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SOUTH AFRICA

Volunteer in South Africa, the country most often described as a world in one country, thanks to its contrasting terrain, rolling mountains, lively cities, an array of wildlife, and gleaming rivers and oceans.

Intern & Volunteer in South Africa

Despite great advancements in South Africa, rural areas and shanty towns suffer from a lack of educational resources and health facilities. The gap between rich and poor is extremely evident. Volunteer work in South Africa is vital to assist with efforts being made to tackle these social issues. 

Our volunteer projects and internships in South Africa focus on a number of initiatives, from social Work, human rights and healthcare to veterinary, photography and sustainability. Whilst you’re volunteering or completing one of our internships in South Africa, you can visit Kruger National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience to see the Big 5. The sheer number of animals and natural beauty in South Africa will surely captivate you. If you like adventure, take a trip to the Drakensberg Mountains in the north, where the scenery is beyond breathtaking. Last but not least, take time to immerse yourself in the rich South African culture, and don’t forget to try the local dish of chakalaka, a spicy relish with a secret ingredient!

South Africa’s coast is also not to be missed! Why not add an extra week to your South Africa volunteering and go on the renowned South African Garden Route? You will travel along the southeastern coast, and wander along the fine beaches of Mossel Bay. Discover fantastic gems at every turn, such as the Robberg Nature and Marine Reserve or the Knysna Lagoon. If you fancy a surf, don’t miss one of the most famous surfing hotspots, Jeffreys Bay.

Join us as a Kaya intern or volunteer in South Africa through one of our award-winning projects. Whichever project you choose, your hard work will make a difference in the lives and futures of South Africa’s wonderful communities and wildlife.

WHY INTERN OR VOLUNTEER IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH KAYA? 

  • You can become an intern or volunteer in South Africa on one of our projects for anywhere from 2-12 weeks.
  • Kaya’s internship and volunteer projects in South Africa are available to start throughout the year.
  • All of our projects work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Kaya provides all volunteers and interns with accommodation for the duration of their trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Population – 59.4 million people (2023)
  • Languages spoken – Afrikaans, Zulu, English, Tswana, Xhosa, Tsonga, Swati and multiple others!
  • Religion – Christians, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and other faiths 
  • Currency – South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Climate – South Africa has both temperate and subtropical climates which are influenced by the ocean along the east and west coasts. 

FUN FACT ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has 11 official languages which is the most official languages of any other country in the world!  These languages include; Afrikaans, isiXhosa, siZulu, siSwati, Sesotho, Sepedi, isiNdebele, Setswana, Tshivenda, English and Xitsonga.

Marine Big 5 Volunteering in South Africa

Join this Marine Big 5 Volunteer Program in Gansbaai South Africa and contribute to the protection of the Cape Coast ecosystem!

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Marine Science Internship in South Africa

Join this Scientific Skills Based Marine Internship in Gansbaai South Africa as and assist world class biologists and researchers.

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Clean Energy Internship in South Africa

Join the clean and renewable energy internship in South Africa and make an impact environmentally or economically, depending on your field!

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Environmental and Community Gap Year Program Adventure in South Africa

Join our 10 or 7-week environment conservation and community development gap year program, and explore South Africa in an exciting and meaningful way!

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Photography Internship in South Africa

Refine your photography skills, enhance your CV and help create impactful images for a local NGO in Cape Town

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Sustainability Internship in South Africa

Join the sustainability internship in South Africa and make an impact environmentally, economically or culturally depending on your field!

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Nursing & Medical Internship in South Africa

Join the nursing and medical internship in South Africa, shadow professionals locally to develop your own skills and learn about healthcare.

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Social Work Internship in South Africa

Join our social work internship in South Africa and get involved in a local community while developing your professional skills in a different environment.

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Human Rights Internship in South Africa

Join our human rights internship in South Africa and get involved with a local community on a worthy cause.

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Public Healthcare Internship in South Africa

Join our public healthcare internship in South Africa and get involved in a local community while developing your professional skills and learning about healthcare in an African context.

