You don’t need to visit Africa for months to have a positive impact on its wildlife and communities. Our short volunteer experiences (from 5 to 14 nights) offer you the same epic African adventure as our longer trips, just in fewer days.
If you’re ready to see Africa’s nature through the eyes of local wildlife experts, work behind the scenes in real conservation projects, and make a genuine impact on the future of iconic species, it doesn’t matter how much time you have. Just bring your energy, passion and commitment and we’ll take it from there…
This trip has left me even more motivated to pursue a future in zoo-based conservation. This was more than just a volunteer trip; it was a real turning point for me, both personally and professionally. I’m so grateful to ACE for making it happen.
I was feeling disconnected and unmotivated… but after a quick online search and phone call I found myself spending a week at Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre. It was a life changing experience!
I feel like I could see the difference I was making by being there. I put my heart and soul into this work and gave back as much as I could and I felt so rewarded for this.
There was someone to support me at every step of the journey and I knew that if I had any issues ACE were always on hand to answer queries on a call, or over an email. The team was exceptional!
Getting to see animals in the wild is incredible, but observing them while on foot and being face-to-face with them is just a completely different experience to being in a vehicle
Even with just seven days available, you can enjoy a life-changing experience in Africa. Our short volunteer opportunities are ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in conservation while balancing other commitments like family, study, or work. Each African Conservation Experience is customised to ensure your short-term contribution supports long-term conservation goals.
For example, our wildlife rehabilitation experiences enable you to work directly and help care for injured and orphaned animals. Your support can significantly improve the welfare and recovery of each animal, assisting with essential daily routines like preparing food, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, and providing enrichment. For an animal in recovery, those seven days of consistent, compassionate care can be the difference between stress and stability.
Or, you might assist with vital field research that benefits species such as rhinos or elephants. Every day in the field is a chance to learn and contribute. Data collection is constantly ongoing and is time-sensitive - every set of tracks and observation made feeds into the bigger conservation picture and reserve management decisions. With your involvement, even on a 1 week volunteer abroad program, more ground can be covered.
2 week volunteer abroad programs in Africa
If you have more flexibility with your time, volunteering abroad for 2 weeks offers a deeper dive into Africa's remarkable wildlife and landscapes. With a little more time, you can build stronger relationships with local teams and further develop your understanding of conservation in action.
At an animal rehabilitation centre, you'll start to observe the real progress in the animals you're helping to care for, making your experience more rewarding and insightful. The longer you're there, the more you'll understand the individual needs of the animals, and the more meaningful your critical contribution becomes.
In a research setting, with repeated exposure to fieldwork, you'll gain even more confidence in your practical conservation skills. Your understanding will deepen, transforming your experience from simply helping to truly learning. The additional time also gives you a richer appreciation for the long-term goals of the project, and the role that a 2 week volunteer abroad program plays in achieving them.
FAQs
How long should you volunteer abroad?
The best length for a volunteer experience depends on your availability, interests and goals. Short term volunteer work abroad can be extremely effective when well-designed and structured. We pride ourselves on ensuring all volunteers make a genuine contribution, without needing to take extended time off.
Will I make an impact through short term volunteering?
Absolutely! Especially when volunteering with organisations that prioritise ethical, well-planned experiences, integrating you into real, ongoing conservation efforts.
We only partner with wildlife research projects in Africa that either support fully self-sustaining animal populations or follow an "assisted sustainable" model, where minimal human intervention supports long-term viability. All our partner animal rehabilitation centres strictly follow the animal welfare standards set by SATSA and ABTA, ensuring that animals live as naturally as possible while receiving the highest standards of care, ethical treatment, and conservation value. Both types of work align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we are also proud to be affiliated with leading global organisations like WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT).
What do I gain from short term volunteer opportunities abroad?
Beyond the joy of travel and exploration, you’ll gain hands-on experience in conservation, a deeper understanding of wildlife issues, and the satisfaction of knowing your efforts matter. Many participants in our short term volunteer work abroad programs say the experience is both eye-opening and life-changing. You’ll build connections with passionate conservationists, make new friends, enhance your skills, and walk away with a sense of purpose that lasts well beyond your return home.
Where can I join short volunteer projects abroad?
Africa is home to some of the world’s most exciting short volunteer projects abroad, especially in regions like South Africa and Botswana. These areas host a wide range of conservation initiatives, from predator monitoring to iconic species rehabilitation. We provide volunteer programs for up to two weeks in both South Africa and Botswana.
How do I join a short volunteer program in Africa for 1 or 2 weeks?
Take the first step on your mini adventure by simply submitting an enquiry form. We offer short term volunteer work abroad based on your interests, goals, and experience. You can visit a Single wildlife project or even combine multiple volunteering projects to create an exciting Combined experience. You can find out more about how we take time to create a customised African Conservation Experience that’s just right for you here.
We can't wait to speak with you about your volunteering experience in Africa!
