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AWARD-WINNING Volunteer & Internship Projects in Africa

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WELCOME TO AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA

Volunteer in South Africa

Experience South Africa up close - and protect iconic wildlife through Big 5 research, shark conservation, or hands-on rehabilitation.

From the Greater Kruger’s open savannah to the Western Cape’s Whale Coast and Limpopo’s lush foothills, South Africa packs in wildly different landscapes. It’s also a place where volunteers can contribute to practical conservation work, learn from experienced teams, and see what protection looks like on the ground and at sea.

Choose your path: join wildlife research and conservation in the Greater Kruger, with the option to focus on conservation photography during the season. Head to Gansbaai to support shark and marine conservation in a world-famous marine hotspot. Or travel to Tzaneen to help rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and displaced wildlife. With structured weeks, clear guidance, and weekends made for exploring, you’ll experience the best of South Africa while doing work that matters.

  • Big 5 Field Research

Support wildlife monitoring and field research in the Greater Kruger, learning how data guides conservation decisions.

  • Conservation Photography

Build your camera skills in the bush while contributing to conservation storytelling and species awareness.

  • Shark and Marine Science

Assist marine biologists with research and data tracking on sharks and other marine wildlife off the Cape coast.

  • Wildlife Rescue and Release

Help care for animals in rehabilitation and support the goal of returning them to the wild.

  • Cape Town to Kruger Weekends

Fill your free time with bucket-list South Africa – safaris, coastal road trips, wine lands, and city adventures.

South Africa base areas

Here’s a breakdown of the bases in South Africa:

Kruger Base

Set in the heart of big game country, the Greater Kruger is where conservation happens in the middle of wild, open savannah. Days here start early and feel purpose-led – tracking, monitoring, and learning from the field team as you build a deeper understanding of how research supports real protection. When you’re not out in the bush, base life is social and down to earth, with fireside evenings and the kind of nights where you fall asleep to nature sounds. It’s an unforgettable place to volunteer if you want wildlife encounters that feel close, meaningful, and real.

LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA
Kruger base at a glance

Open: May-Oct

Daytime highs: 20-33°C (68-91°F)

Night-time lows: 5-18°C (41-64°F)

Climate: Hot summers, mild dry winters

Landscape: Bushveld, savannah and river systems

Languages: English and local languages

Tzaneen Base

Tzaneen sits in Limpopo’s green, subtropical landscape, where forests, farmland, and mountain air create a completely different side of South Africa. This base is all about care and recovery – supporting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work in a hands-on, practical setting. Outside of project time, the area offers a calmer pace, scenic views, and easy access to nature escapes like waterfalls and forest walks. It’s an ideal base if you want animal care with a strong purpose, set in one of the country’s most scenic regions.

LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA
Tzaneen base at a glance

Open: Year-round

Daytime highs: 22-32°C (72-90°F)

Night-time lows: 8-18°C (46-64°F)

Climate: Warm subtropical with summer rains

Landscape: Forested foothills, rivers and valleys

Languages: English and local languages

A pangolin perched on a rock in its natural habitat

Gansbaai Base

Perched on South Africa’s Whale Coast, Gansbaai is a coastal town where rugged cliffs meet cold-water currents and marine life thrives. This is a place made for sea air, big horizons, and learning what conservation looks like on the ocean – from research days to time spent understanding the wider ecosystem that supports sharks, whales, and seabirds. Between activities, enjoy coastal walks, local cafés, and sunsets over the Atlantic. It’s a brilliant base for volunteers who want marine conservation with a strong sense of place and adventure built in.

WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Gansbaai base at a glance

Open: Year-round

Daytime highs: 18-28°C (64-82°F)

Night-time lows: 7-16°C (45-61°F)

Climate: Mild coastal with cooler winters

Landscape: Atlantic coastline, bays and rocky shores

Languages: English and Afrikaans

Our Projects in South Africa

South Africa faqs

Do volunteers get paid for volunteer work in South Africa?

At African Impact, our mission is to provide the best international volunteer programmes in Africa that create real, sustainable impacts on local communities. While our South Africa volunteer work is unpaid, we firmly believe that meaningful adventure and sustainable impact go hand in hand.

We believe in the power of responsible volunteering to positively transform the lives of both volunteers and local communities. By developing our projects in collaboration with local community stakeholders, everything we do is measured, designed, and implemented with community goals in mind. As a volunteer, your experience will not only be life-changing for you, but will also create a genuine, long-term impact locally.

