The Comprehensive Guide to Volunteering in South Africa

This eBook provides you with all necessary information regarding popular tourist destinations, activities, and programs in South Africa. A thorough understanding of this book will prepare you for the best experience of your life. This comprehensive guide also includes helpful tips on safety precautions, packing lists, and other factors to consider when volunteering in South Africa.

Chapter 1: Becoming a Volunteer in South Africa: Starting the Process

Welcome to South Africa!

Witness one of the most astounding countries on Earth when you volunteer in South Africa. Laden with epic wildlife reserves, ancient human remains and idyllic landscapes, the diverse country of South Africa offers travelers anything and everything to excite their passions. From deserts, beaches, and mountains to thriving cities, Africa boasts not only incredible natural scenery, but also bustling cosmopolitan areas. The capital city of Johannesburg features a progressive democracy as well as world famous architecture. Having recently abolished the apartheid in 1994, South Africa has become one of the most welcoming places on Earth.

Despite its unrivaled beauty, like many African countries, South Africa still suffers from extreme poverty, poor education, and other pertinent social issues. Volunteers in South Africa can help educate, care for, and relieve the struggling and impoverished communities of South Africa. Also, help contribute to the growing wildlife conservation efforts throughout the country.

Why you want to volunteer in South Africa

There are infinite reasons to volunteer in South Africa! From gorgeous cities and modern luxuries to pristine beaches along the Indian and Atlantic Ocean and untouched wildlife reserves, South Africa offers something for everyone. As a volunteer, earn the chance to help orphaned and sick children seeking medical attention, or join a virtuous grassroots campaign as you improve the developing country.

Here are just a few reasons to choose South Africa as your volunteer destination:

Unparalleled Beaches

As the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa sits between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. For soothing waters, venture into the cool Indian Ocean and for more adrenaline infused adventures take a boat ride in the Atlantic. Make sure to check out the crowded shores of Cape Town! The coastal city is known for having some of the best aquamarine beaches in the world.

The African bush

Because of its geographical location, South Africa lies at the intersection of countless exotic ecosystems. Within just one hour, drive from a crowded metropolis to a wildlife reserved unaffected by human intervention. While you’ll have various parks to choose from, you’ll definitely want to visit the world-famous Kruger national park, known for its unusually diverse wildlife population.

Cultural diversity

South Africa not only sits at the intersection of ecosystems but also of cultures. With original settlers coming from Asian and European descent, foreign British, Indian, and Dutch Afrikaner influence has become an integral identity of South Africa. The dominant African ethnic groups include the Sotho, Nguni, Shangaan-Tsonga, and Vena.

During your volunteer program in South Africa, you can visit rural communities of mud hits where people pride themselves of farming and tradition artwork, dance, song, and music. In the cities, choose from a wide selection of street vendors and good stemming from all different cultures.

The Languages of South Africa

A diverse cultural background means a diverse linguistic background. South Africa has 11 official languages with most finding their roots in Afrikaan, Dutch, and English descent. English is spoken by the majority of the population, and is exclusive to both government and business sectors.

Road signs throughout South Africa are in English, hotels speak English, and tourist agencies use English. Volunteers in South Africa who speak English have the rare chance to explore a berth of indigenous languages while communicating in their own language on a daily basis.

Improving the lives of others

South Africa suffers from an extreme socio-economic gap between the upper and lower class. Even as the country progresses, the impoverished communities fall further and further behind. By volunteering in South Africa, you can play an instrumental role in improving the health, education, and quality of life for struggling communities. Enjoy a unique sense of enlightenment when you raise others to their feet and inspire them to succeed.

Experience a new culture as though it is your own

As a volunteer in South Africa, you will live alongside host families, work with indigenous people, and partake in local rituals, traditions, and customary practices. With this complete immersion, assimilate to the South African lifestyle. Adopt your host family’s cultures and traditions, learn the local languages, and experience an excitement to explore a foreign world like no other.

Distinguish yourself from the competition

While you may be taking a break from your career or schooling to volunteer in South Africa, you are not falling behind those who stay home. In fact, you’re jumping ahead! Working for a humanitarian mission or grassroots project will provide you with the field experience needed to succeed in your desired career. When you apply to your future job, employers will immediately notice your experience in South Africa and place you ahead of other applicants.

What are some of the best volunteer opportunities in South Africa?

With opportunities ranging from exotic wildlife conservation efforts to healthcare education initiatives, South Africa offers volunteers some of the most unique opportunities in the world. Most assignment place volunteers with an engaging grassroots campaign. You will be encouraged to apply your skills and passions to help improve the campaign’s success.

Work in an orphanage

South Africa suffers from large underprivileged and abandoned children populations. Children suffering from extreme poverty, disease, and abuse seek your help. With orphanages struggling to raise the money needed to support their children, your efforts will prove a life saver for many.

