Eco Tours Programs in South Africa

Spend 28 days exploring the underwater world through photography on South Africa’s vibrant KwaZulu-Natal coast. This hands-on program is designed for students and emerging photographers who want to build their skills in a real-world setting. With guidance from professional underwater photographers, you'll learn how to shoot in challenging marine environments—focusing on lighting, composition, and camera settings. Daily SCUBA dives give you the chance to put new techniques into practice, with regular feedback sessions to help you improve. You’ll also learn about safe and responsible diving practices while working in one of the most biodiverse reef systems in the region. Whether you're aiming to boost your creative portfolio or gain practical experience, this course offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills and connect with other aspiring photographers in a dynamic, supportive environment.

A volunteering experience with bite! Relocate to the incredible setting of the South African bush for the animal encounter of a lifetime, working closely with the entire spectrum of safari wildlife on a working game reserve. This special program calls for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to join the effort to protect Africa’s iconic big game species through park patrols, predator tracking, species surveys, and more. As part of its mission to study and conserve all that spectacular wildlife and support the ecosystem they habitat, the reserve operates a range of conservation projects in which the volunteer can actively participate.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. In the stunning Kruger region, you have the chance to take action on some of the world's most pertinent issues through immersive Community projects, and impactful Environmental work. Through our life-changing Adventure Leadership Trek you will develop skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? The Greater Kruger area is located between Mozambique, Eswatini, and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart, not to mention boasting year-round sunshine. It is a wildlife haven with natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. You'll most likely spot plenty of wildlife while you're on our environmental project and trek. You'll be with experienced guides if you're in areas with any of the big 5. Whether you are taking a gap year or want to do something meaningful in your summer, join young volunteers from across the world and a community of thousands of Raleigh Alumni.

Embark on an unforgettable journey across two of Africa’s most captivating destinations—Ghana and South Africa. This tour takes you on a cultural, historical, and scenic adventure that reveals the true soul of the continent. Begin in Ghana, the “Gateway to Africa,” where warm hospitality meets deep history. Experience the rhythm of Accra, explore the powerful stories of Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, and walk the famous canopy bridge at Kakum National Park surrounded by lush rainforest. Discover vibrant markets, traditional drumming, and the proud spirit of the Ghanaian people. Then continue to South Africa, where modern cities meet wild landscapes. From Johannesburg’s Soweto township and the cultural energy of Lesedi Village to thrilling game drives in Pilanesberg and the breathtaking views of Cape Town, this journey is designed to inspire, educate, and captivate. It’s more than a tour—it’s a celebration of Africa’s resilience, beauty, and diversity.

Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete your Apprentice Field Guide training in 55 days? This former Field Guide Level 1 course offers expert guidance from seasoned leaders and covers essential basics of Southern Africa’s flora and fauna. The program emphasizes hands-on training in the wild, preparing you to conserve the African wilderness's beauty. You will master orientation and navigation techniques, including using constellations for positioning, handling a cross-country vehicle, and safely navigating rough terrain. You'll also gain skills in tracking, analyzing animal behavior, and identifying local wildlife and plant species. Experience nights under the stunning starry sky; gather around the campfire with fellow adventure seekers; and create unforgettable memories in the bush.

Explore the exceptional bird life of the southern Kruger National Park on a dedicated birding safari. Located in one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, this safari offers the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and prime bird-watching opportunities. Kruger’s mix of bushveld, riverine forest, and open savanna supports an astonishing variety of bird species. Berg-en-Dal lies in the southwestern corner of the park and is known for its varied terrain. This ecological variety attracts a wide array of bird species. Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp, serves as a hub for birding and wildlife observation. Its proximity to rivers and mixed woodland makes it an ideal location to spot both common and elusive bird species. Birding highlights in the area include the Lilac-breasted Roller, a favorite among photographers; the Southern Ground Hornbill, known for its size and red facial skin; the Hamerkop, famous for building enormous, intricate nests; and the Giant Kingfisher, Africa’s largest kingfisher species. With over 500 bird species recorded in Kruger, this region offers unparalleled birding opportunities.

If you are looking to work with wildlife in Africa, this game ranger course could be the perfect opportunity for you. Work as a trainee game ranger on a superb reserve, home to Africa’s Big 5, and learn about the practical and theoretical work that takes place to support the animals. This eight-week course runs on set dates throughout the year (please see our website for exact dates). Upon successful completion of the course, participants will achieve an FGASA (Field Guide Association South Africa) Field Guide certificate. Individuals with this qualification are able to work as a guide across Africa. Participants stay on-site on the Big 5 game reserve, with three delicious meals served per day. The accommodation is comfortable and spacious, with wifi and swimming pool access. The work schedule is from Monday to Friday, and participants will have their weekends free. Many use it to explore Port Elizabeth as well as to enjoy the sea and the many activities available in the area. You may need to dedicate your time to studying for your exam at the end of the course.

The reptile and amphibian diversity of the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, located outside the town of Mashishing in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, has not been quantitatively assessed. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, in collaboration with the management of Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, has commissioned ABRE to conduct and finance a herpetological assessment for the protected area. The protected area primarily encompasses mountainous grassland habitat and rocky outcrops. This project centers around the daily inspection of pitfall and funnel trap arrays, which are accessed by hiking across the terrain. As such, prospective volunteers will need to be fit. Day time active searches and nocturnal frogging are conducted after pitfall and funnel trap array checks. The survey runs over three weeks (21 days) between December 1st and 21st. Five volunteers are admitted each week (December 1-7, 8-14, and 15-21), and volunteers are welcome to book for more than one week. Accommodation consists of tents and are included in the price of participation. This project is specifically priced to allow South African students to participate.