Volunteer Programs in South Africa

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 joi

This exciting project was developed to save the majestic native animals of South Africa. The Wildlife Protection program is based in a spectacular game reserve outside Port Elizabeth. The 6000 hectares of land are filled with diverse species, including the ‘Big 5’. In addition to the combination of

Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life forever? Then look no further! This Ultimate Gap Year Experience is unique; you will be transported to four different projects across southern Africa, working on the front lines of conservation and connecting with local and expert prof

Applications are now open for our award-winning Child Life Practicum Program in Cape Town! Our 4-week Child Life practicum program is open to child life students as well as to those interested in the field and is led by Certified Child Life Specialists. The practicum is designed to meet the Associ

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 g

Experience Durban, the heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal province in South Africa. Child Family Health International is proud to have operated this excellent program in collaboration with many health care providers and public health projects in the Durban area since January of 2006. The Durban program highlig

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 th

Take part in this volunteering program abroad, and work on an amazing research and conservation project in a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area. Home to more than just the Big 5, the reserve also has more than 400 species of birds. The project aims to share data with conservation gro

Become a part of the day-to-day life at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). HESC offers the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the Centre's work. Wildlife Conservation Experience (WCE) is a 21-day program divided into 3 main sections: conservation, participation, and sightseein

Build your skills through a service-learning experience in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally diverse cities. Partner with community organizations supporting education, disability services, and human rights while learning how local experts address challenges within their com

This program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable urban agriculture and food security initiatives in Cape Town, South Africa. Urban farming transforms city spaces into vibrant gardens, directly combating food insecurity by providing fresh, local produce. This approach also boosts

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

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 th

Volunteering Journeys programs in South Africa are highly sought after, offering a wide range of opportunities—from English teaching and coaching sports to medical electives to animal and wildlife conservation projects, including work with the Big 5. These programs are well-suited for gap year stude

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 depe

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

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

100% of your payment goes to this charity! This exceptional experience provides volunteers with the unique opportunity of teaching children to protect the environment and to care for rescued wild animals. You will inspire a generation of local children to become passionate about wildlife conservati

If you love sports and want to spend some time sharing your passion with disadvantaged children, this program is perfect for you. South Africa is known across the world for its success in rugby, swimming, football, and cricket, so it comes as a surprise to many to learn that sport is not part of the

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 the real Africa. It might take you

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 activiti

Surfpop takes you on an unforgettable surf travel experience that includes volunteering your time and skills to coach and mentor children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. You will assist Surfpop children in the water through interactive surf sessions as well as help them with the

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

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

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, with over 240 horses, is waiting for you! Ideal for those passionate to learn about the sport, whether you are a seasoned professional, or you’ve never experienced an endurance race – this is a great adventure for intermediate plus and

This 9-day, once-in-a-lifetime mission to protect rhinos from relentless poaching attacks for their horns is geared towards veterinarians, vet techs, veterinary nurses, and clinical-year vet students. Dehorn up to 50 white rhinos and 15 critically endangered black rhinos in a special mission in Sout

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 i

This volunteer project involves wilderness conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife such as wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, and leopards. Accompanied by your international volunteer team and an experienced supervisor, you will set off before sunrise on the back of an op

Join our mission to protect one of the world’s fastest and most endangered animals. Once thriving across Africa and Asia, cheetahs are now under serious threat. As a volunteer, you’ll work alongside experienced conservationists to care for captive-born cheetahs and support efforts to return them to

Join a meaningful wildlife conservation volunteer program in South Africa and experience life on a working conservation reserve while supporting wildlife and habitat management. Volunteers may assist with activities such as wildlife monitoring, tracking, game counts, reserve maintenance, conservati

Immerse yourself in the South African bushveld with Nimble Drift, a unique 14-day experience combining horses, wildlife and conservation in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. Set on approximately 3,000 hectares of African bushveld, volunteers experience life alongside horses and wildlife while learning from a te

Join us for a unique opportunity to work with awe-inspiring creatures. No matter your background, this program offers a thrilling marine experience. Comfortable Living: Relax in top-notch accommodation with a pool, high-end chalets, and more amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay. Embrace the Marine B

In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal's Drakensberg, near Winterton, a community is working to create a safe, nurturing space for its youngest children. This initiative, rooted in education and community upliftment, reflects a shared belief that children should be defined by their potential, not their circu

Saddle Up for Conservation offers volunteers the chance to experience the African bush from horseback while actively supporting conservation efforts on the ground. Based on a private wildlife reserve next to Kruger National Park, the program focuses on practical daily activities such as fence patr

Over 80% of South African 10-year-olds struggle to read for meaning, indicating a serious literacy crisis. After-school academic support programs have proven effective in improving educational outcomes, especially in under-resourced communities. These programs help reduce educational inequality by o

Askari provides volunteers with the opportunity to live and work on a pristine 17 500 hectare wilderness reserve. Askari is located on Pidwa Wilderness Reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Wildlife monitoring, data collection and reserve maintenance are all an integral part of the Askari

Make a lasting difference using your talents, skills, and passion. Join us in this gap year volunteering program in destinations like Kenya, Malawi, India, Nepal, and Thailand. This is the perfect opportunity to become a global citizen while immersing yourself in diverse cultures. At Africa & Asia

The African Penguin’s population is on the brink of collapse. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to prevent this species from becoming extinct in the wild by 2035. SANCCOB Cape Town is offering a unique 3-to-6-month voluntary- based Seabird Nursery Internship. This dynamic, mentored program pro

People and Places is part of an innovative and well-respected project that aims to provide children and young adults from rural areas with access to a world-class education through digital technology. In this age, across the developed world, digital technology is fast becoming one of the main tool

Cape Town is the perfect place to set up a base for your volunteering adventure in South Africa. The city is known to be one of the most beautiful ones in the world; the challenges the communities in and outside of Cape Town face, are huge. Those who are less fortunate, namely women, children, th

This program offers the incredible chance to work at a top-level showjumping yard, receive coaching from a professional showjumper, train horses at the yard, and learn from experts in all aspects of the professional equestrian field—all while soaking up wildlife opportunities in South Africa! Plus,

This 7-day Biology Program is based in the Waterberg Biosphere, Limpopo Province, South Africa, and is designed for biology students seeking practical, field-based experience in conservation and ecological research. Hosted at Lapalala Wilderness, the program offers an immersive introduction to the d

Work side by side with rescued lions, cheetahs, hyenas, servals, caracals, meerkats, bushbabies, and more—each animal carrying a story of survival. As a volunteer, student, or intern, you become part of that story, helping transform trauma into recovery and giving wildlife a second chance at life.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Conservation Experience with Wild Tomorrow and help protect South Africa’s biodiversity-rich landscapes. Our Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve now spans over 3,500 acres, safeguarding habitat and ensuring a future for species great and small. Located in one of the world’

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 mistreatme

Based in the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area, this program offers a practical introduction to ocean conservation on one of Africa’s most diverse coastlines. Sharklife is a long-standing marine conservation non-profit with an established field station in Sodwana Bay, providing a secure and profess

South Africa has celebrated an end to formal apartheid but, despite its rich natural resources and can-do attitude, the majority of the black population still faces huge challenges. Job prospects are still in low supply, housing and the standard of living are still far below expectations, access to

The reptile and amphibian diversity of the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, located outside the town of Mashishing in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, has not been quantitatively assessed. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, in collaboration with the management of Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, has c

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 tu