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Conservation Volunteering

Volunteering with animals allows you to work directly with ethical, environmental projects all across South Africa and in Namibia. You will be able to volunteer directly with wild and rehabilitated animals, in game reserves and with endangered species. Help make a difference in the lives of animals affected by hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction. Help domestic animals at a rescue centre, or with birds in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aviary. These projects are perfect for candidates who are passionate about Africa’s wildlife and protecting our natural heritage. For projects with wildlife only, see our volunteering projects with animals; or find opportunities to volunteer on a farm.

African Cat Sanctuary

Stanford, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

An incredible sanctuary that rescues and protects big African cats from canned hunting breeding farms and the bone trade. A wonderful cause to get involved in.

African Horizon

Thornhill, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 17 years

Get up close and personal with Africa’s greatest treasure - our wildlife. Be involved in the rehabilitation of some of South Africa’s most amazing creatures.

African Wildlife Experience

Oudtshoorn, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Make a difference by actively participating in the conservation of African wildlife within a fun, safe, stable and stunning environment.

Cape Nature Conservation

Muizenberg (near Cape Town), South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Volunteer and make a difference at a reserve that aims to promote the conservation of the indigenous fauna and flora of the Zandvlei wetland in Muizenberg.

Community & Wilderness Outreach

Tuli Block, Botswana

from 4 weeks

from 18 years

Help facilitating wildlife education, social development, women’s empowerment as well as assisting in wildlife conservation projects in rural Botswana.

Conservation & Community

Paterson (closest town: Port Elizabeth), South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 17 years

Get the best of both worlds with this project that offers opportunities to volunteer in conservation efforts as well as with local communities and children.

Domestic Animal Shelter

Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19 until further notice.

Farm Animal Rehabilitation

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

This project provides a safe & secure ‘forever-home’ for donkeys and other farm animals actively rescued from horrendously abusive treatment.

Game Reserve Conservation

Mossel Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Help to ensure a self-sustaining, functional ecosystem by rehabilitating agricultural land, expanding the reserve and creating community awareness.

Ocean Conservation

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 17 years

Work with local communities to guarantee our ocean’s future. Spend your days on the beach and in the ocean learning and inspiring others.

Scuba Diving Project

Sodwana Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Combine fun with ocean conservation! Dive into the wonderful sealife of South Africa, improve your diving skills and collect data on endangered species of our oceans.

Shark Project

Closest town: Gansbaai, Kleinbaai, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Get up close and personal with these magnificent marine creatures, and get in involved in educating the community on the importance of marine conservation.

Wildlife Conservation

Closest town: Windhoek, Namibia

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Work with a variety of African animals in the exceptionally beautiful Namibian wilderness.

Wildlife Research Project

Mossel Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Live at the beach and work in the bush where you will assist in various capacities of wildlife conservation and sustainabilitiy of the African ecosystems.