GoAbroad

Volunteer Abroad in South Africa with African Impact

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4.5 / 5Overall Rating
93Reviews
2004Year established

Program Overview

Travel to South Africa and make a positive impact in the country with the top volunteer organization, African Impact. Participate in a life-changing journey in a country consistently rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world.

We specialize in award-winning volunteer programs that collaborate with a broad range of charitable projects throughout the country. You could be researching Africa's Big 5 in the Greater Kruger, improving skills in wildlife photography, or doing a veterinary internship.

Through African Impact's programs in South Africa, balance volunteer work with various experiences such as safaris in the world-famous Kruger National Park, shark cage dives, or a drive through the world-renowned Garden Route.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Choose from a wide selection of volunteer abroad programs running throughout the year.
Make a lasting, positive impact and get rewarded with the gratitude of the locals you have helped.
Be part of an international group of passionate changemakers.
Enjoy volunteering with African Impact, knowing that a friendly team is available to guide you from the booking process and throughout your stay in Africa.
Explore the vastness and diversity of South Africa’s natural wealth—wildlife, vibrant cultures, and incredible landscapes.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Kruger Park, South Africa

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027, 2028

Eligible Nationalities

  • American
  • Argentinian
  • Asian
  • Australian
  • Austrian
  • Bahraini
  • Belarusian
  • Belgian
  • Bolivian
  • Bosnian
  • Brazilian
  • British
  • British Virgin Islander
  • Bulgarian
  • Canadian
  • Caymanian
  • Channel Islander
  • Chilean
  • Chinese
  • Colombian
  • Costa Rican
  • Croatian
  • Cypriot
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • Emirati
  • English
  • Estonian
  • European
  • Filipino
  • Finnish
  • French
  • Georgian
  • German
  • Greek
  • Greenlandic
  • Guatemalan
  • Hawaiian
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Irish
  • Israeli
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Kiwi
  • Korean
  • Kuwaiti
  • Latvian
  • Lebanese
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuanian
  • Luxembourg
  • Macedonian
  • Malaysian
  • Maldivian
  • Marshallese
  • Mauritian
  • Mexican
  • Monegasque
  • Norwegian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Qatari
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Saudi Arabian
  • Scottish
  • Serbian
  • Seychelles
  • Singaporean
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • South African
  • Spanish
  • St. Barts
  • Swedish
  • Swiss
  • Taiwanese
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
  • Virgin Islander
  • Welsh
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree
  • Trade/technical/vocational training
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about African Impact

4.5
93 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
46
4
47
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Day to Day Life
4.6
Health & Safety
4.5
Volunteer Placement
4.5
Program Administration
4.4
Community Engagement
4.4
Living Situation
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 93 reviews

Martina MazziniSeptember 2024

Awareness

a unique experience that shatters perspective and raises awareness. A culture full of colors, smiles, dreams and so much to give to the world. not only The point where two oceans meet but also the point where you can meet people from all over the world working together for a better future.

PalomaJune 2024

Education Project Cape Town

The experience in a whole was wonderful, the schools we worked with, our helpful instructors, the friendships we made with the other volunteers, and the bonds we made with the children on project. It was a very enjoyable experience going to projects but also the living arrangements in the Lenox were comfortable and all the staff were very caring and attentive to our needs.

Tristan Moies-DelvalNetherlands · February 2020

The best decision I have made in my 17-years old life ;-)

Was not really sure if this was something for me, but so, so glad I went. We felt supported from the moment we showed our first interest and believe me, we wrote our coordinator at African impact MANY times with a zillion questions! But this good start continued... Loved every moment from the start. Ofcourse, as in life, there are good moments and not-so good moment but I guess our only not-so good moment would have been we seriously were depressed after we left. We missed it so much. Booking again for this summer!

Photos

Jennifer BauerUnited States · July 2019

Great volunteer experience!

I can’t say enough good things about my volunteer experience with African Impact Greater Kruger Big 5 program. It’s always been a dream of mine to research and make an impact in wildlife conservation. I loved all aspects of my experience from learning about wild animals social and feeding behaviors on game drives to helping in the community on projects that benefit people’s lives. Every day was a new adventure seeing elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and hyenas in the wild. Camping overnight in the bush under a million stars with the milky way and southern cross visible was another highlight. Lodge life was wonderful. I made friends with people from all over the world, ate great meals, enjoyed quiet time by the pool and loved being able to take walks along the walking path around the property. It was hard to leave this remarkable experience and I hope to return. I highly recommend African Impact.

Photos

AnneliesNetherlands · December 2017

Great

It was amazing, the staff is awesome and they always try to make everyone happy. The lodge itself is great, the swimming pool is a nice place to cool down when it is really hot. The game drives are amazing and the guides are really good and you can always have a good laugh with them.

JulieFBelgium · December 2017

Big 5 review

My stay at Dumela Lodge was absolutely amazing! Starting from the first day, I knew I was going to have a wonderful time. The staff was super helpful, from the research managers to the kitchen staff. They make you feel at home from the very first moment you arrive there. Everybody working there is so very capable and excel in what they are doing (guides, coordinators, managers, security, kitchen staff). They have an amazing team working there, which makes it so very easy to acclimatize to the new surroundings. The amount of work the staff is putting into all the research and other projects happening at the lodge is unbelievable. As a volunteer you realize what an impact the organization you are working for is having with all the research and community work they are doing, which is I think a very important thing to experience when doing volunteering work. I am very grateful for all the incredible stuff I got to learn while going on game drives. And of course for all the other wonderful experiences I had while staying here. It will always remain an unforgettable experience!

