Trip Highlights
Spend 13 days with Wild Hearted Adventures in South Africa, enjoying YOU time surrounded by wildlife. And then, if you’d like to extend your stay, enjoy some fun in Cape Town if you opt for our 3 night extension. Most of these experiences are exclusive, for our group only as long as min numbers are met for the activity.
Give back to Conservation
As part of your fee, over £1,000 is returned directly to conservation projects within the game reserves you visit. This funding helps support anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, veterinary care, and community initiatives such as schools, clean water, and local employment. During the journey, we will also have the opportunity to observe and sponsor vital veterinary work urgently needed to protect and care for vulnerable wildlife. Without people like you, many reserves would struggle to fund the teams and programmes that keep wildlife and wilderness safe for the future.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Go in search for an array of wildlife including elephants, lion, cheetah, giraffe, rhino, hippo, zebra to name a few in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve – whilst it can’t be promised, it is particularly famous for its leopard sightings!
Vet experience
We will join the Wildlife Team and a veterinarian to support them in the bush working with wildlife where necessary.
Volunteer at rhino sanctuary
Support the dedicated efforts of a sanctuary rescuing orphaned black and white rhinos whose numbers continue to decline due to poaching. The Rhino Sanctuary is a non profit organisation and is closed to the public.
Assist with rhino care
Assist in milk preparation for the rhinos, bottle feeding and boma care, clearing stables, participating in behavioural observations and gain completely new insights into the world of rhino care, rehabilitation and conservation.
We will learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned calves, the rewilding and release processes.
Meet anti-poaching unit
Meet the rhino K9 Unit and learn about anti poaching. An integral part of the orphanage.
Unparallel game viewing
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime – track the majestic lion, watch elephants roam the savanna, spot elusive leopards in the trees, and marvel at the sheer power of rhinos and buffalo.
This is your chance to witness Africa’s legendary Big Five and so much more.There’s truly nothing more exhilarating than a safari – where zebras gallop freely, giraffes glide across the horizon, and the wild reveals its soul in every sunrise.
Gallery
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in South Africa
Day 2 - Let's go on Safari!
Your Journey Begins
Mid morning, we’ll load up the vehicles and travel together to Dinokeng Game Reserve—known as “a place of rivers.” This unique reserve holds the promise of becoming a pioneering model for conservation, where communities and wildlife coexist in harmony.
After a welcome lunch and time to settle into your accommodations, the adventure truly begins. We’ll climb aboard an Open Safari Vehicle (OSV) and head out on our first game drive—an exhilarating journey into the African bush, guided by nature’s rhythm and the thrill of discovery.
There is simply nothing more awe-inspiring than witnessing Africa’s wildlife in its natural habitat. It’s raw, real, and utterly unforgettable.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Vet Experience and Safari
Conservation in Action
After a hearty breakfast, we join the Dinokeng Wildlife Team and a skilled wildlife veterinarian out in the bush for a truly hands-on conservation experience. Whether it’s assisting with the collaring of an animal, monitoring vital signs, or observing critical medical procedures, the day’s activities will depend on the needs of the moment – real conservation in action, tailored exclusively for our group. This rare, behind-the-scenes opportunity offers a powerful look at what it truly takes to protect Africa’s wildlife.
After lunch, we set off once again into the reserve for an unforgettable afternoon game drive. As the bush awakens from its midday stillness, we’ll venture into the wild in search of Africa’s most iconic species. Picture the thrill of spotting elephants rumbling through the trees, lions resting in the shade, cheetahs surveying the plains, and giraffes gracefully moving through the acacias. Rhinos, hippos, zebras, and countless other creatures may cross our path as we explore the rich biodiversity of this stunning landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Into the Rhino Sanctuary: A New Chapter in Conservation
Today, we say a heartfelt goodbye to the team at Dinokeng and journey together to the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, where we’ll be welcomed by the remarkable Petronel Nieuwoudt.
In 2001, Petronel founded Care for Wild in response to the devastating rise in rhino poaching across South Africa. Her sanctuary has since become the largest of its kind in the world – a place where orphaned rhinos receive the specialized care, safety, and compassion they need to survive, heal, and thrive.
Our time at Care for Wild promises to be deeply moving and unforgettable. Witnessing the tireless work of the keepers and staff will leave you feeling inspired, humbled, and hopeful. Their unwavering dedication to each animal’s recovery is nothing short of extraordinary – a powerful reminder of the impact compassion and courage can have on conservation.
Over the next few days, we’ll roll up our sleeves and join the team on the ground. Expect early mornings, hands-on tasks, and hard work – but rest assured, the rewards will be immense. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes directly to the survival of a species on the brink.
