Culture Volunteering in South Africa

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Costa Rica, where you will work with local communities in addressing social and economic challenges. You will then travel to South Africa to help lead sports development, followed by a summer of learning and practicing the Spanish language in Spain. Finally, you will volunteer in teaching and community building and development in Thailand and Cambodia while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities you will serve. Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about this program.

Use your communications skills to expand the reach of an organization that focuses on empowering the youth of their community by unleashing their potential through dance. Be part of a South African-based nonprofit that teaches dance to kids from underprivileged communities in townships. Their mission is to equip children with confidence and important skills through the power of dance so that they can later pursue opportunities that are scarce in their communities. In this internship, you'll join a small but dedicated team and assist with digital communications, fundraising, and overall development of their organization. As an intern, you'll contribute to fast-growing projects while developing diverse skills. Join remotely or in Cape Town, where you'll meet the team, attend dance classes, and gather field content. Tasks depend on your skills and interests, you could work on the more creative side of communications ranging from writing online content and newsletters, managing social media, and assisting with running digital fundraising campaigns; or work behind the scenes in marketing, engaging in research, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder management.

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, South Africa. As a photographer on this program, you'll learn how to document the work of local nonprofit organizations effectively, and you'll put that knowledge into practice during photographic assignments. You'll be tutored by a professional humanitarian photographer with extensive experience and a deep passion for nonprofit photography. Through personal guidance, you'll be sure to grow both in skill and confidence as a photographer. This workshop is a wonderful way to make an impact through your lens and experience South Africa in a unique way. During your stay in Stellenbosch, your accommodation, transport, and meals will be taken care of. You'll be based in a comfortable lodge in the city center, allowing you to easily explore some of the many highlights Stellenbosch and Cape Town have to offer. To qualify for this NGO photography program, you'll need to have basic camera skills and some photographic experience. The workshop runs several times a year, and you can join us for 2 to 4 weeks.

The Sibuya Wilderness Experience welcomes participants from all walks of life. Volunteers, adventure-seeking travelers, gap year students, adults taking work sabbaticals... Anyone with a passion for nature conservation. This is the perfect Eco Volunteer Program if you are looking for a meaningful travel opportunity abroad that puts your passion for nature, environment, and wildlife to good use, trying to make a difference. Our unique itinerary runs on a two-week program, wherein the content is only covered twice in a month, making a four-week stay the perfect getaway to experience everything at least twice. Nowhere else in South Africa is a volunteer itinerary this diverse.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Cape Town, known for its diverse and growing population, is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Opportunities to serve all year round include daycares for lower-income families, education centers for disadvantaged learners, and human rights organizations. Partnering with community-based organizations and completing a reflection-based curriculum will allow you to learn how local experts address these issues in their communities while gaining intercultural leadership skills. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so please visit our website to learn more about your options. Our Cape Town program is recommended for anyone interested in the education and/or disability service fields.

Apart from the normal struggles of living with a disability, social stigma and discrimination surrounding disabilities mean that People With Disabilities (PWD) face even greater challenges. In many instances, PWDs are not afforded the same opportunities as regular members of society, and this, in turn, means they are often unable to contribute productively to their communities. Your role will be based in a local care centre, which provides social activities, food, assistance with day-to-day life, and vocational training. You will work alongside centre staff, assisting them and taking on responsibilities as your skills and experience allow. As a volunteer, you will help with daily activities that involve: Social interaction Income generation through the creation and sale of arts and crafts Vocation and skills-based training Kitchen work and gardening to provide nutritious meals This project is located in Hout Bay, a bus ride away from central Cape Town with all the city has to offer tourists. Accommodation is at a lodge located right by the beach and with a bus stop just outside. Project work is from Monday to Friday, with the weekends free to explore and have fun.

Take a semester or academic year in the fascinating Stellenbosch with AIFS Abroad. You can earn up to 15 credits studying at the University of Stellenbosch. The courses are delivered in English. Choose your course on the Full Curriculum Program. Focus on South African history and culture through the General Education Program. Global Service Learning and a Learning for Sustainable Community Engagement program are also available. Live in the student residence hall at the heart of campus life. You will have a single en-suite room with shared common areas and laundry facilities. Internet access and a meal allowance are included. You will enjoy cultural and social activities such as: • Beach excursions • Trips to local craft and food markets • Vineyard tour • Day trip along the famous Garden Route • Day trips to Cape Town, Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve, and Boulder’s Beach (home of 3,000 African penguins) Optional excursions include a 3-day trip to the Cederberg Mountains and a 5-day visit to Addo Elephant Park and Breede River.

