Help South Africa rebuild and conserve threatened wildlife !

"I was part of the first group to travel to South Africa, and my experience was unbelievable. I learned so much about the people and their cultures, as well as the incredible animals that live here. The people I've spent the past four weeks with are like family now, and this trip is one that I'll never forget." - Linda Dockery, University of North Carolina, Chappel-Hill

About ISV's South Africa's Conservation and Community Development Projects

South Africa has a turbulent history, resulting in a great divide between rich and poor. Many South Africans live in poverty and struggle to meet every day needs. Greater infrastructure development is a priority to meet basic human needs of the many South Africans living in townships. Carefully structured volunteer programs provide a means to make a real difference through community development. You can help by volunteering to help with Township Renewal which involves focused work on school buildings and playgrounds, urban renewal projects, water and sanitation development.

South Africa has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. However, due to urban expansion, hunting and habitat fragmentation, many species are threatened by extinction. You can make a difference on a private game reserve by assisting researchers to collect data through surveying and monitoring of flora and fauna used for conservation management. Additional tasks may involve maintenance activities and practical work around the reserve. Or, you could make a difference by volunteering on a wildlife rehabilitation centre. Tasks involve light construction of facilities within the sanctuary and animal husbandry.

Last year's key achievements: 600 m interactive trail created for disabled children, 4,524 hours of invasive vegetation removal and 1,188 hours of animal care (cleaning, feeding and ambassador care)

ISV's Projects

ISV has two key projects in very different parts of the country. You could be working on the Wild Coast or in the expansive North East of South Africa.

• Wildlife Monitoring: Help researchers gather information necessary for the best-practice management of African wildlife!
  Here is a unique opportunity to volunteer in the enchanting Swaziland (another country!) where you will be involved in monitoring a variety of amazing and threatened African wildlife. Some of these species may include the marabou stork, bat communities and tortoises. You may be tracking animals using radio transmitters, observing daily habits, and recording important data to help manage and understand these species. Working alongside conservation experts in a hands on conservation effort, you and your team of volunteers will contribute important research regarding these animals and their feeding, breeding and travel habits. There will also be an opportunity to learn about and get close to some of the larger African animals such as the White Rhino and the African Elephant in their natural habitat.



• Game Park Management: Contribute to the management and preservation of South Africa’s largest National Park!
  As a volunteer, you will contribute to a joint initiative between a private game reserve and National Parks. Participate in hands-on reserve management and maintenance activities and learn about South Africa’s diverse flora and fauna. Gain skills in conservation research through hands-on involvement in biodiversity monitoring surveys of selected animal groups within the reserve. The data is used for best-practice reserve management and will be also be available for comparative studies with national parks and other reserves. All this while working in a Big 5 area, you may see Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard or Buffalo amongst many other creatures.



• Community Development: Help South African communities!
  Here's your chance to make a real difference to a community that needs your help. This project will complement a bigger vision to redefine the face of the Cintsa East Township through new infrastructure, housing, water, sanitation and the building of a high school. Through smaller micro-projects, you will be involved in tasks such as the creation of a community garden and emergency housing. This is an amazing chance to make a difference and help empower the local people who live in this township.

Project Locations

Our projects are currently in two very different locations and ISV will add more projects as our program develops.

Please note: These are BOTH great projects with significant conservation, educational and community value in phenomenal locations.  Please be flexible with your project preferences as projects are subject to available spaces.

More on ISV's Projects

Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profits, government and non government organisations (NGOs), private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations, urban coastal area of the Wild Coast to the diverse wildlife areas of North Eastern South Africa. Each volunteer team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The volunteer team will consist of around 12 people.

No prior experience or expertise in environmental areas is needed in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects, ranging from volunteer houses, dormitory style accommodations to research stations. Meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer project.