Invites participants to join wildlife conservation efforts in the stunning SanWild Sanctuary, South Africa. Volunteers assist in anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community outreach, fostering a hands-on experience in safeguarding endangered species and promoting environmental stewardship.
A thriving refuge for wildlife in the South African bush.
Founded by the late conservationist, Louise Joubert
For over 20 years, SanWild Sanctuary has been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintroducing wild animals into their natural habitats. Covering 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) of South African savannah, the sanctuary is home to the Big Five and a diverse range of native wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a stay at our safari lodge, participate in our volunteer program, or contribute to the vital work of our Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Contribute & get Involved
Get involved in our mission to protect wildlife and conserve our environment for future generations.SanWild is a duly registered non-profit organization that has been authorized to issue Section 18A donation receipts to South African taxpayers.
SanWild was founded by the late Louise Joubert, a prominent conservation activist starting on a small, leased plot of land back in 1998. She saw that the commercialization of wildlife was leading to its callous, often brutal exploitation. This drove her to create today’s vast reserve.
Our team shares a passion for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, providing rescued animals a second chance in their natural habitat. Get to know the faces behind our sanctuary as we continue to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
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Världens underbaraste plats och upplevelse! Allt från personalen till maten och boende är helt fantastiskt och det finns ingen bättre plats än sanwild att se och hjälpa alla djuren! Tack för de tre bästa veckorna.
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molly Sandström
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De här 3 veckorna har varit de bästa i hela mitt liv. Bästa stället ever. Maten är otrolig och all personal är så trevliga. Studenterna är underbara och speciellt tiaan som är ansvarig för volontärerna. Tack för allt!!!!!!
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Silja Aðalgeirsdóttir
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Had an amazing time at SanWild I recommend this to everyone special thanks to the rangers they were fantastic! ❤️
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Sarah Norris
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I had a rather unique experience at San Wild in March this year. It was unusually quiet in terms of volunteers! The staff and rangers were wonderful and I got to see first hand and experience the day to day reality of running a wildlife sanctuary. The ups and downs and definitely not a “sanitized” version. I was grateful to be treated as s member of the team. Fixing fences, rhino proofing the rhino holding enclosure. Moving the lions. Grooming zylar and taking her hunting, almost being chased by Moloto! Seeing the water buffalo and the giraffes. Feeding the animals. Clearing their enclosures. The team were amazing and I was humbled to play a very small part. Wonderful experience, wonderful people, animals and country. Thank you.
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Sara Lee
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I had absolutely the best time at SanWild and was so impressed with the passion and compassion I witnessed during my 2 week stay. It felt important to me to understand more about the bigger picture of conservation and these guys are totally on it. Yes, you do get to be with and see some incredible animals in a beautiful setting, but I was equally happy to spend time with the people who care for them and who share their knowledge so willingly. Incredible place, brilliant experience, highly recommended.
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kristin silva
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Incredible opportunity to volunteer at a South African sanctuary, replete with lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and much more! Food and lodgings were great. Absolutely one of the best trips of my life.
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Selma Rauf
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I loved my stay at sanwild. It is wonderful and,more importantly for me, it is ethical. Moreover it feels one is part of a family whether it be an elephant or a human herd😹
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Renny Wodynska
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I spent 2 wonderful weeks at SanWild in 2024. I loved my time there..the sanctuary is run on highly ethical lines..everyone involved in the sanctuary is absolutely passionate about animal welfare. This was a bucket list experience for me...I'd never ever done anything like this before and am in my mid 60s. I heartily recommend this very special place.😍
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Green Power
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Ein Ort, der die Seele berührt: Sanwild ist mehr als nur ein Wildschutzgebiet
Unsere Reise nach Südafrika hatte viele Höhepunkte, doch nichts hat uns so tief bewegt und nachhaltig beeindruckt wie unser Besuch bei Sanwild. Dies ist kein gewöhnlicher Ort, keine touristische Attraktion – es ist ein Zufluchtsort, ein Versprechen und ein schlagendes Herz im Kampf für die afrikanische Tierwelt. Von der ersten Minute an spürt man die unglaubliche Hingabe, die in jedem Winkel dieses Heiligtums steckt, und diese Leidenschaft hat einen Namen: Didi Schoeman.
