Volunteer with Cheetahs in Cape Town, South Africa 

So, you’re thinking about volunteering in South Africa? Great choice! And if you’re an animal lover with a soft spot for the world’s fastest cat, our Cheetah Conservation program in Cape Town is right up your alley.

At IVI, we’re all about real, hands-on experiences that not only make a difference but also give you a chance to fully immerse yourself in a new culture. With this project, you’ll be spending your days helping to protect these incredible (and seriously photogenic) big cats, while your weekends are free for exploring one of the most exciting cities in the world—Cape Town.

Trust us—this is the kind of adventure you’ll still be talking about years from now.

What the Program’s All About

This is no ordinary “visit a sanctuary and snap a selfie” type of deal. When you volunteer with cheetahs, you’ll roll up your sleeves and become part of the conservation team. Every day you’ll be right there where the action happens, supporting staff who are passionate about cheetah survival.

Here’s a taste of what you could be doing:

• Feeding time! Yup, that means handling raw meat and making sure the cheetahs get the nutrition they need.
• Cleaning & maintaining enclosures—not the most glamorous task, but vital for the animals’ health and wellbeing.
• Designing enrichment activities—think of it as cheetah playtime, keeping their brains and bodies active.
• Educational tours—if you’re confident with English, you might get to help out with visitor education.
• Release program prep—stay for four weeks or more and you could help get cheetahs ready for life back in the wild. Pretty amazing, right?

What we love most about this program is that it’s hands-on and meaningful. You’re not just observing—you’re actively helping with the day-to-day running of a real conservation project.

And don’t worry—you won’t be going it alone. You’ll stay in our volunteer house with other like-minded adventurers, meals are provided, and our local team is there to support you 24/7. Basically, everything’s set up so you can focus on making an impact (and having the time of your life).

What’s Cape Town Like?

When you’re not caring for cheetahs, you’ve got the whole of Cape Town nearby. And let’s just say—this city is not shy when it comes to showing off.

Here are some highlights you can look forward to:

• Table Mountain – hike up if you’re feeling adventurous, or hop on the cable car for unbeatable views of the city and coastline.
• Boulders Beach – yes, you can actually share the sand with a colony of African penguins.
• Chapman’s Peak Drive – one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Perfect for weekend road trips.
• Bo-Kaap – stroll through these vibrant, colourful streets and learn about Cape Town’s cultural history.
• V&A Waterfront – for shopping, live music, boat rides, or just soaking in the atmosphere.
• Robben Island – an important historical site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

And let’s not forget the food—Cape Town is a foodie’s dream. From farmers’ markets full of artisanal goodies to fine-dining experiences like La Colombe, there’s something for every craving.

Weekends = Adventure Time

Weekdays are for cheetahs, weekends are for adventures. That’s the beauty of this program—you get the best of both worlds.

Some of our fave weekend activities include:

• Hike Lion’s Head at sunrise or sunset—the views are epic.
• Chill out at local markets like Oranjezicht City Farm Market or Neighbourgoods Market.
• Explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, especially if you’re there for their summer sunset concerts.
• Surfing at Muizenberg Beach (beginner-friendly and loads of fun).
• Kayak with dolphins or go whale-watching in season.
• Wine tasting in Stellenbosch—because when in South Africa… 🍷

Every weekend you’ll have the chance to discover something new, whether it’s a hidden beach, a buzzing music festival, or a cozy café tucked away in Woodstock.

Best Time to Volunteer in Cape Town

Good news—Cape Town is a year-round destination, but some seasons definitely have their perks.

• March to May (Autumn) – warm, sunny days, fewer tourists, and it’s wine harvest season. Perfect.
• September to November (Spring) – mild weather, blooming flowers, and lots of outdoor events.
• December to February (Summer) – hot, lively, and buzzing with beach days and festivals. Just expect more crowds.
• June to August (Winter) – cooler and wetter, but also quieter and more affordable. Plus, this is prime whale-watching season!

If we had to pick? We’d recommend March–May or September–November for the sweet spot of great weather and fewer crowds. But honestly, any time you come, Cape Town has something magical to offer.

A Day in the Life

To give you an idea of what your time might look like, here’s a rough outline:

• Morning – Feed the cheetahs, clean enclosures, and prep enrichment activities.
• Midday – Help out with tours or educational activities.
• Afternoon – Maintenance work, feeding rounds, or planning enrichment for the next day.
• Evening – Relax with your fellow volunteers back at the house, share stories over dinner, or head out for a sunset walk.

Weekends are your time to explore Cape Town, head out on road trips, or simply kick back and recharge.

Why Volunteer with Cheetahs?

• You’ll be helping one of the most endangered animals on Earth.
• You’ll gain practical experience in wildlife conservation.
• You’ll live in one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the world.
• You’ll meet new friends from all over the globe.
• You’ll have stories (and photos) that will make all your friends back home insanely jealous.

This isn’t just volunteering—it’s a chance to step into a whole new world, where your daily “office” might be an enclosure with cheetahs, and your weekends could be spent hiking mountains or watching penguins.

Ready to Join Us?

If the thought of feeding cheetahs by day and exploring Cape Town by weekend makes your heart race (like a cheetah sprinting at full speed 😉), then this program is calling your name.

Whether you come for two weeks or stay for longer, you’ll leave with a new perspective, unforgettable memories, and the knowledge that you played a part in protecting one of nature’s most iconic species.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to trade the ordinary for something extraordinary?

👉 Join IVI’s Cheetah Conservation Program in Cape Town and let the adventure begin!