Why volunteer in South Africa?

South Africa is a country rich in history and cultural diversity, with stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Despite its natural beauty, many communities face ongoing social and environmental challenges.

Volunteering in South Africa offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to projects that support education, conservation, community development, and social upliftment, while gaining valuable insight into one of Africa’s most dynamic countries.

Is South Africa a safe place to volunteer in Africa?

South Africa is a safe destination for volunteers. While crime rates are higher in some areas, there are also many safe, welcoming communities across the country. With proper preparation and guidance, volunteers can enjoy a safe and rewarding experience.

African Impact supports you throughout your journey, from arrival to daily life on the ground. We also recommend reviewing our safety tips or getting in touch with our team directly if you have specific questions or concerns.

Are volunteers needed in South Africa?

Yes. Many organisations in South Africa rely on volunteers, and there is ongoing demand across a wide range of projects and skill levels. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting communities, conservation initiatives, and educational programmes.

By volunteering in South Africa, you can help improve access to education, support children and families, contribute to conservation efforts, and make a real difference in the lives of local people.

I want to volunteer in South Africa. Where do I sign up?

Explore all of the African Impact volunteer programmes available in South Africa above. Compare each programme to find the one that best aligns with your interests and goals. Step-by-step instructions on how to apply can be found on each individual programme page.

Enquire Now

All the Logistics

For planning your trip to South Africa

You’ll stay in shared volunteer accommodation at one of our South Africa bases, designed to be comfortable, social, and well suited to early starts and active days. In the Greater Kruger, expect a lodge-style bush set-up with shared rooms and relaxed communal spaces. In Gansbaai, accommodation is coastal and practical, placing you close to the marine environment and daily research routines. In Tzaneen, you’ll be based near the rehabilitation facilities, where convenience and calm downtime support hands-on animal care work.

Across all three bases, the focus is on a supportive atmosphere, clear routines, and spaces to unwind between activities. Meals are provided as part of your placement, with simple, nourishing food that suits field days and varied schedules. If you have dietary requirements, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

South Africa is easiest to access via Johannesburg or Cape Town, then onwards travel depends on your chosen base. The Greater Kruger base is reached via a regional airport (Hoedspruit) and road transfer into the reserve area. Gansbaai is accessed via Cape Town, followed by a scenic drive along the Western Cape. Tzaneen is reached via Johannesburg and onward travel into Limpopo.

We’ll confirm the recommended airport, arrival windows, and transfer instructions for your programme dates in your pre-departure information. If you’re combining bases, we can advise on the smoothest route between locations and the best way to plan your travel so transitions feel straightforward and well supported.

Wi-Fi and mobile signal availability varies by base. Coastal areas like Gansbaai typically have reliable coverage, while bush locations like the Greater Kruger can be more variable. Tzaneen generally has good connectivity, with occasional fluctuations depending on your exact location.

Most volunteers use WhatsApp for day-to-day updates and pick up a local SIM for dependable data. If you’ll be working remotely while volunteering, plan for occasional slower speeds, and schedule important calls for off-peak times where possible.

You’ll receive a full orientation on arrival, including local customs, base guidelines, and safety protocols for your environment. In the Greater Kruger and Tzaneen, it’s essential to follow staff direction around wildlife and to stick to rules designed to keep people and animals safe. In Gansbaai, you’ll be briefed on ocean safety and boat procedures when relevant.

South Africa is welcoming, but sensible travel habits matter – keep valuables secure, stay aware after dark, and follow local advice on transport and areas to avoid. Your teams are there to support you throughout your stay, and you’ll always have guidance on how to explore responsibly in your downtime.

Zanzibar is considered a low-risk malaria area, but mainland Tanzania can be higher risk – seek medical advice on antimalarial options before you travel. No vaccinations are mandatory for entry unless travelling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever Zone. Alongside mandatory inbound cover, we recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency support.

Your accommodation is set up with comfort and security in mind. You’ll stay in secure, gender-specific rooms and receive guidance on local customs, respectful travel, and day-to-day safety. Zanzibar is culturally rich and largely conservative outside beach areas. When you’re out in the community, modest dress is appreciated. You’ll also receive local briefings to help you explore confidently, with support available throughout your stay.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in shared volunteer accommodation at one of our South Africa bases, designed to be comfortable, social, and well suited to early starts and active days. In the Greater Kruger, expect a lodge-style bush set-up with shared rooms and relaxed communal spaces. In Gansbaai, accommodation is coastal and practical, placing you close to the marine environment and daily research routines. In Tzaneen, you’ll be based near the rehabilitation facilities, where convenience and calm downtime support hands-on animal care work.

