South African National Parks (SANParks) is the top organization that looks after South Africa’s wildlife and nature. It runs 20 national parks that cover more than 3.7 million hectares of land. The job you’re looking at is a 12‑month internship at the Garden Route National Park, one of SANParks’ most popular parks. This internship gives you real work experience in protecting the environment and learning how a national park is managed. It’s a great chance for someone who just finished university and doesn’t have a job yet.
What the Internship Looks Like
- Program name: SANParks Internship Placement Program
- Length of the program: 12 months
- Monthly pay: R6 355.69
- Where you’ll work: Garden Route National Park
- Application deadline: 10 February 2026
After the internship, SANParks is not required to offer you a permanent job.
Location Details
- Park: Garden Route National Park
- Must live in: Eastern Cape Province
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the internship, you need to meet the following:
- Be a graduate who is currently not working and is between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be a South African citizen.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or a National Diploma (NQF level 6 or 7).
- That degree must come from a South African public university.
- You must not have done an internship or placement before.
- You must live in the Eastern Cape Province.
Pay and Stipend
The monthly stipend for the internship is R6 355.69. This helps cover living costs while you learn and work.
Equality and Diversity
SANParks follows the Employment Equity Act and will give priority to candidates who are previously disadvantaged or historically disadvantaged in South Africa.
Key Points to Remember
- Send your application by e‑mail only – paper copies won’t be accepted.
- If you come from outside the Eastern Cape, you’ll need to arrange your own housing and travel.
- Missing any part of the application will mean you won’t be considered.
- Selected candidates will go through an assessment and interview.
- Foreign degrees must be checked by SAQA.
- All appointments depend on a background check and verification.
- SANParks can choose not to appoint anyone.
- Only those shortlisted will receive further communication.
- If you don’t hear back within 14 days after the deadline, you can assume your application was not successful.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for the SANParks Internship Programme 2026
Step 1 – Fill in the Online Form
- Use the official online link above or scan the QR code if you have it.
Step 2 – Email Your Documents
Send the following documents to: nomonde.bembe@sanparks.org
What Documents to Send
- Current CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your Matric / Grade 12 certificate
- Certified copies of all academic qualifications
- Academic transcripts (record of your grades)
Reference Number (use this in your email): TNP09
Questions? Contact Us
Ms. Nomonde Bembe
Phone: 042 281 1557
Last Day to Apply
Make sure you submit everything before 10 February 2026. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Why Take This Internship?
Choosing a SANParks internship means you’ll:
- Get hands‑on experience in protecting the environment.
- Learn how a national park runs on a day‑to‑day basis.
- Build a solid foundation if you want a career in conservation, tourism or environmental work.
- Grow professionally inside a well‑known national organization.