Our home during this time will be shared volunteer cabins, simple but welcoming, each equipped with comfortable beds (some bunk beds), en-suite bathrooms, and electrical outlets – just enough comfort to rest, recharge, and reflect after each meaningful day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Care for Wild
Day 5 - 7 - Care for Rhinos
Dawn Feeding and Hands-On Conservation
We’ll rise before dawn to greet the day, feeding the rhinos as the sun paints the sky with its first light – an intimate start to an extraordinary journey.
Over the next few days, you’ll step into a vital role at the heart of rhino care and conservation. From preparing milk and bottle-feeding these majestic calves to assisting with boma care and stable cleaning, you’ll help create a safe and comforting environment essential for their recovery.
Through hands-on work and insightful presentations, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-wilding processes. Experience firsthand the incredible personalities of these rhinos through behavioural observations, connecting with them in a way few ever get to. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation of rhino rehabilitation and leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound sense of fulfillment.
You’ll also learn about the harsh realities of the rhino poaching crisis in Africa and meet the sanctuary’s dedicated K9 unit, gaining insight into their critical role in ongoing monitoring, protection, and conservation efforts. We are privileged to get a behind-the-scenes look at the sanctuary’s daily operations – seeing how it adapts and evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of its rhino residents.
While the sanctuary follows a structured, carefully timed program designed around the rhinos’ welfare, it operates 24/7 and remains flexible to respond to urgent needs. Care for Wild embraces a ‘hands-off’ caregiving philosophy – the goal is always to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-wild rhinos so they can thrive once released back into their natural habitats.
Your involvement here is far more than just an experience – it’s a meaningful contribution to the survival of a species under threat. By joining this mission, you become an essential part of the ongoing effort to ensure rhinos thrive for generations to come. Embrace the opportunity to protect and nurture one of the world’s most magnificent creatures, and feel the immense satisfaction that comes from making a real, lasting difference.
Please Note: Wildlife rehabilitation and conservation facilities operate primarily for the welfare of the animals in their care. Experiences, demonstrations and animal interactions may vary from those shown in photographs or promotional materials and cannot be guaranteed.
Experiences such as bottle-feeding orphaned rhinos may only be possible when young rescue animals are present and participating in the rehabilitation programme.
Overnight: Care for Wild
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8-9 - Sabi Sands Game Reserve
After our morning with the rhinos and last breakfast at the sanctuary we will transfer to Sabie Game Reserve, which is situated within the Sabi Sands. The ultimate South African safari and most famous private game reserve of all.
We will conclude our African adventure with two magical nights at the enchanting Umkumbe Bush Lodge. Our days will begin at sunrise on early morning game drives, and as the sun dips below the horizon, we will set out once more on thrilling afternoon safaris in an open safari vehicles. Our journey will be guided by seasoned rangers, whose deep knowledge and passion for the wild promise to unveil the secrets of the bush.
Sabi Sands and Sabie Game Reserve offer an unparalleled safari experience. Nestled on the edge of the renowned Kruger National Park, where the wonders of nature unfold before your eyes and famous for its leopard sightings. The untamed wilderness is home to the coveted ‘Big 5’ – the majestic lion, elusive leopard, rhino, elephant, and the mighty buffalo. In this vast, fenceless expanse, the wildlife roams freely, painting a vivid tapestry of life that is both rare and extraordinary. Prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty and timeless splendor of Africa, where every moment is a new discovery.
Overnight: Sabi Sands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Farewell OR Fly Extend your Stay and Fly onto Cape Town
After breakfast, we will head to Skukuza Airport, where you can fly directly to Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
As we bid farewell to Africa, we leave with cherished memories and new friends. Africa has a unique way of touching your soul and changing you forever.
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey.
If you’ve opted for our 3 night Cape Town bolt-on:
After breakfast we will fly from Skukuza Airport to Cape Town International Airport (flight not included). On arrival we will take a private 45 minute transfer to a guest house.
We will spend time on Chapmans Peak catching some sunset shots before a dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - 13 - Exploring Cape Town
Discover some of the best parts of Cape Town and the spectacular Cape Peninsula with unforgettable wildlife, culture, scenery and wine experiences.
Journey along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads.
Visit Boulders Beach, home to the famous African Penguins, where white sands, calm turquoise waters and giant granite boulders create one of the Cape’s most beautiful natural settings.
Explore the rugged landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to zebras, baboons, ostriches, elands and an extraordinary variety of birdlife, before enjoying wine tasting in the historic Constantia Wine Region — the oldest uninterrupted wine-growing region in the Southern Hemisphere.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cape Town with a private walking tour through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, where the scent of spices fills the air.
