South Africa is one of the most vibrant countries in the world with world famous cities, incredible nature and some of the most exotic wildlife in the world. View our guide to backpacking and taking a gap year in South Africa with ideas for things to do, where to go and advice for the best trips and volunteering opportunities.
Paid Work, Volunteer Programs, Trips & Safaris in South Africa
Big 5 African Wildlife & Conservation
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
Community Work in Cape Town
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,545
Game Ranger Training Course
• 8 weeks
• Price from £5,095
Volunteer with Monkeys
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,095
Cape Town & Kruger National Park Safari
• 10 days
• Price from £2,384
Cape Town, Safari & Victoria Falls Tour
• 11 days
• Price from £1,883
Southern Africa Encompassed
• 15 days
• Price from £1,503
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure
• 18 days
• Price from £3,063
Southern Africa Overland
• 30 days
• Price from £3079
Nairobi to Joburg
• 27 days, 6 countries
• £2,759
Cape Town to the Serengeti
• 40 days, 8 countries
• £3,599
Highlights of Southern Africa Tour
• 30 days
• Price from £6,079
Volunteer in South Africa
In our opinion, volunteering in South Africa is one of the most incredible experiences in the world. There are so many incredible organisations helping to preserve wildlife, nature and the environment. Helping animals like elephants is such an amazing experience and something that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Local and international companies offer programs all year round.
Work in South Africa
Fancy being more than just a tourist? Stay longer and work in Southern Africa! There are jobs in travel, tourism, hospitality and more. You can also book training courses some which offer full time employment on offer on completion, one popular option is to train to become safari guide. Imagine working as a tour leader in one of the famous National Parks, this really is a life changing experience.
Internships in South Africa
If you would like to ad depth to your CV lots of local companies offer internships and work experience placements to internationals, popular placements include media, journalism, marketing, law and human rights. Local companies in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg offer intern programs where you can learn new skills, boost your experience and enjoy living and working in a new culture.
Study in South Africa
Keen to improve your knowledge or get ahead academically? Apply to study in South Africa. There are lots of study abroad programs available to international students in places like Cape Town. Universities and language schools offer courses all year round.
South Africa Gap Year Ideas
South Africa offers so many different experiences and is home to some of the most vibrant cities on the planet with Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Durban all worth visiting. If you are keen to see wildlife then visits to the Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant National Park is recommended.
There are lots of adventure and sports activities available to book throughout the country including bungee jumping or going diving with great white sharks. You could go backpacking and travel independently arranging the whole trip by yourself, or you could book a structured experience with a travel operator.
If you want to travel, volunteer or work check out our featured trips to South Africa. For more options in this region view our guide to taking a gap year in Africa.
South Africa Tours & Safaris
Due to the size of South Africa, and the concerns around safety we highly recommend booking a tour to discover the country and see the highlights. Local and international travel operators offer small group overland trips and safaris all year round.
By booking you will travel with like-minded people and get taken to the best locations with experienced local guides. This can be one of the most hassle free ways to experience the best places in the country and have a lot of fun.
