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Volunteer Abroad Animals in South Africa

Volunteer in South Africa with Animals

Volunteer with animals in South Africa and help to protect the famous South Africa's great white shark are endangered and in need of protection...

Volunteer with animals in South Africa and help to protect the famous South Africa's great white shark are endangered and in need of protection.

Volunteer work in South Africa with animals helps by supporting conservation efforts, observing animals in the wild for research purposes or with the rehabilitation of injured and rescued animals at a wildlife sanctuary. Take this opportunity to become an animal conservation volunteer in South Africa!

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Activities Rhino Conservation Lion Conservation Elephant Conservation Africa Southern Africa South Africa Animal Wildlife Conservation Southwest African Lion Giraffe Conservation White Rhino Black Rhino Anti Poaching Antelope Conservation African Elephant African Leopard Leopard Conservation Masai Giraffe Bush Elephant Planting Trees Tiger Conservation Bengal Tiger Southern Giraffe Zebra Conservation Hotspots Buffalo Conservation African Buffalo Cheetah Conservation South African Cheetah Safari Masai Lion Hyena Conservation West African Lion Mountain Zebra Spotted Hyena Kudu Impala Bushbuck Premium National Park Shark Conservation Monkey Conservation Bird Conservation Whale Conservation Primate Conservation Vegan Dolphin Conservation Caracal Conservation Animal Sanctuary Baboon Marine Life Springbok Great White Shark Caracal Port Elizabeth Mako Shark Ray Conservation Mongoose Conservation Mongoose Horse Jackal Conservation Plains Zebra Black-backed Jackal Meerkat Meerkat Conservation Vervet Monkey African Penguin Penguin Conservation Wildcat Conservation Owl Diving Serval Diving certificate Southern Right Whale Bottlenose Dolphin Humpback Whale Humpback Dolphin Brydes Whale Blue Whale Common Dolphin Shark Tagging Waste Reduction Eagle Ray Thresher Shark Ragged Tooth Shark Hammerhead Shark Beach Cleaning Sting Ray Eland Antelope Sumatran Tiger Horse Sanctuary Genet Bush Baby Ostrich Marmoset Nyala Reptile Conservation Crocodile Horse Trekking Eagle Duiker Macaw Blesbok Giant Tortoise Tortoise Conservation Wallaby Waterbuck Kangaroo Conservation Cockatoo Parrot Common Warthog Warthog Conservation Badger Conservation Honey Badger Intern Abroad Veterinary Training Elusive Pangolin Pangolin Conservation Brown Hyena Otter Conservation Giant Otter Bat Conservation Bat African Wildcat African Wild Dog Conservation South African Hippo Hippo Conservation Elephant Research Street Animals Cape Wild Dog Blue Wildebeest Horse Conservation Johannesburg Bee Conservation Beehive Amur Tiger Golden Jackal Side-striped Jackal Animal Shelter Capuchin Monkey East African Wild Dog Plettenberg Bay Tamarin Squirrel Monkey Lemur Patas Monkey Mona Monkey Macaque Cape Town Tubulidentata Conservation Aardvark Dog Cats Black Wildebeest Kruger National Park Transvaal Lion Ocelot Leopardus Conservation Knysna Victoria Falls Chimpanzee Great Apes Conservation Sugar Glider Sugar Glider Conservation Tanzanian Cheetah Sea Otter Manta Ray Northwest African Cheetah Günthers Dik-Dik Chameleon Short-beaked Common Dolphin Orca Pelagic Shark African Black Eagle Grey Wolf Wolf Conservation Husky Plastic Reduction Grants Gazelle
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 South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Plan My Gap Year

South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers

Excellent 4.9
(1321)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
620 €  per week · 1  ‑  4  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Be part of a life-changing experience that allows you to work behind the scenes on a world-class wildlife reserve in South Africa! 🦏 Details >

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 Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa
Sibuya Wilderness Experience

Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

Excellent 4.8
(43)
⭐ Popular Flex Option
770 €  per week · 1  ‑  6  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Eco Volunteering in Wildlife & Marine Conservation. Uncover the whole big picture of our Eco-System for a better understanding of Nature & learn how to make a difference! Details >

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 Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Phalaborwa, South Africa
LEO Africa

Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living

Perfect 4.7
(45)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
693 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Give your vital contribution towards wildlife conservation! Learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience! 🇿🇦 Details >

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 Baboon Rehabilitator & Care-Giver
Life On Land
South Africa Phalaborwa, South Africa
C.A.R.E.

