GHV

Volunteering with Animals

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. Please find nature conservation & sanctuary volunteering projects here.

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.

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.

Healing through Horses

Cape Town, South Africa

from 3 weeks

from 18 years

Help better the lives of adults and children living with severe intellectual and physical disabilities through therapeutic horse riding and training.

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.

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 Rangers

Closest town: Hoedspruit, South Africa

from 2 weeks

from 18 years

Work as an assistant field ranger in the African bush; research, monitor and track the big 5 on a huge reserve near Kruger National Park.