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Occupational Therapy Internship in South Africa

Join our occupational therapy internship in South Africa placement and get involved in a local community while learning about a different other than your own.

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Big 5 Volunteering in South Africa

Volunteer and have an amazing time working on this game reserve in Port Elizabeth. Work with South Africa's big 5: lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, rhino and leopard.

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Veterinarian Volunteering in South Africa

Join our veterinarian volunteering at one of South Africa’s premier game reserves developing your knowledge of diagnosing, treating and preserving wildlife in their natural habitats.

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NGO Communications & Digital Marketing Internship in South Africa

Develop your CV/Resume and help raise awareness about greening and reforestation projects by taking a Communication and Digital Marketing Internship at an NGO in Cape Town.

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Early Childhood Development Internship in South Africa

If you are studying early years education or development intern with us in South Africa or Swaziland and earn from and compare your experiences with local teachers and students.

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Community Sports Coaching Volunteer Program in South Africa

As a community sports coaching volunteer you will volunteer in South Africa in a Cape Town township where sports coaching is much needed.

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Pre-Veterinary Internship in South Africa

Develop your interests and studies in veterinary science or animal welfare on this pre-veterinary internship led by an experienced and qualified botanist in South Africa.

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Photography & Conservation Volunteer Project In South Africa

Join this incredible wildlife photography course to develop skills for taking great shots whilst participating in essential conservation education and activities in the Greater Kruger Area.

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Urban Greening & Horticulture Internship in South Africa

Participate in promoting environmental awareness within African Communities, combat Climate Change and develop your own knowledge and skills.

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Media & Graphic Design Internship at NGO In South Africa

Use your flair and passion and participate in this exciting media and graphic design internship at an NGO in South Africa.

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Equine Therapy Volunteer Project for Disabled Children in Cape Town

Volunteer abroad on our specialised project and help to provide equine therapy to disabled children in South Africa.

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Community Teaching Volunteer Program in South Africa

Become a community teaching volunteer in South Africa and provide essential teaching support in the poverty stricken communities in the townships of Cape Town.

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Rhino, Elephant, Big Cat Research & Conservation in South Africa

Volunteer in South Africa on a research and conservation project in the greater Kruger area home to the Big 5; lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and more

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African Marine & Wildlife Volunteer Adventure Tour

Why not do a bit of everything on this 5 week volunteer and adventure tour that takes you to Mozambique, Swaziland and Kruger National Park in South Africa.

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South Africa Travel FAQs

Do I need a visa to volunteer in South Africa?

You will not need a visa to join our internships or do volunteer work in South Africa if your program lasts less than 90 days. If you do intend to stay longer than that, be sure to check your nationality’s government guidelines, or reach out to our helpful Kaya placement advisors for information!

Why should I volunteer in South Africa?

Volunteering in South Africa is a great way to impact communities, wildlife and the environment, while also gaining experience in another culture. No matter how you decide to volunteer in South Africa, you will support great initiatives that deliver real change with Kaya.

How can I volunteer with wildlife in South Africa?

You can volunteer with wildlife in South Africa through any of our wildlife projects! If you’re interested in the Big 5, we have a research volunteer project as well as a wildlife photography project that might be perfect for you. If you’re studying veterinary science at university, have recently graduated, or you’re just looking to gain some unique wildlife experiences, then our Pre-Veterinary or Veterinarian projects will help you get just that, and more!

Can you volunteer in South Africa for free?

Kaya does not offer any free volunteering programs in South Africa, because our program fees go toward supplying the important project materials, on the ground support, and on-going work force of the local organisations we work with.

How much does volunteer work in South Africa cost?

We have numerous volunteer projects and internships in South Africa, running from 1 week to 12 weeks. Our South Africa projects start at £765 / $1195 and include many benefits such as:

  • Airport pickup and drop off to Hoedspruit Airport
  • Accommodation
  • Weekly laundry service
  • Onsite training and orientation
  • Meals
  • 24 hour support from Kaya advisors
  • Assistance on weekend excursions

Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.