5 reasons to volunteer in South Africa

The “Big Five”, i.e. lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, live in the wild in South Africa’s national parks and are described as an unforgettable experience. The largest bird on earth, the ostrich, is at home here, as are hyenas, cheetahs, impala, giraffes and hippos. Many of these most threatened animal species can be experienced up close in the reserves, so that South Africa is perceived as a true paradise, especially by photographers.

In some of our projects, as a volunteer, you have the opportunity to participate in species conservation programs and make a contribution to animal protection - either on land, like in ours Big Five Volunteer Project in South Africa or in the ocean, where dolphins, turtles or whales are threatened by pollution. This is where the project comes in handy Marine animals protect in South Africa on the coast of Port Elizabeth.

South Africa is characterized by a colorful, multicultural society. The country has eleven national languages ​​alone - from Afrikaans to English to Bantu languages ​​such as Xhosa or Zulu. Cross-linguistic coexistence is everyday life for the residents, who not for nothing see themselves as a “Rainbow Nation”, a term coined by Nelson Mandela after the end of apartheid. Even decades later, South Africa is a country where social inequality remains a major issue. Information about local crime should be consulted on the website before visiting Foreign Office be found.

In our projects you can not only help to work together with disadvantaged groups on new perspectives, but also provide educational opportunities to children and young people. The hospitality of the South Africans will be a great help: anyone who is open-minded and respectful in the rainbow nation will quickly be welcomed as part of the family.

South Africa owes its well-developed infrastructure to the economic growth of the last few decades. The country, which is geared towards tourism, has a well-developed road network so that even more distant hotspots can be reached easily and quickly. Use these opportunities to travel easily through the country in your free time, as this level is not a given for African conditions.

In addition, medical care is at a very good level and the country has well-distributed places for daily needs, such as gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants. However, the energy supply is not always stable and can be interrupted for a short time, so power outages are not uncommon even in urban areas and visitors should react with appropriate consideration.

In recent years, South Africa has become a pioneer in Africa in the field of sustainability in many areas. Animal and nature conservation are promoted by various organizations and the offers for sustainable travel are numerous. Recycling programs are one way to reduce the still very extensive problems in the waste industry in Africa; water-saving and environmentally friendly methods are being tested in agriculture in order to maintain successful harvests even in times of extreme climate. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to participate in these processes and preserve the diversity of flora and fauna in South Africa.

If you want to experience Africa, you can't ignore the southernmost country on the continent. Neither nature nor the animal world leave anything to be desired and the hospitable and multicultural society is also worth every trip. Through your volunteer work you can gain unforgettable experiences here and support sustainable development in animal and environmental protection.

Well, curious? Then find out more about our projects here Volunteer work in South Africa!