Volunteer in Cape Town, South Africa
Volunteering overseas is the perfect way for any international getaway to have a more positive impact. In Cape Town, volunteer programs will have you on your feet and contributing to exciting fields, like tracking endangered African penguins or coaching a youth rugby team.
As a destination, this South African city provides the perfect backdrop for a global volunteer experience. On days off, you’ll wander the cobblestone streets of the city’s brightly styled Bo-Kaap neighborhood or hike rewarding trails in Table Mountain National Park. Nearby, the coastal landscape of Cape Peninsula offers the perfect day trip.
Though these are all highlights of any Cape Town adventure, it’s the experiences you’ll have as a volunteer that are bound to be the most impactful. By traveling with purpose, you’ll return with a fresh perspective on the world.
Cape Town’s usual volunteer programs have some pretty unusual assignments. Explore unique projects for conservation, education, and more fields in this top South African city.
Animal Care
Cape Town may be an urban area, but it’s a popular base for volunteering with animals. Popular placements have volunteers working in sanctuaries for all types of rescued critters, like leopards, elephants, and dogs.
If you don’t have much experience working with animals, your tasks will likely entail basic upkeep and maintenance, like tidying up enclosures when the residents go out to play. Alternatively, volunteers with a background in veterinary science may get the chance to provide care to injured animals.
Marine Conservation
If you have a keen interest in the marine area of conservation, then Cape Town is a wonderful gateway to a variety of oceanic volunteer projects. Help preserve natural habitats by cleaning up beaches or delving into hands-on research assignments.
Volunteers can take part in more adventurous projects like tracking great white sharks and observing their behavior from a secure underwater cage. If cage diving wasn’t on your bucket list, then you’ll be relieved to hear you can also volunteer onshore with endangered sea turtles.
Education
For aspiring teachers and experienced educators alike, an abundance of volunteer opportunities exist in Cape Town. From assisting in a classroom to running after-school programs, there’s a variety of ways that overseas volunteers can connect with Cape Town’s youth.
Popular programs include teaching English, tutoring in a specific subject area, working with preschoolers, or coaching a sports team. Placements aren’t only in local schools -- volunteers may also play supporting roles in community organizations.
Visas
Most travelers don’t need a visa to volunteer in South Africa. If you’re a U.S. citizen staying less than 90 days, a tourist visa will suffice.
Cost of living
Overall, the cost of living in South Africa is lower than in the US. Even in metropolitan areas like Cape Town, groceries and other essentials won’t drain your wallet. South African Rand, or ZAR, is the local currency, and it will be helpful to have some cash converted before you arrive to help you get started.
Housing & Accommodation
Volunteer housing options in Cape Town ensure that you get the chance to connect with your fellow participants and experience South African culture. Living in dorm-style accommodations, you’ll bunk with other volunteers, preparing meals and cleaning shared spaces as a team. Staying with a host family is another option, allowing you to have an inside look at local Cape Town life.