Ascend the iconic Table Mountain by cable car to take in spectacular panoramic views across the city, coastline and ocean beyond before celebrating your Cape Town adventure with a memorable farewell dinner by the waterfront.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 - Farewell to South Africa
As our South African adventure draws to a close, it’s time to say goodbye to an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments.
From thrilling safari sightings to the beauty and energy of Cape Town, we hope this experience has left you with lasting memories, new friendships and a deeper connection to this remarkable part of the world.
Today we’ll organise your shuttles back to the airport, ensuring everyone gets there smoothly for their onward flights.
Thank you for being part of this special trip. We hope you leave feeling inspired, recharged and already dreaming about your next adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
About Care for Wild
Care for Wild is the largest orphan rhino sanctuary in the world. They rescue, rehabilitate, re-wild, release and protect rhinos but we also do so much more.
South Africa was fast becoming the centre of the rhino poaching crisis. Rhinos were being brutally murdered daily in National Parks, Provincial Parks and on private property to meet the demand for bogus medicines made from rhino horn. The illegal rhino horn trade catapulted the status of the White Rhino to ‘Near Threatened’ and the Black Rhino to ‘Critically Endangered’.
Many of these devastating poaching incidents left behind young, defenceless, orphaned calves. As the effects of the escalating poaching crisis became evident, so too did the need for a highly specialised care facility that could support the conservation efforts to save this iconic, key stone species from extinction.
Founded by Petronel Nieuwoudt, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary holds an official MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) with South African National Parks in our joint effort to safeguard the future of the species and South Africa’s heritage.
PLEASE NOTE
The itinerary is subject to change. Whilst we do our best to follow the published itinerary, activities, timings and locations may be amended due to weather conditions, wildlife movements, road conditions, park regulations or other operational requirements.
Accommodation, room sizes and facilities may vary between lodges and hotels.
We reserve the right to substitute accommodation with an alternative of a similar standard should circumstances require.
Images used on this website and in promotional materials are for illustrative purposes only and do not guarantee specific wildlife sightings, accommodation rooms, views or experiences.
Safari activities take place in natural environments. Guests should expect varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, dust, and other environmental factors associated with travel in the African bush.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Animals are free-ranging, and sightings will vary according to season, weather conditions and animal behaviour.
The appearance of specific wildlife species, including members of the Big Five, cannot be guaranteed.
Travel in remote areas forms part of the safari experience. Infrastructure, services and facilities may differ from those typically experienced in the UK, Europe or North America.
Most activities and transfers will be conducted as a group; but this is dependent on group numbers.
Prices quoted in USD are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and may vary at the time of booking.
Booking fees apply on the We Travel booking site.
We cannot be held responsible for delays, disruptions or alterations caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to adverse weather, natural events, government actions, transport disruptions, strikes or supplier-related issues.
Information published on this website is believed to be accurate at the time of publication but may be updated or amended without notice.
What's Included
- 10/13 nights accommodation, depending on your package, on twin basis (single room available at additional cost)
- Meals as indicated on Itinerary. All dietary requirements catered for, but we must know these well in advance.
- All game drives
- Airport Pickup at Johannesburg International Airport
- Private transfers throughout tour
- Guide & hosting services during the course of the tour
- Airport Dropoff at Nelspruit Airport
- Pre-Departure Support via WhatsApp & Facebook
- 24hr On-Site Support
What's not included
- Airfares – Fly into Johannesburg and out of Skukuza
- For those joining us in Cape Town, you will be required to fly to Cape Town at your own cost – Flight estimated R4000-R7000 (We will let you know which flight to book once the trip is confirmed.
- Drinks
- Meals not mentioned
- Visas
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities and Tipping – Approx R4000 – R6000
- Travel Insurance – compulsory
Your hosts
With Anna at the helm, our South Africa Conservation Experiences promises to be an enriching blend of adventure and relaxation. Anna will guide you on a journey of self-discovery amidst the breath taking landscapes of South Africa, where the untamed beauty of nature serves as the backdrop for inner exploration and growth.
Anna Miller
Anna is the visionary founder of Wild Hearted Adventures, whose warmth, inspiration, and charm set the perfect tone for our retreat. Her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm will inspire you to embrace every moment of this experience.
She is also a travel writer and the creative mind behind the popular family travel blog, Twins and Travels.
At times, unforeseen circumstances may require a change in your assigned host. However, rest assured that you’ll always be in the capable hands of a passionate, knowledgeable, and exceptional host from the Wild Hearted team, ensuring an unforgettable experience.