Volunteer in South Africa

South Africa is one of the most popular volunteering destinations on the African continent. There are lots of short and long term projects which can be joined where you can help animals, people and the environment.

Best Volunteer Programs in South Africa

Where You Can Help

You can find projects throughout South Africa, in the main cities and also rural areas and national parks. Popular places to help include Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg, the Kruger National Park and wildlife reserves throughout the country. For more options in this region search more volunteer opportunities in Africa.

Best Volunteer Programs in South Africa

Most volunteer organisations have a mission to help communities, people, children, animals and conservation efforts.

Community Projects
South Africa has experienced tremendous change in the past decades, with the end of apartheid and the establishment of new governments and new social, economic and political systems for the country. It is seen as a model of reconciliation and development.

Although impressive progress has been made at a constitutional level, tremendous challenges remain, including very high levels of unemployment and drug abuse, low levels of skills and confidence in poor communities, rapid urbanization, poverty, and the impact of HIV/AIDS. There are programs designed to help support skills development and instill confidence in young people in this challenging democracy.

On community programs you can experience firsthand the striking diversity of South Africa and participate in the great challenge of transforming the inequities of apartheid into an integrated, progressive society.

Conservation Projects
Due to the remote nature of wildlife conservation projects, it can take a little bit of time to get used to your new surroundings. Especially when you are aware of the fact that you are in the heart of the African bush. Most wildlife conservation projects, are located inside the game reserves. That means the wild animals, are free to roam around the compound where you are based. It’s not unusual, for volunteers to be enjoying a barbecue in the evening, and the smell of the meat to attract hyenas and lion right up close!

Private game reserves in South Africa can cover huge distances. Generally speaking, most are converted farmlands, which have been returned, or are in the process of being returned back to their natural state. The owners of the reserves have imported stocks of wild animals, but these have to be monitored to ensure that there is the correct balance of predator and prey within the ecosystem. Usually wildlife conservation projects employ volunteers to go out and do the game counts, usually done by specialist vehicle.

Sometimes you are out on foot, always with a qualified ranger guide, who would be appropriately armed just in case. You get very active on wildlife conservation projects. It can involve physical labor, like mending fences, and long hours because you get up early before the sun has come up to get the best of the game viewing.

Building Projects
Work together with others to deliver immediate measurable change. Open to individuals and groups – special interest, school, community, church, college or university – who are passionate about working to uplift and develop rural African school and community facilities, and willing to work hard physically.

Tasks on this type of program can include:

• Building schools, houses and community centres: laying out of the design, digging and laying foundations, planting poles, sawing wooden planks and attaching to framework, attaching swings and finishing work.
• Maintaining existing school/ community facilities: sanding down of existing walls, re-painting internal/ external walls, fixing leaks and/or problem areas, fixing fencing, building water drainage channels.

Volunteering in South Africa FAQ

How safe am I in Africa?
South Africa, particularly Johannesburg has a high crime rate and a very poor image when it comes to the issue of personal safety. We do however make every attempt to ensure that you are going to be as safe as possible. That is also the reason why most organisations have projects in small communities, where the people are still very calm and friendly. We will also advise you upon arrival what you can do and what you can’t do.

What insurance cover do you suggest/should be taken out?
Personal travel insurance is compulsory when volunteering in South Africa and can be arranged with a local travel agency. The extent of your insurance is up to your discretion. We suggest that you take a package that includes repatriation to your home country should there be a medical emergency.

Do I need any visas?
You only need to apply for a visitor’s visas and be careful not to mention the words ‘working as a volunteer’, quite simply because today there is no difference made between a paid worker and a volunteer, even though the volunteer receives no financial gain and very often has to make a contribution to food costs to help their host with this cost which the host can not afford due to the economy of the country.

If you stay longer than 3 months in South Africa you do need a visa although visa requirements are consistently changing. You can check with the South African Embassy in your country what type of visa you need and after which time period you need that visa. The requirement of a visa will be your own responsibility. Extensions of visa’s can be done too.

Please note that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you intend to return home. You will also be asked to substantiate that you have enough money to support yourself during the remainder of your stay (ie. bank statements) and you have a return ticket.

What inoculations should I get?
If projects are in the Eastern Cape, which is a malaria and bilharzias free area but you might tour around after your project to other places on your own for which you do need malaria tablets. There are some injections you do need in our region for which we recommend that you visit your local travel clinic or Doctor for advice on health (yellow fever, rabies, etc.) while travelling in Africa.

What is the age range of the volunteers?
Most organisations accept anyone young at heart and willing to help. Volunteers will typically be around 18 – 35 years old, although the age can range anywhere from 17 upwards. Some projects do cater for under 18’s, families and school groups.

How far should I book in advance?
Due to high demand, it is best to book at least three to six months in advance to avoid disappointment. Some projects may become available at short notice.

Is it possible to combine projects?
Volunteers can combine any of our projects and tours.

Accommodation?
Each project will have different types of accommodation and therefore you should check the relevant placement for all the details. In general you will usually stay onsite within the project boundaries.

Do the placements cater for vegetarians?
All projects cater for vegetarians.

Can I travel after the placement?
Yes, it is fairly common for volunteers to travel around their placement country and beyond! Organisations will gladly help you with advice and your bookings while exploring Southern Africa.

What will I be doing during my project?
The specific jobs that you are asked to do are very dependent on the needs at the time and vary from week to week. In general you are going to adjust in the work routine of the particular project.

What is the climate like in South Africa?
There are only two seasons in South Africa, which is Summer and Winter. The Summer period in the Eastern Cape is from around November till May and Winter is from around June to September. The months April and May could be Spring and the months September and October could be Autumn.

A lot of projects are in the Eastern Cape Coast area, which is well known for its mild climate. Summers which are not to hot and Winters which are not to cold. You are looking at around 25°C -30°C in Summer and 17°C -23°C in Winter. Although in the winter your evenings can be cold and we recommend to pack warm clothing with for the Winter evenings.

What clothing do I need?
Clothing should be appropriate for physical, dirty work. Old clothes are perfect. Even in summer we suggest you have light-weight, long-sleeve clothing, for protection both from the sun, mosquitoes, and scratches. Good sturdy shoes are a must.

How many days do I have free to do other things?
A work week is 5 days in a week, which means that you are free for two days in a week. However this doesn’t mean that this will be always the weekend.

What is the duration of projects?
To be able to work as a volunteer most organisations need you to be available for at least 2 weeks.