As a orphanage volunteer in South Africa working with an orphanage you will help support every aspect of your children’s lives. Help teach English, math, sciences, and other subjects. Also, assist with other daily activities including helping the children with their homework and encouraging them to participate in exciting games and extra-curricular activities.

Teach at a school

South Africa has an incredible number of schools, but so many of them suffer from insufficient funding and a lack of academic resources. As a result of time and monetary constraints, recreational activities from athletics to the arts are severely limited. Most teachers have even lost their inspiration to provide quality education to their students.

The primary purpose of your volunteer English teaching program in South Africa is to enact improvements in the overall educational system and provide children with exciting, extracurricular activities. If you find yourself working with kindergartners, you may have to help provide hygienic care, feed them, and play with the them during their free time.

Volunteers working in primary and secondary schools will aid teachers in creating and enacting lesson plans. If volunteers have certain unique skills in athletics, arts, or music, they are more than encouraged to lend their skills and trades to children in the form of recreational activities.

Work in healthcare

In South Africa, more than 75,000 children die before they reach five years old. Such an astonishing number is due to rising disease rates and plummeting education rates. Healthcare awareness projects in South Africa aim to educate children, parents, caregivers, and teachers of the dangers associated with mal-hygiene, sexual intercourse, and other health related issues.

As a volunteer in South Africa working in the medical health sector, you will help plan and organize workshops focused on educating communities on nutrition, exercise, disease, and hygiene. You will use a combination of lectures, games, role playing and stories to help transfer your knowledge.

Work in sports

Apart from the general health concerns that many South African children face, they also lack the same access to electricity and extracurricular activities that so many other children around the world have.

As a sports volunteer in South Africa, you will teach your children valuable teambuilding, discipline, and work ethic skills. Watch as your players reveal their talents and encourage them to stray from the problems associated with negative influences.

Your daily routine will include providing instructional lessons each morning as well as providing care to preschoolers and young children who don’t normally attend school. In the afternoon, you will work to apply your lessons through organized sports. You will also help teach older children the fundamentals of cricket, soccer, and netball.

As a sports volunteer in South Africa, you double as a role model for your players. Help educate them about the risks associated with drug use and sexual activity.

Work with wildlife

South Africa features numerous wildlife conservation parks and different ecosystems all in need of protection. Help share your knowledge about environmental diversity and promote a safer, cleaner environment for the animals and people that need your help.

Volunteers in South Africa choosing to work with wildlife conservation projects will have several responsibilities including: studying and researching elephant populations and their dynamics, surveying and protecting Baobab tree populations, building and maintain dams, constructing natural watering holes for animals, and conducting regular inventory databases for mammals and bird populations.

What are some of the best place to volunteer in South Africa?

South Africa is most famous for the plethora of tourist attractions it offers. From exciting cultural events and massive athletic spectacles to gorgeous landscapes and the “big 5” game animals, everything you can imagine sits in one country.

Volunteers in South Africa can choose to live in any of the following program locations:

Cape Town

With a unique rapport between the beachside communities, Cape Town remains South Africa’s legislative capital and, coincidentally, the number one volunteer destination for volunteers in South Africa. Enjoy first rate travel luxuries as you tour the various different indigenous African cultures throughout South Africa.

With no shortage of experiences and excursions to embark on, Cape town offers volunteers & travelers everything from invigorating water sports to heart-warming tours through the Kirstenbosch botanic gardens or the lofty Table Mountain, one of the world’s tallest mountains. As you stroll through the singing streets, peek through different galleries, antique shops and craft markets.

The most popular volunteer opportunities in Cape Town South Africa include working in healthcare, education and youth development, conservation projects, and community development.

Johannesburg

The capital city of Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and is located in the Guateng province. Originating in the 19th century as a gold-mining settlement, Johannesburg is now affiliated with all things city. Sky-shattering sky scrapers, five star hotels, and exquisite restaurants attract tourists year-round to its streets.

Volunteers in Johannesburg South Africa must visit the Soweto Township, an African worker enclave where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived. Here tourists can visit Mandela’s former home at what is now the Nelson Mandela National Museum. Visitors can also visit the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, and Lion Park. Afterwards, pick from a host of exciting nightlife venues and artistic jaunts.

Apart from being one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse areas in the world, Johannesburg still suffers from post-apartheid trauma and socio-economic clashes in many areas. Your duty will be to help bridge this gap.

Popular volunteer programs in Johannesburg South Africa include working in childcare, education, wildlife conservation, healthcare and wellness, special needs students, and community development projects.

Port Elizabeth

Located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, Port Elizabeth has one of the greatest populations in Africa. It even served as the home to the 2010 FIFA World Cup! Because of its welcoming nature ,the city has garnered names such as “the Friendly City” and “the Windy City.”

