South Africa

Internship in the Eco Village in South Africa

Surrounded by nature
Varied activities
Knowledge sharing

There are no limits to your imagination during your internship at the Eco Village in South Africa. Because: Here you work independently on your very own project. Whether in entrepreneurship, education or sustainability - as long as your vision serves a good cause, every idea is welcome. And all this with one of the most beautiful places in Africa right on your doorstep - the Kruger National Park.

Greater Kruger National Park

from 18 years

4 -24 weeks / from €1.750

Saturday

Internship in the Eco Village in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Build a resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and support innovation.

Project ID : AU-SÜ489

As an intern after
South Africa

4 -24 weeks / from €1.750
to the cost overview

Internship in the Eco Village in South Africa

What's the matter?

Your place of work is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2011 in the greater Kruger National Park area. In cooperation with the residents of local communities, the NGO searches for sustainable, long-term solutions to the most pressing problems in the region. The most important thing: The environment and people should benefit equally from every project of the organization.

In order to combat unemployment and poverty, the organization supports local residents, for example, in founding and developing their own sustainable (small) businesses. There is also a recycling project for the benefit of the environment, educational programs to combat the low level of education and many other initiatives that benefit people and nature in the greater Kruger National Park area.

The rural region around your assignment site is quite poor and many of the residents struggle with the most elementary things in life every day. Very few have permanent electricity and running water, the general level of education is low and the unemployment rate is very high. And the unique nature in the greater Kruger National Park area is also being severely affected by poaching, climate change and the destruction of natural ecosystems.

Through high-quality education and support in starting your own business, the residents of the local communities should be empowered to break out of the cycle of poverty in the long term. It is also a goal that a well-enlightened generation will grow up, which will later start their own projects and initiatives. The NGO also wants to set up wild animal buffer zones to protect the rare wild animals in the greater Kruger National Park area. In this way, conflicts between humans and animals can be avoided.

Your internship abroad in the Eco Village

Your internship at the Eco Village in South Africa begins with an introductory week. Here you will work one day in each project of the organization in order to get to know your place of assignment and the local conditions. In addition, there are virtual online internships by the NGO.

After School Club: More than 60 children attend the After School Club every day after school. Here they take part in a high-quality, creative educational program with a focus on environmental education.

Social Entrepreneur Project: In this project, residents of local communities are supported in founding and developing their own sustainable companies.

Agroecology training courses: Courses on sustainable, efficient agriculture (similar to permaculture), which are perfectly adapted to the conditions in the greater Kruger National Park area.

preschool project: Early childhood development program for children between the ages of one and five.

Eco Village: These include tourism projects, a recycling project and daily commitment in the surrounding villages.

During the introductory week, you have time to think about your own project that is tailored to your individual interests and skills. There are no limits to your imagination here, as long as your idea benefits nature or the people at your location in the long term.

Possible areas in which your project could move are for example: education, ecological agriculture, sustainable tourism, social entrepreneurship, community development etc.

You then discuss your idea with your local contact and you will work out a plan for the following weeks. From now on you will work independently on your project. From time to time you will have discussions with the coordinators, who will of course always be at your side if you have any problems or open questions. So if you need data, material, logistics, support or similar, don't hesitate to ask for help.

Since you are working on your own project as an intern, you can theoretically organize your time yourself. You can also base your working hours on the projects of the NGO. These always run Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 16 p.m. There is a daily lunch break between 12 and 13 p.m.

Requirements for the job

Before you start your internship, you should have an idea of what your project could look like. Your previous knowledge and skills should look accordingly.

Also important: Since you work largely independently, you should have an independent way of working, a hands-on mentality and sufficient self-confidence.

Accommodation Catering

Volunteer House in Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa

all fotos

Volunteer House in the greater Kruger National Park area

In the Volunteer Lodge you live together with up to 17 other guests and volunteers. You will share your accommodation - a hut built in traditional African style - with another volunteer of the same sex. Each cabin has two single beds, mosquito nets, fans and storage space for your belongings. Fresh towels and warm, comfortable bed linen are also provided.

You share the bathroom and the kitchen with the other guests and volunteers on site. There is also a large communal area with a lounge, fireplace, bar and a pool - the perfect place to meet your new roommates over a barbecue or a drink at the bar. In the public area of the Volunteer Lodge there is a WiFi connection, a coin-operated washing machine and showers with hot water. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for all volunteers.

Location

Greater Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is located in north-eastern South Africa, about a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, and at almost 20.000 square kilometers is the country's largest animal and nature reserve. With its incredible biodiversity and impressive landscape, the park is one of the absolute highlights of every trip to South Africa and a dream destination for travelers from all over the world.

Over 140 species of mammals as well as hundreds of birds, reptiles, fish and various other rare animals find shelter in the Kruger National Park. Of course you can also discover the famous Big Five - elephant, leopard, rhino, buffalo and lion - here. However, the landscape of the park is at least as exciting as the animals. Depending on the region and season, breathtaking views of dense forests, endless grass and tree savannahs, striking rocks and mountains or the characteristic baobab trees open up to you.

