Community tourism projects in South Africa are inspired by Nelson Mandela's legacy of moral fortitude and offer a way for the local and international traveller to acquire a little of his glow and change the southern tip of Africa for the better in some small or large way. more

Birding and flora volunteer projects cover a broad base - from rescuing and rehabilitating sea birds off the coast to helping conserve raptor populations. Many of the wildlife volunteer programmes also feature extensive biodiversity components, which include biome mapping, plant identification and alien plant control. more

HIV/AIDS volunteer work could include tasks like shadowing caregivers, looking after terminally ill patients in their homes, offering support and encouragement to people living with HIV/AIDS and their affected families, participating in community education and outreach programmes, and counselling. Volunteer needs in this sector are huge and varied. more

Voluntourism in South Africa is 1 of the country’s fastest-growing travel sectors. But responsible volunteering requires a delicate balance between your expectations and your host’s. Seek advice 1st and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re planning for the most rewarding time of your life – and it will be fun. more

Whether you regard sustainable community volunteerism as giving back, or paying it forward, when done correctly the experience is meaningful for the volunteer and the community with whom you choose to share your knowledge and experience. As an eco-volunteer, this is one time you’ll want to leave behind more than just footprints. more

There are many wildlife volunteer projects in South Africa, given its abundant game. Work through responsible wildlife voluntourism agents and be rewarded with highly gratifying programmes that include monitoring and tracking the Big 5, feeding and caring for abandoned animals, and working with endangered species. more

Responsible tourism and volunteering in South Africa includes numerous conservation and community-based programmes that aim to deliver benefits to both the communities and the volunteers involved. The programmes are based on sustainable principles and adhere to codes of good practice and national minimum standards to ensure all-round positive experiences. more

Marine volunteer projects in South Africa are clustered mainly around Great White Shark and dolphin research, although the whales that visit the country’s shore each year provide a fascinating dimension to marine conservation activities. Exposure to penguins, seals and prolific pelagic bird populations add to these exciting marine voluntourism programmes. more

Responsible tourism means protecting environmental integrity, upholding social justice and spreading maximum local economic benefit. Up until now the eco-labels had differing priorities on these three pillars. South Africa has recently launched its National Minimum Standards for Responsible Tourism. It helps create a cohesive understanding of sustainability in the industry. more

Volunteers at Samara Private Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet get their hands dirty in the name of healing the Earth. And apart from the undoubtedly noble legacy they leave, it’s great seeing conservation from the inside. It doesn’t hurt that you get to spend time with fascinating wild animals. more

At Cintsa Horses, the mounts come with a history. Some have been abused and brought here to be rehabilitated. As a horse-mad volunteer, your job is to touch them, get them used to humans, groom them, help them overcome phobias. Oh, and then there are the glorious trail rides… more

Volunteer projects in South Africa, be they wildlife- or community-based, enable participants to leave for their home countries with a heightened sense of achievement, self-awareness and understanding of the host country. Said one voluntourist: 'I now live in the present....' more

The Recycle Swop Shop is a concept that began in Hermanus’ township, Zwelihle. One woman, dismayed by the lack of play-space and the litter that surrounded the children there, helped create the project, elegant in its simplicity. Children collect junk, receive goodies in return, and learn arithmetic alongside good values. more

Do you love horses, even if you don’t yet know how to ride? Then volunteer for the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails Volunteer Project. You’ll learn all the basic skills amidst spectacular Mpumalanga scenery on horses that live alongside the famed Kaapsehoop wild horses. more