Baboon Rehabilitator & Care-Giver

Brilliant 4.8
(20)
Video Flex Option
301 €  per week · 2  ‑  50  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Make a difference for 437 orphaned, rescued residents at the sanctuary. Your help is needed to provide care to the animal orphans; food, enrichment, cleaning enclosures. Details >

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 Wildlife Supporter
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Stay Africa Volunteers

Wildlife Supporter

Brilliant 4.7
(194)
Video Flex Option
570 €  per week · 1  ‑  8  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer at our Big Five Game reserve, support the local staff in monitoring the animals and conserving the environment. Details >

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 Whales, Sharks and Penguins Conservation
Life Below Water
South Africa Gansbaai, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Whales, Sharks and Penguins Conservation

Brilliant 4.8
(69)
Video Flex Option
843 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  17+ · Has Wifi

Experience not only Whale, Dolphin, Shark and Penguin research and monitoring but also community education, environmental issues, ecology and ecotourism Details >

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 Shark & Marine Research Support
Life Below Water
South Africa Van Dyks Bay, South Africa
Shark & Marine Research Inst.

Shark & Marine Research Support

Outstanding 5.0
(12)
Video Flex Option
522 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

We are committed to the conservation of sharks, other marine creatures and our oceans through dedicated research and community outreach projects. Details >

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 Big Cats Sanctuary
Life On Land
South Africa Stanford, South Africa
Panthera Africa

Big Cats Sanctuary

Fantastic 4.6
(16)
Video Flex Option
606 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Contribute to the well-being of big cats, help with daily tasks, maintenance, and be part of our mission to protect these majestic animals! 🦁 Details >

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 Vervet Monkey Rescue & Rehabilitation
Life On Land
South Africa Durban, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Vervet Monkey Rescue & Rehabilitation

Brilliant 4.8
(69)
Video Flex Option
519 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer with rescued Vervet Monkeys at a permitted Monkey Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Centre in the lush province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa Details >

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 Horse and Farm Assistant
Life On Land
South Africa Gravelotte, South Africa
Khaya Hanci Horse and Game

Horse and Farm Assistant

Outstanding 4.9
(15)
Flex Option
602 €  per week · 4  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of neglected and abused rescue horses in the unique African bush? Then Khaya Hanci is the perfect spot for you! Details >

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 Endangered Species Conservation & Research
Life On Land
South Africa Waterberg, South Africa
Hamba Africa

Endangered Species Conservation & Research

Brilliant 4.8
(38)
Video Flex Option
691 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Join us in South Africa Work on ecological managment and wildlife research projects. Protect endangered species as you live and work on a 35,000-hectare reserve! Details >

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 Animal Sanctuary Helper
Life On Land
South Africa Thornhill, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Animal Sanctuary Helper

Brilliant 4.8
(69)
Video Flex Option
452 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer at a sanctuary, offering hands-on care for exotic and indigenous animals that are in captivity and cannot be released back into the wild. Details >

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 Wildlife Veterinary Medicine and Rehabilitation
Life On Land
South Africa Midrand, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Wildlife Veterinary Medicine and Rehabilitation

Brilliant 4.8
(69)
Flex Option
872 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  20+ · Has Wifi

Assist a top wildlife veterinary medicine doctor and a highly experienced wildlife rehabilitation team in their daily duties treating rescued indigenous wildlife. Details >

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 Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation
Life On Land
South Africa Badplaas, South Africa
Helping Hands 4 Wildlife

Vervet Monkey Rehabilitation

Fantastic 4.6
(23)
Video Flex Option
563 €  per week · 1  ‑  16  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Join our monkey family! Volunteers needed for daily tasks. It's more than work, it's your second home. Arrive as a volunteer, leave as family. Details >

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 Wildlife Rescue, Rehab and Clinic
Life On Land
South Africa Durban, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Wildlife Rescue, Rehab and Clinic

Brilliant 4.8
(69)
Video Flex Option
385 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Join an exceptional team of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation experts committed to giving sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife a second chance at life. Details >

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 Big Five Conservation Assistant
Life On Land
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Great Projects

