Volunteer Abroad South Africa

You always wanted to travel to South Africa and experience the golden savannah landscapes and their wildlife up close – and at the same time contribute to conserving this fascinating habitat and thus gain an enriching insight into the work of a conservationist?

By participating in one of our Natucate volunteer projects in South Africa you can experience exactly that. While volunteering in the research and conservation of the unique flora and fauna, with a bit of luck you can also experience the wildlife of Africa at close range, including the impressive Big Five.

Whether it is a two-week or four-week stay or even a whole year abroad in South Africa – as a volunteer in this impressive country surrounded by untouched landscapes you will experience a life-enhancing stay abroad in the field of species and animal protection. Make an active contribution with Natucate to the preservation of Africa's unique ecosystems and endangered species! In the following you can learn more about our aid projects in South Africa.

Why volunteering in South Africa?

South Africa is characterised by an enormous diversity of species. In places like Zululand, Kruger National Park or the Western Cape Province, true biodiversity hotspots can be found. The regions are home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, insects and mammals, including the "Big 5" – elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino – as well as the rare African wild dog.

However, many species are now considered to be highly endangered, in some cases due to poaching, climate change, the human-wildlife conflict and other factors. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to set up ethical nature conservation and species protection projects that research the populations and movement patterns of species, monitor populations and use the data obtained to develop protective measures to ensure the conservation of the species-rich flora and fauna.

South Africa Volunteering: By involving national and international volunteers, these projects are provided with the necessary support and, by imparting knowledge about country-specific species conservation issues, an increased awareness of the necessity of species conservation is created.

Volunteering with animals in South Africa

Species and animal protection in South Africa: As a volunteer in one of the Natucate projects in South Africa you will help protect endangered wildlife and their habitats. In one of our wildlife projects in Africa you can actively work to preserve endangered habitats and species and at the same time experience places of untouched natural beauty up close – look forward to an unforgettable and meaningful time abroad. Find out more about animal welfare volunteering in Africa.

Volunteering Zululand: Protecting endangered wildlife

In South Africa's Zululand, located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and known as the heartbeat of Africa and the birthplace of African nature and animal welfare work, an incredible variety of different wild animals and plants awaits you. Natucate's project in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is about the effective protection of Africa's endangered species, such as black rhinos, cheetahs, vultures and African wild dogs. During your time in the project you will travel out into the savannah every day with a crew of international volunteers and experienced professional coordinators to observe and analyse the behaviour of various animal populations. Experience animal and species conservation at close quarters in the heart of Africa!

Volunteering in Siyafunda: Wildlife Monitoring in Limpopo

Are you looking for a conservation adventure in South Africa that gives you a deep understanding of the local wildlife and its natural environment? Then the Wildlife Monitoring Programme in the Limpopo region is perfect for you. As a volunteer, you actively contribute to wildlife management by collecting data and observing endangered species. Key focus species include lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, rhinoceros birds, rhinos, wild dogs, and hyenas. Together with your international volunteer team, you will observe movement patterns and behaviours of free-roaming animals and learn the art of tracking.

During monitoring walks, guided by qualified experts, you will go on tracking expeditions and explore the fascinating world of the African wilderness – an unforgettable adventure with a real impact on conservation.

Volunteering in Marataba: Conservation in the Waterberg Mountains

Do you dream of experiencing true wilderness while actively contributing to the protection of endangered species? Then the Marataba Conservation Volunteer Programme is ideal for you. Set in the spectacular landscapes of the Waterberg Mountains, volunteers work closely with rangers, researchers, and conservation experts. You will assist with wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and educational or community activities. In the process, you gain valuable practical knowledge of modern conservation techniques and learn what it means to live and work in an area with free-roaming wildlife.

Accommodation is in a small tented camp in the heart of the bush, offering an authentic, immersive experience with plenty of team spirit. This project allows you to unwind, gain new perspectives, and make a meaningful contribution to the preservation of South Africa’s wilderness.

Volunteering Kalahari: Wildlife conservation in the desert

Our new project in the Kalahari Desert offers volunteers a glimpse into this exclusive region and an opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation. As a volunteer, you'll not only have the chance to experience the beauty of the South African environment up close, but also learn about the local flora and fauna. You'll actively engage in protecting wildlife, making a valuable contribution. In this Citizen Science project, you can play a significant role by assisting in wildlife monitoring, track reading, and analyzing wildlife camera footage.

Immerse yourself in the world of the Kalahari, where you'll not only embark on adventures but also make a real difference. Be part of this captivating project and help preserve the wonders of this wild landscape for future generations.

Volunteering Western Cape: Protection of endangered wildlife

South Africa's picturesque Western Cape Province offers an incredible variety of wildlife and endless expanses of unspoilt nature. The volunteer project based here is about the effective protection of endangered species of Southern Africa and the preservation of the region’s unique ecosystems. During your time as a volunteer, you will be part of a crew of international volunteers and experienced conservationists. You will go into the wild every day to contribute to the development of sustainable conservation measures by means of comprehensive data collection and analysis. In addition to gaining insight into the application of basic research methods, you will also gain valuable theoretical knowledge about species conservation as well as bush skills which are essential for life and survival in the African wilderness.

