Volunteer Programs in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

This project gives participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with a variety of animal-related issues from African wildlife in game reserves to local livestock on farms. The project offers a professional experience for volunteers in the context of animal welfare, management, and veterinary science. The three main focuses of the project are African wildlife, agricultural livestock, and domestic animals. Each section will offer new knowledge for about working with animals. For example, when studying African wildlife, volunteers will hear lectures about animal health and nutrition, tranquilization of animals, and game capture. While working under the agricultural livestock, the issues you will be dealing with are related to cattle, goats, and pigs. Lastly, while working with domestic animals you can help contribute to improving their poor living conditions and their basic healthcare.

Dive into a lifetime opportunity to volunteer at an impressive game reserve and see the Big 5 – leopard, rhino, cape buffalo, African elephant, and lion – on a daily basis. You’ll also witness endangered predators, such as white lions and rare Bengal tigers. This placement is based in the Eastern Cape, where you’ll contribute to wildlife conservation efforts to improve the future of South African animals. Take on the role of an assistant conservationist and provide an extra pair of hands in the reserve. There are plenty to do, so you’ll never have a boring day. You’ll work with a group of volunteers, under the supervision of a leader, to complete daily activities like lion tracking and monitoring, tree planting, fence patrol, and game capture. The Volunteer with the Big 5 in Port Elizabeth program is available all year round and lasts 2–12 weeks or longer. No specific skills are needed for this project, however, it is expected that you have a genuine interest in wildlife and conservation. Patience and flexibility are imperative, as this is a dynamic environment and project activities often change.

A volunteering experience with bite! Relocate to the incredible setting of the South African bush for the animal encounter of a lifetime, working closely with the entire spectrum of safari wildlife on a working game reserve. This special program calls for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to join the effort to protect Africa’s iconic big game species through park patrols, predator tracking, species surveys, and more. As part of its mission to study and conserve all that spectacular wildlife and support the ecosystem they habitat, the reserve operates a range of conservation projects in which the volunteer can actively participate.

The Sibuya Wilderness Experience welcomes participants from all walks of life. Volunteers, adventure-seeking travelers, gap year students, adults taking work sabbaticals... Anyone with a passion for nature conservation. This is the perfect Eco Volunteer Program if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that puts your passion for nature, environment, and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. Our unique itinerary runs on a two-week program, wherein the content is only covered twice in a month, making a four-week stay the perfect getaway to experience everything at least twice. Nowhere else in South Africa is a volunteer itinerary this diverse.

Get Certified, Make an Impact myTEFL’s intensive four-week Teach in Africa program is your chance to earn your certification and put it to good use—good in every sense of the word! Your journey starts with our top-rated 120-Hour Online TEFL Course, completed conveniently from home. This gives you all the time needed to master your teaching fundamentals before flying out for the practical portion. Upon arrival in South Africa, you will be met and transported to our wonderful volunteer residence. You will co-habit with other like-minded participants, sharing cooking duties and enjoying a community atmosphere. The first day includes a comprehensive orientation of the local township and your school placement, covering classes, students, rules, and routines. Then, it's time to roll up your sleeves and put that TEFL to work! Beyond teaching, your role includes sports coaching, helping with dance classes, assisting with homework, and community engagement. You will make incredible bonds with your fellow volunteers, the students, and the community you are supporting—all while actively helping to make the world a better place. Join us and experience the power of giving back!

This fabulous project was developed to save the lives of South Africa's majestic native animals. The Wildlife Protection program is based on a spectacular game reserve outside Port Elizabeth. The 6000 hectares of land are filled with diverse wildlife species, including the ‘Big 5’. In addition to the mixture of grasslands and subtropical vegetation, the reserve has naturally formed pockets of water, amazing rock formations, and splendid flora. This program plays a significant role in helping maintain the reserve and protect its animals, with the support of volunteers from around the globe. Like many conservation programs, funds are greatly lacking, and the participation of volunteers is essential to the project's success. Duties vary on a day-to-day basis and are dependent on factors such as the weather. The work is mostly outdoors, sometimes in unpleasant conditions, so volunteers should be willing to lend a hand with all sorts of tasks.

Everyone has heard of the Big 5—Africa's “must-see” animals! But are you ready for your disappointing fact of the day? They are called that because they were the most difficult to hunt. Because of this, “claim to fame” hunters have gone overboard, making each of these animals endangered and needing your help! This volunteer trip will put you in the heart of South Africa’s gorgeous Eastern Cape. It’ll be your job to track the movements of wild herds across a 6,000-hectare private game reserve on an open-top safari! You’ll make a meaningful impact by ensuring that the Big 5 will be around to hunt—with cameras, of course—for many generations! Make lifelong friends and memories while doing meaningful work. Get up close and personal with some amazing animals in a program that includes everything you can think of!

Live the life of a game ranger and groundskeeper on a huge, private game reserve in South Africa. Gain the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with a multitude of different animals. Home to the Big 5 - elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and lions - you will get the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. It is so much more than a safari! You can get involved with programmes and make genuine contributions to the welfare and conservation of animals as well as the lives of people from local communities. Volunteers who make a real difference are those willing to get stuck in and show initiative. If you want to see the Big 5 and other iconic African animals, but also want to contribute to the reserve they live in, this would be the ideal programme for you.

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.

South Africa is famous for its cosmopolitan cities, lush vineyards, wildlife, and coastline. Wine and gold are its largest exports. As a former Dutch colony, you'll find an interesting mix of traditional South African and European cuisine. The country's past gave birth to victory over the mistreatment of native South Africans. Despite its strong economy, the nation is still working to recover. As a volunteer, you'll be playing a role in supporting educational initiatives. You can serve as a coach for at-risk youth or work in a child care center.