Affordable Volunteer Programs in South Africa from US$250

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!

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

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!

My trip to South Africa was the best 2 weeks of my life! Volunteering with the kids was so amazing and I loved each of them so much. I would recommend this trip to anyone with the desire to travel. My favorite memory was hiking table mountain. The hike was fun and the view was breathtaking. My favorite part of each day way waking up and going to help with the kids. The staff was so sweet and helpful. I also enjoyed going out at night. The night life was very fun and the citizens of South Africa are extremely friendly and fun people.

This was by far the most amazing experience of my life. It was super easy to make friends with the other volunteers and by the end of it I made lifelong friends and was sobbing when I had to leave it felt like such a family. I did 4 weeks childcare and extended for one more week and did surf program, the kids were amazing and everyday I looked forward to getting up at 630 to make it there because they were so filled with love. It was definetly the hardest goodbye. The surf program was amazing and I wish I had knew about it earlier because I would have stayed another month, surfing all day was the coolest thing ever. Capetown and muizenburg were so beautiful and offered so much, I miss everything so much and I know I will be back. Best program ever. You won't regret it.

I absolutely loved my time spent in Cape Town with DTR through IVHQ. Although I only spent two weeks, I felt as if I grew so incredibly close with my fellow volunteers as well as the kids I worked with every day. The experience truly gave me more of an open mind and made me thankful for all of the privileges I have here at home, and this has driven me to want to return so bad. The kids really filled my heart with so much joy and love and I could tell that I was doing the same for them, it was moving. If I were to return, I'd want to stay longer, as well as pack more accordingly to weather. My favorite memory was either my safari trip, or simply playing with the kids outside on nice afternoons.

I've always dreamed of a trip to Africa, never did I expect it to be so rewarding. Wildlife has been a passion of mine since birth and on top of that African wildlife seemed to be the crown jewel. Being able to come work with a program where I can not only support wildlife, but see for the first time what I've been missing my entire life; while still contributing efforts to help wildlife and protect the lands so these amazing creatures may flourish. The connection I felt with this place made it feel I was leaving home, what's meant to be my home; and returning back to just where I live when my 4 weeks were over. I look forward to going back next year! In the beginning I had thought I wanted to travel everywhere, now all I want to do is travel back to Nakavango in Victoria Falls.

I did not know what to expect when I boarded my plane to Cape Town. The first day we had an orientation that gave all the volunteers extremely useful information about the program, the country, things to do for weekend travel, and more. Each volunteer got to say where they were from and a fun fact about themselves. This was a good opportunity for everyone to get to know one another better. We then had lunch and walked through Cape Town where we were given more useful information about city center and transportation. The team and all the volunteers then had dinner that evening and had more opportunities to get to know everyone.
The first day of our volunteer experience was better than expected. The team made sure each volunteer was comfortable with their placements. IVHQ South Africa has different projects you can chose from. I was on the teaching project, and got to work along side with a teacher teaching grade R. Each and everyone one of the kids had so much love to offer. I got to help them with their school work and help the teacher organize and get work done. All the kids were intelligent and had a lot of offer. In the two short weeks that I was there, I believe the kids have taught me more than I was able to teach them in a short amount of time. I really enjoyed my teaching program experience.
The volunteers had plenty of time for weekend travel and activities. The team helped us organize things to do. I was able to visit so many places around Cape Town and in South Africa including Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Table Mountain, and more. I even got a chance to take a safari and to bungy jump!
Some tips for future volunteers is to bring warm clothes. It can get windy and cold during the winter months. Another tip is to not over pack and to bring the important stuff like adaptors, vitamin C, cameras, a blanket, etc. If you're thinking about volunteering with IVHQ South Africa, do not hesitate. It's an experience of a life time!
My favorite part about the trip was meeting all the great people along the way. From IVHQ, to Dreams to Reality, to all the other volunteers, and people I met throughout the country, they were all so welcoming and humble. For me, it was all the great people who made the trip special. I would recommend this trip to my friends, family, and future volunteers!

I was extremely fortunate to spend 10 weeks in Cape Town volunteering with such an incredible organization. Dreams To Reality, a small, young organization making a big impact.

I was part of the Surf Outreach program working with ~20 kids aged 8-14. The obvious passion for the sport and the lifestyle by the kids and the surf instructor, Phila, made the importance of such a program is immediately clear. Not only is it a way to keep the kids attending program occupied and out of imminent dangers and troubles they inevitably face at home, but it is a healthy outlet for them to hone a skill and forge friendships. There was truly nothing better than seeing the kids show up every day excited and smiling to see you and to sense the appreciation they have for the encouragement and empowerment they receive from staff and volunteers alike.

