Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa
Step into the wild in South Africa: protect wildlife, connect with nature, and explore Kruger from Marloth Park
Immerse yourself in a unique conservation-focused experience in Marloth Park, where zebras and other wildlife roam freely and Kruger National Park is just around the corner. Stay in a comfortable space surrounded by nature, support local ecosystems through hands-on activities, and learn about African wildlife up close. Enjoy daily nature work, traditional braais, and unforgettable stargazing nights in one of South Africa’s most magical and biodiverse regions.
- Mayra
- Worldpackers host since Mar/2023
Starting from
US$ 1,528 for 15 days (US$ 128 per day)
US$ 1,928 for 15 days
Check dates & pricesJoin 54 worldpackers who've loved having this experience
Available group trips
Feb 16, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026
Come Join Annelie in South Africa!
COME TO SOUTH AFRICA WITH ME! Hi I am Annelie! Come with a wonderful group of animals lovers and immerse yourself in a unique conservation-focused experience in Marloth Park, where zebras and other wildlife roam freely and Kruger National Park is just around the corner. I’m beyond excited to share this experience with you all and can’t wait for you to join. Got questions? Shoot me a DM on Insta, I’ll give you all the details. This is your sign to pack your bag and jump into the adventure of a lifetime! 🌊✨
Starting from
US$ 1,398
Requirements
- Beginner English
- Over 18 years old
4 spots left
Jul 22, 2026 - Aug 05, 2026
Come Join Abbey in South Africa!
COME TO SOUTH AFRICA WITH ME! Hi I am Abbey a wildlife biologist! Come with a wonderful group of animals lovers and immerse yourself in a unique conservation-focused experience in Marloth Park, where zebras and other wildlife roam freely and Kruger National Park is just around the corner. I’m beyond excited to share this experience with you all and can’t wait for you to join. Got questions? Shoot me a DM on Insta, I’ll give you all the details. This is your sign to pack your bag and jump into the adventure of a lifetime! 🌊✨
Starting from
US$ 1,224
Requirements
- Beginner English
- Over 18 years old
4 spots left
Oct 20, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
Sold outImmerse yourself in South Africa’s wildlife with Harrison!
Join Harrison just steps away from the legendary Kruger National Park, where every day is an invitation to connect—with nature, with purpose, and with people from around the world. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll learn about conservation, share safaris and campfire nights, and dive into authentic cultural exchanges. It’s a journey of adventure, impact, and friendships that last long after the trip ends.
Starting from
US$ 1,928
US$ 1,528
Requirements
- Beginner English
- Over 18 years old
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Up to 11:00 AM – Arrival in Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg and begin your exciting adventure in South Africa.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Transfer to the project (Private Shuttle)
Hop on a comfortable private shuttle for a scenic drive to the project.
Evening
7:30 PM – Welcome Dinner & Amarula Tasting
Kick off your journey with a traditional South African dinner and taste Amarula, a delicious liqueur made from the marula fruit, offering a true taste of the African savanna.
Day 2
Morning
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to start your day.
8:00 AM – Project Introduction
Meet the team, receive your t-shirt and hat, and get an overview of the conservation project. Help organize tools and prep the area to start making an impact.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
Enjoy a relaxing meal with your fellow travelers.
4:00 PM – Sunset Walk in Marloth Park
Join a ranger for a peaceful walk through the bush and learn about the local ecosystem as the sun sets over the stunning landscape.
Evening
7:30 PM – Family-Style Dinner
End the day with a hearty, family-style dinner, sharing stories from the day’s adventures.
Day 3
Morning
8:00 AM – Bush Thinning
Work alongside the ranger to trim overgrown bushes and trees, creating firebreaks and wildlife corridors that help prevent wildfires and support biodiversity.
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy a fresh breakfast to start your day of conservation hands-on activities.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch in the great outdoors.
3:00 PM – Free Time to Explore Marloth Park
Take the afternoon to explore Marloth Park, where you might encounter zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife roaming freely.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Game Night
Gather for dinner followed by a fun-filled game night, where you can bond with fellow travelers.
Day 4
Morning
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Start your day with a nutritious breakfast.
8:00 AM – Remove Invasive Plants (e.g., Sickle Bush)
Help the team remove invasive plants that threaten local flora and fauna, improving the habitat for wildlife.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
Enjoy a break and refuel with a satisfying lunch.
3:00 PM – Bush Cleanup Walk
Join a guided walk through the park to clean up any litter, helping to maintain the park’s natural beauty.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Briefing
Get ready for the next day's big adventures with a briefing on your upcoming Kruger and Swaziland tours. Groups will split to explore both locations.
