Volunteer
In South Africa
Volunteer
In South Africa
Why Choose South Africa for Volunteering Abroad
Known as the “Rainbow Nation” for its triumph over decades of apartheid and racial inequality, South Africa continues to face significant social and environmental challenges. Despite progress, the country still struggles with economic disparities, gender-based violence, underfunded education, and illegal wildlife trade.
Our volunteer abroad programs in South Africa address these pressing issues through humanitarian and animal welfare projects. Volunteers can support teaching and education programs, medical and healthcare electives, sports coaching for youth, women’s empowerment initiatives, and Big 5 wildlife conservation projects.
By joining one of our South Africa volunteer programs abroad, you’ll help communities and ecosystems work toward sustainable futures while experiencing one of the most diverse and fascinating countries on Earth.
Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa
Our volunteer abroad programs in South Africa are among our most popular, offering a wide variety of meaningful opportunities for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether your passion lies in teaching English in under-resourced schools, sports coaching for youth development or wildlife conservation, there is a program in South Africa that matches your interests. One of the highlights is our renowned Big 5 animal conservation program, where volunteers support efforts to protect elephants, lions, rhinos, and other iconic species.
What makes volunteering in South Africa truly special is the chance to combine community impact with adventure. Outside of your project, you’ll have the opportunity to experience world-class safaris, explore vibrant cities like Cape Town, hike along the Garden Route, or surf and sail along the pristine coastline. This perfect balance of service and exploration ensures an unforgettable journey.
Our South Africa volunteer abroad programs are ideal for gap year students, families seeking meaningful travel experiences, and adventurous travelers looking for purpose-driven holidays. With flexible durations and diverse project options, South Africa is the perfect destination to combine impact, cultural immersion, and adventure.
Internships in Abroad Locations
Sports Coaching in South Africa
Teach your favourite sports like Volleyball, football, surfing or swimming to local children and youth to contribute to a healthy lifestyle and boost their morale. On our sports programs you will take on the role of a mentor for these young men and women.
Big 5 & Wildlife Conservation Projects in South Africa
This exciting conservation project offers you a unique experience in the African bush and allows you to observe and be a part of the research and monitoring teams on the reserve. The focus of this project revolves around some of the key Big 5 species elephants, lions, hyenas and leopards. You will also be involved with monitoring breeding initiatives comprising of buffalo, Livingston eland and nyala. Habitat work also plays an important part of the monitoring process.
Family Volunteering in South Africa
Spend quality time with your family and get to see a different side to South Africa. As a volunteer family you can help with many local projects like teaching or childcare, animal care and wildlife conservation. We will work with you to customise your family holiday in South Africa.
Teaching & Childcare in South Africa
Our volunteers help with English teaching and other activities that assist the understaffed and underfunded schools in the region. You participate in creating tailored curriculums for students assigned to you.
Volunteer Abroad Video Reviews
Medical Electives in Sri Lanka
Our Medical Elective Program in Sri Lanka is based in the coastal city of Galle, in Southern Sri Lanka. Medical students will be placed in one of our partner public teaching hospitals, a prestigious institution with a wide range of clinical departments.
Teaching In Vietnam
Join our Teaching Volunteer Program in Vietnam and inspire the next generation of young learners. With your help, children in Da Nang can improve their English, gain new skills, and dream bigger for their future.
Medical Electives in Cambodia
Join out Medical and Nursing Electives or Internships in Camdodia where you will be given a placement in large hospitals. Learn about healthcare, learn about the culture in Cambodia and make memories of a lifetime.
Volunteering Abroad
Volunteering Journeys is for the go-getters, adventure seekers, and travelers looking for immersive volunteer abroad experiences. Our programs let you explore a country from the inside out while making a real impact.
Medical Electives in India
Join our medical internship programs in Kerala, India, designed for medical students seeking global experience. Gain exposure to procedures and surgeries rarely seen back home while learning in local hospitals. These medical electives abroad are ideal for final-year and 5th-year medical students looking to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills.
Safety in India
Safety is often a concern for young travelers, especially female volunteers in India. In this review, our volunteers share their first-hand experiences of volunteering in India safely, from daily life to cultural immersion. They also provide helpful insights on what to expect with Indian food during your stay.
Volunteer with Sea Turtles in the Maldives
Make a difference in marine conservation by volunteering with sea turtles in the Maldives, where you’ll help rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured turtles back into the wild.
Over 50s Volunteer in Kathmandu
Linda from Scotland joined our disability volunteer program in Nepal, supporting children and adults with special needs. In her volunteer review, she shares how this volunteering abroad experience in Nepal has been both rewarding and life-changing.
Nursing Internship in Nepal
Some of our students from France joined the Nepal Nursing Program, gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics. This nursing volunteer abroad opportunity is perfect for students who want to develop clinical skills, learn from international healthcare systems, and experience life in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Family Volunteering In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for family volunteering abroad. Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” it offers breathtaking landscapes — lush jungles, pristine beaches, national parks — together with rich culture, warm communities, and wildlife. For families seeking volunteer opportunities, Sri Lanka delivers not just impact, but also adventure, learning, and connection.
