GHV

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 release former injured, wild animals into freedom again. 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 Wildlife Experience

Oudtshoorn, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 17 years

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

Cape Nature Conservation

Muizenberg (near Cape Town), South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Make a difference in the conservation of a reserve just outside of Cape Town. Every day will be filled with a new adventures.

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

Make a difference to the lives of abandoned, abused, neglected dogs and cats and help to care for them and to rehabilitate and even re-home them.

Elephant Conservation Project

North-west region, Namibia

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Help to preserve Namibia's free-roaming desert elephants by providing access to water but still ensuring the safety of communities living alongside the herds.

Elephant Research Project

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Get involved in elephant research and help provide information that relates directly to the welfare and management of semi-captive elephants throughout South Africa.

Neigbourhood & Sustainability

Jambiani, Zanzibar

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

This project is the perfect way to totally immerse yourself into the daily life, culture and environment of the people you will work for and with.

Ocean Conservation

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 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.

Reforestation Project

The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Your time and hard labour plays a massive role in saving and protecting the environment, in biodiversity restoration and in forest regeneration.

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.