Schon bei der Ankunft wird klar: Hier stehen die Tiere an erster Stelle. Didi, die treibende Kraft und Seele von Sanwild, hat eine Atmosphäre geschaffen, die auf authentischem Respekt vor der Natur basiert. Die Tiere, die hier leben, sind keine Ausstellungsobjekte; es sind gerettete Seelen. Viele von ihnen haben traumatische Vergangenheiten hinter sich – sie wurden vor Wilderern gerettet, aus Fallen befreit oder als Waisen aufgefunden. Bei Sanwild bekommen sie nicht nur eine zweite Chance, sondern ein Zuhause, in dem sie in riesigen, natürlichen Gehegen so artgerecht wie nur möglich leben können.
Das Highlight unseres Besuchs war zweifellos die Begegnung mit den Tieren, für die Didi und sein Team unermüdlich kämpfen. Den majestätischen Giraffen dabei zuzusehen, wie sie elegant durch die weiten Flächen schreiten, oder die unfassbare Kraft eines Nashorns aus sicherer Nähe zu spüren, ist ein unbeschreiblich demütigendes Erlebnis. Besonders bewegend war es, die geretteten Löwen zu sehen – nicht als Könige im Jagdfieber, sondern als Überlebende, die hier endlich in der Sonne dösen und Frieden finden können. Man erfährt ihre individuellen, oft herzzerreißenden Geschichten und versteht, dass jeder von ihnen eine Persönlichkeit ist.
Die wahre Inspiration hinter allem ist jedoch Didi selbst. Seine absolut hingebungsvolle Art, seine unerschütterliche Entschlossenheit und die Liebe, die er für jedes einzelne Tier ausstrahlt, sind einfach ansteckend. Er ist das Herz von Sanwild und verkörpert den Geist dieses Ortes. Ihm zuzuhören, wie er von den Herausforderungen und Erfolgen erzählt, verändert die eigene Perspektive auf die Welt für immer.
Fazit:
Wer eine sterile, durchorganisierte Touristen-Erfahrung sucht, ist hier vielleicht falsch. Wer aber mit dem Herzen reist und durch eine inspirierende Persönlichkeit wie Didi die wahre, ungeschminkte Schönheit des afrikanischen Tierschutzes erleben möchte, für den ist Sanwild ein absolutes Muss. Es ist ein Ort, der inspiriert, bildet und tief berührt. Wir verlassen diesen Ort nicht nur mit unvergesslichen Erinnerungen an Giraffen, Nashörner und Löwen, sondern auch mit dem brennenden Wunsch, diese lebenswichtige Arbeit zu unterstützen. Fünf Sterne sind bei weitem nicht genug, um die Bedeutung dieses Projekts zu beschreiben. Ein wahrhaft magischer Ort!
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SanWild Lodge offers a peaceful escape in the South African bushveld near Kruger National Park. Guests stay in cozy safari tents, immersing themselves in nature and wildlife conservation. Expert guides lead safari adventures, showcasing diverse wildlife like elephants and lions. Visitors can also enjoy bush walks, birdwatching, and stargazing while supporting the lodge’s commitment to conservation.
We can accommodate last-minute bookings at the lodge on a maximum 2-week prior basis, depending on tent availability. Our Scout Ranger Volunteer Program is our main focus for accommodation, so priority is given to its participants.
Please contact us within the two-week window to check availability.
Experience the ultimate adventure with SanWild’s Daytrip option! Embark on a thrilling game drive through the untamed wilderness, encountering majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. Then, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the bush as you indulge in a delectable braai (barbecue) feast under the African sky. Join us for an unforgettable combination of excitement and relaxation in the heart of nature.
“Thank you all for your unwavering dedication to SanWild’s mission. Together, we’re making a real difference in wildlife conservation and habitat protection. Let’s keep pushing forward with renewed energy and purpose.”
Didi Schoeman
Chairman of the Board
SanWild Merchandise
Welcome to the SanWild Merchandise Online store! Explore our collection of high-quality merchandise ranging from apparel to accessories, all designed to showcase your support for wildlife conservation.
What makes our store unique is that every purchase you make directly contributes to the SanWild sanctuary, helping to protect and care for endangered species. Join us in making a difference while expressing your passion for wildlife with our exclusive products. Shop now and be a part of the conservation movement!
Meet the animals The Thukela Elephants Once labeled as “problem elephants,” this rescued herd now thrives in peace at SanWild. Discover their powerful journey from trauma and near-death to safety, freedom, and a second chance at life. The Thukela Elephants – Operation Jumbo Journey In the heart of SanWild, a…
“There’s a zebra in my head. She’s been there for nearly two decades, galloping through my memories with the kind of stubborn grace only a zebra can possess. Her name was Kwakkies. And she changed my life forever” Louise Joubert Founder of SanWild The Story of the SanWild Logo Zebra…
