Volunteer with Babies & Children in South Africa

Join a meaningful early childhood development program set on a farm within a Big Five Game Reserve, just an hour from Johannesburg. Volunteers contribute to two key initiatives: supporting local daycare centers and caring for infants at the Baby Safe House. Through structured activities, you will help children develop essential motor skills, engage in creative play, and help improve learning environments. This project also offers a hands-on training center for caregivers, ensuring sustainable impact within the local community.

Program Highlights:

Work closely with 22 daycare centers, positively affecting over 2,000 children.
Assist in early childhood development by teaching basic motor skills, games, and creative activities.
Support the Baby Safe House by providing essential care, including feeding, changing, and stimulating babies.
Take part in community-building projects, such as creating teaching materials and improving daycare facilities.
Join weekend nature camps where children explore and learn about conservation.
Receive a free three-day Johannesburg orientation, including cultural experiences and local markets.
Enjoy the unique setting of a wildlife reserve, with opportunities to see South Africa’s incredible biodiversity.

Arrival Day, (Thursday – Saturday): Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, we will transfer you to Lebo’s Backpackers Lodge & Guesthouse in Soweto, one of South Africa’s most vibrant townships. Spend your first two nights exploring the rich history and culture of the area on guided walking or bicycle tours. Enjoy traditional South African cuisine, local music, and an authentic introduction to community life before heading to the Big Five Game Reserve to begin your volunteer experience.

Monday: Travel to the farm, settle into accommodations, meet fellow volunteers, and receive a project briefing.

Tuesday-Friday: Mornings focus on daycare center activities, assisting children with movement skills, play, and classroom preparation. Afternoons include supporting the Baby Safe House by feeding, changing, and playing with infants, as well as community projects.

Remaining Weeks: Follow a similar schedule of daycare and Baby Safe House activities, with weekends free for exploration or rest.

Location of the Project: Big Five Game Reserve, near Johannesburg, South Africa

Project length: Min 2 weeks – Max 12 weeks

Arrival Airport: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Volunteer Work: Early childhood education, infant care, community development

Age: 18+ (Police clearance required)

Number of volunteers: 1 to 10 international volunteers

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared rooms in a comfortable volunteer house.

Food: Three meals a day, catering for vegetarians and specific allergies upon request

Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off at Johannesburg airport and transfers to volunteer project site.

Orientation: Three-day cultural and safety introduction in Johannesburg.

Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

What’s not Included

Flights
Visa fees (if staying longer than 90 days)
Medical insurance (must include work and emergency evacuation)
Weekend excursions and personal transportation
Towels and toiletries
Local phone costs

Location

This project is based in a Big Five Game Reserve, just over an hour from Johannesburg. The reserve offers a unique combination of conservation and community engagement, making it an inspiring setting for volunteer work. Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, is a cultural hub with museums, historical sites, and vibrant markets showcasing African traditions. Volunteers will also experience the diverse landscapes of South Africa, from bushland to city life. The reserve is home to rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos, offering a stunning natural environment. Local communities around the reserve face challenges in early childhood education, and this program helps bridge that gap. By working with daycare centers and the Baby Safe House, volunteers gain insight into the realities of childcare in South Africa. Weekends offer a chance to explore nearby attractions, such as Pilanesberg National Park and Pretoria. Volunteers may also visit Soweto to learn more about South Africa’s history and culture. The farm setting provides a peaceful retreat, allowing volunteers to recharge while being surrounded by nature.

Volunteer Work

About the Organization
This project focuses on early childhood development, providing structured care and education for young children in underserved communities. Through daycare programs and a Baby Safe House, it ensures that children receive the support they need for healthy growth. Volunteers help fill gaps in education and caregiving while supporting local teachers and parents.

Your Role as a Volunteer
Volunteers assist with both structured and hands-on activities to promote learning and well-being for young children. At the daycare centers, they introduce movement-based learning, crafts, and storytelling, while at the Baby Safe House, they provide essential care to infants. Volunteers also contribute to improving facilities, preparing meals, and assisting caregivers in their training.

Key Volunteer Tasks

Support daycare teachers with classroom activities and motor skill exercises.
Engage children in interactive games, storytelling, and music sessions.
Help prepare meals and snacks for children.
Provide care for infants at the Baby Safe House, including feeding and changing.
Maintain and improve daycare facilities by cleaning and decorating.
Assist in weekend nature camps, guiding children in outdoor activities.
Support local caregivers through training and hands-on help.

A Typical Day
A volunteer’s day starts at 7:00 AM with breakfast before heading to the daycare centers by 8:30 AM. Volunteers spend the morning helping teachers with lessons and play-based learning. After a midday break, afternoons involve assisting at the Baby Safe House or working on community development projects. The day concludes with a team debrief, followed by dinner and free time.

Note: This program truly relies on the support of international volunteers. While we welcome participants from around the world, we cannot guarantee international volunteer groups at all times. You should be independent, adaptable, and open to immersing themselves in the local culture and working closely with staff.

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: Volunteers can access Wi-Fi in town or use mobile data.

Laundry icon Laundry: A weekly laundry service is available.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers stay in a shared house with communal areas, including a lounge, kitchen, and bathrooms. Volunteers share rooms with one or two others, fostering a social and supportive environment. The house is in a peaceful farm setting, offering a comfortable retreat after a day’s work. During the 3 day orientation in Johannesburg, you will stay at Lebo’s Backpackers Lodge in a comfortable dormitory for 4-6 participants. Private rooms are available for an extra fee (subject to availability).

Food icon Food: Three meals a day are provided, with vegetarian and allergy-friendly options available upon request. Volunteers can explore local markets and restaurants on weekends.

Travel Highlights

During weekends, volunteers can take part in exciting activities in and around the Dinokeng Game Reserve (extra fee applies, details provided after application):

Rhino, cheetah, and wild dog collaring—Join conservation experts in tracking and monitoring wildlife.
40-minute microlight flight—Enjoy stunning aerial views of the game reserve.
Early morning bush walks—Experience the African wilderness up close with expert guides.
Game drives with a ranger — Spot the Big Five and learn about local wildlife conservation.
Anti-poaching discussions—Gain insight into snare and poaching prevention efforts.
Sunset cruise at Rust De Winter Dam—Relax on a scenic boat ride in the heart of nature.
Day trip to Bela Bela hot springs—Unwind in natural thermal pools.
Day trip to Cullinan—Experience ziplining and quad biking through beautiful landscapes.
Horse-riding adventures—Explore the reserve on horseback for a unique wildlife experience.

GoEco has a network of volunteer programs across South Africa, allowing you to combine different projects and explore other regions, including Cape Town and Kruger National Park.