Our conservation camp is a welcoming base for travellers, students, and volunteers passionate about wildlife, nature, and environmental conservation. Surrounded by unspoiled beaches, forests, lakes, and rich Zulu culture, the camp offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of northern South Africa while making a meaningful impact. Our primary mission is to help protect the remaining hippos of Lake Sibaya, South Africa's largest freshwater lake. Volunteers contribute to wildlife monitoring, beach clean-ups, biodiversity surveys, and other conservation projects. Those with practical or creative skills can also assist with building and improving our base camp. Located near Sodwana Bay, famous for its world-class scuba diving, the camp is the perfect place to combine conservation, adventure, and an authentic African experience.
The Women's Refuge, established in 1959, provides a safe, temporary home for women and children affected by domestic violence, abuse, and social stigma. Its mission is to support survivors through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, regardless of race or religion. Due to the sensitive nature of the project and the experiences of the residents, this is a women-for-women program, and only female volunteers are eligible to participate. Residents can stay for up to three months and receive accommodation, meals, clothing, counseling, legal and medical support, childcare, and educational assistance for their children. A key focus of the project is empowering women to regain their independence. Residents have the opportunity to participate in skills training programs such as sewing, beadwork, crafts, computer literacy, and job-readiness preparation, helping them build confidence and prepare for future employment. Volunteers play an important role in supporting the daily activities of the refuge and work alongside social workers to respond to the individual needs of each woman and her children. Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while enjoying a life-changing experience. The organization partners with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, Good Hope Volunteers helps organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities. Good Hope Volunteers is committed to providing high-quality, meaningful volunteer experiences that benefit both participants and the communities or conservation projects they support. The organization is guided by the following values: - Openness and transparency - Inclusivity and equality - Respect and tolerance - Sustainable community development - Environmental conservation - Positive social and environmental change
The Cape Nature Conservation project is based in a 250-hectare nature reserve in Cape Town, encompassing wetlands, an estuary, beaches, and endangered habitats that support a rich diversity of plants and wildlife. The reserve is home to hundreds of plant species, as well as a wide variety of birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. It also plays a vital role in protecting several endangered fish species. The project focuses on maintaining, restoring, and improving the ecological health and infrastructure of the reserve, with conservation efforts benefiting both flora and fauna. Environmental education is also a key component of the project, with volunteers helping to raise ecological awareness through educational programs at local schools. Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while enjoying a life-changing experience. The organization partners with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, Good Hope Volunteers helps organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities. Good Hope Volunteers is committed to providing high-quality, meaningful volunteer experiences that benefit both participants and the communities or conservation projects they support. The organization is guided by the following values: - Openness and transparency - Respect and tolerance - Sustainable community development - Environmental conservation - Positive social and environmental change
South Africa has one of the world's highest unemployment rates, leaving many young people vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, gang involvement, and addiction. The Uplifting the Homeless Project supports people experiencing homelessness by helping them rebuild their lives through a structured, skills-based rehabilitation program that has been developed over the past 25 years. This Christian faith-based program promotes participants' emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, and social development. The rehabilitation journey typically takes between 18 and 36 months and is divided into four phases: - Homeless Support Centre – Provides essential services such as meals, clothing, and hygiene facilities. - Rehabilitation – Offers therapy, rehabilitation services, and safe accommodation. - Work Readiness – Participants receive job training, work experience, life skills coaching, therapy, and support through a range of social enterprises. - Independent Employment – Graduates secure employment, join peer support groups, and continue receiving follow-up support as they transition to independent living. Over the past five years, 80% of participants have remained sober and employed, while more than 70% have maintained stable housing. The project also operates several social enterprises that provide practical training, work experience, and employment opportunities for people transitioning out of homelessness. Volunteers play an important role in supporting these initiatives, which include: - Charity shops - Web development services - Endemic nursery and sustainable gardening programs - Mi-Change Vouchers, supporting essential services, rehabilitation, and community assistance Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers offers volunteers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while enjoying a life-changing experience. The organization partners with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, Good Hope Volunteers helps organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities.
