South Africa
Volunteer in South Africa
Have you ever dreamed of volunteering in South Africa? A nation which is home to both the famous Kruger National Park and the imposing Table Mountain, South Africa is a bucket-list destination for many - especially those with the desire to aid wildlife conservation. Projects in South Africa are plentiful, and The Great Projects are proud to offer a selection of the very best that this beautiful country has to offer, including opportunities to volunteer in South Africa. From your ability to seek out the 'Big 5' at Shamwari, Amakhala, Kareiga or Zululand, to working with impoverished children and semi-tame species at the enchanting Wildlife Orphanage, working with animals in South Africa could not be more of a rewarding experience. Don't want to stay on dry land? Fear not: you can test your mettle whilst diving with beasts on The Great White Shark project - the perfect opportunity for thrill-seekers to make a difference to conservation efforts!
There are few countries as diverse as South Africa, and this great nation has something to offer to all kinds of adventurers. Taking part in volunteer work in South Africa with animals could be one of the most rewarding things that you ever choose to do - so what are you waiting for? Get in touch and start planning your South Africa volunteer holiday today!
Projects Do More
14 - 84 Nights from $1,182.00
Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation.
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14 - 84 Nights from $1,619.00
Volunteer with the 'Big 5' and the Born Free Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves.
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7 - 84 Nights from $725.00
Play a vital role in the education of underprivileged children in South Africa
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14 - 84 Nights from $1,619.00
Assist in vital conservation efforts in South Africa, working to protect the iconic ‘Big 5’ and other priority endangered species.
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7 - 84 Nights from $744.00
Join this 'Big 5' conservation project and help make a difference to the lives of the amazing animals that live here!
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7 - 84 Nights from $994.00
Volunteer with the 'Big 5' on one of the country’s most diverse wildlife reserves.
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7 - 56 Nights from $1,994.00
Luxury meets conservation at our brand-new 'Big 5' project! Experience wildlife rescue and rehabilitation missions in the home of Safari, South Africa.
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14 - 84 Nights from $869.00
Experience hands-on conservation efforts as you help care for over 500 injured and orphaned vervet monkeys at this pioneering sanctuary in South Africa.
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14 Nights from $3,369.00
Help rescue a rhino from a high-risk poaching area and relocate the animal to the safety of the SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve!
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Wildlife
Thanks to its diverse ecosystem, South Africa is home to a phenomenal array of wildlife species. As well as the famous 'Big 5' (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, and buffalo), the following animals can be found across the country:
- Zebra
- Great White Sharks
- The endemic black wildebeest
- The chacma baboon
By becoming a conservation volunteer in South Africa, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some truly remarkable animals. Of course, the protection of the country's wildlife is paramount, so whether you're working to educate locals about the importance of marine conservation, educating children on the concept of harmonious living (alongside their native wildlife), or combatting issues such as poaching, your time spent on a project could not be more valuable.
Culture
South Africa is well-known for its ethnic and cultural diversity, with numerous demographics having their own language (no less than 11 exist throughout the country) and, of course, their own roots and traditions. While South Africa's history is peppered with major issues such as colonialism, apartheid, and financial disparity, populations across the nation had held on dearly to their unique ways of life and beliefs. A great way to experience this rich culture is by becoming a volunteer in South Africa, where you can immerse yourself in the local community and gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and customs. A few examples of cultures and traditions that continue to remain (and that the country's citizens remain incredibly proud of) can be seen below:
- Art - few people are aware of the fact that the world's oldest art pieces hail from South Africa: dating back to over 75,000 years ago, a series of dried snail shells were discovered in a cave and determined to have been strung on a string for use as a necklace. As well as being the 'birthplace' of ancient arts, South Africa is also a pioneer of upcycling, with materials such as plastic and bicycle spokes being used for craft, and contemporary art from South Africa is actively showcased throughout the world today.
- Performance and media - cinema, poetry and music are all popular forms of media in South Africa - but did you know that the country is the motherland of one of the world's most revered writers? J.R.R Tolkien, otherwise known as the author of Lord of the Rings, was actually born in Bloemfontein in 1892! In addition to literature, South Africans can be very proud of their rich, diverse musical spectrum, from the unique style of Kwaito to internationally-known rockstars Seether.
- Food and drink - finally, it goes without saying that South Africa is a mecca of divine cuisine! From the traditional, meat-oriented braai to African-Indian specialities such as 'bunny chow', you're never far from a good meal in South Africa. One of the best parts of being a tourist is the ability to discover a country through your stomach, so dig into some tasty local dishes and wash them down with a glass of world-famous Stellenboch wine!
Popular Sights
South Africa has an incredibly impressive touristic landscape (you can read all about Cape Town's own offerings in this blog), and we've included a few of the country's highlights just below:
- Table Mountain - known as one of Cape Town’s most famous landmarks, Table Mountain is perhaps this city’s most significant tourist attraction…and with good reason. Not only is it part of the New 7 Wonders Of Nature (beating out stiff competition from Kilimanjaro, the Matterhorn, and Jade Mountain), but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On top of its fascinating history, Table Mountain is, quite simply, a picture-perfect location. It’s one of the most photographed locations in the world, and its sheer beauty was perceived to be a symbol of hope to the prisoners on Robben Island, who you can read about below.
- Robben Island - arguably one of the most famous areas in all of South Africa, Robben Island is perhaps best known as where Nelson Mandela was kept as a prisoner through 18 of his 27 years behind bars. Tours to the island are led by former political prisoners, who are fully knowledgeable of the island’s 500-year history and can give you a unique insight into the horrors of life on Robben Island. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell – a pertinent experience, given the fact that Mandela went on to become president of South Africa. This is perhaps the most popular tour in all of Cape Town, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
- Kruger National Park - as one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa, Kruger's 19,485 square kilometres encompass the very best of the continent's wildlife species. Here you can find elephants, big cats, rhinos, giraffes, hippos and more living in (relative) harmony alongside 137 other mammals and over 500 varieties of birds. It's not only the animals that make Kruger so special, however: granite hills, rugged mountains, a glimpse of savannah, and tropical forests all contribute to this marvellous landscape. So why not start exploring this amazing country now?