Over 50s Volunteer in Nepal
Linda from Scotland joined our disability volunteer program in Nepal, supporting children and adults with special needs. In her volunteer review, she shares how this volunteering abroad experience in Nepal has been both rewarding and life-changing.
Career Break Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Meet Chris from Alaska, who joined our career break volunteer program in Sri Lanka. Over four weeks, he dedicated his time to teaching English to Buddhist monks, gaining cultural immersion, meaningful experiences, and the chance to give back while traveling abroad.
Family Volunteering in Kerala
Experience meaningful travel through our family volunteering abroad programs. Join exciting adventures where you and your children can give back while exploring new cultures. Kids learn to appreciate diversity, grow more mature, and become globally aware citizens. As a family, you’ll make a positive impact together.
Dental Volunteer In Nepal
Join our dental internship abroad in Nepal designed for dental student groups. Work alongside local dentists in community clinics, assist with basic procedures, and gain valuable international experience while making a meaningful impact on oral healthcare in underserved communities.
Medical Interns In India
Join our Medical Elective Program in India and gain clinical experience in hospitals. This medical internship abroad allows you to learn about India’s healthcare system, observe diverse patient cases, and network with medical professionals while developing essential clinical skills.
Volunteer In India, Kerala
Thinking about joining a volunteer abroad program in India? Watch this video to see what volunteering in India is really like. Discover volunteer experiences, cultural immersion, and the impact you can make in this beautiful destination.
Teaching English In Maldives
Watch our over 50s volunteer share her inspiring story of teaching English in the Maldives. Her experience as a volunteer teacher abroad was life-changing, combining cultural immersion with meaningful impact through our teaching volunteer program in the Maldives.
Family Volunteering In South Africa
Our Family Volunteer Program in South Africa focuses on community upliftment. Families with children can take part in a variety of meaningful activities. This family volunteering abroad opportunity is ideal for parents who want to combine travel with giving back and creating lasting memories together.
Sports Volunteer In South Africa
Our Surf & Sports Volunteer Program in South Africa is perfect for those passionate about sports and youth development. Volunteers work with local children, leading activities such as swimming, boxing, spike ball, surfing, and skateboarding. This sports volunteering abroad opportunity combines outdoor adventure with meaningful community impact.
Nursing Placement In Sri Lanka
A group of final-year nursing students from France joined our nursing internship program in Sri Lanka, gaining valuable clinical experience in hospitals. Under the guidance of expert nursing teams, they rotated across departments and practiced essential procedures. Beyond their hospital placement, the students also explored Sri Lanka.
Dog Care Volunteer In Sri Lanka
Our volunteer from Canada joined our Dog Care Volunteer Program in Galle, Sri Lanka during his gap year. He was supporting a local dog shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray dogs in southern Sri Lanka. This animal care volunteering abroad opportunity is perfect for dog lovers who want to make a real difference while gaining meaningful experience in animal welfare.
Engineering Internship In Nepal
Two friends from Norway joined our Engineering Placement in Nepal. They worked alongside local engineers on structural design projects and supported community development. This engineering internship abroad gave them valuable real-world experience, strengthened their resumes, and taught them how to adapt to the challenges of working with limited resources.
Women Empowerment In India
Two friends from the UK joined our Women’s Empowerment volunteer program in Kerala, India. They taught English and life skills to women in Fort Kochi, helping to build confidence and opportunities. By living and working alongside locals, they experienced authentic Indian culture, explored Kerala, and made a meaningful contribution to the community.
Medical Internship In Nepal
A group of medical students from the University of Newcastle, Australia, joined our medical electives placement in Nepal. Over four weeks, they rotated through various hospital departments, gaining exposure to patient cases rarely seen back home. This medical internship program provided valuable hands-on experience and learning in an international healthcare setting.
Family Volunteering In India
The Stoddart Family from Canada joined the India Family Volunteer Program. With children aged 10 and 7, they spent two weeks volunteering on our kindergarten teaching project in Kerala. Supported by our local team, the family balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural exploration, creating unforgettable memories together.
Other Volunteer Abroad Destinations
How to volunteer abroad with us
1. Choose a destination or project
Select a program in Asia or South America related to community or conservation. If you are not sure what to do just contact us and we can guide you
2. Apply Online
Fill an online application form and pay your deposit so we know you are committed to coming out. Don’t worry all your personal details will stay confidential.
3. Confirmation of placement
Once we get your application form we will contact you and confirm your spot and also share your details with our local team.
4. Support in preparing
Our team will send material to help you prepare for your upcoming program and to support you and answer any questions related to your location.
5. Getting ready
We recommend you get your visas, insurance, flights as well as packing list organised well in advance so you are not rushing last minute.
6. Come out & start the adventure
This is the exciting part! Once you reach us in the country everything is taken care of. All you have to do is focus on making a difference & enjoying the experience.
Have more questions? Get in touch