Volunteer in South Africa

With Ecomambo you have various options for volunteering in South-Africa. South Africa is the most Southern country of Africa and perhaps one of the most divers. The Republic of South Africa has an eventful history with the coloniziation first, than the civil wars and the end of apartheid has only been 20 years ago. No wonder there are still many problems to be conquered and you as a volunteer can make a big difference to the lives of individuals in South Africa. You can also combine some volunteer work with a holiday in South Africa.

The are enough volunteer projects in South Africa to suit everybody from a internship, post-graduates to taking a sabbatical. Things you can do are working in orphanages, teaching in schools and volunteering in wildlife conservation. 

Wildlife Volunteering South Africa

South Africa still has a large number of wildlife species. Like in many other places the conflict between human and wildlife populations about resources put an enormous stress on many animal populations. To ensure the survival of endagered species many wildlife conservation organisations are making an effort to protect, rehabilitate and research wildlife species. You can help these conservation organisations by volunteering in South Africa. You can for example help with the rehabilitation of primates or help with researching cheetahs. There also some game reserves where you can work as a volunteer to help with reintroductions of game or help at an orphanage where you assist with teaching children to take care about the local wildlife.

Volunteer with Children in South Africa

Also in South Africa you will find lots of problems caused by HIV/AIDS. Children lose their parents on a young age and become an orphan. They sometimes are forced to live on the street and take care of themselves. Luckely there are some volunteer organisations where take care of orphaned children and provide them with a safe home. You can help in South Africa with teaching children, playing games with them and make sure they are guided well towards a live with more wealth as where they came from. Possibilities for you to volunteer in South Africa with children are to educate children in Cape Town, to work in a township in Port Elizabeth or to volunteer in a sports program with soccer, hockey and tennis.

Ecomambo has many projects where you can volunteer in South Africa.

Click here to view Volunteer Programs in South Africa

Visas for volunteers in South Africa

As a tourist from most countries you will automatically receive a visa for 90 days. Please check if you need to obtain a visa before leaving home. The visa you will receive is normally just a stamp in your passport at customs. To extend your visum you can go to Home Affairs which has an office in every province. There are different options for volunteers.

• Holiday: 90 days visa, extension for another 90 days
• Short term volunteer work: on your immigration form fill in 'holiday' as purpose of travel
• Long term volunteer work: The best is to consult this with the organisation you are volunteering, work permits can be obtained, but require some paperwork.   
• Internship: Normally the company where you are going to work should be able to assist you on your visa. There are special study and exchange permits as well.