Outdoor enthusiasts will find more than enough enjoyable activities in Port Elizabeth, while avid shoppers and city folk can enjoy the teaming city center. History buffs too can enjoy a wide array of attractions including the Red Location Museum, the South African Air Force Museum and the Nelson Mandela Art Museum.

With the luminescent Kragga Kamma Game Park and the famous Seaview Predator Park, Port Elizabeth is a city nestled with a natural wonderland. Explore countless opportunities to watch white rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and buffalos in their natural environments.

The most popular volunteer projects in Port Elizabeth South Africa include working with wildlife conservation projects, childcare facilities, schools, and orphanages.

Limpopo

South Africa’s northernmost province is home to Limpopo, a city overflowing with forests, farmland, untouched wilderness, mountains, and wildlife. The small city is also home some of South Africa’s most significant archeological discoveries and artifacts.

Natural reserves and attractions are scattered throughout Limpopo, with the two most famous being Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa, and the Cave of Hearths, one of only two Stone Age formations in the world. With countless rivers weaving throughout its land, Limpopo is also a great place to enjoy water sports such as rafting, kayaking, tubing, and fishing.

The most popular volunteer opportunities in Limpopo including working with childcare facilities, schools, orphanages, wildlife big game reserves, and lion and other predator research initiatives.

KwaZulu Natal

KwaZulu Natal, otherwise known as the “Garden Province,” sits on the Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa. The quint region is best known for its big game populations, white stained beaches and grassy valleys. KwaZulu Natal’s harbor city of Durnam is a popular surfing spot. The city gets its name from an Indian influence.

Eshowe, another city in the region, is surrounded by indigenous Zulu communities. Visit the city or one of the many wetland parks and wildlife reserves that surround it. The Drakensberg mountains are nearby for exploring as well!

The most popular volunteer opportunities in the Kwazulu Natal South Africa region include working with big game reserves, youth development and athletic programs, wetland park photography and orphanages.

When is the best season to volunteer in South Africa?

South Africa has some of the most consistently, pleasant weather in the entire world. Referred to as “sunny South Africa” by locals, the country lies in the Southern Hemisphere so all seasons are reverse. Fear not, however, because South Africa never gets cold!

South Africa’s seasonal calendar is divided into two rainy seasons: summer and winter. The northern, central, and eastern regions of South Africa incur heavy summer rainfalls and dry winters, whereas the Western Cape and Garden Route areas, which include Cape Town and the southern coast, have heavier rainfall in the winter.

Because of its unique climate, the perfect time to volunteer in South Africa depends upon your personal preferences and volunteer project location.

Chapter 2: How to Volunteer in South Africa: Beginning Your Application

When applying to volunteer in South Africa, ensure that honesty, integrity, and a proper inspiration are the core principles of your application.  Remember that volunteer organizations will value your interests far more than your training and experience. Before applying, read through your volunteer organization’s mission statement. Align your personal goals with those of the organizations to guarantee the strongest application possible.

The volunteer organization knows how much you love traveling, but they need to see what volunteering means to you. Show the organization what makes you special and how your motivation for volunteering makes you the perfect candidate. Whether you love to conserve the environment or teach in an orphanage, describe why your application is unique!

Remember to restate several times that volunteering in South Africa is the reason for your travels!

Chapter 3: Preparing to Volunteer in South Africa

You’ve chosen the perfect volunteer program and received your official letter of acceptance! Now is the time to prepare for the trip of a lifetime. If you’ve ever traveled internationally, you should remember how much time, money, and research international travel requires. Recall that to travel to South Africa, you will need numerous documents, appointments, and supplemental items to complete the application process.

We recommend beginning planning for your trip at least 2 months prior to your departure date. These two months grant you ample time to fundraise and locate the most affordable travel rates. Don’t leave anything to chance

Visas

Volunteers coming from the United States, UK, Australia, and a few other countries around the world do not require an entry visa prior to their arrival in South Africa. Volunteers do, however, require a valid passport up to 6 months to enter the country. Once you are in, you can stay up to 90 days without acquiring a visa. All travelers require proof of their yellow fever vaccination if travel through a yellow fever belt area is intended.

If you hope to work on a volunteer project in South Africa longer than three months, speak with your volunteer organization about obtaining a work visa.

Passport

Before departing for South Africa, you must have a valid passport for more than 30 days after your expected return date and at least two visa pages for ingoing and outgoing stamps. Research the required application fees and approval time for South Africa and consult any local authorities if you have any questions. US citizens looking to get a passport in time should expect a wait time between 4-6 weeks and a standard application fee of $110.

Vaccinations

When traveling for any reason, it is always important to gather the most up to date information on required and suggested vaccines for your destination country. Standard vaccines for travel anywhere include your MMR, or measles, mumps, and rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella or chicken pox, polio and your flu shot.

