Volunteering with IVHQ and the local team in Cape Town has been life changing. It has taught me so much about myself in both a personal and professional aspect. The ability to meet lots of different people from across the world making bonds and experiencing a solo trip together is something I’ll never forget!
I always said “how amazing that we came along but never felt alone” and thats how it feels to volunteer with IVHQ. With this programme you’re able to create special friendships, memories and understanding of different cultures. The programme was immersive and educational through orientation all the way to the end , the local team were always happy to answer questions and share stories! I did childcare volunteering and it was exciting, sad and life changing. I am a nursery nurse at home and work with children seeing the difference through cultures and there way of teaching is something I have taken home with me and enjoyed sharing my experience with my children at home! It’s enabled cultural education within my setting and that’s incredible to be able to teach and share!
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 159,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in South Africa.
- 11 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $285 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 $285
- 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 $285
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in childcare centers
- 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 $463
- 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 $463
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a volunteer center
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help to organize and run fun activities for students during their school holidays.
Protects animals
6-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1520
- Duration: 2 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a marine conservation center
- 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 $285
- 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 $463
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a volunteer center
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help to organize, 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 $355
- 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 $502
- Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a volunteer center & 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 $285
- 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 $985
- 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
Step out of your comfort zone, the world is waiting on you is what I would say to someone hesitant.
I stepped out of teaching and did Sports Development this time around, a truly new and wonderful experience for me!
During the program I realised and appreciated the lifestyle of children and adults in the community we worked in. Also away from school I learned about the local culture. In the house I also met volunteers from many parts of the world and learned about their traditions and cultures. It is a great way to meet friends, of all ages and all cultures, some friendships will last a lifetime. It is also great to see how many volunteers I have met previously returning to the programme.
I would recommend the programme to anyone who is thinking about doing volunteer work. If you are going alone it is not a problem as you will soon be made welcome by the other volunteers and make new friendships almost as soon as you arrive. There is a supermarket, many shops and cafes nearby.
I feel I gained a lot as a human being. I feel that my perspective of life is completely different; I truly think that this experience was a life changing experience for me and one that I will remember forever. I learned a lot as a person and as a human being. I would strongly recommend everyone to volunteer abroad at least once in their lives.
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.
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
Swap one week at the Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary for an unforgettable week on the coast!
Upgrade to a private double room with a private bathroom (en-suite). Price is a per person cost.
Upgrade to a private double room with a private bathroom (en-suite). Price is a per person cost.
Upgrade to a private room while volunteering in South Africa.
Upgrade to a private room with a king single bed and ensuite.
Enjoy a stress-free ride from your accommodation to the airport, organized by the local team.
Swap one week at the Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary for an unforgettable week on the coast!
Exchange one week on the Wildlife Conservation project at the sanctuary for this exciting project!
Swap a week at the sanctuary for this unique project and broaden your impact!
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.
