Habitat Conservation
South Africa
Restore landscapes, protect biodiversity, and help fight climate change in South Africa’s Klein Karoo.
Overview
Duration
2-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
18+
Start Dates
Every Tuesday of every month
Fees From
$1,264 USD
UN SDGs
This program supports SDG 15: Life on Land through reforestation, erosion control, and habitat restoration in the Klein Karoo. It also contributes to SDG 13: Climate Action by promoting nature-based solutions like Spekboom planting.
Through education and collaboration, it aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, uniting volunteers and local stakeholders in restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable living.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Habitat Conservation volunteer, you’ll play an essential role in several key initiatives:
- Spekboom Reforestation: Assist in planting and maintaining Spekboom cuttings to reverse erosion and sequester carbon.
- Ukarabati Project: Support the transformation of degraded farmland into flourishing ecosystems filled with indigenous plants.
- Erosion Control: Help build “Karoo Smiles” natural erosion barriers that protect soil and waterways.
- Seedball Creation: Craft and distribute native seedballs during conservation safaris to promote natural rewilding.
- Veld Management: Monitor vegetation health and biodiversity as part of long-term restoration planning.
This work varies based on the season and needs of the reserve, but all activities are hands-on and outdoors.
Why It Matters
The Klein Karoo is a biodiversity hotspot facing increasing threats from overgrazing, climate change, and habitat fragmentation. By restoring native vegetation and combating soil erosion, this program helps stabilise entire ecosystems.
Your involvement directly contributes to the regeneration of land, the reduction of atmospheric carbon, and the preservation of habitats for countless species.
A Day in the Life
Your week will follow a structured but varied schedule, typically running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with regular breaks.
A typical weekday may include:
- Morning: Briefing followed by habitat conservation work such as planting Spekboom, erosion control, or other field activities
- Midday: Break and continuation of fieldwork or participation in educational workshops
- Afternoon: A second conservation task or creative project, such as seedball making or indigenous plant propagation
- Late afternoon: Wrap-up, data recording, and planning for the next day
Your activities will rotate to give you experience across all aspects of habitat restoration, keeping each day purposeful, engaging, and impactful.
Saturdays include light duties followed by fun activities, while Sundays are for rest or exploring Oudtshoorn, the Garden Route, or local attractions like the Cango Caves.
Your Impact
Through this program, you’ll contribute to:
- Rehabilitating degraded land
- Sequestering carbon through reforestation
- Enhancing biodiversity by reintroducing native plant species
- Supporting local climate change mitigation strategies
- Raising environmental awareness among local communities and guests
You’ll leave knowing that your actions helped restore balance to an ecosystem and inspired others to do the same.
Where You'll Be Staying
Your project is based just outside Oudtshoorn, in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Surrounded by mountains and open semi-arid plains, this part of the Klein Karoo is a conservation gem and gateway to the famous Garden Route.
You’ll be working on a private reserve that hosts both wildlife and ecological restoration projects, giving you a diverse and enriching conservation experience.
The region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and is malaria-free, perfect for outdoor volunteering.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
You’ll stay at a dedicated volunteer camp on-site, surrounded by nature and fellow changemakers. Accommodation includes:
- Shared safari-style tents (up to 4 per room, same gender or couples)
- En-suite showers and flushing toilets with gas-heated water
- Electricity and charging points in all tents
- Solar backup and hot water
- Laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi access
Meals
Three meals are provided daily and cooked fresh at the camp.
- Breakfast: Cereal, toast, coffee and tea
- Lunch: Light meals like wraps, burgers, or pasta
- Dinner: Hearty home-cooked meals with meat, vegetables, and starch
Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 18 years old
- Able to speak and understand basic English
- In good physical health and comfortable working outdoors
- Enthusiastic about conservation and willing to get hands-on—no prior experience required!
This experience is ideal for gap year students, aspiring conservationists, nature lovers, or career breakers looking to reconnect with the planet. Whether you’re seeking meaningful travel, practical skills, or personal growth, you’ll find purpose and community here.
Program Pricing
Your program fees directly support the operations of our local team in South Africa and the services we provide to ensure your experience is meaningful, safe, and well-supported.
Outreach Overseas Offer
- Pre-departure support
- Volunteer information pack
- Assistance with trip logistics
- Emergency assistance
- Program quality assurance
- Certificate of participation
What's Included
- Shared accommodation
- Three prepared meals per day
- Weekly laundry service
- Project transport and coordination
- On-site orientation and training
- Weekly town trip to Oudtshoorn
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Airport transfers (available at extra cost)
- Personal spending money
- Weekend excursions
All program fees exclude a one-time $199 confirmation fee, which is payable upon acceptance into the program. Your remaining balance (program fees and any optional add-ons) is only due 60 days before your start date. This can be paid in instalments or as a lump sum.
| Duration | Oct 2025 – Sept 2026 | Oct 2026 – Sept 2027 |
| 2 Weeks | $1,065 | $1,170 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,595 | $1,755 |
| 4 Weeks | $2,125 | $2,335 |
| 5 Weeks | $2,655 | $2,990 |
| 6 Weeks | $3,190 | $3,505 |
| 7 Weeks | $3,720 | $4,090 |
| 8 Weeks | $4,250 | $4,675 |
| 9 Weeks | $4,780 | $5,260 |
| 10 Weeks | $5,310 | $5,845 |
| 11 Weeks | $5,840 | $6,430 |
| 12 Weeks | $6,370 | $7,015 |
Program fees are based on your arrival date. The applicable seasonal rate (shown above) is determined by when you begin your program, not when you book.
