GoAbroad

Animal Sanctuary Helper in South Africa

by: Volunteer International Adventures

4 (1)VerifiedSince 2020

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.

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!

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Starts At: $300-600
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 14+
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Gap Year
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Animals
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Oct 16, 2025

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4

Total Reviews

1

Hands on with wildlife

November 26, 2020by: Nicole Stockel - United Kingdom
4

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!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Gap Year
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Animals
  • Self-Discovery
  • Volunteering

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

Age Requirement

14+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Starts At

$300-600

Program Cost Includes

  • 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

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Other

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