Big Five Conservation Assistant

Fantastic 4.5
(112)
Video Flex Option
742 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Join this volunteering project in South Africa's beautiful Eastern Cape and help aid in the conservation of lions, elephants, rhinos and many more amazing animals! Details >

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 Big Cat Sanctuary and Rehabilitation
Life On Land
South Africa Kimberley, South Africa
Felidae Centre

Big Cat Sanctuary and Rehabilitation

Outstanding 4.9
(23)
Video Flex Option
595 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Help feed, clean, and build natural enclosures and enrichment that mimic each species’ habitat—make a real difference in rescued animals’ lives!. Details >

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 Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation
Life On Land
South Africa Bonnievale, South Africa
Volunteer Int. Adventures

Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation

Brilliant 4.8
(69)
Video Flex Option
373 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Get involved with horse and pony rescue and rehabilitation in South Africa. If you have experience with horses, great. If not, you will learn with a great team. Details >

Airport Taxi
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 Primate Keeping Assistant
Life On Land
South Africa Shakaskraal, South Africa
Primate Sanctuary

Primate Keeping Assistant

Outstanding 4.9
(14)
Video Flex Option
242 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteers work alongside our animal keepers ensuring their needs are met, monitoring their general health and wellbeing and completing any work needed in the forest. Details >

Airport Taxi
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 Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation
Life On Land
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
The Great Projects

Wildlife Reserve Big Five Conservation

Fantastic 4.5
(112)
Video Flex Option
898 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  17+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer with the 'Big Five' and the Born Free Big Cat Foundation in one of South Africa's finest game reserves. Details >

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Volunteer Abroad Animals in South Africa

Animal conservation projects in South Africa

You may have heard of South Africa as the home of the “Big Five“ – the elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo – but the country at the southernmost tip of Africa has to offer a wide array of other exotic wildlife despite these iconic species. From swift cheetahs in the savanna to clumsy-looking penguins on the shores, to fierce great white sharks in the coastal waters, your volunteer options with South African animals are limitless.

Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the Republic of South Africa welcomes conserving the south african environment and the abundance of flora and fauna is a priority. With over 1,500 protected areas and thousands of conservation projects, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities for you to make a difference and help to save threatened South African animals.

Ever dreamt of living in the bush of Africa surrounded by magnificent creatures you’ve only seen on TV before? Seeking the thrill of coming eye-to-eye with one of the most feared marine animals of all times, the Great White Shark? Then choose South Africa for your next animal volunteering adventure! Exciting wildlife, charming locals, and illustrious landscapes are awaiting you.

Conservation status of South African animals in 2025

From arid deserts to lush forests, to ancient folded mountains: South Africa’s terrain is incredibly diverse, offering great living conditions for many different species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians.

The country’s internationally renowned nature reserves and national parks, such as the tourist favorite Kruger Park, protect a great variety of threatened animals. However, in some areas, limited resources and human development remain a key challenge for conservation efforts.

What species live in South Africa?

Among the vulnerable animal groups in South Africa are the so-called Big Five. Borrowed from trophy hunting, the term describes five species that are especially difficult and dangerous to catch. Today, the Big Five refers to the main attractions on wildlife safaris - the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the rhino, the lion, and the leopard. Of course, there are hundreds of other amazing species to be discovered in South Africa. Among them are hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, penguins, great white sharks, and many more. Let’s have a look at some of the most characteristic species you may encounter as a volunteer in South Africa:

African elephant

Averaging a shoulder height of over 3m, the African elephant is the largest land mammal. There are an estimated 415,000 individuals left in the wild migrating between different habitats including savannas, grasslands, and forests in 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to extreme population declines over the past century, the species is categorized as vulnerable. However, in Southern Africa herds are recovering and elephant numbers are higher than in other regions. That’s why tourists and volunteers have the opportunity to see large herds of these fascinating creatures in the country’s large national parks.

Cape buffalo

The Cape buffalo is a herbivore commonly found in large herds in woodland savannas as well as lowland rainforests. The massive bovine can reach up to 1.5m of shoulder height and 750kg in weight – yet it can run as fast as 56 km/h. Its massive, ridged horns constitute powerful weapons against predators (mainly lions and humans), which is why a wounded bull is considered extremely dangerous. At a population size of about 900,000 individuals of which three quarters reside in protected areas, this species is not endangered.

