Becoming an
Eco-Ambassador

Building a sustainable tomorrow, one Eco-Ambassador at a time

Become an Eco-Ambassador at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

If you are looking to make a difference by actively participating in the conservation of African wildlife within a fun, safe, stable and stunning environment, Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is the place for you.
Although this may sound similar to many other proudly South African volunteering projects, our dream for every person we encounter is to have a lifestyle change towards thinking conservation and living conservation.  We want your time at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge to not only be the experience of a lifetime but an experience that changes your life!  Our aim is to empower ordinary people (people like you!) to protect nature by creating a conservation lifestyle upon your return home.

Overview

So, what do we mean by a conservation lifestyle?

A lasting change in heart, from selfish consumption towards preserving what has been entrusted to us.

The Buffelsdrift Foundation is a starting point for you to become a conservationist, because with your help there can be a better tomorrow.  Our planet and specifically the wildlife that abound in it are a special gift that we have the luxury of experiencing and enjoying.  We want to share that experience with you and more importantly, we want future generations to have the opportunity to have similar enriching experiences.  This can only be achieved through conscious consideration of our current actions and learning new ways to preserve and conserve our greatest gift.

Our conservation projects could not function without the hard work, dedication, and time of our Eco-Ambassadors, officially known by the government here as Voluntourists.

Why Join Us?

By joining us at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge you are becoming part of a generous group of Voluntourists – those who see a country through unique eyes and spend their holiday time and funds assisting conservation around the world.
Funds from our Eco-Ambassador program are reinvested into conservation, enabling us to grow and become even more successful in achieving our vision. “At Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, anyone is a potential conservationist. It is our honor and pride to make you part of a generation that lives conservation.”
You will have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing wildlife species in Africa such as lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, meerkats, and many other indigenous species.  Day-to-day maintenance of the conservation area, as well as food preparation and feeding, are performed by our dedicated volunteers. You will also be part of vital research on wild meerkat families.
The daily schedule may include the following activities:
  • Monitoring, cleaning and maintenance of lion and elephant enclosure
  • Preparing food for elephants and lions
  • Tracking and monitoring free roaming cheetahs
  • Researching and observing wild meerkat families
  • Performing game counts
  • Electric fence and enclosure patrolling
  • Setting up camera “traps” for research purposes
  • Relocating/trans-locating wild-life
  • Mitigating human/animal conflict
  • Contributing to habitat conservation, including planting spekboom
  • Community upliftment via local projects
  • Assisting and support at local farm school
  • Farming work such as maintaining water supply, fixing fences, etc.
  • Ultimately – learning to become a conservationist
Caring for wildlife and their habitat in Africa is not always easy and there are many challenges along the way, including long hours and hard work. But, it’s one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences you will ever have.  We don’t want to romanticize the work we do. Our projects enable you to experience what life is like as a real conservationist.  If you are a go-getter who isn’t afraid to “get your hands dirty” with a passion to get things done, then this is the volunteering opportunity for you.
Join Us

Benefits of being an Eco-Ambassador

Without the time, sweat, energy and financial contribution of Eco-Ambassadors, conservation at Buffelsdrift would not be possible.  By volunteering you become an integral and significant part of our conservation legacy. The benefits are vast and continue to expand and we are thrilled with the progress to date.
Thus far, through the valuable contributions of voluntourists at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge, we actively contributed to preserving the meta-population of the cheetah, we enabled the preservation of free-roaming elephants in the Mangetti; we are continuously supporting local farm schools, educating several forums regarding mitigation of animal wildlife conflict, etc.  For more information on our projects please visit www.buffelsdriftfoudation.org. By being a Eco-Ambassador, you become an integral and significant part of our conservation legacy!

Skills you will acquire and/or enhance

  • The proper use of telemetry tracking equipment
  • The use of hand-held GPS devices
  • How to identify wild life species
  • How to set up and use camera “traps” to monitor certain species
  • How to track animals using traditional methods like the identification and following of animal spoor
  • How to collect and analyse data
  • An understanding of conservation and issues of human animal conflict
By taking on this Eco-Ambassador challenge you will increase confidence in your unique ability to make a difference.  You will gain leadership, teamwork, and relationship skills. Learn about self-management and learn to apply the skills you already have, more effectively.
You will also meet people from different walks of life, get the opportunity to make lifelong friends, and enjoy the benefits of communal living. Ultimately, we dream that you will gain a conservation mindset.
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General Information

Timing and duration:

The Eco-Ambassador program runs all year round and kicks off every Tuesday.  The Eco-Ambassador program runs mainly for two weeks, but you can extend or shorten your stay through prior arrangements.

Requirements:

  • Who can apply: Any person above the age of 17 years.
  • Language requirement: We understand English and Afrikaans, pointing and hand gestures will be used where language barriers occur.
  • Documents Required: A Holiday Visa is required to enter South Africa and travel insurance for participating in this program.

Location:

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge is located in South Africa, in the Western Cape, approximately 7 km North of Oudtshoorn in an area called the Klein Karoo.

The farm is also located in 60-minute proximity to the Indian Ocean; part of the popular area referred to as the Garden Route and has the added benefit that it is a Malaria free area.Which airport do I fly to?