The accommodations. The program and its volunteer housing is located in the surfers town of Muizenberg. It is in my opinion serene. Mountains meet plaines and the expanse ocean in false bay. You are a short walk from any of the houses to the beach and surfers corner, the area with grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Also a short walk or ride to a few hiking trails and nearby towns such as Kalk Bay.

Despite being enrolled in the surf program, I, as well as other volunteers had the opportunity to see they other functions of Dreams To Reality. I was permitted to attend the other programs, such as Child Care and Sports Development at a couple of local schools. This gave me the opportunity to see again just how much this organization means to the community. Enough cannot be said about the staff. While running a tight ship, they maintain personal connections with the volunteers and the kids in the community. I left feeling very much like family. Something I don't believe to be an experience unique to me.

I would 100% recommend this opportunity to anybody and 100% look forward to visiting again.

I've wanted to do a volunteering trip for a long time. I looked on the internet for programs but most of them were really expensive and didn't seem trustworthy. I asked my friends for advice and IVHQ came up a lot. My friend Juliette and I looked at the list of places that we could go and we decided to go to South Africa in the childcare program. We were anxious before we arrived in SA, but as soon as we landed and saw that someone was waiting for us, we were reassured. We stayed in Royal house (one of the six houses) and we loved it! The houses are in Muizenberg, a city 30 minutes away from CapeTown. We were very comfortable and the staff was kind and caring.
We started the childcare program on Wednesday because Tuesday was a holiday in SA and we were there for 2 weeks which isn't enough in my opinion. The program is located in Capricorn, a township near CapeTown, in a childcare facility named Sunrise. As soon as we met the kids, we fell in love with the place. We also had a lot of fun with the other volunteers visiting CapeTown and Muizenberg. Everyone is very nice and welcoming and the child are charming. The kids were always calling us teacher, they were very cute. I would definitely recommend this program and I will do it again for sure, it's an experience of a lifetime !!!

I stayed in South Africa for 10 weeks working with Dreams to Reality. A small group of individuals is running a really special program down there in Muizenberg. Renae, Angelo, Melissa, and Chrizelda made me feel at home which really allowed for interactions with the children to be so easy. A big shout out to them and everyone else working with Dreams to Reality that I did not mention.

I chose the sports development program and got placed at Christian Davids Primary. I was fortunate to work with "Uncle" Charles. This man is such a role model for the kids. He can relate to them, he encourages them, pushes them, and gets them involved as much as he can. You can tell it isn't a job for him; he does it out of love. In this program you would be interacting with the children throughout the entire schools day. You are basically running a physical education class with multiple classes a day and then running around with the children for interval (recess for the entire school). So you have to be active for this. The kids come to school with smiles on their faces everyday so excited to see the volunteers despite any struggles at home. It is extremely humbling and you will probably learn more from them than you can teach them.

Outside of program you can always find something to do. You can go on numerous scenic hikes, go surfing on the infamous Muizenberg beach, take trips to Kalk Bay for souvenirs or a bite to eat, or just hang out with the volunteers from around the world! You are really in a diverse setting and you should take advantage of it every day. Learn about apartheid and the struggles that this country is facing every day. Talk to locals of all "races" about how their lives were before and after apartheid. Learn from this experience and don't take any day for granted. You can survive on as little as $20 USD a week or really splurge with about $100 USD a week. Utilize the food that the program provides and you will save a TON of money if that is your concern.

Overall I would highly recommend coming to this country and working with this wonderful team. I cannot wait to visit them in the future and tell them how greatful I am for that opportunity.

Volunteering abroad was something I've always wanted to do and I am glad that I choose IVHQ as the provider of this opportunity. The experience was nothing short of amazing. It has changed my life forever in so many ways!

From the time of registration and throughout my program IVHQ was helpful. The program booklets received are full of very useful information about the country, culture and languages as well as the things to do, things to be cautious of, and things to bring with you.
Not to mention that throughout the program I received regular emails from the program coordinator (Claire Chambers) making sure that I was happy, safe and comfortable.
IVHQ definitely goes the extra mile to ensure that not only the organization is getting what it needs from the volunteers, but that the volunteers are enjoying the experience as well.

