Volunteer in South Africa
Language: English
Currency: South African Rand
Time: UTC +2
Capital: Pretoria
Responsible volunteering in South Africa
Volunteer in South Africa
Wildlife
People
Must see
Volunteer in South Africa
Volunteering in South Africa is an experience like no other. From the heat of the mighty Limpopo River on its northern border with Zimbabwe, to the waddling penguins of the Southern Cape, South Africa is one of the world’s most diverse, vibrant and fascinating countries. It is the perfect destination to combine conservation or community volunteer work with a journey of exploration and discovery.
Whether you want to contribute to African wildlife conservation efforts or assist with education and healthcare, South Africa is the ideal destination to undertake a volunteer program.
There is so much to offer those who choose to volunteer in South Africa. We focus on wilderness volunteering, where you can undergo rigorous anti-poaching training with wildlife conservation professionals in the remote northern Limpopo, or work with endangered species in the National Parks of KwaZulu Natal.
In addition to the vital conservation and community work on our volunteer projects, South Africa is also home to the iconic Table Mountain (Cape Town), the most well-known national park in Africa (Kruger), and one of the greatest driving routes in the world (the Garden Route).
Wildlife
South Africa is home to 10% of the world’s bird, plant and fish species, and more than 6% of the planet’s mammals and reptiles. This despite the country’s land area being just 1% of the Earth’s surface.
The country is an animal-lovers paradise and a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to Kruger National Park, one of the world’s greatest national parks – at over 19,400km2, it is almost as large as Israel and bigger than nearby Swaziland.
You can be sure of seeing a huge variety of wild animals, including all of Africa’s iconic animal species – elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, hippo, and more than 3,000 crocodiles!
In 2002, Kruger National Park, Gonerazhou National Park in Zimbabwe and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique were incorporated into a peace park, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier park.
Our wildlife volunteer programs offer South Africa volunteers unique opportunities to work alongside wildlife professionals, who dedicate their lives to the protection of vulnerable species. You will learn a huge amount about conservation issues, about wildlife and the environment, and monitor some of the world’s most iconic and endangered animals.
People
South Africa has some of the oldest archaeological sites in the world, with an area in Gauteng termed the Cradle of Mankind, suggesting that hominid species existed in South Africa from around 3 million years ago.
Modern humans have inhabited the country for around 170,000 years. The indigenous Khoikhoi and San were the early artists of South Africa, as can be seen from the wonderful rock art found throughout the country.
Home to 11 official languages, 9 provinces and 3 capitals, plus a diverse range of cultures and customs, this “Rainbow Nation’ is home to amazing music, art and literature as well as a friendly and welcoming people.
Despite a troubled recent past of colonialism, apartheid and huge financial disparity that has led to disadvantaged communities, traditional groups have held onto their unique cultures and traditions.
Today, many of the younger generation of all cultures have moved to the cities, living a western lifestyle and speaking English and Afrikaans, in addition to their home language.
Many live in ‘Township’ areas, which developed their own individual and unique fusion of cultures, expressed in music, art and food. Art using everything from tin cans to bicycle spokes and plastic bags are amazingly inventive. Local music is everywhere and a visit to a shebeen is always a hit.
A tour of Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, is a must for visitors to Johannesburg. South Africa has world-renowned artists, musicians and actors from every culture; the music industry is flourishing and film-making, writers and photographers are all flourishing.
Must see
South Africa is a country that has it all for volunteers and travellers. Roads are excellent, car hire is affordable, and whether you are looking for beaches, mountains, desert or cities, the country really can provide in spades.
We highly recommend you allow some time to visit some of the country’s finest and most iconic sights, as well as its less well-known attractions. To add any of these to your volunteer itinerary, please get in touch.
Kruger National Park is one of the world’s greatest national parks. At 19,400km2, it is almost as large as Israel and bigger than neighbouring Swaziland (now eSwatini).
With almost guaranteed big game sightings of Africa’s most iconic wildlife – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard and hippo, it would be hard to miss out on a visit.
Cape Town is located almost at Africa’s most southerly point. The Mother City is dominated by Table Mountain and Lions Head, home to fantastic sandy beaches and the swelling winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Take a drive to Hermanus, a prime whale-watching destination, and continue your journey down the coast along the stunning Garden Route, driving along narrow mountain passes and along coastal roads.
Off-the-track and well worth a visit:
The flat-top mountains of the Drakensburg form the 200million-year-old boundary between South Africa and the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho and provide some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
An under-rated tourist destination and now A UNESCO World Heritage site, the mountain range has been inhabited by the San people for thousands of years.
St Lucia can easily fill a holiday on its own with sun, nature, and wildlife.
Not just a pretty beach (although the beach is amazing), it is also home to one of the largest game reserves in the country and is perhaps South Africa’s premier place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve is your chance for almost guaranteed sightings of the Big 5 and is the best place in South Africa to find endangered white rhino. Once home to the Zulu King Shaka, it is Africa’s oldest proclaimed reserve.
Pilanesberg National Park is a protected wilderness area set in a transitional zone between the Kalahari Desert and the Lowveld.