African rhino

There are two rhino species in Africa’s most southern country – the white rhino and the black rhino. Both are home to South Africa’s vast grass- and shrublands, where they feed on vegetation such as grasses, leaves, and fruits. While over a million rhinos used to roam Africa’s lands just 150 years ago, today their numbers have declined dramatically. Black rhinos count as critically endangered as their numbers declined by 98% since 1960. There are only about 5,000 of them left in the wild. The white rhino population once assumed extinct, got nursed back to 20,000 individuals and is now classified as near-threatened by IUCN.

With their two massive horns that can grow over 1m long, the prehistoric animal species are vulnerable to poaching. In China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore the powdered horns are used for medical purposes. In other countries, people make the horns into ornamental dagger handles. Another reason that makes volunteering in rhino conservation so urgent.

African lion

Lions are fascinating creatures. As an ultimate predator in most sub-Saharan countries, the gracious animals are ferocious and fearless when hunting for large animals such as zebras, buffaloes, and even giraffes. In their living units, the so-called prides, however, they are very communal and take care of each other. The big cats’ strength and speed (lions can leap up to 11m!) can’t save them from the most dangerous predator – the human. Habitat destruction, ecosystem fragmentation, as well as illegal wildlife trade and human-lion-conflict, are driving populations down. Over the past 21 years, the worldwide lion population dropped by 43% to 20,000 animals. South Africa remains one of the best places to see and volunteer with lions in their natural habitat.

African leopard

One of the lion’s direct competitors is the African leopard, one of the nine subspecies of leopards. The most elusive of the big cats is famous for its soft, spotted fur and gracious climbing. When hunting, the carnivore often hides out in trees to look for smaller animals like reptiles, birds, or rodents or bigger prey like baboons and antelopes. To prevent lions and hyenas from stealing their food, leopards often drag their food up a tree to feed safely. In South Africa, these beautiful animals occur near the country’s borders to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, as well as in the Cape provinces. Sadly, African leopards are listed as a vulnerable species.

African hippo

The hippo, short for hippopotamus, is a gigantic water-loving mammal that can weigh over 2,400kg. Hippos are native to sub-Saharan Africa occurring mainly in wetland habitats, where they spend up to 16 hours per day in groups of up to 20 animals in the water. Mostly herbivorous, hippos leave the water at night in order to feed on huge amounts of grass. Although hippos look all cute and cuddly they are very aggressive towards humans and – having killed or injured thousands of people already – are therefore considered the most dangerous mammal in Africa.

Worldwide, there are up to 130,000 wild hippos left. Due to the animals’ dependency on freshwater habitat, which puts them at odds with land conversions by humans they are listed as vulnerable by IUCN. In South Africa, the giant mammal occurs in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. It has also been reintroduced into the Eastern and Western Cape.

African cheetah

Credited as the fastest animal on land, this black-spotted wildcat can reach over 90km/h when chasing gazelles, impalas, or other prey. Residing in the open plains and savannah woodland, cheetahs use tall yellow grasses to conceal themselves from their prey’s eyes. Since there are other, more powerful carnivores in their habitat, cheetahs need to kill and feed fast before being discovered by their competition. According to IUCN, there are an estimated 7,000 cheetahs left in Africa (4,190 in Southern Africa) and 80 animals in Iran. With such few animals left, volunteering for cheetah conservation becomes all the more important. In South Africa, cheetahs have been spotted in the Northern Province, in Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape.

African giraffe

Who hasn’t adored this friendly giant snacking on leaves and walking graciously across the plains either on TV or in a zoo? Guess what: it’s even better to see this beautiful mammal in real life! Giraffes are the world’s tallest land animal and can reach heights of over 5m. This is their great advantage: the long-necked animal can feed on tree leaves at heights that are not accessible for other leaf-eaters. A picky eater, the giraffe’s diverse diet consists of about 93 different plant species. Its impressive tongue (up to 45cm long!) can also help to collect seeds and flowers. From desert landscapes to woodlands, giraffes reside in very different habitats. Less than 100,000 wild animals are scattered across sub-Saharan Africa, which is why this species appears on IUCN’s red list as vulnerable.

