OUR TOP 10 SOUTH AFRICA VOLUNTEERING HOLIDAYS
Our wildlife volunteering vacations take place in private game reserves and managed national parks where vast wilderness areas provide natural habitat for animals to roam wild and free from harm. Sites for primate rehab centers and animal sanctuaries in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, for example, have been chosen so as to avoid human conflict and allow animals to be released back into their natural environment. Port Elizabeth, on the south coast, provides an altogether more urban existence with volunteers needed at schools supporting some of South Africa’s poorest townships. Shark conservation projects invite volunteers to experience life close to Cape Town with free days at Boulders Beach adding extra bite.
1.
Endangered wildlife conservation
2. Family volunteering with monkeys
3. Great white shark conservation
4. Game ranger course
5. Lion sanctuaries
6. Monkey volunteer
7. Sports coaching
8. Teaching assistant
9. Volunteer with kids and animals
10. Volunteer with elephants
2. Family volunteering with monkeys
3. Great white shark conservation
4. Game ranger course
5. Lion sanctuaries
6. Monkey volunteer
7. Sports coaching
8. Teaching assistant
9. Volunteer with kids and animals
10. Volunteer with elephants
Endangered wildlife conservation
1. Endangered wildlife conservation
Cheetahs, black rhinos, wild dogs and vultures are all on South Africa's endangered wildlife list and volunteering to assist on an award winning habitat and conservation project in the game reserves of KwaZulu-Natal will go some way to supporting the efforts of the WWF and Wildlands Conservation Trust. Learn how to observe, track and identify endangered species in the real African bush.
Family volunteering with monkeys
2. Family volunteering with monkeys
Watching monkeys in the wild is as wondrous for parents as for children. Now imagine being part of the process that enables rescued infant monkeys to begin the journey back into their natural habitat. Volunteering with monkeys as a family in an African bush rehab center allows your troop to get stuck into conservation work, as well as plenty of ‘ahhh’ moments.
Great white shark conservation
3. Great white shark conservation
Observing a great white in its natural environment is an absolute thrill and certain to dispel any negative preconceptions as quickly as you can say 'we're gonna need a bigger boat'. Volunteers will learn how to cage dive safely – no experience needed – and will become part of a boat crew, as well as assisting marine biologists with their on-going shark conservation projects.
Game ranger course
4. Game ranger course
Marvelling at Africa’s magnificent wildlife from a jeep is one thing. Stepping up to help protect them yourself, is quite another. This thrilling opportunity to to earn a game ranger qualification in South Africa sets you up for your a Level One FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) Apprentice Field Guide certificate, recognised across Africa. Over eight weeks you’ll work alongside local rangers, learning a broad range of fieldwork and theoretical skills, a valuable first step in finding a career in front-line conservation.
Lion sanctuaries
5. Lion sanctuaries
Many of South Africa's big cats have suffered at the hands of man.Volunteering at a lion sanctuary will place you where you're needed most as you help become an active member of a big cat welfare team caring for lions, leopards and non-native tigers that have been hurt or displaced by private game hunters and ill-conceived zoos. Monitor behaviour, prep food and allow lions in South Africa to regain their crowns.
Monkey volunteer
6. Monkey volunteer
The relationship between South Africa's primates and its humans is far from harmonious. Hunting, the illegal pet trade and traffic accidents are just some of the reasons why infant monkeys and baboons become orphaned and in need of care. Volunteering at a primate rehab center, close to Kruger National Park, lets you fill the parental void and help baby monkeys on their journey back into the wild.
Sports coaching
7. Sports coaching
Although South Africa is often considered to be a southern hemisphere heavyweight when it comes to rugby, cricket and tennis, not all of its population are lucky enough to come from similar backgrounds to the country's international elite. Volunteer as a sports coach in an established Port Elizabeth sports foundation and inspire kids from the poorest communities to become the sports stars of SA's future.
Teaching assistant
8. Teaching assistant
Volunteering as a teaching assistant in South Africa should be seen as a long term project with some of the poorest communities in the Port Elizabeth area crying out for help with lessons and extracurricular activities. This is an opportunity for flexible, positive and fun-loving people willing to work alongside local teachers in and out of the classroom. Experience of working with kids is an advantage, although not essential as full training is given.
Volunteer with kids and animals
9. Volunteer with kids and animals
Based in the Limpopo Province, this volunteering with children and animals vacation gives you the chance to help out at a not-for-profit animal orphanage that also works as an educational facility for children from the local community. Teaching the kids (aged from 12 - 16yrs) through conservation, animal welfare and basic maths and swimming lessons is a great way to meet local people and help to make a difference for present and future generations.
Volunteer with elephants
10. Volunteer with elephants
Poaching, habitat destruction and natural disasters have all contributed to the rapid decline of the world’s wild elephants. Volunteering with elephants in South Africa offers a great way to get up close to elephants roaming freely in their natural environment as well as contributing to on-going conservation projects through research, monitoring, feeding and maintenance of park perimeters.
Our South Africa Volunteering Vacations
Wildlife photography & conservation volunteering in south Africa
Enjoy amazing wildlife photography while giving back!
From
£2595
4 weeks
ex flights
Zululand conservation project
Preserve iconic wildlife in the breathtaking South Africa!
From
£1295 to £5295
14 days
ex flights
Family volunteering with monkeys in South Africa
Family volunteering with baboons in South Africa
From
£767
7 days
ex flights
Photography volunteer program in Cape Town
Make an impact through photography!
From
US $2150 to US $3250
15 days
ex flights
Endangered wildlife conservation in South Africa
Award-winning, Fair Trade certified wildlife conservation!
From
US $1463
14 days
ex flights
Volunteer at The Shamwari Wildlife Reserve, South Africa
Conserve species on a South African game reserve
From
£1295 to £7295
14 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about South Africa Volunteering or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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More about South Africa Volunteering
Volunteers are needed all year round, so check out the best time to volunteer in South Africa in terms of temperature and rainfall.
Volunteering in South Africa is life changing, and not only for the communities and wildlife that you’ll be assisting.
Our wildlife volunteering vacation’s page breaks down the different types of tour that we offer as well as managing traveler expectations when it comes to what types of wildlife you can expect to see, and the sort of jobs and tasks you’ll be doing.
From endangered wildlife monitoring to community construction projects, KwaZulu Natal volunteering vacations offer a unique way to experience this vibrant South African region.
Checking camera traps and analysing photo data coupled with game drives into some of KwaZulu Natal’s most biodiverse wilderness areas; leopard conservation vacations offer volunteers a unique insight into the little-seen lives of South Africa’s most elusive big cats.
Our community volunteering vacations in South Africa require commitment in terms of time, as well as the physical, mental and emotional demands of working in some of South Africa’s poorest communities.
Travelers really need to do their research before signing up for a captive wildlife volunteering vacation in South Africa.
From pollution to poverty, respecting cultural traditions to respecting animals, there are many responsible volunteering issues to keep in mind...
