Parks & Recreation Internships in South Africa

As a participant of our program in Cape Town, South Africa, you tell us what type of internship experience you are looking for, and we will create a tailored placement based on your specific interests. We’ll place you within an environment where you will make a positive contribution to your host organization while gaining invaluable and distinctive international work experience. We find placements for any type of participant, regardless of the area of study or professional focus. We only offer internships in Cape Town because, quite simply, this is the most beautiful and dynamic city in the world. Visit our program testimonials to learn more about why our participants regularly have life-changing experiences in our program.

Join a long-standing ecological conservation nonprofit in the Greater Kruger National Park and gain practical scientific research experience as you work in the field alongside Africa’s most iconic wildlife. This is an exciting opportunity for you biologists, ecologists, and conservation scientists to work with experts in their field, learn real-world conservation strategy, and conduct important ecological research. You’ll join a research center based in Olifants West Nature Reserve, a Big Five area of the Greater Kruger. There, you’ll find a choice of innovative research projects you can contribute to. These projects include studies of hyena populations, long-term tracking of vegetation, and developing methods of deterring elephants. Whichever project you join you’ll gain practical research experience, build expert knowledge of South African wildlife, and gain expansive insight into non-profit wildlife conservation. What’s more, all your findings can be used towards a university thesis too!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

CIEE offers the most extensive network of internship programs. Are you a U.S. college student looking to study and intern abroad? We have full-time and part-time placements across 40+ locations worldwide and in diverse fields, from AI and engineering to public policy and business administration. Find the right fit for you! Live, learn, and work abroad on an internship program with CIEE! CIEE Summer Internships CIEE Summer Global Internships are 6-credit, 8-week programs with full-time working hours (approximately 30 hours weekly) and a seminar. CIEE Summer Intern and Study Abroad are 6 to 7-credit, 6-week programs with a part-time internship (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and a 3-credit academic course. CIEE Semester Internships CIEE Semester Global Internships are 9 to 13-credit, 12-week programs that feature a full-time internship (approximately 30 hours weekly), a seminar, and an optional 3 to 4-credit academic course online. CIEE Semester Intern and Study Abroad Programs are 12 to 14-credit, 12-week programs that feature a part-time internship​ (approximately 20 hours weekly), a seminar, and two academic courses.

IES Abroad offers 140+ programs in more than 35 locations worldwide for undergraduate students. We're a little obsessed with study abroad, and not at all ashamed to admit it. We are a highly-charged force of study abroad enthusiasts. Every day we have the privilege of witnessing how study abroad changes our students' lives. That's the reason we do what we do: to provide once-in-a-lifetime educational adventures. Everything we do is about the IES Abroad student. Our goal is to provide personal support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process. Whether it's housing or cultural events or field trips, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. Study with us for a summer, semester, or year. No matter the term, our world-class faculty and courses will engage you as you discover new ways of learning both inside and outside the classroom. How will study abroad redefine you? We can't wait to find out.

Trusted by 120,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's most popular volunteer programs in South Africa and 50+ other destinations around the world. If you thrive on authentic experiences and exciting adventures, then volunteering in South Africa is for you. Choose from ten meaningful projects including Teaching, Sports Development and a unique Wildlife Conservation program based in Kruger National Park. Our South Africa programs span 1 to 24 weeks, based in and around Cape Town. When you’re not giving back to the local community, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and join exhilarating tours. Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in a volunteer house with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world. IVHQ offers a multi-layered support network, so even before you depart, you’ll receive outstanding service from your IVHQ Program Manager and gain exclusive access to volunteer training and preparation tools. Are you ready to immerse yourself in a new culture while making a difference?

Our two- or four-week wildlife filmmaking program enables you to conceptualize, film, and edit a wildlife documentary at a breathtaking African reserve under the guidance of our professional filmmaking instructors. No special requirements or qualifications are necessary; however, a background in film or biology will be beneficial. The practical course introduces you to various aspects of filming wildlife, from the work of each team member (director, producer, camera operator, etc.) to broadcasting the edited film. Developed by renowned filmmaker and biologist Ryan Johnson, this program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, techniques, and skills necessary to create a professional documentary. Throughout the duration, you will gain hands-on experience to break into this challenging industry successfully. You will spend the first and final weeks at our Mossel Bay campus to carry out pre-production and post-production work. Spend the remaining 9 days in the heart of Schotia Game Reserve to film your wildlife documentary.

You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore a new culture, or acquire compulsory work experience in another country. Whether you seek an internship or a volunteering opportunity, Magister will help you realize that dream trip to South Africa. At Magister South Africa, we have matched and placed participants in various programs – from internships in companies to volunteer projects with local communities – since 2000. Besides offering a wonderful experience, we guarantee safety and security as well as immersion through regular events and activities. If you are seeking a challenging internship or simply wishing to experience a cosmopolitan lifestyle while contributing to a good cause, we can definitely lead you in the right direction!

Immerse yourself in nature as you combine your passion for wildlife and photography in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Our photography internship offers a unique opportunity to embark on a life-changing adventure—where you’ll not only capture unforgettable moments through your lens but also contribute to meaningful conservation efforts. Whether you’re tracking animals in the wilderness, assisting researchers in the field, or documenting diverse ecosystems, your work will help protect precious wildlife for future generations. Join us to create lasting memories while making a real impact.

Looking to gain hands-on conservation experience? Join our student internship program! Whether you're studying in a conservation-related field or have recently graduated, our placements immerse you in the field and engage you in our projects. We offer personalized, practical experiences for each participant. Our program is ideal for undergraduate or recently graduated biologists seeking career-related work experience abroad. Please note that this is not a leisurely holiday experience. Join our dynamic team and work across our core programs, including Applied Research (social and ecological) in forests, fynbos, rivers, estuaries, coastal, and marine environments, as well as our Behavioral Change program (community engagement & education). Gain a comprehensive understanding of conservation practices firsthand while doing so.

As an intern from any academic background, you’ll take part in meaningful projects that blend strategic thinking with creative problem-solving. Working alongside energetic teams, you’ll help assess markets, design financial strategies, and contribute innovative ideas to support growth within our NGO, a partner NGO, or a nature resort. This opportunity lets you dive into the dynamic business environment while playing a key role in socially driven initiatives. You’ll connect technical, environmental, or social processes with effective business strategies. Your work may involve improving operations, streamlining systems, and applying practical solutions to boost organizational performance. From data analysis to supporting project coordination, your contribution will help drive sustainable and impactful practices across our international programs. Travel to Rwanda or South Africa and step into a completely new experience. If you’re passionate about societal or environmental development and come from a technical, social, environmental, hospitality, or tourism background—sign up for our unique internship program in Rwanda or South Africa.