Volunteers to South Africa should also consider getting both their Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines to protect against possible food and water contaminations in rural settings. Considering the climate, mosquito bites are extremely common, so consider getting malaria prescription medicine to prevent such a detrimental disease from affecting your life. Ask your volunteer organization about your specific program location and whether malaria is prevalent there.

Read through the Center for Disease Control’s website for any updated information on vaccines:

Airfare

Your airfare to South Africa will post your largest expense. Get a head start on the rising plane tickets by booking your trip as far in advance as you can. While South Africa is a relatively affordable country, traveling there is not. Tickets will cost a large sum and you will spend anywhere from 12-15 hours in a plane.

Volunteering during the offseason in South Africa can help reduce costs of travel. However, if you plan on traveling between the months of April/May or September/October, make sure to compare prices thoroughly before purchasing your tickets Prices tend to change rapidly and suddenly between these times.

Fundraising

If you’re in need of money to volunteer in South Africa, create a fundraising campaign to support your international travels. First, we suggest sketching out a detailed itinerary of your travels. This will help you calculate the budget for your entire trip. Take note that such an estimate will not be small. It will include your airfare, application, program fees, travel insurance, immunizations, spending money, and other related expenses. Unfortunately, volunteering in South Africa is no cheap endeavor.

Fortunately, if you’re excited enough to volunteer in South Africa, then you’re a motivated individual who is more than capable of collecting the support you need to fulfill your international dream. Using social media outlets,create a fundraising campaign and send emails, text messages, and calls to friends, family, and those beyond. The most popular fundraising websites include Rally.org and Gofundme.com. With only a few short clicks, a sincere description, and a well written campaign, you will reach out to more than enough people to fund your volunteer experience in South Africa.

While social media can aid your cause greatly, we do not recommend solely relying on it for all of your fundraising needs. Scour the internet and your local area for any available scholarships – perhaps your local university or alma mater offers one for travelers like you. Even consider sending out a few hand-written letters to local business owners. A letter in the mail proves a personal and friendly way to attract attention. Overall, the further you spread your goals sand ambitions, the more support you will have.  

Don’t doubt your neighbors. People are kind, and if you have a cause worthy of support, then they will support it. When people like you take matters into their own hands, friends, family, and strangers come together to aid your situation. Pick up the phone and call your local doctor, dentist, or parent’s friend. If you keep hard at your efforts, you will watch as your progress creeps closer and closer to your goal. Before long, you’ll be boarding a plane to your volunteer experience in South Africa.

Suggested reading

We always recommend carrying a guide book when traveling in South Africa, but to gain a proper appreciation for South African cultures, traditions, and customs, you require more in-depth insight. With such a rich history of economic diversity, the apartheid, and famous leaders, we recommend reading just a few non-fiction works to increase your knowledge.

The following books come highly recommended:

Dinosaurs,  Diamonds and Democracy; A Short, Short History of South Africa by Francis Wilson; The Bang Bang Club: Snapshots From a Hidden War, by Greg Marinovich and Joao Silva; My Traitor’s Heart, by Rian Malan; Jack of the Bushveld, by James Percy Fitzpatrick. 

Helpful packing advice and tips

South Africa has a fairly consistent, warm climate. Be prepared for the outdoors, especially if you hope to work with wildlife conservation initiatives. Make sure to check with your program coordinator prior to travel for any specifics regarding your packing list.

Here are the basic necessities when packing:

• Passport
• Limited cash
• Air, train and cruise tickets
• Insurance Information (health and travel)
• Itinerary
• Insect repellent
• Malaria pills and any prescribed medication
• Mosquito net, if needed for where you’ll be
• Guidebook
• Credit cards & travelers checks
• Sweater and one warm outfit, unless instructed to bring more
• Plenty of light clothing for spring/summer
• All toiletries you use (razors, lotion etc)
• All electronics you will use: laptop, chargers, batteries etc
• Camera
• First aid kit
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Wristwatch
• Raincoat/umbrella
• Towel
• Contact lenses with case and cleaning kit
• Swimwear
• Clothing that’s appropriate for you project (business attire if necessary)
• Travel alarm clock
• Personal Entertainment
• Anything else you think you will want or need

Project gifts

When you arrive in South Africa, it is a very kind act to provide a gift of appreciation for your host family, children, or staff members. This does not mean you should go on a massive shopping spree! Simply find one or two items that represent your culture and country. These can be small and inexpensive! You are a guest in another’s country, so imagine bringing a gift on par with what you might bring a foreign relative.

Chapter 4: Must Know Information Regarding Your Volunteer Project

Your passport is in hand, your tickets are purchased and suitcase is packed shut. You all but ready to take off for South America, but there are still a few things to remember before departing. Don’t let the lure of your journey distract you from gathering necessary information about your host family, volunteer project, and in-country staff. Now is the time to prepare yourself for an amazing experience in South Africa. Use the final moments to foster a smooth transition between your old life and your exciting new one.