What do I have to consider when volunteering in South Africa?

Lion breeding projects

Getting close to young lions, cheetahs or other wild cats and making a contribution to animal welfare: that's what many people think when going to Africa to do voluntary work in lion breeding stations.
However, the widespread belief of releasing animals back into the wild at a later stage in life proves to be a myth in most cases. For indeed, bitter facts are hidden behind this so-called petting farm business. For this reason, Natucate has decided to not offer any projects that allow direct interaction with wild animals.

Farms like these usually snatch the young lions from their mothers after only a few days and turn them into the "toys" of volunteers and tourists who are led to believe that the young lions are orphaned cubs. In fact, the mother lion is kept in an inaccessible part of the compound before being euthanised when she loses her ability to give birth. Once the cubs have passed the "cuddly age", they are usually used for walks with tourists after injections of a sedative, so-called "lion walks". If they are also too old for this, the adult animals are often released at the end of their lives in fenced areas for trophy hunting and thus released for shooting by wealthy recreational hunters. The truth behind lion breeding farms is nothing more than the unscrupulous greed for profit.

Volunteer projects that allow direct interaction with such wild animals should always be treated with caution and critical questioning and, in case of doubt, should be avoided.

Social projects in South Africa – Orphanages

"How can I help poor children in Africa?" is a question often asked by people interested in volunteering abroad. For a variety of reasons, Natucate treats social projects with caution and does not include them in its programme portfolio. Here we reveal more about the background.

Similar to the situation in South East Asia, in some African countries children are increasingly being bought from their suffering families with false promises of a better future and placed in supposed orphanages. These orphanages, in turn, make calculated use of the compassion of international volunteers and profit financially from their willingness to help.
In addition, the care provided in these institutions by a constantly changing number of volunteers often causes more harm than good and can further increase separation anxieties and attachment problems. The vast majority of volunteers are neither trained educators nor native speakers of the local language – circumstances that may have serious consequences for the time when children should usually learn their mother tongue.

Volunteer projects that develop their work in orphanages should therefore always be critically reviewed.

Volunteering in South Africa with Natucate

Would you like to learn more about our projects? No problem! Our team will discuss our volunteer options in South Africa with you in detail and advise you on project details, local life and country-specific issues. We will tell you what should not be missing in your travel bag and whom to contact regarding vaccination recommendations and other health questions for South Africa. For further information, you can also read the testimonials of former volunteers who have supported Natucate projects in South Africa.

Join Natucate in researching and conserving endangered species and experience an unforgettable stay abroad as a volunteer in South Africa.

FAQ – Volunteering in South Africa

What is volunteering in South Africa with Natucate?

Volunteering in South Africa with Natucate means actively contributing to the protection of endangered wildlife and their habitats. Volunteers work on projects that combine research, monitoring, and conservation, while experiencing South Africa’s unique flora and fauna up close.

What projects are available for volunteering in South Africa?

Natucate offers a variety of wildlife conservation projects across South Africa, including:

• Zululand: Protection of rhinos, cheetahs, and African wild dogs
• Siyafunda: Nature conservation projects and environmental education
• Marataba: Wildlife population monitoring and protection of endangered species
• Vulture Conservation: Conservation and research of threatened vulture species
• Kalahari: Wildlife protection in the desert and citizen science projects

This range of projects allows volunteers to select the initiative that best matches their conservation interests.

How long can I volunteer in South Africa?

Volunteer placements range from two to four weeks, up to a full year abroad. Natucate helps you plan a timeframe that suits your personal schedule and goals.

Can I touch or handle lions and other wild animals as a volunteer?

No. Natucate does not offer projects that involve direct contact with wild animals. Many lion breeding facilities run profit-driven “petting practices” that can harm the animals. We focus on ethical wildlife conservation without physical interaction.

Do I need any specific skills or prior experience to volunteer?

Just so you know, no specific qualifications are required. On-site, you will receive training in conservation methods, research work, monitoring techniques, as well as theoretical knowledge and practical “bush skills” essential for life in the wilderness.

How does volunteering in South Africa support conservation?

Volunteers assist with wildlife population monitoring, analysing camera trap footage, documenting habitats, and contributing to the development of sustainable conservation measures. International collaboration also raises awareness and knowledge of the importance of wildlife protection.

How do I plan my volunteering project in South Africa?

Planning your volunteering project in South Africa is easy with Natucate. First, explore our website to learn about the different projects and regions. Then, book a consultation with our team. We provide personalised support to help you choose the right project, advise on duration, travel preparation, vaccinations, and equipment, and guide you step by step to ensure your stay in South Africa is a successful and enriching experience.