Experience South Africa’s vibrant culture, iconic wildlife, and dramatic landscapes while contributing to meaningful volunteer work. Though a popular tourist destination, the country continues to face deep-rooted challenges in education, healthcare, and poverty—creating opportunities for international volunteers to make a tangible difference. Support grassroots efforts by volunteering in under-resourced schools, assisting in childcare, contributing to wildlife conservation, or participating in health outreach programs in local communities. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable cross-cultural insight and develop a deeper understanding of South Africa’s social realities. Programs include: • Cheetah Conservation • Kindergarten • Childcare • Teaching • Culture Week Whether you're passionate about working with children, protecting wildlife, or engaging with community health, these projects offer a rewarding, hands-on experience that fosters both impact and personal growth.

100% of your payment goes to this charity! This exceptional experience provides volunteers with the unique opportunity of teaching children to protect the environment and to care for rescued wild animals. You will inspire a generation of local children to become passionate about wildlife conservation. Please note that the animals are unfortunately kept in captivity only because they are not able to return to the wild. Volunteering with us isn’t just about working. You’ll also learn about the local customs and beliefs, language, and traditional food. Our staff will teach you about the secrets of the Sepedi culture while cooking delicious food or dancing around a bonfire! Plus, you’ll have the chance to explore more of South Africa through half-day and full-day trips. This volunteer program is an incredible learning experience for participants of all ages and backgrounds. It runs from mid-January to mid-December every year, with start and end dates on Saturdays. You can stay with us from 1 to 12 weeks, depending on your availability.

You don’t have to break the bank to learn a new language, explore a new culture, or acquire compulsory work experience in another country. Whether you seek an internship or a volunteering opportunity, Magister will help you realize that dream trip to South Africa. At Magister South Africa, we have matched and placed participants in various programs – from internships in companies to volunteer projects with local communities – since 2000. Besides offering a wonderful experience, we guarantee safety and security as well as immersion through regular events and activities. If you are seeking a challenging internship or simply wishing to experience a cosmopolitan lifestyle while contributing to a good cause, we can definitely lead you in the right direction!

South Africa has celebrated an end to formal apartheid but, despite its rich natural resources and can-do attitude, the majority of the black population still faces huge challenges. Job prospects are still in low supply, housing and the standard of living are still far below expectations, access to running tap water is limited, decent flushing toilets are shared, and millions still live in slums. Much of the work and projects involve helping the overcrowded community of Imizano Yethu township where most of the residents live in makeshift iron shacks, sharing communal taps and toilets with hundreds of neighbors, where the roads are potholed, and where the basic infrastructure is rundown. Volunteers take on various tasks: - improve and maintain normal community and preschool (crèche) care centers - assist with the refurbishment of the Community Youth Center - rebuild shacks lost due to fires - replace simple roofing - waterproof homes - install concrete flooring - paint and refurbish local schools - participate in community and school sports programs like soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and physical education lessons

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Conservation Experience with Wild Tomorrow and help protect South Africa’s biodiversity-rich landscapes. Our Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve now spans over 3,500 acres, safeguarding habitat and ensuring a future for species great and small. Located in one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, the reserve forms a vital corridor for elephants, leopards, antelopes, and countless others. Your participation directly fuels conservation—from habitat restoration and wildlife research to anti-poaching support and community upliftment. You’ll assist with surveys, bioblitzes, and small mammal trapping to document unrecorded species, while also planting trees, restoring landscapes, and creating wild spaces for rhinos, giraffes, elephants, and the tiny suni antelope. With groups capped at just 9, this is no tourist trip; it’s an immersive conservation mission. Work alongside rangers, ecologists, and community leaders while experiencing the raw beauty of the African bush. Dates: October 11–26, 2025 October 20–26, 2025 April 11–25, 2026 August 1–15, 2026 Rewild your heart, join us for this unforgettable two-week journey, and become a guardian of the wild.

This volunteering opportunity is with The Lighthouse Academy, a TCM Program, a primary school in Limpopo Province catering to 470 learners, ages 5 to 13. Students, professional coaches, or experienced athletes are much appreciated. Join a team of international volunteers and train TCM team members on coaching athletics, netball, soccer, physical education, and cross country. The seasons are as follows: Term 1: Athletics Term 2: Netball and Soccer Term 2 and 3: Cross country Physical Education is presented throughout the year during school terms. The first three successful applicants per season can join for free, and the succeeding volunteers pay a fee. We offer pick-up and drop-off at Hoedspruit Airport for an extra cost. Please feel free to inquire about the complete details of this program.

Over 80% of South African 10-year-olds struggle to read for meaning, indicating a serious literacy crisis. After-school academic support programs have proven effective in improving educational outcomes, especially in under-resourced communities. These programs help reduce educational inequality by offering academic and psychosocial support, and by creating safe, nurturing spaces for vulnerable children and youth. Hope Warriors Children’s Charity provides an inspirational learning environment in Soshanguve, where children receive free homework help and academic enrichment. Activities include reading aloud, mental math, and Spelling Bee competitions to build confidence and skills. We encourage children to stay focused on their studies, living out Nelson Mandela’s belief that "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." To support learning, we also provide meals and proper clothing, helping children who face hunger and poor nutrition to concentrate better and engage more actively in school life.