African penguin

Penguins? Not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the country at the southernmost tip of Africa. However, the African penguin is endemic to Namibia and South Africa and considered an endangered species. With only 19,300 pairs left in South Africa, the population decreased by more than 50% since 1979. Feeding mostly on schooling fish like sardines and anchovy, African penguins are threatened by food shortages caused by different prey distribution, commercial fishing, and their competition with the Cape fur seal.

Great White Shark

The Great White Shark is one of the most feared animals on earth thanks to film productions like „Jaws“. Yet, our planet’s largest (known) predatory fish remains quite a mystery. In fact, we know very little about this shark species’ physiology and behavior. The Great White appears out of nowhere and suddenly disappears into the ocean’s depths again. That's why researchers struggle to figure out things like their average lifetime, maturity levels, and gestation periods. It is estimated to reach a maximum size of around 6m and has been seen ripping apart smaller fish like the halibut and larger marine animals like seals and dolphins with their 300 razor-sharp teeth. Since Great White Sharks are rarely seen compared to other shark species, experts assume its population numbers to be small with vulnerabilities such as commercial and sports fishing, revenge killings, degradation of habitats and protective beach nets.

Why are South African animals endangered?

All life in an ecosystem is interconnected. Each species somehow has an impact on another species. Therefore, disrupting the natural balance of an ecosystem can have catastrophic consequences. One key element in South Africa is the predator-prey relationship. Let’s have a look at an example:

As a top predator, the lion feeds on herbivores such as buffalos and zebras. By hunting the weakest individuals, the prey population is kept strong and healthy. If the lion, however, wouldn’t control the numbers of his prey, the food chain would be interrupted and the prey’s population would expand rapidly depleting the natural resources around them. This, on the other hand, would have serious consequences for many other animals as well. The whole food chain would ultimately collapse.

To maintain ecosystem balance, we have to know the challenges these environments are facing. Although each of the different species mentioned above may face individual threats in South Africa, there are some threats all of these species have in common. Let’s check them out!

Habitat loss and fragmentation

With an expanding human population, wildlife in South Africa is facing the same threats as many species around the globe. Forests and grasslands are converted into streets, villages, and fields, shrinking and fragmenting the animals’ habitat. With less room to roam, feeding, drinking, and mating are becoming more and more difficult. Especially animals with wider home ranges like the elephant or the giraffe are threatened by this development. But also less migratory animals like the hippo suffer from human development as rivers and lakes, where these semi-aquatic animals spend most of their days, are diverted to agricultural land.

Illegal wildlife trade

Elephants and hippos are poached for their ivory tusks and their meat. Leopards are killed for their beautiful fur. Lion skins, bones, and other body parts are sold for thousands of dollars. Great White Sharks are hunted for their jaws, teeth, and fins. Rhinos are slaughtered for their horns. Buffalos are shot for their meat.

Despite harsh international regulations on illegal wildlife trade, the black market is booming. Body parts of exotic animals are used for traditional medicine, ceremonial purposes, or decoration. When the demand in other countries (mostly across Asia) surges, numbers of poached animals does, too, as it can bring a lot of money.

Human-wildlife conflict

When human settlements expand into animal territories, conflict is inevitable. Predators like lions living outside of protected areas raid farmers’ stock on the search for food. Farmers, in return, try to kill the predator to prevent further losses. In some livestock areas, farmers prepare poisoned carcasses to get rid of scavenging wild animals.

Herbivores like buffalos and elephants also get caught up in conflict with farmers. Breaking fences and raiding crops can result in unbearable losses for small-scale farmers. Some farmers, however, try peaceful solutions like designing so-called „chili-bombs“, a spicy mix of ingredients that keeps elephants away from crops due to its smell.

Conservation efforts

When you think about doing a wildlife safari, South Africa immediately comes to mind. The country is worldwide renowned for its wonderful and well-managed wildlife reserves and national parks. Since South Africa is home to a wide array of threatened animals and wildlife tourism is booming, conservation is one of the country’s top priorities.

There are many success stories of conservation efforts that helped nurse species at the brink of extinction (like the southern white rhino) back to healthy populations. However, maintaining and patrolling massive national parks and reserves is a huge financial burden. In many cases, the absence of sufficient funds remains a key challenge. Fewer guards in the parks result in less control and more poaching incidents.