The Surfing for Dreams project creates sustainable opportunities that engage, uplift, equip, and empower impoverished and vulnerable youth from coastal informal settlements and communities facing significant challenges: - 60% are illiterate. - 60% come from single-parent households with very low incomes. - 76% of community members connected to the beneficiaries are unemployed. - Many young people are at risk of joining gangs or ending up in prison without proper support and guidance. To address these challenges, surfing is used as a powerful tool to engage young people while teaching discipline, determination, resilience, and essential life skills. The project provides safe spaces and structured after-school programs designed to support personal development and overall well-being. The program includes: - Fitness & Surf Therapy – Encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive coping mechanisms. - Environmental Programme – Raising an environmentally conscious generation. - Youth Empowerment – Building confidence, leadership, and personal development. - Digital Programme – Helping youth become computer literate, tech-savvy, and prepared for the world of work. - Literacy & Academic Support – Addressing learning challenges and reducing "learning poverty." - Food & Community Support – Strengthening families and local communities. - Art & Music Therapy – Supporting creativity, emotional expression, and healing. The project's vision is to create a transformed society where opportunities are maximized and young people are effectively developed, empowered, and integrated into their communities. We walk a long road alongside the people we support and strongly believe that everyone has a purpose, human potential is unlimited, and with the right support, all youth can flourish. About Good Hope Volunteers: Founded in 2009, Good Hope Volunteers provides volunteers with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in disadvantaged communities and wildlife conservation projects while experiencing a life-changing journey. We partner with local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that rely on volunteer support. Acting as a bridge between volunteers and local projects, we help organizations access the volunteers, funding, and resources they need to continue serving their communities.
TAILOR-MADE TRIPS Odyssey creates tailor-made trips for schools, student groups, volunteers, and travellers who want a journey designed around their goals, interests, and budget. Whether you are looking for a conservation-focused experience, an educational safari, a meaningful volunteer program, or a unique South African adventure, we work closely with you to create an itinerary that meets your needs from start to finish.
Ubunye Educare Centre (Ubunye) is an Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme based in Dunoon Township, Cape Town. Our Story & History: Ubunye began operating in 2007 as a community response to the lack of quality early learning opportunities in Dunoon. What started as a small initiative to provide safe, structured care for young children has grown into a dedicated centre serving the township’s youngest learners. Over the years, we have become a trusted space in Dunoon where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Our Mission: Our purpose is to provide quality Grade R early childhood education, routine pediatric health check-ups, and nutritional support for 120 children aged 5–6 years from Dunoon Township enrolled in our care. We believe every child deserves a strong start in life, regardless of their family’s income or circumstances. What We Do: At Ubunye, learning happens through play, guided activities, and structured daily routines. Alongside our Grade R programme, we provide nutritious meals and snacks and coordinate regular health check-ups to identify and address early health concerns. Our educators work closely with each child to support their cognitive, social, and emotional development, preparing them for a confident transition into primary school. We are a small, community-rooted team committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and build brighter futures—one child at a time.
Stay Africa Volunteers (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was established in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It served as the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities originated during the Apartheid era. For over 40 years, we have played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel and are well-equipped to help young people realize their travel dreams. We have achieved this by working with reputable and internationally recognized partners from around the world. Stay Africa's volunteer programs are operated in accordance with the guidelines established by these international organizations. Over the past 15 years, Stay Africa has expanded its offerings to include exciting opportunities for international travelers to experience South Africa through Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, High School Exchange, and group travel programs.
Stay Africa Volunteers (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was established in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It served as the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities originated during the Apartheid era. For over 40 years, we have played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel and are well-equipped to help young people realize their travel dreams. We have achieved this by working with reputable and internationally recognized partners from around the world. Stay Africa's volunteer programs are operated in accordance with the guidelines established by these international organizations. Over the past 15 years, Stay Africa has expanded its offerings to include exciting opportunities for international travelers to experience South Africa through Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, High School Exchange, and group travel programs.
