Volunteer in South Africa

35 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

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Located at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa shares borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), and surrounds the small kingdom of Lesotho. The country is home to over 60 million people and has 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English. The country operates as a constitutional democracy and has one of the most developed infrastructures in Africa. Major cities include Johannesburg (economic hub), Cape Town (legislative capital), and Durban (major port city). South Africa boasts incredible biodiversity and is known for its national parks, such as Kruger and Addo Elephant Park.

South Africa’s climate varies significantly by region. Generally, it experiences a warm, temperate climate. The summer months (November to March) are hot and rainy in most areas, especially in the east, while the Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters. The inland highveld areas can see summer thunderstorms and chilly winters with frost. Along the coast, temperatures are more moderate, making destinations like Cape Town and Durban pleasant year-round. For volunteers, it’s important to pack appropriately depending on the region and season—sunscreen and hats in summer, and warm layers for highland winters.

South Africa’s cultural landscape is as diverse as its people. With 11 official languages and a population representing various ethnic groups—including Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and Afrikaans-speaking communities—cultural practices, music, art, and cuisine vary widely across regions. Traditional African customs coexist with modern Western influences, creating a vibrant social tapestry. Ubuntu—a philosophy emphasizing community and human connectedness—is a guiding principle in many communities. Volunteers are often welcomed with warmth and curiosity but are encouraged to be respectful, open-minded, and aware of the country’s complex history, particularly around apartheid and reconciliation.

The placements are centered in Cape Town, located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, is a vibrant and diverse city nestled between mountains and sea. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and multicultural atmosphere, Cape Town offers something for everyone—from iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island to bustling markets, golden beaches, and a thriving arts and food scene. The city’s warm hospitality and scenic coastal charm make it an ideal base for cultural immersion and volunteering experiences.

You will stay in secure volunteer accommodation Strandfontein Village, Cape Town, just a convenient 30-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. The accommodation has shared single gender rooms of 1-4 people. There are hot showers, safety box, fan, bed linen, and laundry facilities for an extra fee. Shared facilities include a communal bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy dining and lounge area, perfect for relaxed, community-style living. An ATM and local supermarket are a 5 min walk from the accommodation, and medical centre is 15 mins drive away.

For larger groups, we also provide a secure, capsule-style hostel in Muizenberg, located just 15 minutes from Strandfontein Village and around 35 minutes from the airport. This alternative option ensures ample space and comfort for bigger groups, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

South African cuisine reflects its multicultural identity, with influences from indigenous African tribes, Dutch settlers, Indian immigrants, and British colonists. Common dishes include pap (maize porridge), boerewors (farm-style sausage), bobotie (spiced minced meat with egg topping), and samp and beans. In coastal areas, seafood is a staple, while Indian-influenced dishes like bunny chow (hollowed-out bread filled with curry) are popular in Durban. South Africans also love a good braai (barbecue), often a social event. Volunteers can enjoy both hearty traditional meals and Western-style options, especially in cities and tourist hubs.

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Breakfast at the accommodation
• Introduction meeting, house rules, setting expectations, health and safety advice and explaining & handling of documents (code of conduct, child protection policy, media consent, etc…)
• South African history, lessons in Afrikaans culture, do’s and don’ts, and basic Afrikaans language lessons.
• lunch at the accommodation.
• to ensure participants are well-acquainted with the surroundings, the coordinator will guide the participants to key spots like supermarkets, atm, and currency exchange centers and assist in obtaining a local sim card with data for seamless communication during their stay (if not already obtained).
• A visit to the Muizenberg beach.
• Dinner at the accommodation.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

South Africa’s transport infrastructure is fairly developed, especially in urban centres. Major cities have minibus taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. However, public transport can be confusing for foreigners and sometimes lacks safety regulations, so volunteers often rely on project-arranged transfers or private shuttles. Long-distance travel between cities is served by buses (e.g., Intercape, Greyhound) and domestic flights. Trains exist but are less reliable.

Top Things to Do in Cape Town

Take a Cable Car up Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town. Take the rotating cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, hike up via the Platteklip Gorge trail. The top is flat, making it easy to explore and a great spot for sunset photos.

Stroll the V&A Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, it’s home to a giant Ferris wheel, live music, restaurants, and the Two Oceans Aquarium. You can also catch a boat to Robben Island from here.

Explore the Colourful Streets of Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is one of the most photographed places in Cape Town, with its brightly painted houses and cobbled streets. It’s also a cultural hub for the Cape Malay community. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like bobotie and samoosas.

Hike Lion’s Head at Sunrise or Sunset

If Table Mountain feels like too much of a challenge, Lion’s Head is a rewarding alternative. The spiral trail takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top and offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. Sunrise and sunset hikes are especially popular for their magical light and Instagram-worthy vistas.

Relax on Camps Bay or Clifton Beach

Just a short drive from the city centre, Camps Bay and Clifton are upscale beach spots perfect for soaking up the sun. With white sand, turquoise water, and views of the Twelve Apostles mountains, they offer a beautiful setting for a lazy afternoon or sundowners at a beachfront café.

Visit the Cape Winelands

Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are world-renowned for their wine and scenery. Spend a day sipping award-winning vintages in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl. Many estates offer wine and food pairings, cellar tours, and picnic spots among the vineyards.

Drive Chapman’s Peak

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes, winding along steep cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The road offers incredible ocean views and is a favourite among cyclists and photographers. Stop at lookouts for breathtaking shots, especially at sunset.

See the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is a family-friendly destination where you can watch endangered African penguins up close. There are boardwalks for viewing and even a designated swimming area where you might find penguins floating alongside you.

Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Walk among native fynbos plants, picnic on the lawns, or explore the treetop canopy walkway. Summer evening concerts and art exhibits add to the charm.

Top Things to Do in South Africa Overall

Go on a Safari in Kruger or Addo

A trip to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without a safari. Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, offers a chance to see the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—in their natural habitat. For a more intimate experience, head to Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth, where herds of elephants roam freely among other wildlife.

Explore the Drakensberg Mountains

Known as the “Dragon Mountains,” the Drakensberg range is a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for hikers and nature lovers. With its jagged peaks, waterfalls, and ancient San rock art, it’s a stunning escape into the wild. Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and even horse riding through the hills.

Drive the Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of the world’s most scenic road trips. Spanning the southern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this lush drive offers beaches, forests, caves, and charming towns. Stop at Knysna for fresh oysters, go bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, or kayak in Wilderness National Park.

Tour Robben Island

A powerful symbol of South Africa’s struggle for freedom, Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. Accessible by ferry from Cape Town, tours are often led by former political prisoners and offer a deeply moving look at the country’s past and ongoing journey toward reconciliation.

Go Shark Cage Diving

For adrenaline junkies, shark cage diving off the coast of Gansbaai is an unforgettable thrill. Come face-to-face with great white sharks in their natural environment—all from the safety of a submerged cage. The experience is intense, educational, and not for the faint-hearted!

Drive the Panorama Route

This lesser-known gem in Mpumalanga province offers breathtaking scenery, including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. It’s a must-do if you’re visiting Kruger National Park, offering incredible landscapes and photo ops.

Experience Local Markets

From Johannesburg’s Neighbourgoods Market to Cape Town’s Oranjezicht City Farm Market, South Africa’s open-air markets are buzzing with life. Enjoy fresh food, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, live music, and warm local hospitality. Markets are also a great place to support small-scale artisans and farmers.

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