Nature and wildlife fans in particular are in good hands here!

Your free time in the Greater Kruger National Park

After work you can use your free time to build a fire together with the other volunteers in your accommodation, have a barbecue, relax by the pool or enjoy the sunset with a drink at the bar. If you have a little more time, for example on the weekends, you should definitely explore your surroundings.

How about a safari in the Kruger National Park, for example? Go in search of the Big Five and hundreds of other rare animals, or simply marvel at the unique landscape of the park. There is probably only more nature to experience on a bush walk: Together with a ranger, you explore the national park on foot and enjoy nature in a completely natural and authentic way.

Also worth a visit is the Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in the world. It doesn't matter whether you explore the turquoise blue water by boat or enjoy the incredible view of the green-covered gorge from the panorama route - a detour to the Blyde River Canyon is always an experience. If you are looking for a change after all that nature, the tourist town of Hoedspruit is not far away and is also worth a visit.

On-site procedure

Arrival in South Africa

Upon arrival in Hoedspruit (either by plane or shuttle from Johannesburg) you will be picked up by a team member and driven to the Volunteer Lodge. After arrival you will be shown your accommodation and you will get to know your new roommates. After a brief explanation of all the important local conditions, you have time to relax and slowly settle into your accommodation.

From January 2023:

If you would like to take part in this project, the best thing to do is book a flight to Richards Bay, which usually has a stopover in Johannesburg. There is usually a morning flight that departs Johannesburg at 06:15 a.m. and arrives in Richards Bay at 07:45 a.m. and an afternoon flight that departs at 11:00 a.m. and arrives at 12:30 p.m. The local team can pick you up at these times. If the flight schedule changes, the transfer time is limited to 15:00 p.m. You will be shown your roommates on site and you can collect your first impressions of your trip.

If you arrive or depart from Durban airport on a different day, a fee will apply. By the way, pickup from Durban Airport does not take place after 13 p.m.

Orientation program in the Greater Kruger National Park

Your orientation program begins on Monday morning at 8am with an introductory presentation. Here you will get all the relevant information about your work, the processes and the conditions at your place of work. This is followed by a tour of the organization's premises, during which you will get to know your colleagues and the NGO's programs. The introduction lasts about two to three hours.

An exciting walking tour through the nearby village is also included for all volunteers. Together with a local guide you will marvel at the craftsmanship of the local weavers, visit a traditional healer and taste the delicious local dishes and specialties. Along the way, you'll learn a lot about the region you're working in. Especially about the Shangaan people living there, their beliefs and cultural heritage.

Volunteering in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa

Your first day in the project

After the orientation program, things really get going and work on the project can begin. A team member will take you to your assignment site, where you will be trained by the on-site managers and familiarized with your tasks.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.750, -

4 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 245, - / week

up to 20 weeks respectively

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation at the job site

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development
"Volunteer Teaching Focused" online TEFL/TESOL course

245 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course for volunteers
Intensive online TEFL/TESOL course (120h)

460 €

Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course
Single room supplement per week

130 €

Greater Kruger National Park Team
site

Your main contact in the greater Kruger National Park area is Loren. She is one of the South African field guides and knows the area around your location like the back of her hand. With her experience, she is at your side with all your problems and open questions.

RGV FAQ
to the project

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

What visa do I need for South Africa?

You can apply for a tourist visa for South Africa when you arrive at the airport. This is valid for 90 days.

What language skills do I need for the project in South Africa?

You definitely need good English skills for the project. An Afrikaans course is also recommended.

What vaccinations/ health precautions do I need?

If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you need a yellow fever vaccination. Otherwise there are no compulsory vaccinations.

We generally recommend a consultation in a practice for travel and tropical medicine.

You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.

What do I have to consider as an LGBTQ person?

Please be aware that homosexual acts are considered undesirable in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and are even punishable by law in some places. In general, people who are identified as queer are often exposed to hostility.

For example, get information from Foreign Office about the exact regulations in your destination country.

What do I have to consider when flying to and from the Kruger National Park?

The following information only applies from January 2023:

If you would like to take part in this project, the best thing to do is book a flight to Richards Bay, which usually has a stopover in Johannesburg.

There is usually a morning flight that departs Johannesburg at 06:15 a.m. and arrives in Richards Bay at 07:45 a.m. and an afternoon flight that departs at 11:00 a.m. and arrives at 12:30 p.m.

The local team can pick you up at these times. If the flight schedule changes, the transfer time is limited to 15:00 p.m.

The departure transfer option is designed for the afternoon flight. This takes off at 12:55 p.m. and lands in Johannesburg at 14:30 p.m. The team can take you to the airport at 9 a.m. at the earliest.

The departure transfer option is only offered on Fridays.

If you arrive or depart from Durban airport on a different day, a fee will apply. By the way, pickup from Durban Airport does not take place after 13 p.m.

General FAQ about internships abroad

Ready to get involved as a volunteer in South Africa? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

Get involved as an intern in the Eco Village

Stand up against poverty as an intern in the Eco Village

Internship in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa

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