Summer Volunteer Programs in South Africa

Go off the beaten track and make an impact with this one-of-a-kind Wildlife Conservation project in South Africa. This fully-hosted volunteer program is provided by International Volunteer HQ - the world's leading volunteer travel organization, trusted by more than 124,000 volunteer travelers. Based on one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park, volunteers on the Wildlife Conservation program get to live amongst the African ‘Big 5’ animals and help protect their natural habitat for periods ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. Your fully hosted includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in a volunteer Your fully hosted program starts from only $975 for 2 weeks, which includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. You’ll be accommodated in a beachside bungalow or a forest camp with like-minded volunteers while being immersed in the local culture and community. Thanks to IVHQ's affordable fees, flexible booking and free changes, you can register for your volunteer program in South Africa with confidence.

Join our Wildlife and Research Conservation Project and immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or an aspiring conservationist, this enriching volunteer experience will unveil the many wonders of the African bush. No matter your skill set or expertise, this wildlife conservation program in South Africa will immerse you in the African bush alongside a skilled and qualified team that includes Field Guides and Research professionals. Contribute to meaningful wildlife research and conservation projects by participating in animal tracking, monitoring, and data collection initiatives during daily game drives. Your contributions will directly support the protection of incredible South African wildlife and their habitats.

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.

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.

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!

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.

The Wildlife Volunteer in a Rescue Farm program offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about wildlife conservation to contribute actively to rehabilitating and caring for injured, orphaned, or abandoned animals. As a volunteer, you will work directly with various species and assist in animal care, habitat maintenance, wildlife rehabilitation, and educational outreach. This program is perfect if you're interested in environmental protection, animal care, and sustainable travel. It's a “family” project, meaning children as young as four can join. Our advisors will provide personalized recommendations based on your kids' ages and the project's mission.

Do you love horses? Then, volunteering at a Horse Ranch on the beach at one of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes is your dream placement! Tasks at the ranch include feeding, grooming, and caring for the horses, riding the horses, preparing rides, saddling and removing saddles, welcoming guests, and cleaning the equipment. The stables and paddock are also cleaned, plastic waste is removed from the beach and riding trails, minor repairs are made, and young and new horses are possibly trained. Before coming to the ranch, many of these horses were rescued from being mistreated by their previous owners. Their new owners at the ranch have over 30 years of practical experience in providing riding lessons, natural horse training, and rehabilitation for abused horses. Horseback riding tours with small groups of tourists are done daily, except when bad weather occurs. You can join tours along the beaches, dune forests, and typical fynbos landscapes of the Western Cape. You can learn a lot about the fascinating nature of the Western Cape. If you're lucky, you'll even spot Southern Right Whales while riding on the beach or swimming with the horses on warm days!

Cape Town, known for its diverse and growing population, is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Opportunities to serve all year round include daycares for lower-income families, education centers for disadvantaged learners, and human rights organizations. Partnering with community-based organizations and completing a reflection-based curriculum will allow you to learn how local experts address these issues in their communities while gaining intercultural leadership skills. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so please visit our website to learn more about your options. Our Cape Town program is recommended for anyone interested in the education and/or disability service fields.

Help Protect, Rescue, and Care for Animals Around the World If you’re passionate about animals and dream of making a real difference, our Animal Care & Wildlife Volunteering Abroad Programs offer unforgettable opportunities to work hands-on with animals in need. With Volunteering Journeys, you can join projects that protect wildlife and rescue domestic animals in Sri Lanka, Peru, and South Africa — three of the world’s most biodiverse and inspiring destinations. Whether you’re looking to care for stray dogs, assist with wildlife rehabilitation, or help protect endangered elephants and sea lions, these programs are perfect for animal lovers, veterinary students, and gap-year travelers who want to combine meaningful work with adventure.

