GoAbroad

Animal Welfare Volunteering in South Africa

Nothing goes together better than travel and volunteering abroad. Not only do you get to see the world while volunteering abroad, but you also get to change it. With so many opportunities and places to travel, it can be difficult deciding where to volunteer. However, animal welfare volunteer projects abroad in South Africa are some of the most rewarding and exciting experiences you could hope for! You’ll be up close and personal with the Big Five before you know it.
Read More

103 Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs in South Africa

9.2393 reviews

African Impact

Volunteer Abroad in South Africa with African Impact

Travel to South Africa and make a positive impact in the country ...

9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

See All 12 Programs
101 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Rhino, Elephant and Big Cat Research and Conservation

Take part in this volunteering program abroad, and work on an ama...

See All 6 Programs
93 reviews

Impact Gap Year

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

See All 5 Programs
9.55793 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

See All 4 Programs
91 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer in South Africa - Expeditions With Purpose

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. I...

101 reviews

Roots Interns

Bird Research and Conservation Internship in South Africa

Grab this exciting opportunity to gain practical work experience ...

102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Endurance Training Programme in South Africa

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, ...

See All 3 Programs
9.8936 reviews

African Conservation Experience

Go Behind the Scenes at a Big 5 Wildlife Reserve

Help preserve the famous Big 5 safari reserve, seeing a side of P...

See All 6 Programs
9.758 reviews

Penda Photo Tours

Humanitarian Photography Workshop, South Africa

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique hu...

See All 3 Programs
104 reviews

Sibuya Wilderness Experience

Nature and Coastal Wilderness Conservation in Sibuya

The Sibuya Wilderness Experience welcomes participants from all w...

9.4427 reviews

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge

#1Buffelsdrift Eco Ambassador Program | South Africa

We believe that everyone can contribute to conservation efforts, ...

9.41296 reviews

Projects Abroad

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose....

9.48198 reviews

GVI

Wildlife Research in South Africa Expedition

Live on a private reserve in Limpopo, surrounded by wildlife in t...

See All 2 Programs
9.58201 reviews

Love Volunteers

Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference - From US$175!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love V...

See All 4 Programs
9.74101 reviews

Connect-123 Internship Programs

Global Internship & Volunteer Programs with Connect-123!

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—a...

See All 3 Programs
8.6916 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

See All 4 Programs
9.754 reviews

Freepackers

Wildlife Volunteer in South Africa

The Wildlife Volunteer in a Rescue Farm program offers a unique o...

00 reviews

Volunteering Journeys

Animal Care & Wildlife Volunteering Abroad

Help Protect, Rescue, and Care for Animals Around the World If y...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

World Unite!

Volunteer at a Horse Ranch on the Beach in South Africa

Do you love horses? Then, volunteering at a Horse Ranch on the be...

See All 2 Programs

A Guide to Animal Welfare Volunteer Abroad in South Africa

Why Volunteer for Animal Welfare in South Africa?

Volunteering with animal welfare in South Africa most likely will not place you in the concrete jungle. Instead, you’ll find yourself in one of the many stunning wildlife refuges (Kruger Park or KwaZulu-Natal, perhaps?). One of the more popular sanctuaries to volunteer with is located outside the resort town of Hartbeespoort and only 40 minutes from Johannesburg. You’ll love protecting and bettering the lives of the native animals in the surrounding area. 

Decades later, an apartheid South Africa is still recovering with much help coming from non-profits. NGOs in South Africa focus on everything from education to women’s rights and the environment. Animal welfare volunteering in South Africa will have you working alongside some of the country’s biggest and most important NGOs.

Get out there and get started on volunteering for animal welfare in South Africa today!

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

IVHQ Christmas Program in Guatemala

November 26, 2025by: Patty Urda - United StatesProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I volunteered with IVHQ for their Christmas program in Antigua, Guatemala. This was my first experience with IVHQ and I will definitely volunteer with them again. I stayed with a local family who were kind, thoughtful and made me feel right at home. The accommodations were modest but clean and comfortable. The Christmas program was a great experience because we had the opportunity to do a variety of activities including working with seniors and children, picking coffee beans, and a cultural immersion. I appreciate that IVHQ partners with local organizations on the ground.

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Volunteer Abroad Articles