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Welcome to the Kruger Park Hostel Volunteer Program

So You Want to Volunteer in the Bush?

Welcome to Kruger Park Hostel – a small, family-run hostel right on the fence line of Kruger National Park. You’re not just signing up for a volunteer gig; you’re about to join a quirky little bush crew who believes in good food, good vibes, and the magic of the wild.

Where You'll Sleep

Shared dorms with 2–4 other volunteers. Bedding included. It’s simple, clean, and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of hyenas (yes, really).

What You'll Eat

Volunteers chip in 250 /day for all meals. We buy in bulk, cook together, and eat like a family.

  • Breakfast: DIY – cereal, toast, eggs, spreads
  • Lunch: Sandwiches or leftovers (they hit different here)
  • Dinner: Buffet-style, always with a main dish and either a side or dessert

Your Schedule

You’ll work 5 hours a day, 5 days a week – usually in the afternoon and evening. Mornings are for sleeping in, Kruger safaris, or coffee-fueled monkey watching.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Prepping and serving dinner (team effort, don’t worry)
  • Helping with breakfast setup
  • Keeping common areas clean and cozy
  • Stocking the bar fridge and pantry
  • Taking photos or social media content if that’s your thing
  • Joining our elite Monkey Security Squad (yes, it’s a real thing)

The Perks

  • 20% off drinks at the bar (hydration is important)
  • Free tours (you just cover park entry fees)
  • 20% off Kruger and Mozambique overnight safaris
  • Fast(ish) Wi-Fi in the middle of the bush
  • New friendships, wild stories, and bush sunsets you’ll never forget

Free Tour Details

  • Kruger Safari (half-day): Entry ~R 535 (Wild Card option available: Wild Card Info)
  • Panorama Route: Entry fees ~R 215
  • Eswatini Day Tour: Entry fees ~R 250
  • Lionspruit: No entry fee (just watch for lions)

Night and sunset drives not included (run by external operators).

More on overnight safaris: krugerparkhostel.com/Camping-Safaris

Getting Here

Flying into Johannesburg? Stay the night at Backpackers Connection if you arrive late.

Best transfer: Book with JSL Transport – daily shuttles from Johannesburg or Pretoria: www.jsltransport.co.za

Confirm drop-off at the hostel. If not possible, contact Rene (+27 76 463 9573) or Mayra (+55 11 96426 5196) for pick-up.

Health & Safety

Marloth Park is pretty chill, but remember – this is wild Africa.

  • Scorpions and snakes exist. Check your shoes and bedding.
  • The local clinic is just 1 km away.
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Meet the Crew

We’re a small, family-run hostel founded in February 2023. Mayra and Rene manage everything; Oliver and Marion (Rene’s parents) are the wise bush elders. Ennie, Happiness, and Trudy keep things sparkling and friendly. Robert is our in-house ranger and wildlife encyclopedia. Alfred, Shippo, and Kelvin build, fix, and maintain just about everything.

We’re small. We’re personal. And we love what we do.

Living in a Game Reserve

Here, wildlife roams free — and sometimes right past your door. You’ll hear lions at night, see zebras at the fence, and maybe even meet Reggie, our resident warthog. This isn’t just volunteering; it’s living the wild dream.