Day 5
Morning
5:00 AM – Early Breakfast & Group Departure
Start early with a quick breakfast and get ready for an exciting day trip to either Kruger National Park or Swaziland.
Afternoon
2:30 PM – Kruger Group Returns
Return from your unforgettable day in Kruger National Park, with memories of African wildlife up close.
4:30 PM – Swaziland Group Returns
The Swaziland tour group will also return, bringing stories of culture and adventure.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Chill
Gather for a laid-back dinner and relax after a full day of exploration.
Day 6
Morning
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Fuel up for a productive day in the field.
8:00 AM – Grass Planting
Contribute to the restoration of grazing areas by planting grass that will help feed the local wildlife.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
Enjoy a delicious, nutritious lunch with your fellow travelers.
3:00 PM – Free Time
Spend the afternoon relaxing, or take the opportunity to explore the park.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Karaoke Night
End the day with a fun-filled evening of dinner and karaoke, where you can show off your singing skills and have a blast with your new friends.
Day 7
Morning
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Start your last full day with a hearty breakfast.
8:00 AM – Regrowth Monitoring
Join the team to track the regrowth of vegetation and monitor wildlife movement. Your efforts will help ensure the park’s ecosystem remains balanced.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break.
4:30 PM – Guided Bush Walk (Optional)
Learn the secrets of the bush on a guided walk with an expert ranger. This optional activity offers a deeper dive into the local environment.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Games
Wrap up your trip with a fun dinner and games session, celebrating your first week of impact and adventure.
Day 8
Morning
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Start your day with a solid breakfast before heading into the wild.
8:00 AM – Create Giraffe Corridors
Help open natural routes so wildlife can roam freely and safely.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
Recharge with a fresh, local lunch after your morning efforts.
4:30 PM – Free time
Take a moment to relax or enjoy the surrounding nature.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Tour Briefing
Dinner and a fun preview of the next day's adventure!
Day 9
Morning
5:00 AM – Early Breakfast & Departure
Fuel up early, it's time for your next big wildlife adventure.
Afternoon
2:30 PM – Kruger Group returns
Return with stories and sights from South Africa’s iconic park.
4:30 PM – Swaziland Group returns
Wrap up your Swaziland journey and rejoin the crew.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & quiz night
Enjoy dinner and a fun quiz to see what you've learned.
Day 10
Morning
7:00 AM – Breakfast
A hearty breakfast to start a hands-on conservation day.
8:00 AM – Invasive Vegetation Removal and Grass Planting
Remove invasive species and replant native grasses for wildlife.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
Time to relax and refuel after a rewarding morning.
3:00 PM – Free time
Relax, nap, or explore: totally up to you!
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Tour Briefing
Enjoy dinner and get ready for the next day’s adventure.
Day 11
Morning
5:00 AM – Early Breakfast
Quick breakfast before hitting one of South Africa’s most scenic routes.
5:30 AM – Depart for Panorama Tour
Tour epic views, waterfalls, and try South Africa’s best pancakes.
Afternoon
4:30 PM – Return to Hostel
Return with a full camera roll and happy heart.
Evening
Dinner
Relax over a cozy dinner after a big day on the road.
Day 12
Morning
8:00 AM – Bush Thinning
Clear overgrowth to improve ecosystem health.
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Start strong for your final conservation efforts.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
A satisfying lunch after your last field effort.
3:00 PM – Free time/ Sunset
Enjoy golden hour and reflect on your journey.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Game Night
End the day with laughter and friendly games.
Day 13
Morning
5:00–10:00 AM – Breakfast (anytime)
Sleep in or rise early—breakfast is ready when you are.
Optional: Half-Day Kruger Safari / Sunset Safari / Night Safari
Pick your final wildlife moment: day, dusk, or dark!
Free Time at Hostel
Play pool, journal, or just enjoy the calm.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner
Day 14
Morning
7:00 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Grass Collection & Compost Making
Help collect and repurpose grass from our safari outings to create compost and restore natural grazing areas, a hands-on way to give back to the savanna.
Afternoon
12:30 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Free Time
Relax, pack, or enjoy the Park one last time.
Evening
7:30 PM – Dinner & Farewell Street Party
Celebrate the end of your 15-day journey with good food, music, and laughter under the African sky!
Day 15
Morning
4:30 AM – Early Breakfast
Grab a bite before your journey back home.
5:10 AM – Departure Shuttle to Johannesburg
Head to the airport with memories that’ll last forever. You can expect to get to the airport by 12:30 PM!