What to expect when volunteering in South Africa

There is no such thing as having too much information when traveling to a foreign country, especially when you have no experience volunteering or traveling abroad. Treat your journey like you would applying to a job, because in the end, this trip will prove much more memorable.

Remember to ask your organization for a detailed report of your daily assignments and responsibilities. Here are a few travel points to verify with your organization before your departure:

• The name of your project.
• Exact project location, address and contact details including phone number, email address, website, and social media webpages.
• Your specific job role, duties and responsibilities.
• Your daily schedule, including any break timings. 
• Dress code and any other dress recommendations (warm or light clothing, conservative or casual etc).
• All rules and regulations that you must follow.
• Number of people that you are responsible for.
• Daily transportation details (to and from your project) plus safety instructions for returning to your host family after dark.
• Number of other staff members and volunteers.

Become familiar with your Host Family

One of the best aspects about volunteering in South Africa is living with a host family. You will become an integral member of your host family and, in the process, gain an unrivaled insight into the indigenous lifestyles of South Africa. Share meals, complete chores and forge lifetime bonds with your South African host family. To improve your experience and strengthen the cultural exchange, reach out to your host family before arriving in South Africa. Ask questions to learn about their lifestyle, customs, culture, and traditions. The better you co-exist, the more valuable your experience.

Here are some useful questions to ask your organization about your host family:

• How many family members live with your host family? What are their ages, genders, and relationships to one another?
• Has the host family had volunteers in the past? If so, can the organization provide any reports or references from past volunteers?
• What religion does your host family practice? Do they observe in a particular way, act a certain way, or have a suggested dress code?
• Will you have your own bedroom?
• Is hot water readily available?
• How will you clean and dry your laundry?
• What times are meals served?
• Does the host family have any rules, regulations, or curfews that you should know about?
• How far is your home from the project location?
• How far is your home from the nearest bus, train, or public transportation area?

Connect with your local staff

Before departing for volunteering in South Africa, learn as much information as you can about support you will have once settled into your volunteer housing. Record and carry your project coordinator’s name and contact information at all times.

Is there an office nearby to support your needs? If so, what are their hours of operation? Where are they located?  Will there be one person present and available 24/7 in case of an emergency?

Place the final call

Write down a thorough list of final questions to ask your organization. This list should include host family questions, travel related details, weather conditions and other related matters. Just before your departure, place one final call to your project coordinator. Write down your answers and remember to verify your flight details.

Make sure to ask your volunteer organization for any physical descriptions of who you will meet at the airport. These notes will serve you well when you arrive in South Africa after a long flight.

CHAPTER 5: Volunteering in South Africa

By now, you’ve successfully applied to a volunteer program in South Africa and gathered the necessary funds to support your adventure. It’s finally time to begin your journey, although simply traveling to South Africa is not enough to ensure a positive experience. Make sure that you keep an open mindset and positive outlook as you travel to South Africa. A zealous, welcoming spirit will guarantee a great experience and immense personal growth.

A plethora of factors influence the quality of your volunteer experience in South Africa! The most vital factors to consider are your mindset, adaptability, attitude, understanding, and acceptance of foreign cultures. 

How to ensure a positive volunteer experience

Whether you’re trip to South Africa lasts one week or ten, you’ll be surprised at how fast time flies when you’re abroad. Cherish every experience and relish in the unfamiliarity. Before you know it, your trip will be over and you’ll be back home bathing in your old life.

Here are a few helpful tips to consider while volunteering in South Africa:

1. Expectations are key: While your purpose is to volunteer in South Africa, you will also experience vast personal growth as a result.  Each culture and custom that you encounter along the way will surprise you in a whole new way! Furthermore, while some of your volunteer activities and responsibilities may not pose the most thrilling endeavors, the unfamiliarity will surely make for a rewarding experience. To ensure a positive experience, expect nothing more but to lend a hand to the communities and families with which you will live and interact. The more passionate you feel about volunteering, the more rewarding your experience will become.

2. If you have a problem, say something! Once you arrive in South Africa, you will have a network of fellow staff members, volunteers, and project coordinators who will all look to support you. If you ever have a problem or issue relating to your emotions, transportation needs, host family, or another miscellaneous field, don’t hesitate to tell your support network as soon as possible. Make sure you know the local area as though it were the back of your hand. That way you can find help at any time! We suggest carrying your project coordinator’s contact information on hand at all times. Remember that while your purpose is to volunteer, the support staff is there to ensure that you have a good experience.

