This educational project allows you to embark on a youth humanitarian mission and have a first encounter with wildlife in South Africa. The rescue farm is located in Hartebeespoort (45 minutes from Johannesburg) and provides a sanctuary for orphaned or injured animals. Established 25 years ago to save a baby elephant whose parents had been slaughtered, this 1,000-hectare private reserve has built a strong reputation throughout the region.
– You will assist the elephant caretakers with the daily bathing routine.
– You will live in the heart of the sanctuary and actively participate in caring for the animals and maintaining their environment.
– Patrol rounds to check the condition of anti-poaching fences.
– Feeding the animals alongside the caretakers.
– Maintaining roads and controlling erosion.
– Identifying unknown and dangerous plants that may affect the wildlife and flora of the reserve.
The farm hosts around 20 volunteers at a time, but during peak summer periods, this can increase to 40-50 participants. Coordinators then form work groups, with each group assisting caretakers in their daily tasks.
In the evenings, social activities are organized in the bar/restaurant area. A wide range of sports activities and excursions are available on weekends at an additional cost. Yet another reason to embark on a youth humanitarian mission.
Duration in weeks | Total mission budget |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 2623 € |
3 weeks | 3571 € |
4 weeks | 4518 € |
5 weeks | 5466 € |
6 weeks | 6414 € |
7 weeks | 7362 € |
8 weeks | 8309 € |
9 weeks | 9257 € |
10 weeks | 10205 € |
11 weeks | 11153 € |
12 weeks | 12101 € |
The volunteer accommodation is within walking distance from the main area where the meals are served. Volunteer accommodation exists of:
– 1 cottage that sleeps up to 6 people
– 1 log cabin with 4 bedrooms that each sleep 2 to 3 people. This accommodation has a lounge and a kitchen
– 1 cottage/house with 4 bedrooms each with 2 beds with a lounge and a kitchen
– 1 house with 3 large rooms that each sleep 6 people each – dormitory style. This house has a kitchenette
– There is a separate building with communal bathroom facilities.
All linen will be provided and strictly no visitors are permitted to enter the property unless permitted by the project leader.
– Age 18+
– Up to date CV/ resume
– Copy of return flight itinerary
– Basic level of English; understanding and speaking
– Acceptance subject to availability of position
For any international project, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness and repatriation, including civil liability for professional activities abroad.
For full protection while studying or interning abroad, you can take out Cap Student insurance online via this link Student insurance abroad | Chapka Assurances, which gives you a 5% discount.
If you choose another insurance provider, we will ask you to send us a copy of your insurance certificate in English.
Reach the language level your international project requires with tailored support. The Clic-campus method Free Packers X Clic Campus foreign language courses combines live video lessons with an innovative e-learning platform, fully flexible from home.
The ideal length for a humanitarian trip or an internship in South Africa is between 2 and 12 weeks. The minimum duration is 2 weeks, and for visa reasons it is difficult to extend volunteer missions beyond 12 weeks in South Africa.
For gap years, internships, or long-term volunteering beyond 12 weeks, it is absolutely possible to combine a project in South Africa with a project in Namibia or Botswana, as transport options between these countries are numerous and convenient.
All projects are very safe, and you will benefit from ongoing support from a local team available 24/7 on the projects.
However, all volunteers are briefed upon arrival in South Africa about risks and safety, especially in urban and tourist areas. It is strongly recommended to follow the local organizations’ guidelines to ensure the mission runs smoothly.
Although specific requirements may vary depending on the organization or the project, certain qualifications and skills are generally needed for volunteers.
First, a good command of English is essential, as it is the main language used in most programs.
In addition, volunteers should have strong communication and interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively with the local population and with other volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
Volunteers must also have a valid passport and travel insurance.
Yes—taking part in several humanitarian missions is even encouraged as part of internships, gap years, or long-term volunteering! Here is an example of a 12-week itinerary combining community and environmental engagement in South Africa:
Weeks 1 to 4:
Hoedspruit Nature Reserve – Big 5 Conservation
Weeks 5 to 7:
Gansbaai – Marine protection & shark conservation
Weeks 8 to 10:
Cape Town – Education project and community engagement
Weeks 11 to 12:
Cape Town or a local environmental project – Impact project combining environment and community
A complete and well-balanced experience Immersion in several environments Environmental and social impact Ideal for a gap year, a year off, or a personal project Strong added value for your CV and university applications
This program is offered as a 12-week itinerary, but it can be adapted to your availability (minimum 2 weeks per project).
