Volunteer in South Africa | Most Affordable Projects From $404

Volunteer in South Africa | Most Affordable Projects From $404

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

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family Hostel Lodge
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Pricing

Price Details
The costs include:
- 24 hrs Assistance and local support from Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Airport Pickup from Cape Town International Airport
- Orientation
- Meals & Accommodation
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals SIM cards
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Jul 02, 2026
Mar 29, 2023
47 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteering Solutions offers affordable, ethical volunteer programmes in South Africa — from around US$404 per week, with accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support included. As a certified B Corporation, we run community-led projects chosen with local partners, and every placement is backed by local, on-ground coordinators.

Programmes run in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and include childcare and youth support, teaching, sports development, and a wide range of wildlife and conservation placements — from animal rescue and rehabilitation to the penguin and marine-bird rescue centre — as well as medical volunteering and 2-week ‘special’ programmes. In their free time volunteers can explore Table Mountain, the Garden Route and South Africa’s wildlife. Transparent, all-in pricing means no surprise fees — you’ll know exactly what your programme covers before you book.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Volunteers often praise the warm community, supportive staff, and meaningful childcare placements, though some note limited privacy and high costs.

Program Highlights

  • Meaningful and affordable programs available across 2 locations - Cape Town & Port Elizabeth. Gain meaningful international work experience!
  • Work with volunteers from different parts of the work and polish your skills.
  • Get a Certificate of Completion, once you wrap up the project work.
  • Make a difference and inspire others to be a part of change.

Bookings now open for 2026-2027!

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here. Learn more about how Volunteering Solutions is promoting ethical volunteering.

Video and Photos

Impact 🌎

As a certified B Corporation, our environmental and social impact is independently measured — and improving it is built into how we operate, not an afterthought. We run conservation-focused programmes, including marine and wildlife projects that help protect fragile ecosystems, and we deliver every project through local partners so the benefits stay in the community long-term. We also encourage longer, lower-impact placements over quick "voluntourism" trips, so the positive impact outlasts the visit.
As a certified B Corporation, we run community-led projects chosen with local partners so that our programmes meet genuine local needs rather than replace paid jobs. Every destination is supported by local, on-ground coordinators and clear safeguarding standards, especially for any work involving children. Transparent, all-in pricing keeps the focus on lasting benefit to host communities.

Program Reviews

4.96 Rating
based on 25 reviews
  • 5 rating 96%
  • 4 rating 4%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.55
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.55
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.55
Showing 25 - 25 of 25 reviews
Caroline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best decision I have made so far!!!

Basically I can just say that I have definitely made the best out of my time. You can do so many things!! I probably did anything you could do … I did Table Mountain twice,Lions Head, bungee jumping, abseiling, shark cage diving, elephant riding, sky diving, the Western Cape and the Garden Route tour AND I even got to see some museums. You will have an amazing time and you get everything in South Africa: the city, the mountains, the ocean, the beach, the desert and of course an amazing landscape.

144 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story

Questions & Answers

The only thing I would do differently is switch to a longer program! Although my two weeks there were absolutely amazing and I was able to do activities daily after volunteer service hours, I would've loved to stay longer! Cape Town is such a beautiful area and there is so much to do and see. I highly recommend this experience and opportunity to anyone!