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Volunteer Programs in Cape Town, South Africa

After 44 years of racial segregation under Apartheid, South Africans are rising out of their splintered past as a nation of progress. Volunteers are drawn to the renowned multicultural city in the horn of the continent. They go to Cape Town to revel in its cultural treasures and jaw-dropping natural beauty. You too will admire the beautifully designed architecture and global cuisines in the hip hub that is Cape Town. Beyond the city perimeters, you’ll surf the miles of endless coastline or hike the stunning Table Top Mountain. Volunteers in Cape Town agree, this place really has it all!

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feeding a baby sloth

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Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers
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Latest Program Reviews

A fantastic experience

April 17, 2025by: Sterre Lief Van de Geer - NetherlandsProgram: Surfing for a Better Future
8

My experience in South Africa has been amazing. If I could fly back tomorrow, I would do it right away. Helping children from townships has been something I've wanted to do since I was young, and I finally got the chance to do it now. Combining that with surfing is just so much fun! You also have plenty of free time to enjoy and explore Cape Town, which I think is a great combination. Surfpop is well organized; you can always message someone if you need anything, and they are available 24/7, which I found very reassuring. The food during the week is also good, especially breakfast, which is delicious! The surf instructors are skilled and know how to teach, so you really improve. The accommodation is nice too. It's cleaned every week, and you share a room with many girls but that’s nice and you get better and better together! I had a wonderful time overall. Thank you so much for everything! Kind regards Sterre Lief van de Geer

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Cape Town

What Else You Need to Know

Despite the growing economy, volunteers in Cape Town are needed in various sectors to lend a hand. 

Popular causes/program types in Cape Town. Volunteer in Cape Town in health education to support healthcare staff or help care for sick patients. Run workshops on areas like nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention. For those passionate about animal welfare, you can find related volunteer projects in Cape Town—rescue dogs from the city streets or even help release cheetahs into the wild. Volunteer opportunities in Cape Town concerning childcare and children at local orphanages and schools exist as well.

Summer/short-term programs. For volunteers in Cape Town worried about not having enough time to commit to their cause of choice, fear not! Programs with shorter stays of one month or even one week are available.

Long-term volunteer stints. When volunteering abroad in Cape Town, keep in mind that progress in any developing nation is a journey of patience. Learn to value those small but significant moments when volunteering in Cape Town. If you even made one child smile or held the hand of a sick patient, you have made a change.

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