The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Beginner English
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Sunset Walk in Marloth Park
Explore the bush at dusk with a ranger, learning about local flora and fauna.
Grass Planting & Regrowth Monitoring
Restore grazing areas with grass from the safari and track wildlife movement and grass regrowth.
Bush Thinning & Invasive Species Removal
Clear overgrown bushes and remove invasive plants to restore wildlife corridors.
Guided Bush Walk
Take an optional walk with an expert ranger and discover the secrets of the African bush.
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Panorama Tour
Enjoy Blyde River Canyon views, top pancakes, and a waterfall swim in South Africa.
Bush Cleanup Walk
Join in maintaining Marloth Park’s pristine environment by picking up litter along the way.
Kruger National Park Tour
Explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five and diverse wildlife.
The group will be split into two for this activity
Game Nights (Quiz & Karaoke)
Join themed quiz nights and karaoke sing-offs for fun bonding moments!
Swaziland Culture Tour
Experience the rich culture and history of Swaziland through a guided cultural tour.
The group will be split into two for this activity.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Mini Golf in Marloth Park
Challenge your fellow travelers to a fun round of mini golf in the park.
R100 (Approx. $5 USD) | Open daily
Quad Biking Adventure
Ride off-road through rugged bush terrain on a thrilling quad bike!
R750 (Approx. $40 USD) | Available daily (weather permitting)
Local Water Park Visit
Cool off with a fun day at the local water park featuring slides and pools.
R150 (Approx. $8 USD) | Open daily
Bike Rides Around the Reserve
Explore Marloth Park’s paths on a hostel bike, you might spot giraffes!
Free | Available daily
Sunset Drive in Marloth Park
Experience the golden hour with a scenic drive through Marloth Park for wildlife viewing.
Free | Once a week
Kruger National Park – Sunset Safari
A late afternoon safari in Kruger to witness the wildlife during sunset.
$53 USD (Approx. R1,010) | Available on free days
Kruger National Park – Half-Day Safari
Go on a guided safari in Kruger, spot the Big 5, and enjoy an unforgettable wildlife experience.
$47.22 USD (Approx. R900) | Available on free days
Sunset Boat Cruise – Komati River
Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Komati River, spotting hippos, crocs, and birds.
R850 (Approx. $45 USD) | Daily at sunset (pre-book at the hostel)
Lionspruit Game Drive
Visit Marloth Park’s private reserve for a guided game drive, home to lions and rhinos.
$20 USD (Approx. R380) | Available on request
Kruger National Park – Night Safari
Explore Kruger at night with spotlights and guides to spot nocturnal predators.
$47.22 USD (Approx. R900) | Available on free days
Videos
Daisy
United Kingdom
I volunteered for 4 weeks at the hostel this summer and loved every single minute of it! Oliver, Marion, Mayra and Rene are all absolutely incredible people and have such pride in their beautiful hostel. It was such a nice family environment with homemade dinners every evening- often using ingredients from Marion's own lush garden on the property. The safaris were incredible and the guides Robert and Lebu gave us so many unforgettable memories! The camping trips were also amazing- especially with Oliver's great music and stories. Thank you all, I can't wait to visit again!
21 days ago
Veridiane
Brazil
I can't describe how special my time at the hostel was. It was an experience that brought about a profound internal transformation, filled with beautiful connections with people from all over the world, a place that made me see the beauty and power of nature with greater clarity and depth. I learned and developed new cooking skills and discovered a passion for it. I had fun and was thrilled on the more than 10 safaris I went on. I created friendships that I'm sure will last forever, and I leave with the feeling that I will return many times. Thank you so much all the hostel family!
22 days ago
Katie
United States
Volunteering at KPH was the best experience I could have asked for, a perfect place for a first-time volunteer. All of the staff were amazing and truly made you feel at home and part of the family, and all the wildlife adds a magical touch to this little paradise. The tasks were well-organized and straightforward, making them easy and fun to complete. I recommend doing all the tours and game drives that you can, they were all so much fun! I am leaving with so many great memories and new friends from all over the world. I will genuinely miss everyone so much and can't wait to come back! ♡ 𓃵𓃱♡
2 months ago
Agustin
Argentina
I spent unforgettable 3 week experience here. Thank you Oliver,Marion,Mayra,Rene,Rober and the amazing team for making me feel part of this family. The place is surrounded by nature, the food is delicious, and the hostel is always clean and organized, also if you ever need anything the staff will always be there to help and make things easier for you. You can feed zebras and other animals, and they also offer tours to places like Eswatini or Mozambique. I 100% recommend it if you love nature, animals and meet good people. Thank you and i really hope to see you all again someday soon!!
