Do I need experience to Volunteer with wildlife in South Africa?

No prior experience is required! What truly matters is your enthusiasm for South African wildlife and a willingness to learn. So, if you're eager to immerse yourself in the world of wildlife conservation, don't let a lack of experience hold you back!

Do I need a research background to make the most of this project?

Absolutely not! Our qualified team of Field Guides will teach you everything you need to know about the area, it's wildlife and associated conservation challenges. If you have a research background and are looking to complete your own project, you can view our Facilitated Wildlife Research Internship here.

How do the volunteer and internship programs differ?

Out internships are essentially an extension of our volunteer projects, offering Interns the opportunity to form part of our team from week 4. They will assist our team in leading projects, receive individual mentorship from our team and have the opportunity to work on their own projects under the guidance of our Research Coordinator.

Will I encounter the Big5 at this project?

Whilst there is evidence of the African Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo & elephant) all around us, we cannot guarantee that you will see them all. Our project is based in a wilderness area where animals roam freely and do as they please, however, the Olifants River in front of our base attracts plenty of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a multitude of bird species.

AWARD-WINNING Volunteer & Internship Projects in Africa

Information for parents

Your Child’s Safety Always Comes First

We understand that choosing the right programme means trusting us with what matters most. From arrival to departure, participant safety, wellbeing and support are our highest priorities. Our projects are led by experienced professionals, supported by trained local teams, clear safety protocols and on-the-ground supervision. With structured routines, secure accommodation and 24-hour support, we create an environment where young people can grow confidently, safely and responsibly while making a positive impact.

African Impact is an established, internationally recognised organisation with decades of experience delivering responsible travel and volunteering programmes. We work closely with trusted local partners and adhere to rigorous safeguarding, risk management and ethical standards across all destinations.

Safety Tips

PSEAH Policy

Code of Conduct

Let's discuss in detail

Here are some of our most asked questions from parents and comprehensive answers

Children and an instructor actively participating in an outdoor exercise.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Will my child be safe?

We make every effort to ensure all volunteers are safe during their placement. Our trained and experienced teams on the ground are ready to handle any situation that may arise, and volunteers are always accompanied by an African Impact staff member while on project.

Volunteers are fully briefed on the areas where they live and work, with guidance on daily life and local expectations, and we are well established within the communities we partner with. When working with wildlife, our experienced staff provide ongoing training and support to ensure the safety of every volunteer throughout their placement.

Constant Staff Supervision

Volunteers are always accompanied by African Impact staff on project activities

Strong Community Relationships

Long-standing partnerships with local communities create a safe, respectful and well-established working environment

Trained Specialists

Provide supervision when working with wildlife, and volunteers are fully trained to ensure safety

FREQUENTLY ASKED

What support networks and emergency procedures are in place?

Throughout their placement, your child will have the support and guidance of our experienced Volunteer Coordinators. They are part of our greater African Impact support team, which will provide competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

In the event of emergency, professional and skilled operators such as medical air rescue services and competent medical practitioners are available as part of our support network. Your child’s travel insurance will also ensure that emergency assistance is on hand timeously.

24-Hour On-The-Ground Support

From experienced Volunteer Coordinators throughout the placement

Established Emergency Response Plans

Clear procedures in place to manage medical, travel or situational emergencies quickly and effectively

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Through mandatory travel insurance ensures access to emergency care or evacuation if required

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Where will my child sleep? Are boys and girls separate?

Volunteer accommodation usually takes the form of a free-standing house, chalet, or in some cases, a backpackers lodge. Our volunteers usually stay in rooms with 2-6 beds (bunks) with clean duvets and bedding. There are separate rooms for males and females.

The volunteer accommodation often has access to a swimming pool, lounge and entertainment area as well as a resource room where they can plan for the next day’s projects or learn about other African Impact projects and initiatives.

Safe, Vetted Accommodation

In trusted houses, chalets or lodges selected for security, cleanliness and proximity to projects

Gender-Separate Sleeping Areas

Male and female participants are always accommodated in separate rooms to ensure privacy

Supervised Communal Spaces

Such as lounges, pools and resource rooms provide safe spaces to relax and socialise

Clean, Comfortable Living Standards

Includes proper beds, clean bedding, shared bathrooms and regular cleaning

Parent faqs

Will my child be met at the airport?

Yes. At all our projects we have an experienced Volunteer Manager meeting volunteers at the airport upon arrival and transferring them safely to the project. Prior to arrival, the manager at the project will contact your child and clearly state where to meet and give an idea of those arriving at the same time.

What happens if my child becomes ill?

Although this is by no means a regular occurrence, our volunteers do sometimes get ill whilst on placement. The Volunteer Coordinator for the project will ensure that your child receives immediate medical assistance.

In the event of a serious illness or accident, each volunteer will be covered by their insurance policy, which is why we require all volunteers to have adequate insurance which includes repatriation. We will keep in constant contact with you as the parent, to update you on the situation.

How do I know where my child will be?

Every African Impact volunteer is provided with a comprehensive pre-departure pack which includes the full details of their destination and project, as well as the address and contact telephone numbers of their accommodation and managers on the ground.

What will my child eat on the project?

Project meals are provided three times a day and are simple and healthy. Some of our projects will arrange themed evenings where volunteers are encouraged to get involved in some of the cooking (for example a cultural evening, Hawaiian night, etc).

The water at almost all of our projects is safe to drink, but bottled water is also readily available. If your child has any dietary requirements we will endeavour to accommodate it as far as possible.

What will my child do on the weekends?

Weekends are a great opportunity to explore the local area or simply to relax. We arrange extra trips and excursions with reputable tour partners. While African Impact staff members don’t chaperone volunteers during their free time, they will be accompanied by trained tour guides.

How do I know if African Impact is a real company?

African Impact has been in operation for over 20 years and we’ve facilitated over 2500 volunteers in the past year alone. Our credentials and past volunteer testimonials speak for themselves and we’re proud to have won many awards which we’re stringently vetted for. We are proud members of numerous responsible tourism organisations and have a large network of partners both in Africa and abroad.

We also have a strong network of past volunteers from all around the world who wish to stay involved in raising awareness for our projects and we’d be happy to put any one of them in touch with you if you’d like to speak to someone from your own country who has volunteered with us before.

Enquire Now

At African Impact, we create life changing travel experiences. We’ve led the way in responsible volunteering, gap years and internships abroad – built, grown and developed hand-in-hand with local African communities since 2004.

NEED TO TALK?

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1 844 939 4115 (US Toll Free)

CONTACT US

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enquiries@africanimpact.com

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