Volunteer with the Vervet Monkey Foundation in South Africa
Monkey sanctuary experience in South Africa. Volunteer with the Vervet Monkey Foundation (VMF) and help care for nearly 600 rescued vervet monkeys. Volunteers come from all over the world and usually stay for 4–8 weeks, with some people extending their stay or returning for another season.
Host type and mission
- Animal sanctuary / NGO
The Vervet Monkey Foundation is a long-term sanctuary for rescued vervet monkeys. Their work focuses on animal welfare, rehabilitation and education. The aim is to give injured, orphaned and ex-pet monkeys a safe, natural home in stable troops.
Volunteer tasks and expectations
Volunteers join the sanctuary team in daily care routines for the monkeys and general help around the centre. No specific qualifications are required, but you should be ready for physical work, early starts and outdoor tasks in a busy wildlife environment. The foundation provides training on arrival.
Hours and length of stay
Most volunteers stay 4–8 weeks. The exact daily schedule and hours of help are not specified in the original information, so please ask the foundation for current details before you apply.
Food and accommodation
Volunteers stay in simple onsite accommodation at the sanctuary. Vegan meals are provided as part of the programme, in line with the foundation’s animal welfare values.
Fees transparency
Volunteer fees are required. According to the host, these fees cover onsite accommodation and vegan meals. This is a fee-based volunteer programme in an accredited animal sanctuary. The exact amount, what is included, and any extra costs (transport, excursions, insurance, etc.) should be confirmed directly with the Vervet Monkey Foundation before you make travel plans.
Baby season (November–March)
From November to March the sanctuary is especially busy. During this period the VMF receives many injured and orphaned baby vervet monkeys. Volunteers help the team care for these infants until they can meet foster monkey mums and begin integration into rehabilitated troops through the foundation’s Foster Mum Programme.
Accreditations
The Vervet Monkey Foundation is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and is a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance.
Location and free time
The sanctuary is located in South Africa, within reach of world-famous wildlife areas. In your free time you may be able to visit places such as Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon and other natural attractions. Excursions depend on time, budget and the sanctuary’s needs.
Outdated listing warning
This listing may be outdated. Information about volunteer fees, schedules and requirements can change. Please write to the Vervet Monkey Foundation to ask about current volunteer needs and conditions before you apply or travel.
CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧
Organisation: Vervet Monkey Foundation
Website: https://vervet.za.org/
More info: www.vervet.za.org (volunteer section)
Email: info AT vervet DOT za DOT org
Facebook: facebook.com/vervetmonkeyfoundation