Safari Programs in South Africa

Join us for a wild photographic adventure in South Africa! You'll have close encounters with big cats, elephants, rhinos, and plenty more wildlife while exploring a stunning private game reserve in the Greater Kruger Area. You'll be accompanied by a professional wildlife photographer, who will offer tutoring – both in theory and practical sessions – throughout the workshop, so you can expect to end up with an impressive portfolio of wildlife images. This wildlife photography workshop is based in Timbavati, an exclusive collection of private game reserves, where game viewing is among the best on the African continent. We'll have the freedom to go off-road. With the guidance of expert guides and trackers, you're guaranteed to find animals such as leopards, lions, and buffalo. You can also observe and photograph them up close. We work in small groups (a maximum of 5 people), which means you'll enjoy personalized photographic tutoring and you can make sure to improve your skills along the way. It's a dream trip for any (aspiring) wildlife photographer!

Whether you’re a pro surfer or just a beginner, join this Surf Outreach Project and provide structure, learning and new skills to children from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Divided into two parts, you'll first work independently with a surf instructor to develop your own surfing skills, and then work with children from the community to help improve both their surfing abilities and general life skills. This fully-hosted, life-enriching volunteer program is provided by International Volunteer HQ - the world's leading volunteer travel organization, trusted by more than 120,000 volunteer travelers. Ranging up to 24 weeks and starting at just $320 for 1 week, your fully hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. You’ll be accommodated in a volunteer house with the opportunity to meet other like-minded, impact-driven travelers. Thanks to IVHQ's affordable fees, flexible booking and free changes, you can register for your volunteer program in South Africa with confidence.

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.

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.

Set out on an exhilarating 20-day journey to South Africa, the “Rainbow Nation,” with our immersive summer program. Begin your adventure in Cape Town, where we explore vibrant markets and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Travel to the heart of the conservation efforts, where we assist in protecting the critically endangered white rhinoceros, and other native wildlife. Experience the stunning landscapes along the Garden Route; visit the poignant Robben Island Prison; watch ostrich, baboons, and African penguins at the Cape of Good Hope. This unique program for ages 16-19 combines hands-on wildlife conservation, cultural exploration, and personal growth, offering a rare opportunity to connect with South Africa’s natural beauty and rich heritage while earning community service hours. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that will inspire and transform your perspective.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Embark on a VolunTour with like-minded individuals and experience the excitement, and comfort, of Africa. Observe and collect data on Africa's Big 5- the African lion, rhinoceros, leopard, Cape buffalo and African elephant. Kick off your two weeks with a tour of historical Johannesburg before the transfer to the game reserve. Volunteer for wildlife conservation and enjoy trips and tours, including a visit to Blyde River Canyon. There is free time for VolunTourists to go on their own excursions such as horseback riding, cultural tours and more!

The Kruger to Coast Adventure Tour will take you through some of the best highlights in southern Africa in terms of wildlife, culture and beaches. Begin your journey in The Kingdom of Eswatini (fromerly called Swaziland) where you will receive an orientation to the country and programme overall, and a tour of a local village. During the second and third week of the programme you will get involved in grassroots community projects here and make an active contribution to the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children. But first, head off on a five-day camping safari through the world-renowned Kruger National Park to spot big game. On your return Eswatini, you will be spend time volunteering venture to tropical Mozambique where you will spend time on world-class Indian Ocean beaches. While here, you will see some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife, snorkel with whale sharks, paddle to tropical palm-fringed islands and, most of all, participate in important community development projects.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with your children in this family volunteering and adventure program. Immerse yourself in the culture of Swaziland while helping build or renovate much-needed infrastructure, including homes or shelters for orphaned children. Witness wildlife animals, including the Big 5, during game drives in Kruger National Park. The Family Volunteering: Swaziland Building to Kruger Adventure program is an unforgettable combination of community service and safari experience. In Swaziland, help experienced builders with a range of building activities, from making blocks to fitting roofs. Adults work according to instructions and younger kids take on supportive tasks, with the assistance of parents. In South Africa, groups enjoy big game viewing, guided bush walks, and night drives. At the same time, learn about the plants and animals of the African savanna and the importance of protecting this beautiful yet fragile ecosystem. This project requires the motivation to work hard and follow instructions. Carpentry, building, electrical, and plumbing skills would be a great asset, but not necessary.

Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quests. Each Quest has its own set of adventure activities, soft skill workshops, and personal mentoring sessions. During each Quest, you will travel through different parts of South Africa, experiencing wild animal encounters, some of the most sought-after hiking experiences, scuba diving in Sodwana, wine tasting in Cape Town, river rafting on the Orange River, and more. You will be taught several different skill sets focused on equipping the skills needed to live the life you want to live, including TRE, Quantum Logic, Public Speaking workshops, Rebounding, and more. Battling with finding direction? We have you covered with career guidance and personal development workshops. We also aim to give back to the communities we visit through various community-building activities.

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.

The Pongola Game Reserve is a private wildlife reserve situated along the Pongolapoort Dam in northern KwaZulu-Natal province. This program encompasses monthly Nile crocodile daytime and spotlight counts, as well as terrestrial herpetofaunal surveys, which are conducted for a week each month during low moonlight conditions. The terrestrial habitat consists of thornveld savanna. Crocodile counts are conducted from a boat. Herpetological assessments rely on pitfall and funnel trap arrays, which are checked twice a day. Volunteers are transported across the protected area in an open-backed vehicle. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including hippos, ostriches, and several game species, which are frequently sighted during field activities. Elephants and leopards are occasionally observed. The program runs from November 16 to 23, 2025; December 14 to 21, 2025; January 18 to 25, 2026; and February 15 to 22, 2026. Accommodation, food, and transportation from the Richards Bay airport are included in the participation price.

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.

Venture into a “magical” journey with Zoom Vacations, a leader in LGBTQ+ group travel, where inclusivity, luxury, and adventure come together seamlessly. Whether with your significant other or family, each meticulously curated trip celebrates diversity while offering unforgettable experiences in some of the world's most stunning destinations. Explore the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, cruise through the Galápagos Islands, or marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Wherever you go and what you do, you'll connect with like-minded travelers in a supportive and welcoming environment. These gay-friendly group adventures are designed to combine cultural immersion, thrilling activities, and indulgent moments of relaxation. From private guided tours and five-star accommodations to exclusive events that highlight local LGBTQ+ communities, Zoom Vacations ensures that every trip is both meaningful and fun.

Experience the perfect holiday in a space where inclusivity and authenticity thrive. Voyemo’s unique travel program is tailored to provide unforgettable trips for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. It combines luxury, cultural exploration, and community connection. Each journey is thoughtfully curated to celebrate diversity and create a safe, welcoming environment. From serene beach escapes to dynamic city tours, Voyemo offers hand-picked accommodations, personalized itineraries, and exclusive activities. Whether you’re indulging in culinary delights or connecting with local LGBTQ+ communities, every moment is designed to blend relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. Voyemo ensures your unique needs and preferences are respected, offering a travel experience prioritizing individuality and meaningful connections. Celebrate love, life, and yourself through extraordinary travel.