GoAbroad

South Africa 4-Week Experience

by: Loop Abroad

5 (1)VerifiedSince 2009

Combine two of our programs to explore South Africa and work with its wildlife. Half of the program is based at Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary. Lory Park is one of only six zoos in Africa accredited by the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria, with a focus on education and conservation. In addition, we will spend a weekend on a safari in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, one of the largest in South Africa and home to elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, lions, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of other species. The other half of your program is spent volunteering at a cheetah breeding and conservation facility, learning hands-on about wildlife in the African savanna, going on a safari in Kruger National Park, and working with Loop vets right alongside the cats themselves. Though the volunteer facility isn’t a hospital, you will gain valuable experience learning and implementing the important work that conservation and zoo vets do.

Program Highlights

Work directly with conservation teams and veterinarians while learning about African wildlife care in South Africa.

Gain exposure to animal welfare, education, and conservation practices at the accredited Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary.

Volunteer at a specialized cheetah facility and learn about big cat management, behavior, and conservation.

Explore wildlife-rich destinations including Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Learn how zoo and conservation veterinarians support wildlife health and ecosystem protection through practical field experiences.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • South Africa
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 18-25
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Animal Science
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 08, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Notable MentionGoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Study AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Study AbroadTop Rated Study Abroad Organization 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

1

Such a rewarding experience

October 15, 2022by: Jamie Ondayko - United States
5

I had the most influential time during my 4-weeks in South Africa. The staff were so helpful, at Lory and Running Wild. I appreciate this experience so much! I would recommend this program to anyone that is wanting to expand their veterinary experience. The labs, lectures, and field work were very unique and extremely informative.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Animal Science
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029

Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18-25

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Group Meals
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Alumni / Networking Membership
  • In-Country Orientation

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Essay
  • Transcript
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Letters of Reference

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