3. Don’t complain about the little things: Your accommodation while volunteering in South Africa may range from a shared volunteer housing unit to a rural village mud hut. No matter what, remember that regardless of your location, you are living in a developing nation where the modern luxuries you have grown so fond of are often hard to come by. One of your duties as a volunteer in South Africa is to emit a constant aura of leadership and confidence. Even if you find no hot water, or your house does not have air-conditioning, remain comfortable, confident, and inspiring. At most, you will only experience these unfamiliar conditions for a week. Learn to understand how new living circumstances can influence your life.

4. Welcome everything as an adventure: Everything from public transportation to ordering lunch will strike you as a new experience. Welcome each day and every interaction as though it were its own adventure entirely. Traveling in a foreign country, especially in a developing nation, can seem difficult, but by working closely with your fellow volunteers and staff members, you will see just how effective teamwork can be. Work together to triumph over any situation, and discover that the more relaxed you are, the more enjoyable your time will be.

5. Do not impose your views: The South African people adopt a way of life that varies drastically from your normal circumstances. Remember that you are a guest in their home country. While you may be tempted, do not manipulate or attempt to influence their beliefs, cultures, or customs. When you teach in schools and orphanages, do not attempt to change their beliefs, but rather focus only on the essentials. You are not traveling to South Africa to change their world.

6. Enjoy the opportunity! By volunteering in South Africa, you are joining the ranks of the countless volunteers who came before you. As a messenger of your organization, you are continuing their mission to provide relentless aid to the people and communities of South Africa. Take pride in your actions and solace in the fact that after you are done, more volunteers will flock to South Africa to help your cause. Do not fear if you don’t see changes occur during your volunteer project’s duration. Take note that large scale changes such as the ones you are implementing take time to resonate. With the help of future volunteers, your lessons will develop and spread across the country, and eventually the changes you always hoped for will come to fruition. Whether you know it or not, every activity you are a part of will contribute to the lives of South Africans across the country.  

7. Relish in local food and culture: The South African people speak 11 official languages. Not to mention, they incorporate influences from the various neighboring countries and continents into each of their festivals and traditions. The best way to immerse yourself in the South African culture is to seek out any local gatherings. Attend festivals, visit museums, enjoy cultural events, and relish in the many different styles of food that South Africa offers. If you have time, enroll in a cooking or dancing class, and bring what you learn back home!

Feeling Safe in South Africa

Though rapidly converting into a first world country, South Africa still has high crime rates when it comes to pick-pocketing, petty crime, and carjacking. These crimes are especially prevalent in Johannesburg, so avoid traveling alone in the city. Also, stray from African townships unless escorted by a guide or official tour.

In most cases, you’ll be perfectly safe if you use common sense, don’t carry large amounts of cash or credit cards, and always travel in groups at nighttime. Beware that sexist attitudes are plentiful as well so women should be on higher alert than men.

Do’s and Don’ts in South Africa

While common sense will save you from most situations in South Africa, note that the country does maintain several unwritten rules and regulations that you and your fellow volunteers should follow at all times. These rules may never affect your life, but we recommend keeping them in the back of your mind at all times.

Unless told otherwise in-country, here are a few rules you should observe at all times:

Don’ts:

• use offensive language, especially words like ‘negro’ or ‘black.’ This rule might seem like common sense to many, but be mindful that these words, like in most countries, are highly offensive in South Africa. They are often associated with slaves who were shipped to the United States. Try not to call indigenous people ‘African’ as well.  Avoid any ethnic description when you can.
• refer to Afrikaners as Dutch. Avoid labels for everyone when you can.
• Photographing any governmental, military, or police stations building. Filming or photographing dirty or poor areas as well can insult local people’s self-esteem and is considered rude behavior.
• leave food on your plate after a meal. This is a sign of waste. No need to follow this rule while in a restaurant.
• touch someone’s arm, stand too close to them or make physical contact without permission.
• sunbathe nude unless you are on a nude beach. Women should remember that South Africa has a sexist culture in places.

Do’s:

• greet people by raising your right hand with your palm towards theirs. This is a symbol of friendship.
• give strong handshakes. Weak handshakes may come across as bad manners.
• ask permission before taking pictures. Africans fear that the camera will absorb and exhaust the ‘essence’ of their people, houses and livestock.
• dress as you would in urban areas. Africans favor western attire.
• put your napkin on your lap upon being seated, cross your knife and fork on your while eating, and lay your silverware parallel when finished.
• tip 10-20% at a restaurant.
• open any gifts right away, using either your right hand or both hands. African citizens value gifts that are hometown souvenirs. They also enjoy wine and cigars. Make sure to check with your host organization before buying anything.

Confronting Culture Shock:

South Africa is a unique country with cultures, traditions, and rituals distinct to only its people. If the difference between your old life and new is too great, you may experience some degree of culture shock.