Across all three bases, the focus is on a supportive atmosphere, clear routines, and spaces to unwind between activities. Meals are provided as part of your placement, with simple, nourishing food that suits field days and varied schedules. If you have dietary requirements, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Communication

Wi-Fi and mobile signal availability varies by base. Coastal areas like Gansbaai typically have reliable coverage, while bush locations like the Greater Kruger can be more variable. Tzaneen generally has good connectivity, with occasional fluctuations depending on your exact location.

Most volunteers use WhatsApp for day-to-day updates and pick up a local SIM for dependable data. If you’ll be working remotely while volunteering, plan for occasional slower speeds, and schedule important calls for off-peak times where possible.

Getting There

South Africa is easiest to access via Johannesburg or Cape Town, then onwards travel depends on your chosen base. The Greater Kruger base is reached via a regional airport and road transfer into the reserve area. Gansbaai is accessed via Cape Town, followed by a scenic drive along the Western Cape. Tzaneen is reached via Johannesburg and onward travel into Limpopo.

We’ll confirm the recommended airport, arrival windows, and transfer instructions for your programme dates in your pre-departure information. If you’re combining bases, we can advise on the smoothest route between locations and the best way to plan your travel so transitions feel straightforward and well supported.

Visas & Insurance

Entry requirements for South Africa vary by nationality, so check early and ensure your passport meets validity requirements for your full stay. Most travellers enter on a tourist visa or visa waiver for short stays, but it’s your responsibility to confirm what applies to you before you travel.

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and the full duration of your placement. If you plan additional activities in your free time, ensure they’re included in your cover. Keep digital and printed copies of key documents while travelling.

Safety

You’ll receive a full orientation on arrival, including local customs, base guidelines, and safety protocols for your environment. In the Greater Kruger and Tzaneen, it’s essential to follow staff direction around wildlife and to stick to rules designed to keep people and animals safe. In Gansbaai, you’ll be briefed on ocean safety and boat procedures when relevant.

South Africa is welcoming, but sensible travel habits matter – keep valuables secure, stay aware after dark, and follow local advice on transport and areas to avoid. Your teams are there to support you throughout your stay, and you’ll always have guidance on how to explore responsibly in your downtime.

Our favourite weekend activities in South Africa

From Cape Town city breaks and whale coast road trips to bush safaris and forest hikes, South Africa’s weekends are made for bucket-list adventures between project days.

Magoebaskloof Adventures

Enjoy ziplining, river tubing, cliff abseiling, hiking, biking, and exhilarating kloofing adventures.

Blyde River Canyon

Enjoy white-water rafting, a gorge swing, or a microlight flight over the canyon.

Explore Kruger

Explore this renowned game reserve’s stunning landscape, teeming with wildlife.

Down To The Wire

This organization transforms wire snares into jewellery. Attend an informative talk and create your own jewellery.

Rhino Revolution

This organization rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orphaned wild rhino calves, typically victims of poaching.

Your impact in South Africa

Big landscapes, bigger impact

Responsible, ethical conservation – shaped with local partners and guided by best practice.

Volunteering is most powerful when it strengthens long-term, locally led conservation. In South Africa, your time supports practical work that protects wildlife, restores habitats, and builds the knowledge needed to make better decisions over time. You’ll learn how conservation operates in the real world – from data collection and monitoring to rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible ocean practice.

In South Africa, your time supports three distinct ecosystems – the Greater Kruger bushveld, the Western Cape coastline, and Limpopo’s rehabilitation landscape – each with its own conservation needs and practical work on the ground.

In the Greater Kruger, you’ll support field research and monitoring that helps inform protection decisions, with the option to contribute through conservation photography and storytelling. In Gansbaai, you’ll assist shark and marine conservation work, supporting research and learning how data helps protect ocean wildlife. In Tzaneen, you’ll help care for rescued animals and support rehabilitation routines with the goal of release where possible. Across all bases, you’ll follow clear protocols, work alongside experienced teams, and contribute with confidence and care.