Spenden an Friends of African Wildlife sind steuerlich absetzbar.
Friends of African Wildlifebettina_weber_foaw2026-05-13T12:03:32+02:00
A warm welcome!
A warm welcome!
Do you know the feeling when something hits you right in the heart?
That’s how we felt when we visited the Southern African Wildlife College for the first time on one of our trips to South Africa. It is located in the middle of Kruger National Park and trains young and motivated people to become rangers and reserve managers. Here they are given a perspective. And they internalize values such as respect and appreciation for people, animals and nature.
With our association “Friends of African Wildlife”, we support the education of local people. In doing so, we show what targeted support can achieve. At the same time, we are helping to preserve the beauty and wealth of Africa.
Join us in this wonderful world! And experience what our joint commitment can achieve.
True to our guiding principle: be part of it!
Our commitment
Only if the local population has sufficient specialist knowledge can they sustainably protect Africa’s unique nature and wildlife. It is precisely this knowledge that the students acquire in the courses and campaigns offered by the Southern African Wildlife College in Kruger National Park. For example, on topics such as poaching, coping with wildlife conflicts and managing natural resources.
The demand is great. More and more young Africans want to get to grips with these important issues and get involved. However, many lack the money for training. External support is needed to enable them to do so anyway. This is what we are committed to!
Our local partner
The Southern African Wildlife College was founded in 1996 and is a state-recognized, non-profit educational institution that is audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Internally, its quality is ensured through corporate governance. The college is also our local project coordinator.
In addition to association founder Christoph Weber, prominent exponents from wildlife and academic institutions are represented on the supervisory body.
The college’s CEO is Theresa Sowry. As an ambassador for the “Friends of African Wildlife” association, she guarantees that the funds raised in Switzerland are used for the intended purpose and in a targeted manner.
The ambassadors
Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC)
Auditors
Experience Africa
Experience Africa
- Trips exclusively for interested sponsors
and friends of the club. - 4 days/3 nights from/to Johannesburg
- Accommodation in college, student room
or guesthouse - Full board, drinks
- Visit college & students
- Meeting the local population
- Game Drives, Walking Tours
- Active participation in the animal welfare program
These adventure trips are offered at cost price (group size and travel details by arrangement) and serve to raise awareness for the topic of biodiversity and nature conservation and the associated training.
Field Guide training from the best
There is probably no better place to embark on such an experience and experience the real everyday life of a ranger – the excitement, the dangers, the joy and the friendship.
You will receive practical training from professional trainers from the Southern African Widlife College in the Kruger Park. Every day you will be out in the bush – on foot or in a four-wheel drive vehicle. You will get up close and personal with the “Big 5” as well as the numerous other wild animals. You will learn all about their behavior, tracks, coexistence in the natural environment and the different ecological roles of mammals, birds, insects and reptiles.
Dates: on request
Duration: 14 days on site (plus arrival and departure)
Cost: CHF 3,900.00 per person
With your participation you enable two local students from disadvantaged areas to complete a FGASA course at the college and thus acquire vocational training.
Services included:
– accommodation in a double room incl. full board, drinks
– professional and highly qualified instructors
– all course fees, activities/excursions and NP fees
– uniforms (2 T-shirts and cap), weekly laundry service
Our Projects
It is essential for the success of our efforts that potential managers are identified and specifically supported at a young age. Our six-month training program is aimed at disadvantaged but talented school leavers who want to pursue a career in animal and nature conservation. The program develops their skills through practical and theoretical lessons and follows the principle of applied learning.
Entry-level program costs 3 months
(tuition, board and lodging)
CHF 2,300
Apprentice field guide course costs 3 months
(tuition, board and lodging)
CHF 3,950
We equip a new generation of wildlife managers with the essential skills they need and open up diverse career opportunities for them. Our efforts are paying off: today, graduates of the Southern African Wildlife College are already responsible for some of the world’s most biologically diverse regions in southern Africa.
Possible qualifications:
- Higher Certificate in Nature Conservation – Conservation Implementation and Leadership
- Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation – Trans Frontier Conservation Management
Cost share for one year of Higher or
Advanced Education per student
(tuition, meals, and accommodation)
CHF 5 500
Anti-Poaching Training
Did you know that in South Africa alone, three rhinos are brutally killed by poachers every day? We are taking action against this cruelty with a special training program for rangers.
- A specialized basic and additional training for field rangers
- Targeted aerial surveillance (Eye in the Sky)
- An anti-poaching dog squadron (Dog4Rhinos)
Costs Field Ranger basic training 6 weeks
(lessons, meals and accommodation as well as
special training)
CHF 1,990
Dog Unit
The dog unit is an effective addition to all other measures in the fight against poaching. The dogs trained at the Southern African Wildlife College support the rangers in tracking down and apprehending poachers.