Culture shock may occur when you suddenly change environments, and especially when that new environment is a developing nation with foreign traditions, customs, cultures, and beliefs that you have never encountered before. To confront any culture shock you may, keep a calm and open mind when volunteering in South Africa. Your living scenario may differ from what you’re used to, but this is nothing to be afraid of. Enjoy the differences! You may find the differences in your daily life overwhelming at times, but learning to accept your new surroundings with an open mind will guarantee a rewarding and fulfilling experience in South Africa.

Here are a few important tips to consider while volunteering in South Africa.

• If you have any personal issues back home, try your hardest to let them go. While traveling you don’t want anything to weigh down your conscious. Being overly stressed about issues you cannot control can overload your mind, especially when you’re already working hard to adapt to a new culture. Breathe, relax, and enjoy your volunteer vacation.
• Forge friendships with your fellow volunteers, staff members, and project coordinators. Realize that most of your fellow volunteers are probably going through the same cultural shock feelings that you are. Work together to combat any unwanted emotions or issues that may arise during our trip.
• Don’t be offended by beliefs contrary to yours. In your travels, you are bound to witness customary practices that differ from your own. Realize that these traditions belong to another culture in which you are merely a guest. Understand why you feel the way you do, and take those values back home with you when you’re done volunteering in South Africa.
• Using Skype, Facetime, or another video chat program, keep in touch with your family and friends back home as much as you can. These free services will save you a ton of money! Plus, they are a whole lot more enjoyable than a standard phone call.
• Make sure you are well rested. Your volunteer project will require quick thinking and problem solving. Make sure you get as much sleep as you need to feel rejuvenated and energetic. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising during your free time will help you feel a whole lot better during the day as well.  
• Find exciting ways to spend your free time. Remember that this is your trip, so don’t forget to reward yourself with an exciting excursion or adventure on your days off.

Activities to do in South Africa

South Africa: the adventure capital of the world. In this incredible country, there are enough excursions, adventures, and landmarks to fill your schedule for months.

Here are just a few highlights to consider for your journey:

1. Take a safari through the Hluhluwe and Imfolozi National Park. This is the oldest game reserve in South Africa and is known for its white and black rhino populations. Find these parks in St. Lucia.

2. Go kayaking with crocodiles. This adrenaline infused adventure is one of the most adventurous things you can do in South Africa. Nothing but thin fiberglass will separate you a 1 meter deep pit of crocodiles.

3. Climb the Table Mountain in the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. The mountain is one of the oldest mountains in all of Africa.

4. Pay a visit to the Kruger National Park located in the northeast region of South Africa. Here, you will experience a true wildlife adventure packed with leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo and more. The park is two times the size of Israel, so there’s more than enough terrain to explore.

5. Check out the beautiful wildlife reserve near Pretoria. There you can talk with elephant loving handlers as well as ride and swim with the elephants yourself!

6. Lay out in the sun at one of the many world-famous beaches in Cape Town. These include: Clifton, Llandudno, Ballito, Camps Bay, Durban North Beach, Cape Vidal.

CHAPTER 6: Completing Your Project and Following Up

Your volunteer experience in South Africa is due to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.  

When you arrive home and settle back into your familiar way of life, you may feel the urge to share your experiences and stories from your volunteer trip to Africa. There are plenty of ways to share your experiences with the world! Consider starting a blog, website, or forum. Use your story and any photos or videos to highlight your experience! To best entice others to follow in your footsteps include everything from the good to the bad and the ugly. Readers will surely enjoy your stories and hopefully decide to journey to South Africa themselves.  

A blog can also serve as an efficient way to raise awareness for a cause. In this case, try to share pictures and videos of the work you completed in South Africa. Attach short stories and excerpts to accompany your photos! When eager travelers and hopeful volunteers stumble upon your website, they’ll laugh and gasp at your adventures. If you put together a strong enough blog, readers may even feel inclined to set out on their own volunteer mission to South Africa!

Once you’ve settled comfortably back into your lifestyle of old, take some time to reach back out to your volunteer organization. Provide your coordinators and mentors with some quality constructive feedback. You might want to mention your experiences with the support staff, host family, and booking processes. Your volunteer organization will use your feedback to help enhance their future volunteer projects in South Africa.

If you want, continue to provide your volunteer organization with constant updates and information. If you still feel passionately about your volunteer campaign in Africa, work diligently to raise awareness for your intended cause. Encourage others to volunteer around the world and especially in South Africa.

To best show the world just how special South Africa is, organize and oversee local fun runs film nights, talent shows, charity events, and fashion parades that all exhibit your passion for South Africa. You can even create exciting raffles and competitions. Sponsors will admire you spirit and provide you with the necessary donations and support you require to run popular events! You can even try and bring in online donations and support as well!