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children in Mitchell’s Plain by joining our Early Childhood Development program in Cape Town. As a Kindergarten Teaching volunteer, you’ll help nurture the growth and creativity of children aged 2–4, providing them with the foundations for a brighter future. Working closely with local educators, you’ll support play-based learning and offer personalized care that encourages emotional, social, and intellectual development. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact while immersing yourself in Cape Town’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local communities. Help empower the next generation and be part of lasting change. - Work with local teachers to create and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities. - Support children needing extra encouragement and guidance. - Assist in teaching basic English, math, or life skills through fun and hands-on learning. - Lead group activities and help create a stimulating classroom environment. - Observe progress and offer feedback to enhance the learning experience.

The South Africa projects are dotted around several different reserves within the country, each focused on assessing the environmental impact of the game and large mammal species, especially elephants, within the reserves. The projects are two to six weeks in length, with some of them involving an additional week at our marine site in Sodwana Bay, where you can learn to dive. Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organization working alongside university and college academics to build long-term data sets to put toward various conservation management goals. We recruit volunteers to help out with data collection, training them in the skills and background needed to help effectively. There's also the option to complete dissertations or senior theses at our sites.

Teach at local community schools in Knysna, South Africa, in this volunteer project. Support the development of children by teaching them English, Natural Science, Maths, Dance, Music, Sports, and other subjects. You could also assist with reading groups in school libraries or special needs activities. We have placements at township schools, which have large classes and basic facilities. Therefore, the teachers greatly appreciate any help in managing a huge number of students. Your ideas are always welcome to improve a variety of areas: foundation phase little ones, Physical Education, English teaching, Mathematics, and others. This project is available during South African school terms, between mid-January to early December. Start days are from Monday to Friday, and the minimum length of stay is two weeks. A longer duration is subject to visa requirements. We welcome volunteers from 17 years old.

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.

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.

If you are passionate about animals, especially monkeys, and want to make a difference in their lives, volunteer at International Primate Rescue! It doesn’t matter if you are looking for work experience, a student on a gap year, want a break from your office job, are retired, or want to get away from it all for a while. As long as you are at least 18 years old, you are welcome to join. Dive into this unique, lifetime opportunity! Our volunteer program provides a fascinating wildlife experience while you learn about primate behavior and animal care. Gain hands-on experience with different species of primates at the sanctuary. We currently have capuchins, macaques, squirrel monkeys, tamarins, marmosets, and owl monkeys. But as cute as they are, you must be prepared to get down and dirty. Along with the pleasure of interacting with our animals, you are responsible for cleaning and maintaining their enclosures! Get to know and work side by side with our staff while volunteering in South Africa. More importantly, get to know our monkeys and their different personalities.

A special needs English and Afrikaans school needs volunteers for its community outreach programs in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants will be assigned to classrooms and teachers, gaining fantastic experience in teaching and educational coordination as well as serving as part of the school team. The school was founded in 1974 by the Society for Autistic Children (now Autism Western Cape). A volunteer period with this school will be a highly fulfilling, rewarding, and challenging experience. It will also be a way to equip participants with new skills in a variety of fields, including Counseling, Education, and Youth. Requirements are: - Interest in volunteering in the areas of Education, Special Needs, Psychology, Occupational or Physical Therapy, Music therapy, Water Therapy, or general educare assistance - Good communication skills - Love of children and a passion to make a difference in their lives - Empathy for other individuals

Join Nourish Eco Village and make a real impact by supporting agricultural entrepreneurship in rural communities. Help develop sustainable farming businesses, tackle food security, and empower local entrepreneurs through training in agro-ecology, agri-processing, and product development. Get hands-on at our training farm, assisting with daily tasks, managing chicken coops, and creating products like pickled beetroots, hot sauce, and gluten-free flour. Stay at our on-site backpackers, work alongside a passionate team, and gain valuable skills in sustainable farming, education, and conservation. You can also engage in our other impactful programs: Green Kidz – Teach environmental education in local schools Rise Creches – Support early childhood development for vulnerable children Social Enterprise – Help small businesses grow through our incubator Eco Village – Promote recycling, sustainability, and community outreach During weekends, explore Kruger National Park, immerse yourself in South African culture, and experience an adventure of a lifetime! Join us now and be part of real change!