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
Sep 22, 2024
139 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 95 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.74%
  • 4 rating 4.21%
  • 3 rating 1.05%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.5
Showing 1 - 8 of 95 reviews
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
6 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
7 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
17 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
27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Safe & Reliable

I was hesitant at first as it was my first time travelling solo - I cannot explain the build up of anxiety and nervousness leading up to my trip. But reaching out to the IVHQ team and the local team was the best thing I did - they were BRILLIANT and made my experience so comfortable. They were extremely accommodating and reassuring which I appreciated very much. Another thing they reassured me about what that I would meet others and make friends quickly - I just didn't realise how quick!! It was so great meeting like-minded people from all different ages, backgrounds and countries bonding through these amazing memories and experiences that we've shared together. Planning my next IVHQ trip as we speak !! :)

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you're hesitant about travelling because you're concerned about safety / reliability - GO FOR IT!! I was in that exact position and extremely anxious and nervous leading up to my trip - but you have 24/7 support!! Contact your program manager with any questions or concerns you may have, I PROMISE this will make the biggest difference! The IVHQ staff are so accommodating that I am beyond comfortable booking my next trip with them.
Pros
  • You make friends super easily as most other volunteers are solo travellers in the same boat as you!
  • Making a positive contribution to disadvantaged communities - cannot explain the fulfilment you will achieve.
  • Visiting a new country!! Seeing everything there is to see and gaining all of these new experiences!!
Cons
  • You'll have to compromise your level of privacy as rooms are shared (basically like a hostel) - though this is a given
  • You'll be living in a lower standard of quality - though I choose to view this as a positive as it's a unique and humbling experience.
  • The anxiety/nervousness building up to your trip - though this can be resolved by frequently reaching out to your program manager and the local teams for any support :)
40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Would do it again!

The local team was amazing and friendly. Thoughtful to our concerns and needs. The program coordinator was also very helpful and attentive to our needs. The volunteers were also super nice and supportive. The local team was attentive to our special needs/requests. The orientation done with a local of the city was very important and it helped us to get to know the country a bit better and be vigilant in terms of safe zones and unsafe ones. The locals are also respectful and friendly to foreigners.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Crocodile and zebra
Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Exploring new cultures
  • Getting out of my comfort zone
Cons
  • Lots of rodents on the streets
51 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ada
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South africa childcare program

This was the best experience and opportunity I ever had, this company helped me make this happen, made me feel safe and I feel like this definitely made me grow so much as a person. I've met so many people who have also taught me a lot, we have made friendships for life and we saw many great places and did activities such as horse riding in safari which was an incredible experience, bungee jumping, swimming with sharks etc. And i feel like i've made an impact and helped those children i was working with.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Standing on the tallest bungee bridge, and I jumped and it was the best feeling!
Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Growing as a person
  • helping the children
Cons
  • spent too much money
  • packed wrong, not enough clothes
65 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Electra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I can’t wait to go back

Everything was so well organised and easy!! The checklist of things to do and things to bring made it so easy to focus on my main goal of helping the children. I loved my experience more than words can say and I will be returning as soon as money allows it! My program coordinators from both New Zealand and South Africa were helpful and replied very fast. The activities we did during the day, after program, were things I never would have done or experienced had I traveled alone. The people I met are friends for life

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would change the amount of time I stayed. I was there for two weeks and extended to three but I want to be there for longer!! I miss it so much
Pros
  • Friends
  • Food
  • Love for the kids
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Leaving so soon
75 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.