Warthog riding a RhinoGermany · December 2017

Research at AI

I really enjoyed the stay with AI it was an overall amazing experience, wether it was the photography project or the research project. It was excellent organized and the staff was happy to help me on every occasion and need that I had.

FredSweden · December 2017

My sevens weeks in Cape town

If someone told me 1 year ago that I would travel by myself to a country I've never visited before and to speak a language that isn't my first language I would just laugh. But here I am after seven incredible weeks in Cape town volunteering for African Impact and I couldn't be more satisfied. If you ever hesitate coming here, don't. Coming here was one of the best decisions in my life and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

TOODIEUnited States · December 2017

Photography

LEARNED SO MUCH. When starting out there was so much to learn,As the weeks went along ,its was like a building blocks. IT WAS DONE IN WAY THE EASY AND USEFUL.To be able to try to use what you learned that day was so helpful.

AcruelleUnited States · November 2017

AI Saint Lucia

I really enjoyed the people we were able to work with and help through my two weeks at this project. Every week there was a schedule which made it easy to know where you were going to be and with who.

JessAusAustralia · November 2017

South Africa

My two weeks volunteering on the teaching and GAPA programs in Cape Town have gone too fast. There are no words that can truly describe the types of people. kids, volunteers, activities, experiences and emotions that I have had on this trip. I feel grateful that I have had an opportunity to be welcomed into a community so different to my own and be able to help teach as well as learn new things everyday. Hopefully this will not be my last trip with African Impact. Thank You.

Laura AusAustralia · November 2017

South Africa

During my experience with African Impact I was apart of the GAPA and teaching program. Both programs gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture and help inspire young children. I can honestly say this has been an amazing experience and I have learnt so much.

nat17Belgium · November 2017

Conservation of the Big 5: Research project (3 weeks)

I would like to underline how much I learned during my stay. The staff has incredible knowledge about the wildlife that surrounds us. This was a enriching experience for me and I enjoyed every seconds

Jason GUnited Kingdom · November 2017

Cape town 2017

Great projects, do a lot of good work in the local communities. Well run and lots of support for volunteers. Great city to be in with loads to do. Very good fun as well as being a meaningful and helpful experience.

29Israel · November 2017

Volunteering in Cape town

it was one of the most challenging experiences I've been through. first day is tough but it gets better everyday until the point you don't want to leave. I was surprised by the accommodations and the food for better. Staff is great.

Michelle HolderUnited Kingdom · November 2017

A truly great experience

I really enjoyed the photography project. Great for someone that has none or a basic knowledge of a camera. The basics are covered in the first week and then the remaining three weeks are putting the training into practice. A great variety of game drives, practical sessions around the lodge and in the community. Subjects covered include astrophotography, wildlife, motion, macro and portrait/life shots - a really great variety as no two days are the same. The lodge has great facilities and the food is awesome. The staff are really friendly and nothing is ever too much for them. They all made me feel welcome straight away and were there to support all of the volunteers throughout their stay.

DedeUnited States · October 2017

St. Lucia medical volunteer

The medical experience was wonderful. I enjoyed the home based care tremendously. The only reason I did not rank it higher is because during my stay, one car was out of commission for the entire three weeks and we had to carpool with the community education volunteers and staff, which took a great deal of time away from home based care. We wasted so much time with just transportation. I enjoyed the support groups very much.

Photos

alangsam98United States · October 2017

My review

Volunteering with African Impact has been an amazing experience. It has opened my eyes to a type of world I wouldn't have been able to fathom without coming here. I appreciate things I never even thought about before. I am really pleased with every opportunity I have been provided with.

DanielaMColombia · October 2017

Overall experience

My time in South Africa (Dumela Lodge) has been amazing! I've learned so much about it's nature, the environment, the culture and the people. Also I had the opportunity to share my time with people all around the world, which was incredible. I'll never forget this experience.

robynUnited Kingdom · October 2017

African Impact big 5

Very rewarding experience being able to experience the thrills of seeing these animals in there natural environment and do something to help at the same time, all the staff made me feel at home and very comfortable and all situations from being collected from the airport to camping out in the bush. There is so much knowledge between every one at the lodge which everyone is willing to share.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about African Impact.

When was African Impact founded?

Established in 2004, African Impact has been operating for more than 20 years. Throughout this time, we have offered dozens of volunteer programs within Africa as well as in South Africa.

What is the best way to find volunteer opportunities in South Africa?

Check out African Impact’s website to browse through volunteer programs in South Africa and find the right one for you! There are so many options available you’re sure to find one that is meant for you.

What do African Impact volunteers in South Africa do?

African Impact volunteers are changemakers! African Impact creates sustainable projects in South Africa that support local communities and the country’s precious wildlife. All volunteers commit themselves to using their volunteer work hours to put immense effort into impactful projects, and on weekends, they have free time to explore South Africa!

How much does it cost to volunteer in South Africa?

African Impact’s volunteer program fees vary depending on the specific program and duration of your stay; however, prices generally range from $1,100 to $7695.

How should you volunteer with African Impact?

Whether you’re interested in creating social impact through education, contributing to wildlife conservation, learning new photography skills, or volunteering in the health sector, there are many great volunteer opportunities in South Africa offered by African Impact for you to consider joining!

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Innovation in Sustainability 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media 2020 Finalist
Innovation in Sustainability 2020 Winner
Innovation in Marketing & Digital Media 2020 Winner
Top Rated Program 2019 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Organization 2019 - Volunteer Abroad
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Volunteer Abroad 2017
Global Youth Travel Awards 2017
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Intern Abroad 2019
GoAbroad Innovation in Philanthropy 2019
GoAbroad Top Gap Year Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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