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Animal Sanctuary Helper in South Africa

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$300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
4.0 / 5Student rating
1Review
20Programs
2020Year established

Program Overview

Get the chance to work with a variety of exotic and indigenous animals in this volunteer project in South Africa! Perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this program is based at an animal and bird sanctuary where you’ll provide hands-on assistance with the care of rescued and non-releasable animals. The sanctuary is large, so expect to get involved in different areas. As a volunteer, you’ll support the team in various activities – from preparing food according to each animal’s diet to maintaining the grounds. Some tasks are challenging yet highly rewarding as you get to spend a lot of time with the animals. You have 5 workdays and 2 days off each week, allowing you to explore the beautiful beaches of nearby Jeffreys Bay. You can also visit Big 5 wildlife reserves or hike the adjoining nature reserve to watch birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. This animal welfare project is available all year round, and you can join any day from Monday to Friday. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old if unaccompanied and 14 years old if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The minimum length of stay is 2 weeks and longer periods are subject to visa requirements.

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Program Highlights

Assist with the care and feeding of non-releasable exotic and indigenous wildlife—furry and feathered—at a sanctuary in South Africa.
Learn first-hand from experts about ethical animal care in captivity and how to keep the animals stimulated and healthy.
Assist with wildlife treatment and rehabilitation as well as the release of rescued wildlife brought in by the public.
Travel with a difference by contributing to a cause and doing something you love—caring for animals in need.
Spend free days visiting Big 5 wildlife reserves, taking surfing lessons on the beach, and making lifelong memories in South Africa's surfing capital!

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation

Quick Details

Location
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Starts At$300-600
Availability
Year(s) Offered:2026, 2027
Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement14+
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Gap Year
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Animals
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
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Updated Oct 16, 2025

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: 2026, 2027
  • Duration: 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, Summer, Alternative Spring Break
  • Gap Year Timing: After College, Career Break / Mid-Career, During College, During High School, Post High School

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language: English
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Other

Age Requirement

14+

Duration

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

Starts At

$300-600

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Volunteer International Adventures

4.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Day to Day Life
5.0
Volunteer Placement
4.0
Program Administration
4.0
Community Engagement
4.0
Health & Safety
4.0
Living Situation
3.0

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Showing 1 of 1 review

Nicole StockelUnited Kingdom · November 2020

Hands on with wildlife

Everyone was so kind and being so close to African wildlife was amazing as I come from the UK. Loved the sun and the weekend trips. Felt very safe and was well looked after. Throughly enjoyed my time, so much so I stayed on for an extra month!

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