapt around what the animals need.
Help prepare food and assist staff with daily feeding routines.
Help maintain enclosures, rehabilitation areas and animal spaces.
Assist with appropriate tasks around animals currently in rehabilitation.
Create enrichment activities and help improve animals' daily environments.
From bush clearing and maintenance to painting, gardening and practical jobs around the centre.
A guideline, not a timetable.
Animal welfare always comes first, so schedules can change at short notice. A typical day may include morning feeds, enclosure cleaning, general duties, projects and afternoon care.
Meet at the rehabilitation facilities and plan the day's priorities.
Assist with animal feeding and enclosure care.
A break before the day's general duties begin.
Animal care, maintenance, enrichment or other priority tasks.
Rest and recharge before the afternoon session.
Maintenance, enrichment, repairs and longer-term projects.
Feeding and care for animals requiring additional attention.
Comfortable rooms. Wild surroundings.
Volunteer accommodation is set in the Dullstroom countryside, surrounded by nature and close to the communal areas.
Rooms are spacious and equipped for a comfortable stay. Volunteers share communal spaces and kitchen facilities, with WiFi available in the main house and communal areas.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONPack for all conditions.
Weather in Dullstroom can change quickly. Bring practical clothing that can get dirty and enough layers to keep you comfortable throughout your stay.
Layers, long sleeves and warmer winter gear.
Useful for rain, wind and changing conditions.
Bring sturdy boots or trainers suitable for outdoor work.
Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
Keep hydrated during warmer and more active days.
Medication, first aid basics, chargers, adaptors and a torch or headlamp.
There's more waiting beyond the farm.
The property itself offers space to relax, walk and enjoy the surrounding landscape, while some of South Africa's best-known natural attractions are within reach.
The volunteer guide highlights experiences including Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon and nearby destinations in the region.
Ready to prepare for your stay?
Download the complete Wildlife Paws SOS volunteer guide for more information about the programme, accommodation, packing and preparing for your trip.