SanWild Sanctuary

SanWild Sanctuary Reviews

Excellent rating
     
5.0 | 43 reviews
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SanWild Sanctuary
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Emanuela Masucci
Emanuela Masucci 2026.07.18
     
I honestly can’t put into words how special my time at SanWild was. I originally booked just one week, but after a few days I knew I wasn’t ready to leave, so I extended my stay to two weeks. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I wish I could have stayed much longer. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many places around the world, but these two weeks have been one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my life. From the very first day, I felt welcomed by everyone. The rangers, staff and other volunteers created such a warm, friendly atmosphere that it quickly felt like home. The accommodation was really comfortable, the food was incredible (thank you to the amazing chef!), and every little detail made you feel cared for. Every day felt different and meaningful. Some days we repaired fences, cleared vegetation, dug holes for new enclosures or helped with general maintenance around the sanctuary. Other days we fed the animals, joined patrols or learned more about conservation and anti-poaching. It wasn’t always easy work, but that’s exactly what made it so rewarding. At the end of each day, I felt like I had contributed, even if only in a small way, to something that truly matters. The wildlife experiences were beyond anything I ever imagined. During my stay I was lucky enough to witness the darting of two rhinos and five buffalo, spend time close to cheetahs and lion cubs, and help with the daily feeding and welfare checks of the adult lions, servals, caracals and hyenas. They are moments I’ll never forget, not because they were exciting, but because they gave me a completely different appreciation for the work that goes into caring for these incredible animals. The weekend activities were wonderful too. The leopard hike and the full day in Kruger were unforgettable and made an already incredible experience even richer. To everyone at SanWild, thank you. Thank you for your kindness, your patience, your passion and for welcoming me into your world. You gave me memories that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. I’m already looking forward to coming back one day. I can’t wait to see the lion cubs all grown up and Mr. Nibbler with his beautiful mane, and to see this extraordinary place continue to grow. SanWild will always have a very special place in my heart.
Reply from SanWild Sanctuary 2026.07.19
Thank you Ema! for your wonderful feedback. We're thrilled that your time here was so meaningful and enriching. Your kind words inspire us to keep making a difference together. We look forward to welcoming you back someday!Loads of love Lizel!
Simon Clare
Simon Clare 2026.06.16
     
We had a wonderful and unforgettable 2 weeks at SanWild in May 2026. A huge thank you to the owner Didi, sanctuary manager Lukas and all the Rangers who ensured we were involved in a truely immersive experience with the beautiful animals at SanWild. We got a good understanding of the challenges and resources needed to keep the animals safe and living their best lives in the sanctuary. We had a very busy few days with a Brazilian film crew staying to make a documentary about veterinary dental work on carnivores. Some of the Lions & Hyaenas had root canal work done! We were involved with carrying them once sedated and assisting as able with what was going on. The day to day activities as volunteers were varied but always dictated by the most pressing needs of the animals and could change suddenly if needed. We cleaned & refilled water troughs, dug holes looking for a leaking pipe in the lion enclosure, cut very spiky trees down, fed dead chickens & chunks of Zebra meat to the Lions, and went on anti poaching activities with the rangers. We were lucky to be involved with dehorning a Rhino & placing a tracking collar on an elephant but these things only happen when needed and the sanctuary has sufficient resources/funding/sponsorship for the vet & helicopter. The Lodge and staff who cooked, cleaned & washed were fantastic. The food was really good and we enjoyed several delicious Braiis. The accomodation was quite comfortable in the standard tent we stayed in and the monkeys jumping on the roof every morning were nature's alarm clock! We were very sad to leave SanWild and all the friends we made there, hopefully we can return one day. Until then we have many many fond memories of our time at SanWild and of course hundreds & hundreds of photos!!
Roberto Silveira Fecchio
Roberto Silveira Fecchio 2026.05.24
     
Amazing!!! Perfect place and hospitality. Unique experience.
Kelly Johnston
Kelly Johnston 2026.05.10
     
I had an amazing time at San Wild. We had the privilege to be part of some unique activities. One was we welcomed a Lion from France. He was held in a small container on wheels in a circus for many years. I love learning new things and having new experiences. I upgraded to the deluxe tent and loved it. All the staff were awesome. They are very easy to work with and informative. I’m a little bit picky about food, but the food was awesome.. We helped with various projects, especially to get ready for the lion like clearing the habitat and some of the areas around it. We also cleaned some of the other habitats for other lions. We also did things like check fences and some other projects for the upkeep of the habitat and sanctuary. I really enjoyed my time there and I plan to return next year.
Kelly Johnston
Kelly Johnston 2026.05.10
     
Awesome experience I had an amazing time. San Wild was amazing. We had the privilege to be part of some unique activities. One was we welcomed a Lion from France. He was held in a small container on wheels in a circus for many years. We helped with various projects, especially to get ready for the lion like clearing the habitat and some of the areas around it. We also cleaned some of the other habitats for other lions. We also did things like check fences and some other projects for the upkeep of the habitat and sanctuary. I love learning new things and having new experiences. I upgraded to the deluxe tent and loved it. All the staff were awesome. They are very easy to work with and informative. I’m a little bit picky about food, but the food was awesome. I really enjoyed my time there and I plan to return next year.
Date of experience: 20 April, 2026
Jack D
Jack D 2026.04.25
     