Costs per month for 15 dogs
(incl. maintenance and food)
CHF 800
Aerial Surveillance
Rangers monitor the various areas in the Kruger National Park with light aircraft. The advantages: Rhinos can be spotted more easily from the air and baby rhinos that have been left behind can be found and rescued in good time. In addition, poachers can be located in this way and arrested as part of an operation with air support.
Costs for one day of aerial surveillance
(incl. fuel, pilot and maintenance)
CHF 630
Kids who care
We support numerous community projects in the surrounding villages. One of them is the “Coaching for Conservation – C4C” program.
Through the core values of sport, students in grades 3 to 5 learn how to treat nature and animals with respect. In a playful and engaging way, they are encouraged to take care of and protect their homeland.
Costs for 25 students
(transportation, meals, equipment,
Accommodation: two days and one night at the college)
CHF 2100
Thank you for your donation!
Sustainable development can only succeed with personal initiative. That is why we use your donations to provide young and motivated Africans with the knowledge they need to protect nature and wildlife in their homeland.
Our support helps them to recognize the infinite value of these resources. And they realize that their efforts also have a positive impact on them personally: It enables them to have a self-determined future far away from poverty and illegality.
It is this positive dynamic that we are striving for. A dynamic that helps everyone: people, animals and nature.
Thank you very much!
Donate now
Donate securely with StiftungSchweiz
or Zürcher Kantonalbank: IBAN CH49 0070 0110 0043 9800 02026 Internship for Master’s Students Successfully Completed!
Posted on 19. August 2026 by
The first internship, made possible by generous donors, was successfully completed in 2026. Ronan Carvill is the first master’s student to complete an applied internship at Southern African Wildlife as part of our “Skills for Nature” project.
moreSummer Event 2026 — A Wonderful Success, with Rain or Shine
Posted on 21. July 2026 by
Storms, rain, and sunshine—our summer event had it all when it came to the weather. But one thing remained the same throughout the evening: the fantastic atmosphere!
A heartfelt thank you to all our guests, some of whom arrived soaking wet but didn’t let that dampen their spirits. Thanks to you, the evening turned into an unforgettable event full of wonderful encounters, engaging conversations, and great entertainment.
Summer event June 19, 2026 at 18h – register now!
Posted on 15. April 2026 by
We are delighted to invite you, your friends and family to our annual summer event. An unforgettable evening awaits you. Register now, you will have the chance to win a stay at the college as well as a private game lodge!
moreSummer event 2025 – many thanks for your generosity
Posted on 11. August 2025 by
The 2025 summer event was a highlight!
Over 38,000 francs were raised, which will go directly to the projects of the Southern African Wildlife College. Many thanks to everyone who attended and to those who donated.
None of this would be possible without you!
Summer event June 20, 2025 at 18h – register now!
Posted on 13. April 2025 by
We are delighted to invite you, your friends and family to our annual summer event with the theme “Africa’s Wildlife”. An unforgettable evening awaits you. Register now for your chance to win a stay at the College and Tintswalo Game Lodge!
moreSouth Africa’s Environment Minister visits the college
Posted on 23. January 2025 by
The South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Dr. Dion George, recently attended a course at the Southern African Wildlife College. Through the course, the Minister gained a deeper understanding of the important work of the rangers, the unsung heroes of South Africa, who work in difficult and dangerous conditions. He says about his visit:
moreHAPPY WORLD RHINO DAY 🦏 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 🦏
Posted on 20. September 2024 by
World Rhino Day, a reminder of the importance of protecting these magnificent animals! Unfortunately, rhinos are threatened every day by poaching and habitat loss. It’s up to us to secure their future! 🌍💚🦏 Give the gift of a white or yellow gold Rhino bracelet worth CHF 780 (CHF 400 of which is donated)
moreSummer event 2024 – what a party thanks for more than 32,000 francs in donations
Posted on 13. August 2024 by
Another great success
We look back on our 2024 summer event with great joy and gratitude. For the sixth time, we were able to celebrate our event in glorious sunshine on the terrace of HAUTE in Zurich. The delicacies served and the service were outstanding.
We are once again overwhelmed by your generosity this year
A matter of the heart – give and donate!
Posted on 12. December 2023 by
Are you looking for a Christmas present? With our beautiful rhino necklaces in yellow or white gold, you can give the gift of double the joy, as you donate CHF 400 per necklace to the Friends of African Wildlife projects
moreMore Rhino’s in Africa !
Posted on 2. November 2023 by
More Rhinos!
For the first time in a long time, more rhinos have been counted in Africa. This is great news and shows that the various measures to protect the rhinos are proving successful. Now it’s time to keep up the good work! The Southern African Wildlife College is also fighting poaching with various interlinked projects.
moreContact us
Do you have any questions about our association or our projects?
Then give us a call or write to us! We look forward to telling you more about our heart project Friends of African
Wildlife.
Friends of African Wildlife
Dufourstrasse 93
CH – 8008 Zürich
Phone +41 43 818 55 05
info@friends-of-african-wildlife.ch
www.friends-of-african-wildlife.ch
