Come join our quirky little bush crew 🌿
Kruger Park Hostel is a small, family‑run hostel on the edge of Kruger National Park in Marloth Park. Volunteering here means real teamwork, hearty meals, good laughs, and the kind of wildlife moments you don’t get in a city… ever.
Quick vibe check: If you enjoy communal living, helping out, cooking from scratch, and staying curious — you’ll fit right in. If you need silence, luxury, or room service… the bush might humble you 😄
How to Apply (Worldpackers only)
We only accept volunteer applications through Worldpackers.
- It keeps the agreement, expectations, and dates in one place.
- It helps both sides stay protected with a proper platform and messaging.
- It makes arrivals smoother (less “Wait, what did we agree on?” 😅).
Choose the role that fits you best and apply using the correct link below.
Pick your role 👇
🍳 Volunteer Cook (Dinner Chef)
You lead dinner, plan simple wholesome meals, and keep people fed and happy.
Apply for Cook →
🥣 Kitchen Hand & House Support
You help the cook, keep the kitchen running, tidy common areas, and support hostel life.
Apply for Kitchen Help →
Tip: In your application, tell us your superpower (organised? social? calm under pressure? killer lasagna?).
Living in a Game Reserve (Marloth Park)
Marloth Park is one of those places where wildlife wanders around like it owns the neighbourhood — because… it does. You’ll likely see animals cruising past the hostel, hear lions in the distance, and spot plenty of birds and small creatures going about their daily business. (Yes, even the insects have schedules.)
What you might see
- Daily-ish: zebras, kudu, impala, warthogs, and birds everywhere.
- Often: giraffes strolling by like they’re late for a meeting.
- Sometimes: monkeys/baboons trying to negotiate snacks (they don’t accept “no” easily).
- Night sounds: hyenas, and occasionally lions calling from nearby areas.
- Small stuff: geckos, lizards, beetles, moths, and summer flying ants after rains.
Wildlife is wild. We love them… from a respectful distance.
Bush life tips (your future self will thank you)
- Don’t feed wildlife. It causes problems (and creates very confident animals).
- Close doors & windows when you’re not watching them. Monkeys are basically tiny burglars.
- Shake out shoes & bedding (especially in summer). Cozy hiding spots are popular.
- Use insect repellent and keep lights low at night to reduce bug parties.
- Walk only in daylight. Nighttime is for predators doing predator things.
- Hydrate & sunscreen — the Lowveld sun does not play.
- Store food properly so it doesn’t “disappear”.
Accommodation & Meals
Where you’ll sleep
- Separate volunteer dorm with 4 beds (volunteers only).
- Close to staff rooms; volunteers and staff live in the same general area.
- Separate ablution block with toilet, shower, and basin.
- Bedding included.
It’s simple, clean, and bush‑cozy — not luxury, but you’ll sleep well (especially after a safari day).
Meals (and our “from scratch” philosophy)
Volunteers contribute R250/day toward meals. We cook together and eat like a family.
- Breakfast: DIY — cereal, toast, eggs, spreads.
- Lunch: sandwiches or leftovers.
- Dinner: buffet-style — main + side or dessert.
We love cooking from scratch. Our meals aren’t exotic, but they should be tasty, wholesome, and made without heavily processed sauces and additives. We also try to use what we can from our garden when it’s available.
Heads‑up: we often have a mix of guests — some vegetarian, occasional vegan, and sometimes lactose‑intolerant. We keep meals adaptable so everyone can eat.
Schedule & Duties
Work is generally 5 hours/day, 5 days/week. Your day starts around 14:00, so mornings are usually free for relaxing, exploring, editing photos, or joining adventures.
Role: Volunteer Cook 🍳
Shift: ~14:30–19:30 (prep from ~14:00)
- Plan and cook dinner (simple, wholesome meals).
- Always include a side or dessert.
- Use leftovers creatively; prioritise ingredients we already have.
- Communicate the plan in the group chat (so the team can support you).
- If your meal needs meat: take it out of the freezer in time.
- Prep bread for breakfast; rusks weekly (recipes provided).
- Keep kitchen clean: dishes, counters, stove, compost, floors.
- Be social — dinner is a community moment.
Role: Kitchen Hand & Bar Assistant 🥣
Shift: 14:00–17:00 + 19:00–21:00
- Assist the cook (prep, bread/rusks/jam/yogurt/granola tasks as needed).
- Keep kitchen organised: fridge, scullery, pantry.
- Dishwashing + cleanup after dinner; wipe counters; sweep/mop if needed.
- Empty compost and bins; keep balcony/ashtrays tidy.
- Restock bar fridge + pantry; help serve drinks (when assigned).
- Reset chill areas and game zone (pillow fluffing counts as a skill here).
- Lights on at sunset; unused lights/AC off.
- Upload photos/videos; tag us; collaborate on a killer reel if you’ve got one.
- Close up at night: lock doors once it’s dark and guests are inside.
Bonus mission: the “Monkey Security Squad” — keep curious wildlife out of food areas.
Perks of Volunteering
- Free tours (you cover park/entry fees where applicable).
- 20% discount on Kruger & Mozambique overnight safaris.
- Reliable Wi‑Fi (for bush standards 😉).
- New friendships, stories, and sunsets you’ll brag about forever.
Typical entry fees (rough guide)
- Kruger Safari (half‑day): ~R535 (park entry)
- Panorama Route: ~R215
- Eswatini day tour: ~R250
- Lionspruit: Free
Night/sunset drives may be operated externally and not included.
Health & Safety
- Wildlife is real — check shoes and bedding.
- Local clinic is nearby (about 1 km).
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- No walking around the reserve at night.
If you ever feel unsure about anything (animals, safety, health), speak up immediately. We take safety seriously — and we’ll never judge you for asking.
What Past Volunteers Say
Real words from real people. (Yes, we also miss them.)
Tip: Swipe left/right on mobile.
FAQ (Because you’re smart and you ask good questions)
Do I get days off?
Yep — two days off per week. On work days you still have personal time, especially mornings.
What does the daily contribution cover?
The R250/day contribution goes toward meals (breakfast, lunch basics, and dinner). Bar items are separate.
What are the working hours?
About 5 hours per day, 5 days per week, usually starting around 14:00.
Can I join safaris and tours?
Often yes — when there’s space on a tour with paying guests. You’ll usually cover entry fees (like Kruger park fees).
Where will I sleep?
A separate volunteer dorm (4 beds) with bedding included, near staff rooms, plus a separate ablution block.
What about dietary needs?
We can usually accommodate vegetarians and we often have guests who are vegan or lactose‑intolerant. We keep meals flexible and appreciate cooks who communicate and plan thoughtfully.
Do you accept couples?
Often yes (depending on space and role availability). Apply via Worldpackers and tell us your situation.
Is it safe? (Wildlife + insects + real bush stuff)
Marloth Park is a wildlife area — so yes, you’ll see animals and plenty of bugs. We’ll brief you on common sense rules (no walking at night, don’t feed wildlife, keep food secure).
- Shake shoes & bedding.
- Use repellent in summer.
- Ask if you’re unsure — always.
What should I pack?
- Camera or good phone (and maybe a laptop if you like editing).
- Sunhat, sunscreen, light clothes, hiking shoes, swimsuit.
- Closed shoes for evenings and bush paths.
Laundry / Wi‑Fi / SIM cards?
Laundry is available (washing machine and dryer). Wi‑Fi covers most areas. For SIMs: eSIM is often easiest; locally Vodacom tends to have good coverage.
Can I extend my stay?
If we have space, yes — extensions are possible. Just communicate early so we can plan.