Welcome to the Vervet Monkey Foundation (VMF)! Established in 1993 in South Africa, our sanctuary was born out of urgent necessity. When a tiny orphaned baby vervet monkey was brought to founder Dave, he quickly discovered a tragic reality: there were no specialised facilities dedicated to rehabilitating or protecting this indigenous species, which is frequently misunderstood, orphaned through human conflict, or targeted as pests. What started with a single orphan soon evolved into a lifeline for thousands. Our Mission Our core mission is simple yet profound: to provide a sanctuary for abused, orphaned, injured, and lab-rescued vervet monkeys, while working tirelessly to conserve the species and their natural habitats. We believe that every monkey deserves a life free from exploitation, surrounded by their own kind. The VMF Story & Breakthroughs Over the past three decades, VMF has pioneered groundbreaking primate rehabilitation. We don’t just house monkeys; we help restore their identity. We achieved a world-first by successfully rebuilding natural, self-sustaining social structures from orphaned individuals, allowing them to form deep, complex bonds within a troop. From the intensive, around-the-clock care in our sickbay for vulnerable babies, to the gradual and rewarding process of integrating monkeys into a family, our work covers every stage of recovery. The Volunteer Experience As a volunteer, you are the backbone of our foundation. You won’t just be watching from the sidelines; you will be directly involved in making a difference. Your days will include preparing specialised diets, constructing and repairing essential infrastructure, assisting with enrichment activities to keep the monkeys stimulated, and witnessing incredible milestones—such as seeing an underweight orphan take its first brave steps into a new troop. By volunteering with us, you become a vital part of our ongoing history, helping us give these beautiful primates a second chance.
Stay Africa Volunteers (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was established in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It served as the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities originated during the Apartheid era. For over 40 years, we have played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel and are well-equipped to help young people realize their travel dreams. We have achieved this by working with reputable and internationally recognized partners from around the world. Stay Africa's volunteer programs are operated in accordance with the guidelines established by these international organizations. Over the past 15 years, Stay Africa has expanded its offerings to include exciting opportunities for international travelers to experience South Africa through Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, High School Exchange, and group travel programs.
A Love Story That Inspired DAKTARI Ian and Michèle Merrifield officially opened DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage in 2006, after years of dedication and hard work. They first met while Ian was working as a game ranger at Tshukudu Game Lodge and Michèle was volunteering there. While caring for injured zebras, wildebeest, and warthogs, they fell in love and shared a vision of protecting wildlife through education. DAKTARI’s mission is to educate and inspire local children to value their environment while supporting community development. Located in the South African bush near Kruger National Park, DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is a local NGO founded in 2006. The organization provides environmental education programs where children stay at DAKTARI for five days to learn about wildlife conservation and their natural heritage. Children also help care for animals that cannot be released back into the wild, helping develop empathy, respect, and responsibility toward wildlife. Volunteers from around the world support the program by teaching lessons and helping guide children in animal care activities. In addition, DAKTARI runs an Outreach Program, including weekly ECO Clubs and Wildlife Crime Campaigns, to inspire positive attitudes toward environmental conservation within local communities.
We, Volunteer International Adventures, are a passionate, hands-on organisation based in Africa, with a dedicated team creating meaningful volunteer experiences since 2008. We welcome students, travellers, families, friends, gappers, and career breakers to join our ethical projects in South Africa, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe, focusing on animal and youth projects. We believe in responsible and inclusive volunteer travel, offering opportunities that not only support important projects but also allow volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, build real connections, and create lifelong memories. Our local teams are committed to your journey by ensuring your safety, supporting your personal growth, and guiding you every step of the way so you can focus on making a genuine difference where it is needed most. Volunteers in our Knysna projects can contribute in areas such as veterinary medicine, animal care, youth development, social work, teaching, early childhood care, sports coaching, and community development with NPOs.