I really felt this experience in my heart and I loved seeing people around me get a little help. I really understood the community that I was in and I appreciate the different perspective I’ll be able to bring home.
Volunteer in South Africa
Explore International Volunteer HQ’s popular South Africa volunteer abroad program. Choose from a huge range of trusted South Africa volunteer projects, including Marine Conservation, Teaching, Sports Development, Surf, Skate & Swim, Childcare and Wildlife Conservation. Volunteer opportunities in South Africa are based in the Cape Town neighborhoods of Muizenberg and Table View, as well as Kruger National Park and Gansbaai. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 163,000 travellers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organisation in South Africa.
Highlights:
- 11 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from AU$418 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals, and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in local volunteer houses
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Community projects based in and around Cape Town and unique Conservation projects based in Kruger National Park and Gansbaai
Key information
Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa
Protects animals
4-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$418
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in an animal shelter
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help out at a local animal shelter by caring for abandoned cats and dogs and improving their quality of life through nurturing and play.
Increases access to education
3-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$418
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in childcare centres
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Support under-resourced childcare centers that serve disadvantaged children by bringing your enthusiasm and energy to their daily operations. Engage in meaningful activities, assist with lessons, and help create a nurturing and supportive environment for the children.
Increases access to education
3-4 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$679
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in kindergartens
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer in kindergartens in low-income communities, helping to provide fun activities, learning, development and general care for children who range from babies to 6 years old.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$679
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a volunteer centre
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help to organise and run fun activities for students during their school holidays.
Protects animals
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$2230
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a marine conservation centre
- Volunteers aged 18+
Contribute to important marine conservation projects on South Africa's beautiful coastline. You'll spend time at sea, helping research and protect populations of sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, and seabirds.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$418
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in local schools
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer in schools that don’t have physical education teachers, allowing students to play and practice games in a structured learning environment.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$679
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a volunteer centre
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help to organise, refine and run sports on after school programs for students aged between 6-15. Play local sports or introduce your own, encouraging improvement, teamwork and fun.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$520
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in after-school beach programs
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Contribute to after school projects focusing on giving children from disadvantaged communities productive time being active and supported. Teach students how to surf and act as a mentor.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$736
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a volunteer centre & local beaches
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help to run an after school program with a difference for local students from low-income communities. Teach children aged between 10-16 how to surf, skateboard and swim, encouraging positivity, fun and learning outside the classroom.
Increases access to education
3-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$418
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in local schools
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist teachers in local primary schools and help students aged 6-12 learn English, as well as supporting in other parts of schooling where it’s required.
Protects animals
6-8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from AU$1445
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of every month
- Based in a game reserve
- Volunteers aged 18+, or 16+ accompanied
Incredible experiences await as a volunteer preserving iconic African wildlife in South Africa's spectacular Kruger National Park. You’ll help local conservationists with a range of protection and research activities.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
CT
Camilla Taddei
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CC
Caitlin Cruse
Met some amazing people, was an active participant in projects that contributed to the wellbeing of the wildlife and had lots of fun! I was also a solo female traveller and felt safe. The staff were very kind and helpful!
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MT
Marie Thomsen
I have gained some social skills and learned a lot about different countries and their cultures.
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ML
Molly Lewis
The experience was more than I could have ever imagined. Volunteering in the school was pure joy, it was lovely to be able to help out with donations and support the day to day activities. I met the most amazing people along the way and have memories to last a life time! My advice is don’t wait for anyone, if you want to go, go alone! Everyone is in the same boat and you make friends super fast! And make the most of every minute. I will never forget the children and the teacher in the class I was volunteering in, and hope to go back soon! 🥹
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Webinar: Volunteering abroad in South Africa with IVHQ
Considering volunteering abroad in South Africa? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.
Popular tours & experiences in South Africa
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ South Africa program.
Victoria Falls to South Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping (8 days, 7 nights)
Spend eight days on a once-in-a-lifetime-wildlife tour through Southern Africa that really can’t be topped. Visit Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, track animals on foot and view resident wildlife from an open-vehicle. Later, search for the “big five” in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and experience the unique traditions of the local people. This is authentic Africa right before your very eyes.
From AU$1832
Single Private Room Upgrade - Protea Room
Upgrade to a private room with a king single bed and ensuite.
From AU$755
Single Private Room Upgrade - Elephant Room
Upgrade to a private room while volunteering in South Africa.
From AU$501
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
AU$48
Explore Southern Africa Tour (12 days, 11 nights)
On this extraordinary adventure through southern Africa, journey from glittering Cape Town to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park—home of the legendary “big five”. Visit Soweto township, where Nelson Mandela once lived; enjoy a homemade dinner with a local family in a Zimbabwean village; and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From AU$9243
Victoria Falls to South Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping (8 days, 7 nights)
Spend eight days on a once-in-a-lifetime-wildlife tour through Southern Africa that really can’t be topped. Visit Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, track animals on foot and view resident wildlife from an open-vehicle. Later, search for the “big five” in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and experience the unique traditions of the local people. This is authentic Africa right before your very eyes.
From AU$1832
Coastal Conservation (Friday to Friday)
Swap one week at the Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary for an unforgettable week on the coast!
AU$176
Timbila Nature Reserve (Saturday to Saturday)
Swap a week at the sanctuary for this unique project and broaden your impact!
AU$176
Kanaan Desert Retreat (Saturday to Saturday)
Exchange one week on the Wildlife Conservation project at the sanctuary for this exciting project!
AU$176
Victoria Falls to South Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping (8 days, 7 nights)
Spend eight days on a once-in-a-lifetime-wildlife tour through Southern Africa that really can’t be topped. Visit Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, track animals on foot and view resident wildlife from an open-vehicle. Later, search for the “big five” in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and experience the unique traditions of the local people. This is authentic Africa right before your very eyes.
From AU$1832
Double Private Room Upgrade - Protea Room
Upgrade to a private double room with a private bathroom (en-suite). Price is a per person cost.
From AU$377
Single Private Room Upgrade - Elephant Room
Upgrade to a private room while volunteering in South Africa.
From AU$501
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
AU$48
Explore Southern Africa Tour (12 days, 11 nights)
On this extraordinary adventure through southern Africa, journey from glittering Cape Town to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park—home of the legendary “big five”. Visit Soweto township, where Nelson Mandela once lived; enjoy a homemade dinner with a local family in a Zimbabwean village; and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From AU$9243
Victoria Falls to South Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping (8 days, 7 nights)
Spend eight days on a once-in-a-lifetime-wildlife tour through Southern Africa that really can’t be topped. Visit Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, track animals on foot and view resident wildlife from an open-vehicle. Later, search for the “big five” in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and experience the unique traditions of the local people. This is authentic Africa right before your very eyes.
From AU$1832
Coastal Conservation (Friday to Friday)
Swap one week at the Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary for an unforgettable week on the coast!
AU$176
Explore Southern Africa (12 days, 11 nights)
On this extraordinary adventure through southern Africa, journey from glittering Cape Town to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park - home of the legendary “big five”. Visit Soweto township, where Nelson Mandela once lived; enjoy a homemade dinner with a local family in a Zimbabwean village; and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From AU$9243
Kanaan Desert Retreat (Saturday to Saturday)
Exchange one week on the Wildlife Conservation project at the sanctuary for this exciting project!
AU$176
Check what's required to visit South Africa
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