IVHQ works with a local South African organization called DTR (Dreams to Reality).
They are based out of Muizenberg South Africa which is also the city that you stay in for the duration of your program. Muizenberg is a beautiful city with many things to do and so many places to explore. It is reasonably safe as long as you remember that you are in a foreign country and the safety guidelines provided to you in your booklets and in your orientation with DTR are important then you will be able to enjoy everything it has to offer.
The staff at DTR are very welcoming, they make sure that you have everything you need and go out of their way to ensure that you are safe and comfortable as well. The houses are always clean, the fridges packed with healthy snacks and they are more than accommodating with any dietary needs. Angelo and Renae along with the other staff members are always available and not only care about the volunteers in the program but they genuinely care about the children and families that they are working with.

I did my volunteering at "Daylight Educare" which is a small daycare center in Capricorn. It is run by an amazing and kind woman (Mary) and her niece Nicole. The children at this center are absolutely beautiful inside and out, they have so much to offer and so much love to give. It was a heartwarming experience that will stay with me forever and I hope to someday return.

In short, I'd recommend IVHQ South Africa (DTR) to anyone that is looking for an affordable volunteer experience that they will never forget in country that is has so much to offer. South Africa and the children at Daylight Educare definitely stole a piece of my heart. It was fulfilling the "travel bug" in me and satisfying to the soul as well!! :)

Volunteering with IVHQ was one of the best experiences of my life. Being with the kids changed my life, they just have so much love to give! Go in with an open mind and you will get so much more than you ever imagined. The volunteers and staff become family, and you will definitely leave your heart in ZA.

IVHQ also did a great job at helping me feel safe and comfortable traveling to a new country by myself. I definitely would travel with them again!

I had such an amazing time in Muizenberg, Cape Town, thanks to you and DTR staff.
The teaching program helped me as a human being because I could learn a lot from the kids. Above all, they need love and someone to be their friend, to listen to them and hug when they are not feeling well. Someone to understand that no matter their family background or the violence in the community they live, those kids have dreams and they want someone to believe them and encourage them to accomplish all their goals.
I grew as a teacher as well. Teaching English and helping around with Math and motor skills activities for 40 kids was a huge step out of my comfort zone. Ms. Goodwin, grade 2 teacher, was giving me support all the time and taught me great lessons about how to get the children's attention, value their skills and also some Afrikaan!
I was lucky to have a great teacher who encouraged me every day I spent with her and gave me a great support. As a teacher back home, I enjoyed it a lot. I recommend this program to those who already think of being teachers and really like kids. There is no specific training for teaching volunteers at school, you help the way you feel better and according to the teacher's needs. Ms. Goodwin and I became good friends and discussed about the best way for me to help her, she decided it would be better if I taught them English, that's what I did and it was a pleasure.
The accommodation was good. We had a great house with hot water, good food, a super fun house manager. Although there is no TV or internet connection, the environment helped us get connected to each other in a great familiar way.
Leaving was hard to me. I wish I could stay longer, or even get a job and actually work at Christian David Primary. After all those incredible moments I lived in South Africa, I am sure this was only the beginning of a volunteering life.

I volunteered for two weeks in the Surf Outreach program. It was the most amazing two weeks of my life, and my only regret was that I couldn't stay longer. Volunteers live in Muizenberg, a famous beach town located about 30 mins from City Bowl known for its waves and surf culture. The location itself was incredible with Muizenberg Mt. in the background (perfect for hiking up for sunrise/sunset before/after program) and plenty of shops and restaurants along the beach front. From day one I was amazed by how loving and welcoming the kids were and looked forward to seeing them every day. The Surf program was unique and unlike any program I'd seen before. It was more time consuming than the other programs, meeting in both the morning and afternoon, yet I loved every moment of it. The lessons with other volunteers helped foster friendship and camaraderie among us and I think the kids really vibed off of it. Even though it was difficult at times to learn how to surf, it was completely worth it to see the look of joy on the kids faces when you can ride in with them, race, or just talk with them while waiting for the next wave to come in. Learning how to do something they love is the first step to open a dialogue and achieve a deeper level of understanding with them. After program and on weekends there's plenty to do with other volunteers in Muizenberg, City Bowl, and outside of the city. Even though I was only there for two weeks, I managed to squeeze in top attractions and even go on a two day safari. This was truly the adventure of a lifetime. Saying goodbye to the other volunteers, and especially the kids, was one of the hardest things, but I wouldn't trade this experience in for anything.