South Africa

From dramatic mountains and wild coastlines to vibrant cities and incredible wildlife, South Africa is a country full of contrasts, culture and adventure.

Known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa is home to a rich mix of cultures, languages and traditions. Living and volunteering here gives you the opportunity to experience this diversity first-hand, become part of a local community and gain a deeper understanding of the country beyond the usual tourist trail.

South Africa’s history, including the lasting legacy of apartheid, continues to shape life today. Through your placement, you’ll experience the country through the people and communities you live and work alongside, building relationships and contributing your time and energy to a locally-led project.

Placement Types

Immersive Placement

Spend 10–12 months living and volunteering in South Africa, giving yourself the time to truly settle into your project and community.
You’ll build strong relationships, take on greater responsibility and experience everyday life while developing your confidence, independence and understanding of another culture.

Focused Placement

Spend 6–8 months living and volunteering in South Africa. You’ll have time to become part of your project, build meaningful relationships and develop new skills while experiencing everything this diverse country has to offer.

Find out more about our Placement Types here

What can you do?

Primary & Secondary Teaching

Become part of school life, supporting children and young people across Primary or Secondary education.

Depending on your placement and strengths, you could support a range of subjects and extracurricular activities while building relationships with your pupils and colleagues.

Youth Work

Be a mentor and positive role model for young people, supporting informal education, activities and opportunities outside the traditional classroom.

You’ll help create engaging spaces where young people can learn, develop their confidence and try new things.

Social Care

Work alongside experienced carers to support children and young people with a range of additional needs.

You’ll get involved in everyday routines and activities, providing consistent, person-centred support while becoming part of the wider project community.

Outward Bound

Combine youth development with adventure and the outdoors.

Working alongside trained instructors, you’ll help deliver experiential learning through outdoor activities and team challenges, encouraging young people to build confidence, resilience and teamwork.

Find out more about Project Types here

What does life as a Volunteer look like?

FOOD

South Africa’s diverse cultures are reflected in its food, giving you plenty to discover during your placement.
Depending on your project, you’ll have opportunities to cook for yourself and experience local food – from a traditional braai to dishes and flavours influenced by the many cultures that call South Africa home.

Living

Volunteers generally live on-site at their projects, giving you both independence and the opportunity to become part of everyday project life.

Your experience will vary depending on where you’re based, but living close to your placement means you’ll quickly get to know the people around you and become part of your local community.

TRAVEL

South Africa is packed with places to explore. Spot wildlife in Kruger or Addo, follow the spectacular Garden Route, hike in the Drakensberg or take in the view from Table Mountain.
From beaches and mountains to wildlife and vibrant cities, there’s no shortage of adventure during your time off.

Have questions about Volunteering in South Africa?

Enquire Now

Towards the beginning of July you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Departure time! You will depart with your country group toward the end of September/beginning of October
You’ll return from your placement in August
Our Debriefing course is held toward the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Towards the beginning of December you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in the first few weeks of January
You’ll return from your placement in August
Our Debriefing course is held toward the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.