3-6 Months Volunteer Programs in South Africa

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Volunteering in Africa takes you one step further than the average tourist into the true character of this unique continent. To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It’s not only about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring, but also about what this magnificent continent, its warm people, and fantastic wildlife can give volunteers in return. African Impact is a multi-award-winning volunteer travel organization that runs and manages meaningful and responsible volunteer experiences and internship programs throughout Africa. Founded in 2004 in Zimbabwe, African Impact has grown into a leader in African volunteer tourism, having facilitated over 12,000 volunteers and interns in countries across the African continent. Our internship division is of great importance to us. We firmly believe that ethical internships can play a significant role in helping us achieve our mission of providing exceptional experiences that contribute to worthy causes in a meaningful way. With the nurturing of close partnerships across the continent, we have access to over 120 internship placements—all individually managed to match the applicant.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Give your creativity an outlet in this media and graphic design internship with an NGO in South Africa. Committed to urban greening, reforestation and eco-education in Sub-Saharan Africa, this award-winning NGO in Cape Town works to empower communities through tree planting, fighting deforestation and spreading environmental awareness. Since being established in 2010, they have already planted 18,000 trees as well as created exciting initiatives for children and the local community. The organization is always looking for new promotional materials and methods for their online media. As a media and graphic design intern, you will have an opportunity to be involved in the process, from conception to design and delivery. To be eligible for this internship, you need to have some experience in marketing and knowledge of social media platforms. You must also have eyes for a new approach to media and graphic design. Experience in Photoshop, illustrator and Mac are required, while videography and editing skills are greatly appreciated. You must have strong conceptualizing, branding, and creative skills. It is recommended that you bring your own laptop.

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement. You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island. The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

Take on this Raleigh Expedition role and share the stories behind projects, volunteers, and community members. Work alongside young people to create content for our communications channels. To do so, you will venture into rural communities to capture the moments that make our projects special. Bring our programs to life through high-quality, engaging content. It could be a blog story, a social media video, or photos for case studies—all to show our project's impact. Play a crucial part in inspiring and empowering other people to take action. We welcome anyone aged 21 and older to join Raleigh Expedition. Essential skills include: - Solid understanding of social media (primarily Instagram and TikTok) - Good writing and communication skills - Ability to work on a content brief and understand brand guidelines - Open to life and work in rural remote locations As part of the Venturer Manager (VM) Team, you are vital to ensuring our programs run smoothly and effectively. VMs work side by side with permanent in-country staff to help keep young volunteers safe while on the Expedition.

Gain practical social work experience during this exciting internship program in Cape Town, South Africa. You'll be part of a community center in Masiphumelele, a township on the outskirts of the city that provides a safe and stimulating space for up to a hundred children every afternoon. Many of these children have experienced different levels of trauma, and as an intern, you'll assist the program in providing stimulating activities and counseling sessions for groups of children when needed. This internship is a great opportunity for getting practical experience in social work while supporting an important social development program. Your tasks will include offering individual or group counseling sessions to children with troubled backgrounds; helping create stimulating, educative, and fun activities for the children in the aftercare program; and helping cook for and feed the children at the center, among others. Preferably you'll have an academic background or experience in sociology, social work, community development, education, pedagogy, or something similar.

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!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

A lifetime adventure is waiting for you in South Africa! Sign up for our safari internship, a program that covers a broad range of degree majors and interests - from tourism to business. You will get to focus on tourism and marketing or work as a safari guide. Your position and responsibilities depend largely on the placement. This is also open to volunteers interested in learning the ins and outs of African safaris. For four weeks to 12 weeks (ideally, eight weeks to 12 weeks), get up close and personal with South Africa’s amazing wildlife. This is a unique and interesting addition your credentials, making your résumé stand out from the competition! If you take on the role of a safari tour guide, you will collaborate with industry professionals. While doing so, learn from their unique perspective and listen to their experiences, allowing you to bring home tips you can use once out in the professional field. If you land a placement in the sector of tourism and marketing, you will learn more about South Africa’s tourism industry. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to broaden your professional network.

Apart from the normal struggles of living with a disability, social stigma and discrimination surrounding disabilities mean that People With Disabilities (PWD) face even greater challenges. In many instances, PWDs are not afforded the same opportunities as regular members of society, and this, in turn, means they are often unable to contribute productively to their communities. Your role will be based in a local care centre, which provides social activities, food, assistance with day-to-day life, and vocational training. You will work alongside centre staff, assisting them and taking on responsibilities as your skills and experience allow. As a volunteer, you will help with daily activities that involve: Social interaction Income generation through the creation and sale of arts and crafts Vocation and skills-based training Kitchen work and gardening to provide nutritious meals This project is located in Hout Bay, a bus ride away from central Cape Town with all the city has to offer tourists. Accommodation is at a lodge located right by the beach and with a bus stop just outside. Project work is from Monday to Friday, with the weekends free to explore and have fun.