2 months ago
Kim
Germany
The hostel is truly a place like no other. I arrived without any expectations and my experience turned out to be better than I could have imagined. From seeing plenty of animals on the game drives, feeding Zebras or bushbucks next to the pool to camping trips in Eswatini or Mozambique, my heart is full with new memories. Everyone is really kind and caring and you get to meet plenty of people and guests. And by the end of my stay I felt myself as if part of a little family <3 If time allows me I will definitely return in future! Thank you for making this opportunity possible!
2 months ago
Alejandro
Costa Rica
Hello, I want to greet everyone who takes the time to read this message. My first experience as a volunteer was in this beautiful place, the hostel. I truly want to thank the people with whom I shared this experience. Thank you Mayra, thank you René, thank you Oliver, thank you Marian, and thank you to everyone who made this place my home. I connected with nature. I had the opportunity to see the wildlife of the hostel National the hostel firsthand, and I definitely had an experience I'll remember forever.
3 months ago
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Accommodation options
Shared Dorm
Stay in a cozy shared dorm at the project, right in the heart of Marloth Park. With bunk beds, it's the perfect setup for making new friends and sharing the adventure. You’ll have access to hot showers, good Wi-Fi, lockers, and all the awesome hostel amenities: a chill-out lounge with books and games, a pool to cool off after a day in the bush, a fully equipped kitchen, free bikes, and a braai (BBQ) area under the stars. Mixed-gender dorms and a laid-back, social vibe await you!
- Pay-per-use laundry machine
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Bikes at your disposal
- Dedicated Workspace
- Hot water showers
- Pool
- Lockers
Meals
You'll enjoy three meals a day during your stay. Start with a buffet-style breakfast of oats, cereal, fresh fruit, eggs, toast, and South African rusks, plus coffee, tea, and milk. Lunch is simple but filling, and dinner is a cozy, home-cooked meal shared with the group, prepared by our staff. Expect local favorites like braai, chickpea curry, pap with stew, and more. We use fresh, local ingredients and offer vegetarian options. Dietary needs? Just let us know!
Arrival orientation
The group will be picked up at 12:30 PM from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg by our trusted shuttle partner, already included in the program. Head to the airport’s bus terminal and look for the logo-marked vehicle. After arriving at the project, you’ll settle in with a welcome dinner and a good night’s rest. The next morning kicks off with our Orientation Workshop, where you’ll learn about the project’s purpose, meet the team, and get prepped for your conservation journey—with coffee, of course!
About the project
This project was born from a deep love for Africa and a life-changing experience as a Worldpackers traveler. After spending seven months here and later living in Marloth Park for over a year, I saw how nature, this community, and this land could transform people. We created this project to be a bridge, connecting conscious travelers with the mission of restoring nature and creating sustainable opportunities for locals. It’s not just a hostel, it’s a purpose in action.
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Top host
- This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.
- Languages spoken in this project
- English, German, Portuguese
- How long does it exist
- 1 year
- Worldpackers host
- Since Mar/2023
About the destination
Marloth Park is a unique wildlife sanctuary located right on the border of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s most iconic conservation area. This bush paradise is home to zebras, giraffes, kudus, and countless other species that roam freely among the houses and lodges. It's a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination where you can truly disconnect and reconnect with nature. With dirt roads, starry skies, and the sound of lions in the distance, it's a place where travelers can experience Africa in its rawest, most magical form, while also contributing to its preservation.
Impact & Purpose
The project aims to restore Marloth Park’s ecosystem by addressing overgrazing and overgrown trees. By planting grass, clearing invasive plants, and managing vegetation, the project helps maintain biodiversity, prevent wildfires, and create a healthier environment for local wildlife. The goal is to ensure a sustainable habitat that supports both wildlife and the community long-term.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable cities and communities
The project contributes to SDG 11 by preserving Marloth Park as a sustainable environment. By managing vegetation, thinning overgrown trees, and restoring natural habitats, the project helps prevent overgrazing, maintain biodiversity, and ensure a livable space for both wildlife and the local community. This work supports the long-term viability of eco-tourism, a key pillar of the area's economy.
Climate action
Through activities like planting native vegetation, collecting grass for rewilding, and clearing invasive species, the project directly supports SDG 13. These efforts help reduce wildfire risks, enhance carbon absorption, and improve soil health, contributing to a more resilient ecosystem. By protecting natural habitats and fostering biodiversity, the project plays a vital role in combating the effects of climate change in the region.
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