Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa | GivingWay
Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa

Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa

While South Africa has developed immensely over the last 20 years, it still struggles with a number of education, healthcare and environmental issues that require attention. As a country that is in the midst of great change, finding your volunteering place and cause has an incredible advantage because you can being a part of a movement of ongoing development. This - coupled with breathtaking landscapes and ultra rich culture - is probably why South Africa is very popular when it comes to a volunteering destination.

Volunteer Abroad with Local Non-Profits


Volunteer in Animal Care

Monkey Helpline

The Monkey Helpline, started in 1995, is a volunteer group, based in Westville near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, but operating throughout the province and also anywhere else in South Africa and abroad where our assistance and advice are requested.

Our team of dedicated rescuers and rescue assistants, veterinarians, educators, monitors, fund-raisers, administrative assistants and supporters is what makes this project the success that it is today.

5 Reviews

Helping Hands for Wildlife

We are a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre


Volunteer in Childcare

The Umtshayelo Foundation

We are passionate about promoting menstrual equity through our social enterprise Komani

2 Reviews

Thanda After School

Thanda works with rural communities in South Africa, empowering people through education, skills development, increasing self-esteem, and fostering curiosity for knowledge.

2 Reviews

Volunteer in Conservation Work

HuskyRomi Wolf Sanctuary

We are a charity that looks after wolves in South Africa


Insimbi Legacy Projects

We are a non-profit organization situated in the heart of the Limpopo Province. Our program is small with a maximum of 4 volunteers at any one time. We promote sustainable and responsible tourism in the conservation sector. Our Rhino are wild and you will not have any physical interaction with them due to the fact that we aim to keep them in their natural habitat and wild as nature expects.

2 Reviews

Volunteer in Teaching related activities

Tshega Christian Mission

There are powerful moments that can and will change the course of your life. More than a decade ago Tshega’s doors were opened, a commitment to start transforming lives, which brought hope to the community. That commitment has now moved over to trust as year after year Tshega kept keeping the promise to educate, empower and transform. Thousands of lives have been impacted by the sacrifice and obedience of people who saw a need and wanted to make a change.

1 Review

Fundzisa Foundation

We are an organization that seeks to bridge the inequality gap in our education system.

1 Review

How to Volunteer in South Africa

How to find volunteer opportunities in South Africa

More than it’s landmarks (no less than 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!) choosing to volunteer in South Africa can boost your professional experience. Capetown is an international crossroad and many nonprofits - also in Johannesburg or more rural areas - collaborate with global players. Participating in one of the many conservation projects offered by nonprofits can help you later on. In urban and rural areas, major causes many organizations work around are in the healthcare volunteering sector, mostly relating to HIV/AIDS struggles - education and poverty - all are critical concerns for a large part of South Africa’s population.

Best time to volunteer in South Africa

The most popular time to volunteer in South Africa is between late November - early February. March is best for volunteers heading to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, or around Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park; End of the high season bring a coolness which makes these areas particularly amazing.

Essential information about South Africa

South Africa has as many as 11 official languages that imply on it's rich cultural diversity. Volunteers in South Africa will probably spend less than the traveler's average daily $100 cost. Volunteers in South Africa will have to obtain a Volunteer Permit in addition to their visa - which requires proof they will be able to support themselves, a valid return air ticket, and an an indication as to the nonprofit they will be volunteering with.