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$ 1,444 for 15 days (US$ 96 per day)
Check dates & pricesJoin 64 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! 🌊✨
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026
Immerse yourself in South Africa’s wildlife with Marie!
Join Marie for a wild South African adventure in Marloth Park — where zebras stroll by your doorstep and Kruger National Park is just minutes away. Immerse yourself in hands-on conservation, protect local ecosystems, and experience Africa’s amazing wildlife up close. Days are filled with meaningful nature work; nights are for swapping stories around braais and stargazing under the vast African sky. Adventure, purpose, and magic — all on a budget.
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
7:00 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy a fresh breakfast to start your day of conservation hands-on activities.
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.
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!
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
Maria
Denmark
The whole trip was amazing and life changing. The hostel was really cozy, rooms and bathrooms were nice, food good and the whole enviorment and atmosphere was great! The group trip host Harrison did an amazing job to make sure that everybody felt included and had fun. It was nice seeing the grass we planted grow so that we felt like we actually made a difference. Just a 10/10 experience
13 days ago
Rena
United States
Loved my time with the hostel!!
14 days ago
Aline
Switzerland
I absolutely loved my time at the hostel (even so that I extended it to a week long after the program :D ) The place makes you feel at home, the staff go beyond and above to do their very best, they are one of the friendliest people I've ever met and all so knowledgeable on the wildlife in the hostel and surroundings. The place where the hostel is located is very special because you get to see sooo many animals just by walking a few meters from it (or they even come to the hostel itself! ) It's like having the opportunity of doing a walking safari every!! I couldn't recommend this place more!!
19 days ago
Kinga
Poland
Oh my god, what an incredible month that was! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by such wonderful souls who care so deeply about the guests, volunteers, and animals 😍 A huge thank you to Rene, Mayra, Oliver, Marion, and our amazing guides Lebu and Robert ❤️ You made this month truly unforgettable. I would highly recommend this volunteer experience to anyone who wants to be surrounded by nature and is looking for a laid-back position that offers the perfect mix of work and relaxation 🥰
25 days ago
Gil
Belgium
I couldn't dream of a better volunteering experience honestly. One thousand words won't describe the way you will feel at the hostel. It's just a great place with great surroundings great people and great wildlife also ! Trust me go for it and don't look back :)
27 days ago
Viktoria
Austria
At this place, not only will your wildest dreams come true, but you'll also catch the game drive bug and fall in love with the nature, the animals, and especially the people. It was my first time volunteering with Worldpackers, and I couldn't have wished for a better experience. Rene and Mayra are incredible hosts, managing this special place so wonderfully together with their amazing team: Rob, Marion, Oliver, Truddy, Lebu, Eni and Happiness. You will always have such a special place in my heart. I cannot express how thankful I am for this unforgettable experience.
28 days ago
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Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
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)
- Lockers
- Pool
- Dedicated Workspace
- Bikes at your disposal
- Hot water showers
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
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.
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.
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