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
May 01, 2024
Jan 28, 2025
142 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in South Africa and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 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

4.94 Rating
based on 99 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.95%
  • 4 rating 4.04%
  • 3 rating 1.01%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.55
Showing 1 - 8 of 99 reviews
Default avatar
Cristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Overwhelming

It was the most interesting experience of my life. The energy and friendliness of the young volunteers was contagious. The contact with children at school is unforgettable, every smile, every hug. More the effort of teachers to do a lot, with very little.

The place and the country are beautiful and grand. In our free time, we have the opportunity to visit the country and have unforgettable experiences. The insecurity and racism are shocking and I had to adapt to the food, but I am very grateful to all the people I had the pleasure of meeting

I thank IVHQ and O2E for their support. I wish everyone the best of luck.
Cristina João

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The Safari and the bungee jumping
Pros
  • Enrichment
  • Grateful
  • Knowledge
Cons
  • Insecurity
  • Racism
  • Food
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jade
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing impact

This program is amazing and I couldn’t recommend it more! You meet amazing people from across the world and all come together to make a huge impact. Helping in the community allows you to have perspective on your own life and be grateful for what you have. The program prepared me before going and the program manager was always reachable if I had any questions. Go in with an open mind and you will have the most amazing time exploring the area with new friends. Your impact is greatly appreciated by all of the local team

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go in with an open mindset. Explore everything and be apart of their culture.
Pros
  • Helping the community
  • Meeting new people
  • Exploring the area
5 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer IVHQ 100% recommend

Two months ago I boarded a plane to the other side of the world having absolutely no idea what to expect. I was scared to leave behind my loved ones but also very excited to get to explore another country. I can now say with confidence that it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. South Africa is such a beautiful country with incredibly kind and welcoming people. My host home made the trip even more unforgettable. They provided a beautiful, clean home and a wonderful place to make friends from all over the world. I did not know what to expect when I came here but I am leaving with a new perspective on life. While volunteering the children showed me what true gratitude is and that you truly don’t need much to be happy. Happiness comes from the way you treat others and the people you surround yourself with. So often we forget the power of kindness, compliments, or even a smile. These kids don’t have access to many things that I wouldn’t have thought twice about before I arrived here. I now realize that everything I have is a blessing and that no matter what happens there is always something to be grateful for. I will never forget this experience and the wonderful people who filled it. I will definitely use IVHQ next time I choose to volunteer while traveling.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
This trip wasn’t my first solo trip but it was the first trip that I went on where I didn’t know anyone at my destination beforehand. I was very nervous before going and so I only booked my trip for 8 weeks. To answer the question of, if I did it all over again the one thing I would change is the amount of time I booked it for. I had such a wonderful time I wish I would’ve booked it for 3-6 months. It’s important to remember that there is always a flight home so take the leap and if you change your mind that is also ok.
Pros
  • You will make friends all over the world
  • You will learn about another culture
  • You will become a better version of yourself
Cons
  • You might miss your family a little but you just have to remember that home will always be waiting for you so enjoy where you are
20 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Bella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Africa

The team in South Africa is absolutely amazing!!! I had so much fun and made so many friends. I would recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about volunteering! Cape Town is a beautiful city and there is so much to do and see here! My favorite part would probably be the winery in Stellenbosch and the vibe of the local community. Muzeinburg is so relaxing and has a lovely beach that you can sunbathe on and the front has a lot of coffee shops, restaurants, takeaways, and surfing shops!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Biltong!
Pros
  • Staff
  • Cape Town
18 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Francesco
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The importance of change

It's safe to say that it was the best experience of my life. I am not simply talking about the warm culture that welcomed me, the childish smiles that gave me a good morning every morning, the availability and kindness of the staff who accompanied and instructed me, but of something in its entirety that was able to touch me deeply. Although I stayed for such a short time, those days marked by the running of children or walks along the beach changed me profoundly as a person. If there is one criticism I can raise, and also the only regret I have, it is that I had too much free time. Obviously that time was not wasted, and I had the opportunity to do many things that I miss very much now, but at the same time, I would have preferred to stay in childcare for longer during the day. Anyway, for anyone interested in such an experience, I highly recommend this one, I promise that, even if it is not what you are looking for, it is something that everyone would need.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The countless and infinite townships. On our first day as a volunteer, when the car took us to the childcare, we passed through rows of houses built inside containers. It gave a dimension, albeit minuscule compared to larger townships, of what housing hardship means for millions of people. It's something I'll never forget
Pros
  • The class were i taught
  • The volunteers
  • The beauty of South Africa
Cons
  • The Little time spent with the class
  • The sporadic byt present troublesome man
  • The Little possibility of walking during the evening
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Brett
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Had a blast volunteering through IVHQ again!

This was my second time volunteering through IVHQ! The Marine Conservation project In South Africa was another amazing experience! This company really does a great job organizing these activities from start to finish! I had know worries my entire trip and if I had any questions I would get answers fast. They teamed up with Marine Dynamics who hosted me during my 2 weeks and the accommodation and all of the staff were top notch. I learnt so much about the marine life being out at sea volunteering on various shark and whale boats as well as working in the penguin sanctuary! I would highly recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a safe, fun, and rewarding volunteer experience!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are curious of what its like to be out at sea, or have a love for marine life this is the program for you!
Pros
  • Accommodations were pristine
  • Staff made me feel safe and comfortable
  • Getting to know the other volunteers and working together
31 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

Amazing experiences from both the local team and IVHQ team - perfect balance of exploring and volunteering.
Each team provided me with exemplary information to correctly prepare me for the trip.
The children we met were all amazing and I loved spending time with them - taking them on a field trip was the most amazing experience to see their faces.
Local team provided amazing meals every day and accommodates to all dietary needs and preferences.
Always felt safe and knew if I had troubles the local team would support me.
My only wish is that I had stayed longer.

What was your funniest moment?
Sharing meals each day with members of the house each from all parts of the world made the most amazing stories and meal times.
Pros
  • Amazing for solo travellers
  • Free time to explore
  • Lots of of different people
38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rose
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

1000000/10

OMG THE BEST! If you are looking for a fun, affordable, once in a lifetime trip - this is the way to do it! Not only did I get to volunteer and bond with the community, BUT also got to sight see and view the beautiful country I was in! I traveled to South Africa and was worried about making friends and finding community, but I walked away with the bestest friends. The kids are my EVERYTHING, and I miss them to this day! The ability to make such an enormous impact with little time is amazing, and at the end of my month there, I didnt want to leave!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Pack LESS! There are so many resources in South Africa!
Pros
  • Walkable
  • Cheap
  • Scenery
Cons
  • Lots of Uber rides
  • Unsafe at night
44 people found this review helpful.

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.