You can fly to George National Airport from Cape Town or from Johannesburg and then take the 60-minute scenic drive to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge making use of transport via car or bus provided by us on selected days.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is provided in a large, newly built, tented camp with up to four people (same gender) sharing each tent. The rooms and tents are basic, but our single beds are comfortable with bedding provided (duvets and pillows). Showers and toilet facilities are en-suite and hot water is supplied by gas geysers. Power sockets for electrical items are available in each tent and in the communal area. Eco-Ambassadors also have access to Wi-Fi in the tented camp. The three daily meals are prepared by a staff member.
What is included?
  • Transfer from George on Tuesdays
  • Transfer to George on departure day
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Support and assistance from program coordinator
  • Foundation t-shirt
What’s not included?
  • All flights
  • Visas
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Optional extra activities
  • All free time activities
Qualities that we look for in our Eco-Ambassadors
  • Enthusiasm! Being energetic and having a positive attitude can help to motivate yourself and others – fun is guaranteed if you come prepared.
  • Flexibility and creativity
  • Reliability and integrity
  • Teamwork and willingness to serve
  • Passion to live what you have learned and to spread the conservation story.
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Plan your weekend off

Buffelsdrift Foundation is nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo, an integral part of South Africa's renowned Garden Route in the Western Cape. Conveniently located just 6.5 km from Oudtshoorn, known globally as the Ostrich Capital, our lodge offers easy access to this vibrant town. Additionally, we are merely 300 meters from the main tar road that leads to the famous Cango Caves, making us an ideal base for your explorations.

Volunteer Packages at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

Make a difference while experiencing the beauty and wildlife of the Klein Karoo. Whether you prefer a more laid-back stay in our volunteer camp or a luxurious stay in our Main Lodge, be assured of meaningful activities consisting of a combined cultural and wildlife experience. Our Eco-Ambassador packages offer something for every passionate traveller.

Join us and contribute to wildlife preservation, community upliftment, and sustainability initiatives, all while creating unforgettable memories in one of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes.

Eco-Ambassador Program

Why cooperate

Join Buffelsdrift Game Lodge’s Eco-Ambassador Programme and become part of a hands-on conservation initiative focused on wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and community upliftment. Experience the beauty of the Klein Karoo while contributing meaningfully to the Buffelsdrift Foundation’s sustainability mission.

Duration

Runs year-round, with arrivals and departures every Tuesday. Standard duration: Minimum stay of 2 weeks.

Accommodation & Meals

Stay in our comfortable Eco-Ambassador Camp, featuring shared tented accommodation for up to four guests (same gender). Each tent offers single beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot water, electricity, and Free Wi-Fi.
Three meals per day are freshly prepared by our Volunteer Mother, Fransiena Kamfer.

What’s Included
  1. Return transfer from and to George Airport (Tuesdays only)
  2. Accommodation in the tented camp
  3. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  4. Support and guidance from the programme coordinator
  5. Buffelsdrift Volunteer Uniform
  6. Bedding
Not included: Flights, visas, personal travel insurance, and optional leisure activities.
Transport
Fly to George National Airport, a 60-minute drive from Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. Transfers are provided on selected days.
Terms & Conditions
  1. Minimum age: 17 years
  2. Moderate English
  3. A valid Holiday Visa, Travel Insurance & Police Clearance Certificate are required
  4. Subject to availability
Rates
Oct 2025 - Sept 2026
R 1 955 pppn
Oct 2026 - Sept 2027
R 2 150 pppn
Oct 2027 - Sept 2028
R 2 365 pppn
Book now

Luxury Eco-Ambassador Package

Duration
Bookable between May and September (Minimum Stay of 7 Days)  
Volunteers can join the Eco-Ambassador Programme for a minimum stay or arrange for an extended stay in the Volunteer Camp.
Accommodation & Meals
Enjoy the comfort of our Luxury Horizon View Tents. Guests may dine at the lodge restaurant and select from two options:
  1. Bed & Breakfast – Lunch, Dinner & Drinks for Own Account.
  2. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast – Lunch & Drinks for Own Account.
What’s Included
Enjoy the comfort of our Luxury Horizon View Tents. Guests may dine at the lodge restaurant and select from two options:
  • Full participation in the Eco-Ambassador Programme
  • Accommodation in a Luxury Horizon View Tent
  • Daily breakfast (or dinner, bed & breakfast option)
  • Support and guidance from the programme coordinator
  • Access to lodge facilities and Free Wi-Fi
  • Buffelsdrift Volunteer Uniform Free
Not included: Flights, visas, travel insurance, and optional leisure activities.
Transport
Fly to George National Airport with a scenic 60-minute transfer to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. Transfers are provided on Tuesdays.
Terms & Conditions
  • Subject to Availability
  • Stay between May - September.
  • Minimum Stay of one week (7 Days)
  • Minimum Age 17 Years
  • No Customisation of our Standard Eco-Ambassador Program
  • Extra Lodge Activities Excluded
Bed & Breakfast Package
Oct 2025 - Sept 2026
R 3 890 pppn
Oct 2026 - Sept 2027
R 4 280 pppn
Oct 2027 - Sept 2028
R 4 710 pppn
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Package
Oct 2025 - Sept 2026
R 4 300 pppn
Oct 2026 - Sept 2027
R 4 730 pppn
Oct 2027 - Sept 2028
R 5 200 pppn
Book now

Eco-Ambassador Testimonials

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