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Amazing Trip Great experience with the SW crew made it feel like home the two weeks we were there. Outstanding accomodations, staff and of course the animals. We'll worth our time and expense.
tofino Beach
tofino Beach 2026.02.12
     
I spent 28 days here in January 26. A fabulous group of people who are soo passionate about wildlife preservation and are only too keen to make your experience the best it can be. It's a non profit charity who have the animals at the centre of it all. Like I say, I really can't express how wonderful all the staff are there. You are in the African bush, so expect a few hiccups along the way. But, turn up with a flexible positive attitude, passion and willing to get stuck in with the day to day running of an animal reserve, you will have a once in a lifetime experience.
Leslie Siegel
Leslie Siegel 2026.01.12
     
From the minute that I got there, I loved SanWild. Didi, Christelle and the staff that I met on my first day were very welcoming and made me feel at home. While at the Sanctuary, I saw first hand how the animals were cared for and how ethical it was. Not only are the animals treated with respect, but so are the humans. If I ever have another chance to go back, I will.
Sarah Linton
Sarah Linton 2025.10.20
     
Världens underbaraste plats och upplevelse! Allt från personalen till maten och boende är helt fantastiskt och det finns ingen bättre plats än sanwild att se och hjälpa alla djuren! Tack för de tre bästa veckorna.
molly Sandström
molly Sandström 2025.10.20
     
De här 3 veckorna har varit de bästa i hela mitt liv. Bästa stället ever. Maten är otrolig och all personal är så trevliga. Studenterna är underbara och speciellt tiaan som är ansvarig för volontärerna. Tack för allt!!!!!!
Silja Aðalgeirsdóttir
Silja Aðalgeirsdóttir 2025.10.14
     
Had an amazing time at SanWild I recommend this to everyone special thanks to the rangers they were fantastic! ❤️
Jessica Abrams
Jessica Abrams 2025.08.11
     
Sanwild was by far the most amazing experience I have ever had. The staff and animals far outdid themselves! The rangers were absolutely phenomenal and helped us the entire time learn about all the different plant and animal life, adjust to everyday changes, and see what life is really like protecting these sacred animals. I will be coming back to Africa and it will always be to go to Sanwild and help out on the reserve. Best one we visited and best one out there!!
Sarah Norris
Sarah Norris 2025.08.09
     
I had a rather unique experience at San Wild in March this year. It was unusually quiet in terms of volunteers! The staff and rangers were wonderful and I got to see first hand and experience the day to day reality of running a wildlife sanctuary. The ups and downs and definitely not a “sanitized” version. I was grateful to be treated as s member of the team. Fixing fences, rhino proofing the rhino holding enclosure. Moving the lions. Grooming zylar and taking her hunting, almost being chased by Moloto! Seeing the water buffalo and the giraffes. Feeding the animals. Clearing their enclosures. The team were amazing and I was humbled to play a very small part. Wonderful experience, wonderful people, animals and country. Thank you.
Liz Dell
Liz Dell 2025.08.05
     
Amazing experience. Outstanding staff, so friendly and accomodating. They all went above and beyond . Loved it all. Getting so up Close with the animals was breathtaking. I’ll be back again.
Elmo Moses
Elmo Moses 2025.08.05
     
Staying at Sanwild felt like going to stay with Family. I think because its small groups. The whole place felt magical. The animals were very well looked after. The Rangers were amazing how Junel could see particular paw, hoof, and foot prints while driving a jeep was just incredible. Tian was like her little brother. So great dynamic of the team. Food was very good. Staff so friendly. I cant wait to go back next June. There is always something to do. You can participate as much as you want to. My partner who is disabled was able to take part in everything. She is pretty mobile. Some of the picture we took could be use in a magazine. As you can get some close to the animals. Also great idea to have a group chat for volunteer rangers to keep in touch with what's going on at the reserve on you have left. So you can keep upto date with what's going on. You really feel apart of the welfare of the animals you have looked after. The conversation that takes place is just amazing. You really feel like you are making a difference. I learnt so much.
Sara Lee
Sara Lee 2025.08.05
     
I had absolutely the best time at SanWild and was so impressed with the passion and compassion I witnessed during my 2 week stay. It felt important to me to understand more about the bigger picture of conservation and these guys are totally on it. Yes, you do get to be with and see some incredible animals in a beautiful setting, but I was equally happy to spend time with the people who care for them and who share their knowledge so willingly. Incredible place, brilliant experience, highly recommended.
kristin silva
kristin silva 2025.08.04
     
Incredible opportunity to volunteer at a South African sanctuary, replete with lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and much more! Food and lodgings were great. Absolutely one of the best trips of my life.
Katie Abrahim
Katie Abrahim 2025.08.04
     
I spent 2 amazing weeks at SanWild in August 2024. I had the best time! The sanctuary, animals and staff are beautiful. The staff put the animals first always! I learnt so much not just about the animals but the South African culture. Going to SA was on my bucket list but SanWild had exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to return!

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