
Frequently Asked Questions
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We understand that traveling to South Africa can be intimidating. Our team is committed to making sure that you feel 100% comfortable and confident when traveling with us. If you have any additional questions that are not answered below please reach out to us at info@volunteersa.com.
Our company has been in business for almost a decade and has partnered with responsible and ethical animal conservation and social development programs across southern Africa. As an organization our highest priority is to ensure that each program we work with benefits from the support of volunteers both financially and through service work. With hundreds of programs being available, we want to ensure that our volunteers are participating and supporting programs whose greatest importance is animal, environmental and social conservation.
Volunteer Southern Africa sees the care of all animals paramount. Therefore, we have not, do not, and will not ever, under any circumstances, support any facility that sells lions to the canned hunting industry, whether directly or indirectly. We will gladly investigate any and all claims of animal abuse or accusations that facilities we support are involved in. If it were to be discovered that one of our project locations is contributing in any sort of way to the atrociousness that is canned lion hunting, we would remove our company and our programs from the respective location effective immediately. Should you have any current proof that details any of our facilities working with, for, or in cooperation with the canned lion hunting industry, please reach out to us, as we would like to hear from you and subsequently take appropriate action.
Volunteer Southern Africa will continue to support the zero tolerance against animal abuse initiative and we vow to our volunteers that we will never associate them, as well as ourselves, with canned lion hunting.
A variety of expenses are covered such as accommodation, meals, transport, training and supervision, as the projects are unable to cover the costs themselves. Taking on volunteers will help with physical and financial aid to continue the worthwhile work they are doing. The fees will vary depending on the location and specific needs of the project.
A member of our team will be there to meet volunteers upon arrival.
Depending on your program the airport will vary however a Pre Departure Guide will be made available once your spot is confirmed outlining all flight information.
Although this is by no means a regular occurrence, volunteers do sometimes get ill while volunteering with us. The volunteer coordinator for the project will ensure that the volunteer receives immediate medical assistance. In the event of a serious illness or accident each volunteer will be covered by their insurance policy, which is why we require all volunteers to have adequate insurance. We will keep in contact with the listed emergency contact person to advise them of the volunteers progress.
There is no real cut off period in terms of time to apply since we run our programs year round. We do, however, have peak periods (May – September) so the earlier you book, the better chances you have of securing a placement.
We have a minimum age of 17 and there’s no maximum age, so long as you are willing and physically able to contribute. If you are under the age of 17, you will need to be accompanied by a parent or a guardian (with parental consent).
No, flights are not included.
Yes, we can accommodate most dietary requirements, please ensure you let us know of your dietary requirements prior to arrival.
We require a $300 (USD) deposit to secure your place at the project, and ask for the remaining balance to be paid 60 days before your arrival. We have two payment option. You can either pay via international bank – transfer/wire (please note that the administration costs are at your expense) or you can pay via a safe and secure online credit card facility.
Volunteers receive a 5% discount if they opt for two or more packages.
Yes, past volunteers receive 10% off their future volunteer experience.
Volunteer Resources
We take care of everything.

Package Details
Once volunteers are accepted to their chosen volunteer program, they can start looking for flights. Volunteers are responsible for their own flights and can book flights through their own travel agent or check Sky Scanner to find low prices.
Please note that each program has a specific airport that volunteers must arrive at; therefore, we ask that volunteers wait to book flights until after they have received a confirmation email and pre departure guide. It is important that volunteers do not book flights until your placement dates are confirmed.
Once your flights are booked be sure to send the details to us at info@volunteersa.com so we can prepare for your arrival.
Ensure that you are covered for your volunteer adventure in South Africa! It is essential that you have suitable travel insurance and Volunteer Southern Africa offers volunteers travel insurance at a special rate. Please see the full details of the costs and policy schedule below.
To arrange travel insurance please contact us at info@volunteersa.com
- It is essential to arrange travel insurance when you book flights so that you have cancellation cover
- It is essential that your insurance covers you in the event of any medical emergencies
- If you choose to take (or already have) alternative travel insurance please read it carefully as many policies do NOT cover volunteering
- Check that your insurance policy covers any other activities you may want to do during your trip
- Read your policy details carefully and ensure that you take a copy of them when you travel
- If you have chosen alternative travel insurance please Email us your insurance details so we have a record of them
VSA’s volunteers are offered a special rate of $3 USD per day. This also applies to any travel before or after your time at the project.
This Schedule of Benefits forms part of the insurance contract and must be read in conjunction with the Policy Wording Document where the full terms and conditions are stated.
Download the above Information – VSA Insurance Policy Details
Planning a trip is fun and exciting but sometimes a bit overwhelming. We understand the hesitation and worry when traveling to Africa; luckily, we are also experts in the field.

Package Details
Planning a trip is fun and exciting but sometimes a bit overwhelming. We understand the hesitation and worry when traveling to Africa; luckily, we are also experts in the field.

Package Details
Planning a trip is fun and exciting but sometimes a bit overwhelming. We understand the hesitation and worry when traveling to Africa; luckily, we are also experts in the field.
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