Life on Safari in South Africa

At Bellevue Forest Reserve, nestled in the malaria-free Greater Addo region of the Eastern Cape, you can immerse yourself in a meaningful 4-, 6- or 8-week gap-year or volunteer program devoted to conservation, community and nature. The reserve offers far more than a safari: you’ll join hands-on projects in research, conservation management, bee-keeping, reforestation and community outreach — all within a place where big skies, wild landscapes and the Big 5 wildlife set the stage. 

Volunteers typically stay on-site, learning practical and theoretical aspects of conservation while contributing to the reserve’s efforts to protect endangered flora and fauna, support local communities, and maintain responsible tourism. Over the weeks you’ll track giraffes, explore bush-walks, help with anti-poaching and vegetation-restoration, and assist in community upliftment projects. 

Choosing 4, 6 or 8 weeks allows you to build relationships, learn new skills and see real impact — while giving you the flexibility to fit it into your gap year, break or career pause. It’s a chance to leave more than footprints, grow personally and professionally, and return home with unforgettable memories from one of Africa’s most special reserves.