Location
  • South Africa
    • Cape Town
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Hostel

Pricing

Starting Price
275
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $275 for 1 week - this includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Apr 25, 2023
Apr 17, 2024
130 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 125,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in South Africa and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 5 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in South Africa.

Our affordable projects start from $25/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-24 weeks. Choose from 10 projects, ranging from Childcare in the bustling hub of Cape Town, Sports Development in the picturesque Table View, and Wildlife Conservation in Kruger. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $25/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-24 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Childcare Project

As a Childcare Volunteer based in Cape Town, you'll help enrich the lives of children by supporting day-to-day activities at a local childcare center. Tasks include teaching, tutoring and caring for children, organizing games and activities, and helping with general duties to ensure the center runs smoothly and efficiently. This is a unique opportunity to explore the stunning city of Cape Town while giving back to the local community.

Teaching Project

Many primary schools in Cape Town run off low budgets, with few teachers, high workloads and little chance for students to get close attention. As a Teaching Volunteer, you'll be placed in a low-income primary school helping to create better learning environments and education standards for children aged 7-14. You'll support teachers by teaching subjects such as basic Mathematics, English and more.

Sport Development Project

Are you passionate about sports and youth development? As a volunteer on this project, you can share this passion with children who don't typically have access to physical education at school. Based in either Cape Town or Table View, you'll have a chance to explore South Africa's beauty while helping local children develop their physical and social skills.

Surf Outreach Project

Regardless if you're a pro surfer or just a beginner, you can join IVHQ's Surf Outreach Project and help provide structure, learning and new skills to children from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Divided into two parts, you'll first work independently with a surf instructor to develop your own surfing skills, and then work with children from the community to help improve both their surfing abilities and general life skills.

Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in South Africa - Kruger

Love animals, the outdoors and want to be a Wildlife Conservation volunteer ? This is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to assist at Kruger - a reserve home diverse wildlife and scores of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Volunteers will gain conservation experience and knowledge while being immersed in life on the reserve, enjoying the spectacular natural environment and making a meaningful contribution to its long-term sustainability and success.

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating
based on 91 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.51%
  • 4 rating 4.4%
  • 3 rating 1.1%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.5
Showing 49 - 56 of 91 reviews
Default avatar
Britania
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa Childcare Project-IVHQ

Prior to making the decision to volunteer with IVHQ, I did my research and read many reviews that were positive. Now with firsthand experience, I can attest to the organization’s tremendous ability to effectively provide volunteer abroad opportunities for anyone. I volunteered in South Africa for three weeks on the Childcare Project. Before, during, and after, IVHQ program managers have kept an open line of communication; ensuring smooth transitions between the numerous aspects of volunteering internationally. IVHQ made international volunteer accessible and trouble-free. Moreover, teaching, comforting and encouraging children who have little to nothing, yet wear a smile each day, was the best experience of my life thus far. My weeks spent volunteering in a township of South Africa weren’t meant to change the world. Instead, I intended on leaving a lasting impact on each child I came across. IVHQ helped me to do just that.

60 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ South Africa

I had one of the most amazing travel experiences with IVHQ. Volunteering in South Africa has been a trip of a lifetime. IVHQ was always supportive (as well as Dreams to Reality). I felt safe when I was in their accommodation and they were very good with communication. We were driven to our volunteer location every day and picked up, the meals were great, and I met so many people from all over the world. Working with the children at Sunrise was such an eye opening and incredible opportunity. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is interested, you won't be disappointed!

60 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Laura, it's so wonderful to hear that our program in South Africa offered you the trip of a lifetime. We loved having you as part of our program and look forward to having you back to volunteer with IVHQ again soon. ^Claire - IVHQ South Africa Program Manager

Michelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spent 2 weeks in Cape Town doing the childcare program

I volunteered in Cape Town doing the childcare program for 2 weeks and it was amazing. I wish I could’ve stayed longer, but unfortunately I couldn’t take any more time off school. Arriving at the daycare every morning and seeing how happy the kids were to see me was such an amazing feeling!! They were the cutest and always had something they wanted to tell me. They were the best part of the day and I miss them so much.
I’m really glad I chose IVHQ to travel with. They had so many projects and so many destinations to choose from at such affordable prices compared to other volunteer companies. The staff at my placement were also so nice and welcoming. I met some really cool people as well. I would love to volunteer with IVHQ again in the future, and will definitely stay longer because 2 weeks wasn’t enough!

