Adventure Tours in South Africa

A volunteering experience with bite! Relocate to the incredible setting of the South African bush for the animal encounter of a lifetime, working closely with the entire spectrum of safari wildlife on a working game reserve. This special program calls for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to join the effort to protect Africa’s iconic big game species through park patrols, predator tracking, species surveys, and more. As part of its mission to study and conserve all that spectacular wildlife and support the ecosystem they habitat, the reserve operates a range of conservation projects in which the volunteer can actively participate.

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. In the stunning Kruger region, you have the chance to take action on some of the world's most pertinent issues through immersive Community projects, and impactful Environmental work. Through our life-changing Adventure Leadership Trek you will develop skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? The Greater Kruger area is located between Mozambique, Eswatini, and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart, not to mention boasting year-round sunshine. It is a wildlife haven with natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. You'll most likely spot plenty of wildlife while you're on our environmental project and trek. You'll be with experienced guides if you're in areas with any of the big 5. Whether you are taking a gap year or want to do something meaningful in your summer, join young volunteers from across the world and a community of thousands of Raleigh Alumni.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

Live on a private reserve in Limpopo, surrounded by wildlife in their natural habitat. Collaborate with GVI staff and other participants to contribute towards meaningful conservation and research efforts for wildlife protection and longevity. Learn about biodiversity and habitat monitoring, and how to track and identify each species using radio telemetry techniques. This is also an opportunity to work alongside Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) experts while seeing well-known South African predators, herbivores, and other species populations first-hand. You’ll contribute to the research efforts of the reservation’s natural resources. Your assistance provides reserve authorities and conservation organizations with the data they need to manage and preserve ecosystems. All GVI projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and have short, mid, and long-term objectives. In your free time, travel with other like-minded participants to the nearby Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Embark on an unforgettable journey across two of Africa’s most captivating destinations—Ghana and South Africa. This tour takes you on a cultural, historical, and scenic adventure that reveals the true soul of the continent. Begin in Ghana, the “Gateway to Africa,” where warm hospitality meets deep history. Experience the rhythm of Accra, explore the powerful stories of Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, and walk the famous canopy bridge at Kakum National Park surrounded by lush rainforest. Discover vibrant markets, traditional drumming, and the proud spirit of the Ghanaian people. Then continue to South Africa, where modern cities meet wild landscapes. From Johannesburg’s Soweto township and the cultural energy of Lesedi Village to thrilling game drives in Pilanesberg and the breathtaking views of Cape Town, this journey is designed to inspire, educate, and captivate. It’s more than a tour—it’s a celebration of Africa’s resilience, beauty, and diversity.

Set out on an exhilarating 20-day journey to South Africa, the “Rainbow Nation,” with our immersive summer program. Begin your adventure in Cape Town, where we explore vibrant markets and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Travel to the heart of the conservation efforts, where we assist in protecting the critically endangered white rhinoceros, and other native wildlife. Experience the stunning landscapes along the Garden Route; visit the poignant Robben Island Prison; watch ostrich, baboons, and African penguins at the Cape of Good Hope. This unique program for ages 16-19 combines hands-on wildlife conservation, cultural exploration, and personal growth, offering a rare opportunity to connect with South Africa’s natural beauty and rich heritage while earning community service hours. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that will inspire and transform your perspective.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

The Kruger to Coast Adventure Tour will take you through some of the best highlights in southern Africa in terms of wildlife, culture and beaches. Begin your journey in The Kingdom of Eswatini (fromerly called Swaziland) where you will receive an orientation to the country and programme overall, and a tour of a local village. During the second and third week of the programme you will get involved in grassroots community projects here and make an active contribution to the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children. But first, head off on a five-day camping safari through the world-renowned Kruger National Park to spot big game. On your return Eswatini, you will be spend time volunteering venture to tropical Mozambique where you will spend time on world-class Indian Ocean beaches. While here, you will see some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife, snorkel with whale sharks, paddle to tropical palm-fringed islands and, most of all, participate in important community development projects.

This program aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the lives of some of Cape Town’s most impoverished children and youth ages 6 - 13. Volunteers are placed in a physical education program that runs in conjunction with the local public primary school curriculum. They help deliver a sports program and assist local teachers with classroom lessons. Days vary depending on the activities planned and each volunteer's creativity! The assistance of international volunteers is essential to the program's success in increasing the chances for local children to achieve their goals and ultimately improve their lives. Volunteers also spend two afternoons per week learning how to surf with a professional instructor at Muizenberg Beach, the most popular surfing beach in Cape Town, about a 20-minute drive from the volunteer accommodation.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with your children in this family volunteering and adventure program. Immerse yourself in the culture of Swaziland while helping build or renovate much-needed infrastructure, including homes or shelters for orphaned children. Witness wildlife animals, including the Big 5, during game drives in Kruger National Park. The Family Volunteering: Swaziland Building to Kruger Adventure program is an unforgettable combination of community service and safari experience. In Swaziland, help experienced builders with a range of building activities, from making blocks to fitting roofs. Adults work according to instructions and younger kids take on supportive tasks, with the assistance of parents. In South Africa, groups enjoy big game viewing, guided bush walks, and night drives. At the same time, learn about the plants and animals of the African savanna and the importance of protecting this beautiful yet fragile ecosystem. This project requires the motivation to work hard and follow instructions. Carpentry, building, electrical, and plumbing skills would be a great asset, but not necessary.

Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quests. Each Quest has its own set of adventure activities, soft skill workshops, and personal mentoring sessions. During each Quest, you will travel through different parts of South Africa, experiencing wild animal encounters, some of the most sought-after hiking experiences, scuba diving in Sodwana, wine tasting in Cape Town, river rafting on the Orange River, and more. You will be taught several different skill sets focused on equipping the skills needed to live the life you want to live, including TRE, Quantum Logic, Public Speaking workshops, Rebounding, and more. Battling with finding direction? We have you covered with career guidance and personal development workshops. We also aim to give back to the communities we visit through various community-building activities.

This one-week program pairs perfectly with our South Africa Veterinary Service program. By adding this bonus week to an existing program, students are given a fantastic opportunity to explore the southernmost coast of Africa. Each day is sure to be an adventure, with time spent enjoying Cape Town, tasting local cuisine, spotting native animals in their natural habitats, and going on an adventure outside the city. This one-week program is the perfect way to round out an already exciting program and go home with tons of new memories and stories to share!

Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete your Apprentice Field Guide training in 55 days? This former Field Guide Level 1 course offers expert guidance from seasoned leaders and covers essential basics of Southern Africa’s flora and fauna. The program emphasizes hands-on training in the wild, preparing you to conserve the African wilderness's beauty. You will master orientation and navigation techniques, including using constellations for positioning, handling a cross-country vehicle, and safely navigating rough terrain. You'll also gain skills in tracking, analyzing animal behavior, and identifying local wildlife and plant species. Experience nights under the stunning starry sky; gather around the campfire with fellow adventure seekers; and create unforgettable memories in the bush.

On this programme, participants will get the opportunity to travel with a mobile vet, moving between game reserves, farms and veterinary clinics and gaining insight into how animals are treated and helped in South Africa. Based on the Eastern Cape, volunteers will get the opportunity to explore beautiful surroundings whilst helping wild and domestic animals in the area. The internship is split into three sections: working with African wildlife reserves, working with agricultural livestock, and helping domestic animals in nearby rural villages. This is a hands-on, practical experience and all participants are given background instruction to all veterinary work that takes place. Although prior experience is definitely useful, it is not essential. Most volunteers use this internship to gain experience for their own studies at home. Participants live in a communal volunteer house in the pretty seaside town of Chintsa. Free time can involve surfing, visiting the beach, and exploring the local area. You can take part in this programme from two weeks to 12 weeks between March and November.

The reptile and amphibian diversity of the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, located outside the town of Mashishing in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, has not been quantitatively assessed. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, in collaboration with the management of Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, has commissioned ABRE to conduct and finance a herpetological assessment for the protected area. The protected area primarily encompasses mountainous grassland habitat and rocky outcrops. This project centers around the daily inspection of pitfall and funnel trap arrays, which are accessed by hiking across the terrain. As such, prospective volunteers will need to be fit. Day time active searches and nocturnal frogging are conducted after pitfall and funnel trap array checks. The survey runs over three weeks (21 days) between December 1st and 21st. Five volunteers are admitted each week (December 1-7, 8-14, and 15-21), and volunteers are welcome to book for more than one week. Accommodation consists of tents and are included in the price of participation. This project is specifically priced to allow South African students to participate.

Experience a marine adventure in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, one of the world’s top dive locations. Adventure Mania’s Gap Year Program gives students and young adults a blend of scuba diving, marine ecology, and adventure travel. No diving experience is required. Participants receive PADI-certified dive training in small groups, with full gear rental and expert guidance. The week includes supervised reef dives, conservation lectures, and hands-on activities like snorkeling, rock pool excursions, beach cleanups, and ecology workshops. Based in a world-class coastal region, the program strikes a balance between structured learning and freedom. Two days each week are reserved for participants to relax, explore independently, or join optional local adventures, such as hiking, quad biking, or cultural outings. Students stay in comfortable, upper-market accommodation at Adventure Mania’s private lodge, with 24/7 support and strong safety protocols. This is not a traditional internship, but a fun and conservation-focused gap year experience for young people who want to travel, learn, and explore South Africa’s marine world.