Program Reviews

This is my second time at Daktari. It’s always a pleasure to be here. You meet new volunteers who are always kind and friendly. The staff and the animals don’t change but I’m very happy to see them again. I advise you to do this volunteer experience because you can learn so much about the animals with the staff and the animal manager. Moreover, you can teach some items about the environment to children and you develop a real relationship with them. It was the best experience of my life and I will come back again !

I spent two incredible weeks with the other volunteers. Taking care of the animals was an awesome experience. Teaching children who need it really makes a difference for their future life and its very satisfying to participate in that. There's many subject that they can learn about their country, environment, animal knowledge, wildlife crime, politeness and respect, career guidance and many others. You really create a nice relation with them and you can see how they are thankful about people who takes care of them. Also i wasn't use to live in community and it's very interesting on some points and rewarding.
I highly recommend DAKTARI!!!!

I had a great time in DAKTARI. Actually, a life time experience. I left Brazil for 1 month and a half and came to South Africa knowing everything would be different from what I had tried or seeing before. I had a wonderful surprise when I started working with kids and animals. I fell in love with the meerkats!

This has been a life-changing experience. From the students, to the staff, to the lodging and the leadership, everything has been fantastic. I can't think of a better way to experience the culture and nature of South Africa. The volunteers are amazing. Young or old, individuals with a spirit to serve and experience adventure will feel right at home. You don't need to be a teacher. One week or six months, Daktari provides an experience that will make you a better person. You only need a desire to make a difference. ABSOLUTELY worth the trip.

I spent two weeks at DAKTARI that I will never forget. My dream for 7 years was to become a volunteer to help other people und animals. Here in DAKTARI I could live this dream. It was always funny with the kids, the animals and the other volunteers and I always enjoyed this time. The excursions in the Kruger National Park and in the Oaks were incredible. I didn't expect that I will gain so many and wonderful experiences in only two weeks. The other volunteers and all the other people were always very kind. Everything was clean and I felt always comfortable. My entire stay was below my expectations. I can recommend DAKTARI to everyone who loves children, animals and wants to do something good.
I spent two weeks at DAKTARI that I will never forget. My dream for 7 years was to become a volunteer to help other people und animals. Here in DAKTARI I could live this dream. It was always funny with the kids, the animals and the other volunteers and I always enjoyed this time. The excursions in the Kruger National Park and in the Oaks were incredible. I didn't expect that I will gain so many and wonderful experiences in only two weeks. The other volunteers and all the other people were always very kind. Everything was clean and I felt always comfortable. My entire stay was below my expectations. I can recommend DAKTARI to everyone who loves children, animals and wants to do something good.

Volunteering at DAKTARI is the best thing I could do for myself and my daughter.
The staff is professional and from the first moment they have given me the feeling we are one and that we all work for the same goal.
It's a Bushlife experience that you will not find in any other place. from the owner up to the cook they all give you a homey feeling.
I'm grateful for choosing Daktari.

Spending those 6 weeks at Daktari has been even more amazing and wonderful than I would have ever imagined. I did not feel like a volunteer at all, I immediately became part of a caring and fun family. Working so closely with all the animals has always been a dream of mine and being able to do so, in such an ethical, respectful environment is a wonderful, life changing experience.

The DAKTARI family is more than welcoming and you feel at home as soon as you arrive. The teaching program you receive as soon as you register, which allows you to have a look of what to expect, is great and you can feel the impact on kids at the end of the week. The coordinator is always here to help you in the teaching program if needed. Stabling twice a day allows you to interact with bush animals which is incredible. The animal manager and her coworkers makes a great job explaining what do it and how to do it. You'll never get bored though you're still having fun ! Thanks a lot to everyone !

I work as a travel agent, bringing volunteers to DAKTARI and other projects around the world. After helping a lot of volunteers fulfil their dreams of coming to South Africa, I managed to arrange 2 weeks to spend at the project. What a wonderful time I had starting with the staff who are so friendly and polite, the animals being taken care of as if they were family and the amazing food that was prepared catering to each of the volunteers individual needs. I can only say that if you are looking for an unique and quality experience involving a well thought out educational program and the preservation of native animal species, this is the one for you.

I spend 4 weeks at DAKTARI and it was a big step out of my comfort zone to get here but when i arrived i felt home right away! i loved working with kids and animals, i learned a lot and i also got to know amazing people from all over the world!!! Amazing trips, nice food, lovely people, great teaching program about environment, poaching, tourist and jobs and wild animals. I made friends for life and i would never forget my stay at DAKTARI because it was such a wonderful time!! Thank you for this experience!