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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 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in South Africa.

Highlights:
  • 11 meaningful project options available year-round
  • Program Fees from $275 for 1 week
  • Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in local volunteer houses

  • Community projects based in and around Cape Town and unique Conservation projects based in Kruger National Park and Gansbaai

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from $275
Volunteer from 1 - 24 weeks
Ages 18+ and families
Based around Cape Town & Kruger
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Go hiking, surfing or on safari

Volunteer opportunities in South Africa

  • All

Protects animals

4-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $275

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
  • Based in animal shelters
  • 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 $275

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
  • Based in childcare centers in Cape Town
  • Volunteers aged 18+ and families

Assist low-budget childcare centers for disadvantaged children. Bring your enthusiasm and energy to help with all aspects of day-to-day operations, including lessons and activities.

Increases access to education

3-4 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $350

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based in kindergartens in low-income communities
  • 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 $350

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based out of Table View
  • 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 $825

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based at sea & a Marine 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 $275

  • 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 $350

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based at after-school programs
  • 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 $345

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
  • Based at 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 $395

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start every Monday
  • Based at after-school programs
  • 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 $275

  • Duration: 1 - 24 weeks
  • Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
  • Based in elementary 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 $975

  • Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
  • Programs start on the first and third Monday of every month
  • Based in Balule 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.

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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.

Check what's required to visit South Africa

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!