The Cradle of Humankind, the Rainbow Nation, and one of the best internship destinations in Africa!
This is where Roots began, so we have our bias, but simply put, South Africa has it all. Sprawling cities thriving with vibrant and varied cultures, rolling expanses of savannah populated by rare, iconic wildlife, stunning coastlines, staggering mountains, a unique, important history, and, best of all, a whole host of exciting internship possibilities.
This country is home to so many remarkable organizations doing vital work for worthwhile causes. Whether you’re passionate about female empowerment, community uplift, education, human rights, or eco-conservation, there is meaningful work to which you can contribute. What’s more, these organizations offer valuable opportunities for professional development.
Our South Africa internships place you with experts in their profession, grant you their mentorship, and allow you the chance to learn alongside them in the field. There aren’t many countries where the exchange between what an intern can gain and what they can give is as fruitful as in South Africa.
At the end of Apartheid, the country was described as the Rainbow Nation; where people of all colors, backgrounds, and ways of life can come together concordantly. Whilst the nation is still striving to realize this vision, its history carries a powerful message of racial harmony.
If you’re looking for city life, head to Cape Town. If you’re after beach life, visit Jeffrey’s Bay or Durban. Savannah and Safari? Kruger National Park. Remote, rural villages? Coffee Bay. Snow-capped mountains? Drakensberg. Deserts? The Karoo.
Being the birthplace of Roots, our network is expansive here so whatever cause inspires you, we can connect you with an organization in this field.
Find out from our previous interns how internship positions in South Africa can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.
I had the opportunity to take on a variety of hands-on roles, from assisting in food distribution and supporting classroom activities at an early childhood development center, to helping children with their homework at the youth club and organizing fun activities & workshops. I also helped plan events and workshops in collaboration with other organizations. One of my proudest accomplishments was leading a recycling workshop where we repurposed plastic bottles into plant pots and planted spinach and cabbage, -- the best moment was watching the children’s excitement as their plants grew! I also organized a dance session, sharing Zumba, bachata,... See MoreMariana, Columbian – University of Alberta
Youth Social Work Internship, South Africa
My intership was an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of gender-based violence within the South African context. Working across various departments, I gained practical skills in trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, community education, and economic empowerment projects. Beyond the technical learning, I was inspired by the supportive and open-hearted team atmosphere, which fostered both professional growth and personal reflection. This experience has confirmed my passion for wokring in the GBV support field and equipped me with skills I'll carry forward into my future career.Carina, German – Evangelische Hochschule Nuremberg
Women's Support NGO Internship, South Africa
My internship in Cape Town was a truly wonderful experience. The warmth of the people and community made every day rewarding, alongside stunning views and endless opportunities to explore. Working in sales reporting, operations, and customer experience helped me sharpen my attention to detail. This role strengthened my commitment to environmental causes and clarified the skills I want to develop as I pursue a career dedicated to helping the planet.Ava, American – Northeastern University
NGO Event Coordinator Internship, South Africa
If you’re looking to experience one of the best safari destinations in the world, spot the big five, and work on the forefront of animal conservation causes, Kruger is the place to be. Roaming free in just just under 20,000 square kilometers of sweeping hills and grasslands, Kruger wildlife includes healthy populations of the big five, along with an impressive variety of birds, smaller mammals and reptiles. This incredible setting is the destination of some of our most remarkable wildlife photography programs, and some of the most exciting animal conservation internships in the world.
The Mother City is truly a destination like no other in South Africa. The progressive, vibrant heart of South African culture, with the laidback lifestyle of a beach town and the stunning backdrops of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the Twelve Apostles. What more could you ask for? The city has a thriving scene for literature, theater, and the arts, a bustling nightlife, and world-class restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable. As a travel destination, Cape Town ticks every box.
On top of this, Cape Town is a hub of social enterprises, entrepreneurship, and do-good efforts. There are so many great internships based in this city! You can take your pick; from social impact programs, humanitarian work, environmentalism, and forward-thinking, sustainable business ideas and in a host of different capacities too.
We don’t offer many internships in this location, but it’s such a unique, special location that we had to mention it. Deep within the Transkei region, amidst the rolling mountain ranges and along the untouched coast are speckled a collection of rural villages and communities, one of which is Coffee Bay. Not for those who require the convenience and comforts of city-life, this remote destination offers an authentic experience of African tradition and off-the-grid life. Also, it’s a great location for surfer’s all levels, with some bays offering white-tipped waves for beginners, and others better suited to the more experienced surfer.
South Africa’s a big country, so weather varies depending on exact location. However, as a general rule of thumb, South Africa is a year-round destination. Winter lasts from May to September, Summer from September to May, but whenever you visit you can expect largely warm temperatures and dry weather. The best time to visit for safari and wildlife is in the cooler months, May to September. The best months for whale watching (along the Western Cape) are between July and November.
Between visas, vaccinations, transport, and accommodation, there’s a lot that goes into planning an internship in South Africa, and the specifics will vary from location to location. Fortunately, we’re here to support you through all of it. We’ll make sure all the preparation and paperwork for your trip goes smoothly to make your experience as easy and comfortable as possible. We’ll also offer detailed guidance on how to stay safe during your trip and can assure you of a reliable support network if the worst should happen. Essentially, we’ll be here to sweat the small stuff, so you can focus on making the most of your time.
Fortunately, visitors from most countries are granted a free three-month visitor visa on arrival that is easily extended to six months, on which you are cleared to work on an unpaid internship basis. There are a couple advised vaccinations (Diphtheria and Hepatitis A) and a few more to consider (Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus and Typhoid), but the only requirement for entry is an up-to-date Yellow Fever Certificate. Other than this, there are individual requirements for each internship, which will be discussed during the application process.
Yes! South Africa is often thought of as a dangerous place to visit and whilst there are problems with crime, you shouldn’t let this stop you from visiting. Any intern who exercises common sense, takes recommended precautions, and keeps their wits about them will absolutely be safe in South Africa. You’ll also have our full support and guidance to ensure that throughout your trip you feel safe and secure.
We offer all kinds of internships across South Africa. It would be easier to say what internships we don’t have! The focuses of our internships include human rights, environmental issues, food security, women’s empowerment, wildlife conservation, tourism, education, animal welfare… the list goes on. Moreover, you can support these causes in all kinds of ways: research, photography, communications, marketing, fundraising, project management, creative writing, event planning, and more. If you feel unsure of which internship suits you best, just get in touch, and we’ll help match you with the right organization and role.
On the whole, it’s a bit cheaper than most of Europe and North America. Obviously this depends somewhat on your trip and spending habits but most Westerners will find it affordable. Your greatest expense will be accommodation (which is included in the internship fee), but daily costs like food, coffee, and nights out are all relatively low. Of course, with Roots you’ll also benefit from our discounts on various excursions and activities.
It’s always best to start planning early and give yourself as much time as possible to get ready. The visa application process is not extensive, however there are some vaccinations you’ll need. Then, with flights and accommodation to book, and preparing for your actual internship, we recommend giving yourself at least four to six months to prepare. That said, we can work on shorter time frames, and find you something last minute if needed.
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.TEST
CONTACT
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ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
ABOUT US
At Roots, we create the perfect balance between meaningful work and valuable learning through internships with nonprofits & social enterprises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
CONTACT
UK: +44 139 269 0255
US: +1 617 500 6179
internship@rootsinterns.com
OFFICE: Cape Town, South Africa
SOCIAL
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