Therefore, your volunteer stay in South Africa is very important - for humans and animals! By volunteering, you can support wildlife conservation with your own hands, lighten the burden on local guards, and promote ethical tourism.

Where can I volunteer with animals in South Africa?

South Africa is a large country with an unseen abundance of wild animals. Do you want to promote cheetah or lion conservation? Or do research on Great White Sharks? Or rescue stranded dolphins? Your volunteering opportunities are pretty much endless.

Many volunteer conservation projects working with the Big Five and other wildlife (like cheetahs or giraffes) are located in South Africa’s North-East around one of Africa’s largest game reserves, the famous Kruger National Park. Marine conservation volunteer projects working with sharks, dolphins, penguins, and whales are based near the country’s coastline, where South Atlantic and the Indian Ocean meet one another - between Capetown and Port Elizabeth.

Flights between big cities like Capetown and Johannesburg are cheap, so wherever you will be stationed with your volunteer project it is easy to get around and see the rest of this beautiful country.

How can I help to save animals in South Africa?

The challenges to protect wildlife in South Africa are manifold, but as a volunteer, you can help to tackle them. Whichever animals you decide to work with, know that your work is important and that it will be appreciated.

Your tasks as a volunteer

Do you want to help conserve big cats (including lions, cheetahs, hyenas) or primates at a sanctuary? Then your daily volunteer tasks may include:

  • Prepare food (raw meat for the carnivores, vegetation for herbivores) and help to dish it out to the animals in the sanctuary
  • Support the release of rehabilitated animals
  • Assist animal interaction and training like cheetah runs
  • Count and identify animals through tracking devices and camera traps
  • Aid the health assessments and recovery of animals in the sanctuary
  • Maintain the sanctuary by checking and repairing roads and fences, removing alien vegetation, planting indigenous flora, and cleaning the enclosures
  • Develop new eco-friendly visitor paths
  • Teach the community a new language or aspects of wildlife conservation

Do you want to volunteer at a nature reserve and work with animals in their natural habitat? Then your day might look a little different:

  • Train “bush basics” to survive in the wild, read animal behavior and learn the best methods to approach wild animals
  • Monitor the movements, behavior, numbers, kills, and habits of wildlife such as lions, white and black rhino, leopards, elephant, buffalo, giraffes, cheetahs, and hyena
  • Go on daily monitoring drives to track and identify animal populations and individual animals
  • Support reserve management with work such as bush clearing, road repair, or game capture

Or do you rather want to spend your days close to the ocean and research South African marine life? Then your volunteer work could look like this:

  • Profile dolphins’, sharks’, and whales’ unique fins to catalog and identify individuals and their behavior
  • Go on beach patrols and rescue stranded animals
  • Monitor and assess river and water health
  • Organize beach clean ups
  • Cage-dive with sharks to observe size, sex, markings, and behavior
  • Help treat injured animals

Benefits of volunteering with animals in South Africa

South Africa’s natural and cultural diversity make this country the perfect destination for your volunteering experience. Mix up your days with adrenaline-filled activities and dramatic landscapes to make the most out of your time out of school or office. Here are even more benefits of taking the long trip to South Africa to make your decision to volunteer a lot easier:

  • Live in the South African bush: Bring on your best Steve Irwin move and learn how to survive in the wild. Fall asleep to the star-studded desert skies and wake up to the amazing sounds of the bush. What are you waiting for?
  • Come eye-to-eye with some of the most fascinating animals on Earth: Watch ferocious lions hunting their prey, observe dangerous hippos floating in the water and swim in the same waters as the dreaded Great White Shark. Adventure is awaiting you!
  • Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of wildlife conservation: Preserving and protecting wildlife may sound simple at first, but it’s more complicated than you think. You will witness first hand, how much effort and thought is put into wildlife conservation. Come back as a pro and teach other people how it works!
  • Dive into another culture: Get to know South Africa’s ancient tribes, tumultuous history, and unique culture while doing something to preserve our planet’s beautiful wildlife as a conservation volunteer.
  • Try surfing with the best conditions in the world: South Africa is known for its world-class surfing. So get out there and catch some waves! You may be sharing the waters with some friendly sharks though. Do you dare?

After learning all these interesting and amazing facts about South Africa’s wildlife and the volunteer opportunities that await you there, you should already be boarding a plane and start your very own volunteer experience!

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© Volunteer World ⠮⠄
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