Volunteering in Johannesburg

Gain valuable stable experience at Kyalami, Jhb

Why Volunteer in Johannesburg, South Africa?

Johannesburg often referred to as Jo’burg is a vibrant and exciting city located Northeast of South Africa. It’s the biggest city in South Africa and has an amazing cultural and historical background.

Johannesburg is home to a wide range of extensive culture, scenery and wildlife. It has an extensive cultural background in terms of its historic significance within South Africa. It has beautiful, luscious surrounds of green and vibrant natural colours.

For wildlife, there are several attractions such as nature parks and the opportunity to see wildlife up close.

There are many aspects that makes Johannesburg an incredible destination for travellers seeking an amazing volunteering experience.

Learn more...

Livingstone Volunteering – special features

Described by many as “the Real Africa”, with stunning wide-open spaces, rich with wildlife, impressive forests and one of the most exquisite features; the powerful and iconic, Zambezi river.

Livingstone is the ultimate playground for those who love adventure. Whether you take a leap of faith into the gorge of the breath-taking falls as you bungee jump, taking a dip in the ultimate ‘Devil’s Pool’, white water raft down the mighty Zambezi or just enjoy a breath-taking sunset, Livingstone will amaze you beyond your wildest imagination.

There are many national parks, that offer the opportunity to observe lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Even better, it is not usual to spot some of these animals along the road, en-route to the project! 

Whether you look North, South, East or West, there’s always an adventure waiting for you. That means that by living and working in close proximity to these incredible areas you may come across elephants, baboons, monkeys or other African wildlife right on your doorstep!

It’s a heart-pumping experience for those looking for an escape from common city life.

The strength of Zambian tourism lies in the diversity of its offer, which includes 19 National parks and 34 Game Management Areas covering over 22.4 million hectares.

Livingstone is a tourist hotspot with lots of people and culture but the main attraction here is obviously and undoubtedly Victoria Falls. Known as the Adventure Capital of Africa and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the beauty is unparalleled and the variety of activities to enjoy in this area is truly unlimited.

For the adventurous ones, there’s bungee jumping and white-water rafting among so many other activities.  For those looking for a more relaxing experience, there are river cruises and the most incredible sunsets. Now, those looking to experience the falls from a completely different perspective, take a stroll through the rainforest along the edge of the gorge and experience the Falls in all its thunderous glory. Or take the “flight of angels” and view it from above.

Next door is the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and just 45 mins away is the Dambwa Forest – home to our Lion Conservation project.

Johannesburg Volunteer Projects

SHOW JUMPING WORKING HOLIDAY

4 – 12 Weeks

Kyalami Johannesburg

From $4195 USD

This working holiday is the ultimate experience for any experienced show-jumping enthusiast or aspiring veterinarian within the equestrian field.

About Johannesburg

Johannesburg is lively and electrifying city, full of cultural significance. It is in the province of Gauteng, which is the smallest yet most densely populated province in the country.

Johannesburg is well connected to other parts of South Africa and the world. Johannesburg is positioned just south of the Witwatersrand, a range of low, rocky hills rich in minerals.

The city itself was founded in 1886 following the discovery of the gold industry, as a result this led to major growth and development.

Johannesburg now is a booming city which has so much to offer travellers.

Fun Facts about Johannesburg

  • It’s known as the ‘City of Gold” because the discovery led to the gold rush and development of the city
  • It has the world’s largest man-made urban forest, which help combat pollutions.
  • It has a very high altitude. It is situation approx. 1,753 meters above sea level, Johannesburg is one of the highest major cities in the world
  • It is an economic powerhouse of South Africa
  • It has one of the most diverse cultural scenes.
  • Johannesburg is home to the Valakati Street, which is the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have lived.

Johannesburg Highlights & Excursions

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

At our Victoria Falls project just across the river, here you will have the opportunity to walk with lions on a day trip. It’s also a chance to see the magnificent Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side.

CHOBE, BOTSWANA

Hop over to Botswana for either one full-day safari including boat cruise and game drive or 2-day trip for experiencing camping out in the real bush. If you are under 18, bring a copy of your birth certificate and confirmation letter from your parents.

WHITEWATER RAFTING

The most popular activity is also one filled with adrenaline and emotion! Let the Zambezi river take you on the most thrilling ride of your life and connect with nature in ways you never thought possible. Are you ready?

BUNGEE JUMP

Terrifying. Breathtaking. Absolutely crazy. The best thing in life! There are so many ways to describe this. For some people, it’s the best bungee in the world.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Johannesburg Safe?

Johannesburg is a key tourist destination and remains safe especially in the parts where our volunteers will go. Again, like any area and major city, safety does depend on the area and time of day. There has also bene significant efforts by authorities to improve safety.

You will have the most incredible time in one of the most incredible parts of the world. As with any area of the world, we advise you to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, such as avoiding walking alone at night, petty theft, leave your valuables in a safe place – the usual. 

What level of riding do I need to be at?

We require the riders for this project to be intermediate to advance riders with a passion for horses.

Is there malaria in Johannesburg?

Cities such as Johannesburg is free from malaria and is safe for travellers of all ages.

How do I get there?

You will fly into the O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) where one of our team members will collect you and take you to the equestrian yard in Kyalami, which is within the hours drive.

What are the visa requirements?

Please check visa requirements for your country within plenty of time before you depart as some nationalities must apply in advance. Otherwise, you will get a Visitor Visa which is valid up to 90 days. Please also check with your sales agent and they will be able to advise specifically for you.

Where specifically is the projected based?

Our Show Jumping Working Holiday is based in Kyalami a neighbourhood within Johannesburg.

Volunteering Safety Tips

  • Avoid travelling alone, especially at night.
  • Ensure that excessive amounts of cash are left in safe boxes, not lying around in plain sight.
  • Do not carry excessive amounts of cash on you
  • If you are taking a taxi anywhere, make sure you book it in advance through a trusted and reliable driver.
  • Avoid wandering down dark streets, even in large groups.
  • Be aware and alert at bars and ATMs. Do not leave your drink unattended at any time. If you drink has been left out of your sight, discard it. Be watchful at ATM’s and try not to withdraw large amounts of cash at one time.
  • Do not enter township areas without being accompanied by one of our local staff members.
  • Be wary of people who seem too friendly too fast.
  • Avoid leaving your personal items like bags or mobile phones unattended.
  • Do not share personal information with anyone under any circumstances.
  • Save your project manager’s number on your phone and make sure to provide us with a copy of your emergency contact person at home.

South Africa Vaccinations

Please consult with your private physician or doctor regarding what vaccinations are needed. We recommend.

  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis A& B
  • Typhoid.

Johannesburg is NOT a malaria risk area. However, if you visit some areas in South Africa, you may be at risk of entering an area with malaria, so you may wish to take anti-malaria tables 48hours in advance. Ask your doctors to prescribe the best ones available. We do not recommend Larium (sometimes known to cause hallucinations) nor Doxycycline (many people have bad reactions to the sun when using it)

Yellow Fever: South Africa is NOT at risk to yellow fever. You only require a yellow fever certificate if you are arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area.

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