It is a habitat for all of Africa’s animal species including the Big 5, and an immense proliferation of birds, and is definitely a well-kept secret amongst South Africans.
The upsides to a visit are multiple – it’s an easy 3-hour drive from Johannesburg; is a malaria-free location; its comparatively small size and high game density ensure satisfying wildlife encounters, and it offers a range of accommodation options.
South Africa volunteer opportunities
A unique volunteer opportunity in South Africa. Work closely with lions and other predators through wildlife monitoring, big game tracking (both on foot and from a vehicle), and data collection. The priority species you will volunteer with include lions, cheetahs, elephants, white rhinos, hyenas, leopards and buffalo.
You’ll participate in wildlife research, including creating ID kits for lions, elephants and cheetahs, and support anti-poaching initiatives and habitat management. A really varied wildlife monitoring project combining time on and off the vehicle.
- From $1,650
- 2 - 12 weeks
Support award-winning conservation work to protect endangered and vulnerable wildlife in South Africa. Monitor priority species including lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, elephant and African wild dog.
The volunteer project is based in Zululand, one of the most biodiverse wildlands in Africa, much of it declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and considered to be the birthplace of wildlife conservation in Africa.
- From $1,710
- 2 - 12 weeks
Gain practical experience in anti-poaching techniques, and work alongside conservation professionals to understand the challenges facing those dedicated to protecting Africa’s endangered species.
Gain an in-depth understanding of wildlife behaviour, identify the tracks and signs of humans and animals and learn anti-poaching patrol procedures. Actively work with local communities and contribute to the protection of vulnerable species.
- From $1,395
- 7, 10 & 14 Days
Join the dedicated teams working on the frontline to protect Africa’s most iconic and endangered wildlife.
The programme consists of a 6-week intensive training course that will test your physical and mental endurance. Successful recruits will then be deployed on active duty with patrols in Big 5 reserves across South Africa. Have you got what it takes?
- From $2,525
- 6 weeks - 6 months
Why volunteer in South Africa with Conservation Travel Africa?
South Africa gallery
South Africa Volunteering FAQs
Where can I volunteer in South Africa?
Our volunteer projects in South Africa are based in large conservation areas such as the wilderness of Zululand; we also run projects in the beautiful game-rich Waterberg region, about 4 hours north west of Johannesburg and in reserves across the Limpopo area.
What do volunteers do in South Africa?
Volunteers in South Africa can choose from a range of volunteer programs including Wildlife Monitoring, Endangered Species Conservation, Anti-Poaching Courses and Ranger Training Programs. Wildlife Conservation volunteering in South Africa will generally involve working on programs dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment, monitoring and documenting the behaviour of wild animals, collecting data, tracking wildlife and setting up camera traps.
You may get to work with iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, rhinos, big cats and African wild dogs.
Our Anti-Poaching courses are perfect for those who want to take an active role in protecting wildlife, or if you just want to learn more about the challenges facing conservationists in South Africa.
If you’re interested in becoming an animal volunteer in South Africa, we can definitely assist!
Is South Africa safe for volunteers?
Sometimes the news that comes out of South Africa isn’t always positive. There is an image of the country being violent and dangerous and a place where you could be bitten by a snake or get malaria. South Africa is a wild and wonderful place full of exciting wildlife, spectacular scenery, vast wilderness areas and incredible cultures.
When you volunteer in South Africa there will be people looking out for you who are experienced with keeping volunteers safe and healthy. If you respect the advice you are given by your bookings coordinator and project leaders and exercise the same precautions that you would at home, you will be in the best hands.
As long as you are aware and sensible, you will have a memorable, life-changing and most importantly, safe, experience when you volunteer in South Africa.
What animals can I volunteer with in South Africa?
The main focus species on our wildlife conservation programs in South Africa will include elephants, cheetahs, lions and African Wild dogs. Other priority species include black and white rhinos, leopards and vultures. Our Anti-Poaching volunteers will protect the full range of African wildlife.
Do I need a visa when volunteering in South Africa?
Most nationalities do not require a tourist visa to be organised in advance for stays of 90 days or less. This is a useful link to the Department of Home Affairs website – www.dha.gov.za (click on Immigration Services and then on Non-Exempt Countries). If you do need a visa in advance of travel, please let us know. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your date of departure and we recommend you have at least four blank pages. We recommend travelling with a printed and electronic copy of your passport.
How much does it cost to volunteer in South Africa?
We suggest allowing around $50-$100 a week when volunteering in South Africa. The cost of eating out, food from supermarkets and activities is generally lower than other countries. Credit and debit cards are welcomed in the majority of food and leisure establishments. Other costs will include:
– Program fees
– Flight tickets
– Travel Insurance
– Transfers and travel costs
Who can volunteer in South Africa?
Our volunteer programs in South Africa are open to people aged 17 and over and many of our projects in other countries also accept volunteers aged 16 and over. To join a project, check you meet the minimum age requirements and apply! We also offer volunteer programs in Africa for families, with activities specially suited to family volunteers.
There is no upper age limit to volunteer in South Africa. The skills and experience of mature volunteers are much needed across all our volunteer programs.