Volunteer with Babies & Children in South Africa

Take part in a rewarding, grassroots early childhood development program located on a farm within a Big Five Game Reserve, just an hour from Johannesburg. Volunteers play a vital role in two main areas: assisting at local daycare centers and providing care for infants at the Baby Safe House. You’ll engage in structured activities that help children build motor skills, foster creativity, and enhance their learning environments.

Program Highlights:

Work closely with 22 daycare centers, positively impacting over 2,000 children.
Live alongside a local South African family, gaining meaningful cultural insight and a true home-away-from-home experience.
Assist in early childhood development by teaching basic motor skills, games, and creative activities.
Support a local 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.
Enjoy a three-day Johannesburg orientation, including cultural experiences and local markets.
Experience the unique setting of an African wildlife reserve, with opportunities to see South Africa’s incredible biodiversity.

Arrival Day, (Friday – 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.

Sunday: After being picked up from the backpackers, enjoy a one-hour drive to the farm. This day is all about settling into your accommodation, meeting your fellow volunteers and the welcoming local family, and receiving an informative briefing about the project.

Monday – Friday: Engage in meaningful volunteer work, with mornings primarily spent at daycare centers assisting children with movement skills, play, and classroom prep. In the afternoons, support the Baby Safe House by feeding, changing, and interacting with infants, alongside participating in community and farm-based projects.

Remaining Weeks: Continue with a similar blend of daycare and Baby Safe House activities during the week. Weekends are free for exploring the Big Five nature reserve, going on bushwalks and safaris, or taking tours of nearby cities. See the Travel Highlight section! Volunteer work may vary based on the evolving needs of the organization and local community. Departure is on Friday.

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+

Number of volunteers: 1 to 10 international volunteers

What’s Included

Accommodations: Shared volunteer rooms in a courtyard-style setting

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
Police clearance

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 family-run Baby Safe House was born out of a passion to create a clean, stimulating space for babies. The project focuses on early childhood development, providing young children from underserved communities with the best start in life. Additionally, the organization facilitates training programs and workshops at 22 daycare centers in the surrounding area, directly impacting over 2,000 children. By introducing basic movement and motor skills, we’ve already seen significant improvements, with children becoming happier and healthier.

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 – when available.
Support local caregivers through training and hands-on help.
Individuals with specialized skills, such as carpentry, electrical work, or construction, are invited to lend their expertise to various projects and tasks around the farm and baby house.

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. Volunteer work and schedule will change based on the evolving needs of the organization and local community.

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

Living Arrangements

Internet icon Internet: Volunteers can access Wi-Fi in town or use mobile data while at the farm

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry facilities are available

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers stay in shared courtyard-style rooms, with access to communal areas including a lounge, kitchen, and bathrooms. Rooms are shared with one or two others, creating a social and supportive environment. The house is nestled in a peaceful farm setting, providing 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 at the backpackers are available for an extra fee (subject to availability).

Food icon Food: Ingredients are provided for volunteers to cook their own three meals, with weekly South African braais (barbecues) shared with the family. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are available upon request. Volunteers can also explore local markets and restaurants during the 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.

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