Keep in touch with any locals, fellow volunteers, and project coordinators with whom you became friends with while volunteering in South Africa. While you may have only shared a few weeks together, these people will serve as an excellent support network for any future volunteer ideas you have in mind.  

CHAPTER 7: Frequently Asked Questions by Volunteers

How will I travel from the airport to my host family’s/volunteer house?

Your volunteer organization in South Africa should meet you at the airport in South Africa and escort you to your designated accommodation. Make sure to confirm any times, dates, and names prior to your departure to South Africa.

Will local staff offer any support in South Africa?

Yes, they will! A minimum of at least one local staff member will be available to support you and your fellow volunteers in South Africa 24/7. Ask your volunteer organization for your project contact’s information upon arrival.

How many other volunteers will work with me?

The number of volunteers joining you on your journey depends upon what realm of volunteering you sign up for. Some volunteer programs in South Africa boats a smaller capacity for volunteers, whereas others may require larger numbers to complete their projects. Contact your volunteer organization before your departure to ask how many volunteers will join you and whether or not you can will live with a host family or fellow volunteer during your stay.  

If I volunteer with a friend, can we work on the same project and live together?

Volunteering with a friend should pose no obstacle. Make sure to ask your organization several months before your departure as specific arrangements will have to made to accommodate both of you in the same location.

Are both meals and housing provided?

Program fees generally include at least two or more meals. For your accommodation, you will most likely live in either a shared volunteer housing unit or with a host family. Verify any project details and living circumstances with your volunteer organization beforehand.

I am a vegetarian. Is that an issue?

Most programs offer vegetarian options, but to make sure place a call to your volunteer organization before your departure. Meat is a large staple of the South African diet, so even if your host family offers vegetarian options, you may have to search far and wide for quality vegetarian restaurants. 

Will my host family speak English?

To verify what languages your host family speaks, make sure to contact your volunteer placement in South Africa for the specific details. Although there are 11 official languages in South Africa, most everyone speaks English, so rest assured that you will be able to find a fellow English speaker at any time.

Can I travel to other towns and cities on my days off?

Yes, you can, and we hope you do! As long as you fulfill your duty to your volunteer organization, then feel free to pack your bags and set out in the beautiful South African countryside. With some of the most amazing sights on Earth, you should explore as much of the country as you can.

Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito net?

If you are living with a host family, then your local family should provide you with sufficient bedding. Note that host families will not, however, provide you with a free mosquito net. Before traveling, ask your volunteer organization about the seasonal conditions during your volunteer project. Depending on the time, you may need to pack a mosquito net to protect from harmful pathogens. You might also want to consider bringing ear plugs as nighttime sounds often roar quite loud.  

How will I travel to and from my project every day?

Your travel necessities depend upon your accommodation and project location. If you find yourself within walking distance of your project location, but you may also find that you require public transportation to reach your project destination. Ask your volunteer organization and local staff for any tips and suggestions on the best routes and times to take public transportation. They may also provide you with personal transportation to and from your project location every day.

Can I speak with a past volunteer who has completed the placement?

Yes, you can! We recommend contacting as many volunteers as you can. Ask your volunteer organization for the contact information of all recent volunteers in South Africa. You may also choose to research the internet for volunteer reviews of the program you intend to complete.

What does the accommodation look like? Can I see pictures?

Most often videos are not provided, but feel free to ask your volunteer organization for any information they have regarding your accommodation.

What kind of food will I eat in South Africa?

All of your meals included in your program feel will be based on local cuisine. Typical South African dishes are cooked over an open fire. Meat tends to be stewed or grilled and accompanied by vegetables including but not limited to: carrots, cabbage, beetroot, potatoes, and pumpkin. South African food has a reputation for being delicious so prepare to eat as much as possible!

How many hours per day will I volunteer?

Most volunteering placements in South Africa required between 4-6 hours of labor each day. However, before you depart for South Africa, ensure that both you and your volunteer organization agree on the terms of your project details. Time commitments can vary greatly between projects as some trips require a 40-hour work week, whereas others may only ask for a half-day of your time here and there. If you find yourself working in the construction or agricultural industry, your work days will begin and end earlier in the day. Other projects, such as those in the health sector, may start later in the day. No matter the case, it is best to check with your volunteer agency concerning matters such as these.

How much money should I bring?

With a minimum of two meals and accommodation included, an average allotment of around $30 USD should be enough to cover any personal expenses. If you consider yourself a passionate shopper, traveler, or nightlife connoisseur, consider bringing some extra cash to accommodate your lavish habits. 

This free eBook has been written as a general reference for information regarding potential volunteers. We cannot guarantee the ongoing validity of the contents outlined in this eBook as there may be changes in reference to the destination. This should not be considered a definite guide to the subject covered as it is simply information to help aid volunteers. We cannot be held liable for any damages if you use this book without verifying its contents.