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
Join a community of passionate changemakers helping to heal one of South Africa’s most ecologically important landscapes. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a career breaker, or an eco-conscious traveller, this is your chance to dig deep, connect with nature, and leave a lasting legacy.
Choose your next step:
Apply Now to start your application and secure your spot in the program.
Enquire Here to get all the details you need from our team before you commit.
Good to Know Before You Go
What date should I arrive, and how do I get to the program location?
Volunteers should plan to arrive on a Tuesday, when complimentary airport pick-up is offered from George Airport (GRJ), about an hour’s drive from the project site. We’ll be waiting to welcome you and transfer you directly to the reserve.
If you arrive on a different day, don’t worry, we can still arrange a transfer at an additional cost. Once on-site, you’ll receive a warm orientation and jump straight into your conservation journey.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll stay in a comfortable, safari-style tented camp nestled on the reserve. Each large tent sleeps up to four people (same gender or couples) and includes en-suite bathrooms with hot water, solar lighting, and charging points.
It’s simple but special, designed to help you reconnect with nature, bond with fellow volunteers, and enjoy peaceful evenings under the stars. All bedding is provided, and a dedicated camp host prepares delicious daily meals.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Most weekdays follow a structured yet varied routine, with work starting around 8:00 AM and ending by 5:00 PM. You’ll be hands-on with habitat restoration, Spekboom planting, erosion control, and veld rehabilitation, plus rotating duties like fence checks, seedball creation, or environmental education.
Saturdays include only essential tasks, leaving time for social or cultural activities. Sundays are free, perfect for exploring Oudtshoorn, joining a game drive, or relaxing with your fellow conservationists.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
You must be at least 18 years old, speak basic English, and be reasonably fit for outdoor work in sometimes warm or dry conditions.
No prior experience is needed—just an open mind, a good attitude, and a genuine passion for nature. This program is ideal for gap year students, career breakers, aspiring conservationists, or anyone seeking a meaningful, hands-on impact.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in South Africa?
Yes. The program is based in a remote and secure reserve near the town of Oudtshoorn, far from urban hotspots. You’ll be staying on private land with 24/7 support from on-site staff, a coordinator, and an emergency contact line.
South Africa does have areas where safety is a concern, but your time on this program will be in a controlled, conservation-focused environment designed for international visitors.
What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter South Africa or participate in the program, we recommend consulting your doctor or travel clinic before travelling. Common vaccines for South Africa include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus
- Typhoid (optional, depending on travel plans)
The region is malaria-free, so Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary.
Make sure you have comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers volunteering and outdoor activities—it’s a mandatory requirement to join.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! Many volunteers join with friends, siblings, or partners. You’ll be placed in the same accommodation upon request, and you’ll share the experience side-by-side—from planting Spekboom to relaxing around the campfire.
If you’re joining solo (which most of our volunteers do!), you’ll be warmly welcomed and become part of the team in no time.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $1,264 for 2 weeks, including all essential program costs and the one-time $199 Outreach Overseas confirmation deposit. Outreach Overseas keeps costs low by partnering directly with grassroots organisations and operating as a small, purpose-driven team. Our pricing supports both volunteers and the project on the ground.
Your fee includes:
- Shared tented accommodation with en-suite facilities
- Three freshly prepared meals daily
- Laundry service
- Project materials and transport
- On-site training and 24/7 support
- Weekly town trip to Oudtshoorn
- Outreach Overseas pre-departure support, emergency assistance, and a certificate of participation
Not included: Flights, insurance, visa (if required), and optional weekend travel.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes! Weekends are yours to unwind or explore the stunning surroundings. Oudtshoorn and the nearby Garden Route offer unforgettable experiences, like caving in the Cango Caves, visiting an ostrich farm, or even day trips to the beach.
You can also join local activities like horseback riding, ziplining, skydiving, and wine tasting, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the Klein Karoo.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
The program runs year-round, and with over 300 days of sunshine annually, there’s truly no bad time to come.
- October to April brings warm summer days and greener landscapes (expect hot weather and occasional rain).
- May to September is cooler and drier, with chilly mornings and evenings—ideal for those who prefer milder conditions.
Most volunteers join between August and April, but it depends on your schedule and weather preference.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your passion and goals.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Complete our quick and easy online application form to start the process.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Pay your $199 confirmation deposit upon your acceptance.
Step 4: Make an Impact
Travel to your destination, join your team, and begin your volunteer journey.
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