Take a semester or academic year in the fascinating Stellenbosch with AIFS Abroad. You can earn up to 15 credits studying at the University of Stellenbosch. The courses are delivered in English. Choose your course on the Full Curriculum Program. Focus on South African history and culture through the General Education Program. Global Service Learning and a Learning for Sustainable Community Engagement program are also available. Live in the student residence hall at the heart of campus life. You will have a single en-suite room with shared common areas and laundry facilities. Internet access and a meal allowance are included. You will enjoy cultural and social activities such as: • Beach excursions • Trips to local craft and food markets • Vineyard tour • Day trip along the famous Garden Route • Day trips to Cape Town, Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve, and Boulder’s Beach (home of 3,000 African penguins) Optional excursions include a 3-day trip to the Cederberg Mountains and a 5-day visit to Addo Elephant Park and Breede River.

Volunteering Journeys South Africa programs are extremely popular as there are a diverse set of volunteering opportunities, ranging from teaching English, sports coaching & medical electives to animal & wildlife conservation programs such as the Big 5 animal conservation program. A big draw to volunteer in South Africa is the range of other activities that you can undertake whilst you are participating on our volunteering programs. Programs in South Africa are ideal for gap year volunteering, family volunteering and anyone looking for an adventure filled volunteer experience! South Africa is aptly named the “Rainbow Nation” for its fight for several decades to overcome aparthied and other racially discriminatory practices. Although aparthied is a thing of the past, the country still suffers from economic disparities, gender-based violence, and illegal wildlife trade. Our volunteer programs tackle some of these issues. As in any other developing country, South Africa needs volunteers who can help with achieving the short and long-term objectives of humanitarian & animal welfare programs. Volunteering programs are in Cape Town and wildlife is in Kruger National Park!

This youth development project was started to provide young people living on the streets with a safe daily drop-off center and to mediate between the youth, families, and schools. Today, it has expanded and caters to at-risk youth in the town of Knysna. It is the perfect project for those interested in social work, sports, art and music, teaching, and counseling. As a volunteer, you'll assist a team of loving childcare workers and social workers. This is a fantastic project for educators, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and individuals with an interest in these fields. The main goal is to assist in and support the daily program organized for the youth attending the center voluntarily. If you wish to join this project as part of a social work internship, we can arrange this. The center is set in one of the poorer areas of Knysna. Their daily program includes modules in life skills, art therapy, sports, numbers, literacy, reading, music, personal development, and other topics. It takes place during the South African school term and isn't available from 15th December to 15th January. A fun-based program is also available and revolves around soccer or talent shows.

Good Hope Volunteers offers numerous meaningful volunteer projects throughout South Africa. This huge, fascinating country is rich in natural wonders, culture, and history. Some of our volunteer projects are located in remote areas, allowing you to get a feel for real Africa. It might take you longer to get used to this environment; but once you are hooked, you will want to come back repeatedly. Most of our projects focus on conservation, which involves helping take care of wild animals. In some projects, you can combine conservation with social volunteering. We also offer ocean and marine conservation programs and social and community projects throughout South Africa and Namibia.

Tshega Christian Mission (TCM) is a non-profit organization established in 2004. Under a tree, a commitment was born to transform lives and bring hope and love to a community in crisis. When you choose to volunteer with us, you know that you are guaranteed a legitimate and valuable program, with diversity for every taste as well as a strong support system. We offer something for everyone! One Base with a diversity of programs: * The Lighthouse Academy Primary school * Lamb's Haven Kindergarten * Orphaned and vulnerable children's program * Feeding scheme and an after-school homework club * Basadi skills development program for vulnerable women * TCM ministry program with outreach in the village and on the base * TCM Agri program * Sports/Choir/Drama/Skits * Admin/Social Media/Marketing * Maintenance and construction Your volunteer journey in South Africa begins with an orientation, and then you decide where your passion lies. Together, we can make a difference. We look forward to receiving you with true South African hospitality. Plus, we organize superb weekend excursions, which you simply shouldn't miss out on!

You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore a new culture, or acquire compulsory work experience in another country. Whether you seek an internship or a volunteering opportunity, Magister will help you realize that dream trip to South Africa. At Magister South Africa, we have matched and placed participants in various programs – from internships in companies to volunteer projects with local communities – since 2000. Besides offering a wonderful experience, we guarantee safety and security as well as immersion through regular events and activities. If you are seeking a challenging internship or simply wishing to experience a cosmopolitan lifestyle while contributing to a good cause, we can definitely lead you in the right direction!

Located in the stunning Dolphin Coast area of KwaZulu-Natal province, this award-winning primate sanctuary provides a safe "forever home" for lemurs and exotic monkeys raised in captivity. Most of the primates were previously in zoos or were people's pets and they come to the sanctuary when they are no longer wanted by their owners or when they have been confiscated by the authorities. The 23-hectare indigenous forest sanctuary is like a luxurious retirement home for these amazing primates, where they live uncaged and roam freely. This is also home to naturally occurring wildlife such as bushbuck, red duiker, banded mongoose, and a wide variety of birdlife. For many of the sanctuary's primates, arriving here is the first time they've been able to climb trees or live amongst other primates or wildlife. Volunteers can work in a variety of areas including animal husbandry, guiding, maintenance, photography and filmmaking, and marketing. We tailor the program as much as possible to the individual goals, interests, skills, and experience of each volunteer. Contact us for an application form and to start planning the adventure of a lifetime.