Volunteer in South Africa in Environmental Conservation

Environmental conservation south africa

South Africa is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world. It is home to almost half the species found in southern Africa, including many endangered animals and plants.

South Africa’s varied climate and terrain support a rich array of habitats, from temperate forests to deserts and mountains. South Africa’s protected areas cover more than 40% of its land area, an area larger than France or Spain. These protected areas are vital for protecting biodiversity and providing critical habitat for many rare species. The country also has a strong network of nature reserves and other protected areas managed by government departments and non-profit organizations such as the National Parks Board, Fish Eagle Trust and the Department of Environmental Affairs.

South Africa has made great progress in conserving its natural resources in recent decades. However, it is still vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation caused by human activities such as agriculture, mining and urban development.

Environmental conservation volunteers can contribute in many ways to these exciting and sustainable environmental projects. One of the focuses of these projects is on the running of environmental educational camps for children and the youth of South Africa. Outreach and awareness programs for children from impoverished communities have been a major focus of these projects.

Volunteers will be based near the environmental centers and will assist with everyday maintenance and conservation of the reserves as well as helping to run environmental camps for children. Activities could include outdoor hikes on the nature reserves, lecture series and camping out with the children. The outreach activities would take the volunteers to impoverished schools to assist with the Eco-Schools program. Maintenance and upkeep of the facilities, as well as painting and maintaining the educational resource centers, could also form part of the volunteer tasks.

Tasks and activities Include:

  • Assisting and running environmental education camps for children and youth
  • General upkeep of facilities, maintenance and upgrading of Centre’s
  • Obstacle course repairs and maintenance
  • Assisting with the Eco-Schools program
  • Interacting with the children (games etc)
  • Painting of walls and murals
  • General Administration tasks
  • Location: Capetown
  • Volunteering schedule: Monday-Fri
  • Commitment: 3-12 weeks

The ideal volunteer is a friendly, enthusiastic team player who would function well on their own as well as in teams. As a lot of the work is outdoors, volunteers would need at appreciate the weather and be prepared to handle extreme temperatures.

Before booking your flight please make sure you are getting it for the right date and right airport. Free pickup is included on our set arrival dates.

If you want to arrive any other day, please note that you might be charged a fee for transportation.

Airport to fly into:  Cape town Int airport     Code: CPTIf you are arriving via bus or are already in the country we can arrange for your pickup elsewhere in Cape town.

English is the only requirement

All participants must be 18 years or older when starting the program and must submit the following documents:

 

-Application form

-Copy of resume or bio.

-Emergency contacts.

-Copy of passport.

-Proof of adequate medical travel insurance.



We encourage all of our participants in our programs to travel as much as they can during the weekends. Volunteers and interns usually travel together during the weekends. Our coordinators can assist you to make travels plans

During the weekdays volunteers and interns usually spend time together after their assignments.

  • Welcome and transportation from Cape Town airport or Johannesburg.(Depending on the project)
  • Support throughout the program 
  • 24/7 Emergency support
  • Shared volunteer accommodation with a host family with three meals per day or volunteer dormitories.
    /Wildlife project´s accommodation might differ to tented accommodation./
  • Placement at project.
  • Supervision 
  • Certificate of program participation
  • Use of Laundry facilities

Ready to travel?

1- Pick a program and destination.
2- Apply for free.
3- Get step by step guidance from the INLEX team