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I can think of is providing more updated information during orientation. Some things we were told weren’t true or didn’t apply anymore.
62 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for taking the time to complete the review Michelle! We would have loved to have you for longer but I am sure that you got as much out of the 2 weeks as you could, and the time you put in was appreciated by the local team, local staff, and the children. ^Claire - IVHQ South Africa Program Manager

Quinn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South African experience

I couldn’t be happier about my volunteer trip to South Africa. The entire trip was simply put, absolutely amazing. The kids I was allowed to work with brought me more smiles than I’ve ever had. They taught me so much and are so such strong little souls especially knowing what they have been through. The entire experience completely opened my eyes. On top of the great volunteer program I was able to meet other friends who I have remained in contact with and am planning to travel again with. We were also allowed so much independence that I was also allowed to explore the country on my time while not volunteering which made my trip even better. From the second I even began emailing IVHQ they helped me with every single step along the way in a timely manner. Even when I got to my program in Africa they were also willing to accommodate every need/desire that I could ask for. I would highly recommend going through this program to anyone who asks.

57 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

It is great to hear that you enjoyed your time on the program and working with children! It sounds like you had an amazing time, made some great friends and took advantage of everything South Africa has to offer. ^Claire - IVHQ South Africa Program Manager

Default avatar
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best 6 months of my life

I volunteered for 6 months in South Africa with Ivhq and it was the best decisions i could have made. I just finished high school and even though all my friends were starting University in fall, I wanted to travel and to see a little bit more of the world. I worked in a daycare center in a township called Capricorn and the kids i worked with were so amazing! Not being able to see them every day breaks my heart and i wish i could go back again. During my time in South Africa i met amazing friends (Volunteers and Kids) and i know i will be in contact with most for a very long time. Volunteering and experience a culture so different from mine really helped me grow a bit as a person and also made me really greatful for everything i was given.

63 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for your reviews Anna! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time on the program, and hope this break, before beginning university, has helped you a little bit to decide what you want to do in the future. I am sure that the children miss you as much as you them, and thanks for just being generally awesome! ^Claire - IVHQ South Africa Program Manager

Default avatar
Ash
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unique volunteer experience

Loved my trip to Madagascar!! Was so cool to hang with like minded people on a beautiful tiny Madagascar island while working hard to make a difference! Was really special to have 3 different programs staying at the one camp! Loved chatting to other people about what they got up to each day! Work was hard but rewarding and we got plenty of down time to rest, socialize and enjoy the island of nosy komba! The staff were cool and friendly and the wildlife was amazing! Would 100% do the exact same program again!

What would you improve about this program?
Wish there was more variety in food! Expecialy for people with dietary requirments
56 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Ash, Thanks for taking the time to submit your review. It is great to hear that you enjoyed your time volunteering while travelling, and enjoyed the social aspect of camp, and island life! Both myself and the local team would love to have you back anytime. ^Claire - IVHQ Madagascar Program Manager

Default avatar
Charlotte
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa

This was my first volunteer opportunity out of the country & I was scared but IVHQ put me at ease & basically provided everything I needed to feel comfortable safe & at ease in a new surrounding. They thought of everything & I can't wait to do it again next year God willing. Taking care of the kids for 2 weeks I fell in love with them & it gave me a new outlook on life. For me this was what life is all about giving & being in service & Pure True Love

What would you improve about this program?
It's perfect!
57 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for your kind words Charlotte, we are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your first volunteer abroad experience, and look forward to having you join another program in the future.
Claire - IVHQ South Africa Program Manager

Default avatar
Maura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Victoria Falls - Exceeded All Expectations

I did this IVHQ Victoria Falls program as a semi-vacation from work and was expecting to have a relaxing, yet physically demanding experience at Nakavango - just a restful break from work. I thought 2 weeks was nowhere near enough time to truly connect with the local team and country - but I was wrong! I ended up connecting incredibly well with the reserve manager and gained a real understanding of the local people's conflicts with wildlife, and how that intertwines with national and international politics, trade, and economics. It was absolutely fascinating and the volunteering itself was incredibly rewarding. If felt amazing to be outside all day with such wonderful people and to be contributing my small part to the overall project. I studied environmental policy in college and work now for an environmental NGO, so this program was right up my alley and is a perfect jumping point for anyone interested in environmental justice, land/wildlife, and international relations issues. The animals are pretty spectacular as well!

What would you improve about this program?
Better orientation when you arrive - there is a bit of a learning curve! But you figure it all out after two weeks.
56 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thanks for sharing your awesome review! It is great that you were able to learn from the wealth of knowledge that the local team have, and I know the local team enjoyed teaching you, as much as you enjoyed learning.
IVHq Victoria Falls Program Manager

Questions & Answers

Hi Georgiy, IVHQ has a fantastic range of options for teen volunteers - whether you are traveling independently or with a parent/guardian. You can check out this page to start exploring your options: www.volunteerhq.org/high-school-volunteer-abroad/ or reach out to our team directly for personalized recommendations: info@volunteerhq.org :)

Volunteers 18 years or older can participate on an IVHQ program alone. However, children under18 must be participating in a group with with a parent, guardian or family member who is 18 years or over.