Often referred to as the Rainbow Nation, you'll find signs of South Africa's rich cultural and geographical diversity everywhere you look. You'll find larger-than-life national parks, beautiful landscapes that vary from mountains to deserts to white sandy beaches, and vineyards that rival those of Europe. As a volunteer in South Africa you will witness a true cultural melting pot, with 11 official languages, you'll be sure to pick up some of the basics from a few of them during your stay.
...a jewel in the crown of the African continent...
Whether you're experiencing the city from the top of Table Mountain or the shores of the Western Cape, Cape Town has something for everyone. Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, is a true melting pot, and home to citizens who trace their roots to Europe, Asia, and other African nations. Although this diversity is largely celebrated today, the effects of apartheid -- the forced racial segregation that lasted over four decades -- can still be felt throughout South Africa.
While there is still a sense of separation in the country, and issues such as high unemployment and the HIV/AIDS epidemic threaten economic progress, South Africans are determined to make up for decades of social disruption, inequitable services, and lost opportunities. Take part in this incredible sense of determination when you volunteer in South Africa.
Your volunteer work in Africa will give you an opportunity to assist with the growth and development of children, improve education for children, improve health and the sense of dignity among the elderly, improve the quality of care for people with disabilities, or support those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Volunteer trips to Africa can mean a great many things. And as an international volunteer, you want to ensure that your experience is genuine, immersive, and impactful. When you volunteer with CCS in Cape Town, South Africa, you'll have an opportunity to experience a diverse country that is evolving every moment of every day, and a chance to make a real impact. Become a CCS volunteer in South Africa—a nation thought by many to be the gateway to Africa—to ensure that your volunteer work in Africa is extraordinary.
Volunteer in South Africa during summer months only
Each volunteer does their part in small and large ways working side-by-side with community members to contribute to effecting change in the following areas of work…
CCS staff will lead you on a one-of-a-kind tour of the city during your orientation. On day one, you'll begin with the basics, like how to exchange money and where to find the nearest internet cafes, as well as taking time to check out some of Cape Town's oldest and most beautiful landmarks. The next day you’ll dive deeper to get a sense of some key issues facing the people of Cape Town, and you’ll also have a chance to visit the townships in which you'll be volunteering.
Depending on the language spoken by the folks with whom you'll be volunteering, you'll have an opportunity to take either IsiXhosa or Afrikaans lessons, or both if you're staying longer! Since English is South Africa's lingua franca, or bridge language, that allows speakers of different language to communicate with ease, you'll already be equipped to get around Cape Town. Your IsiXhosa lessons will introduce you to the language’s four distinct clicks, and the Afrikaans lessons will prepare you with some basic phrases spoken by the 6 million native speakers in South Africa.
In addition to enjoying the delicious meals prepared by our talented CCS South Africa cooks in your Home-Base, you'll also have a chance to visit a number of Cape Town neighborhoods to sample local cuisine with your fellow volunteers. With food options as diverse as the city’s residents, there's no shortage of delectable dishes to try. For example, you’ll enjoy a fantastic braai --South African barbecue -- at a restaurant and local hangout in Gugulethu, one of the townships. You'll also have a chance to participate in optional cooking classes with our kitchen staff.
Learn why southern Africa has the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world during a discussion led by a member of the community who has been directly impacted by HIV/AIDS. Our guest speaker will work to debunk myths, stereotypes, and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS, and you’ll come away with a better understanding of how this pervasive public health issue impacts all of the individuals, communities, and programs with which you’ll volunteer. This is an incredible opportunity to gain some real perspective, no question is out of bounds.
Visit Cape Town’s historic and colorful Bo Kaap district, a national heritage site. Learn about the lesser-known trans-Indian slave trade that brought Southeast Asian slaves to Africa at the Slave Lodge, a museum which documents global slavery. Explore Cape Town’s incredible cultural diversity, reveling in the stunning architecture of South Africa’s first mosque, and experience the cuisine and culture at a local Cape Malay restaurant.
Watch a traditional dance and drama performance at a local, township-based organization devoted to promoting the arts and supporting local talent. Enjoy as local youth use music, dance, and drama to illustrate South Africa’s liberation struggle, and join them on stage at the end of the performance for a chance to pick up some moves for the road.
For many volunteers, the most poignant experience in Cape Town is when we invite a member of the local community to discuss reconciliation and healing in post-apartheid South Africa. Through song and poetry, he will discuss apartheid and reconciliation, and will also share with you stories of his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission using interactive musical storytelling as a way to work through grief and bitterness toward forgiveness and inner-peace. Take up a drum and join your fellow volunteers in song.
Get a serious adrenaline kick as you strap on a snorkel and go shark cage diving in the home of the largest Great White Shark population in the world. If a close encounter with Great Whites isn’t quite your thing, head to nearby Hermanus, famous for its Southern Right Whale population. Jump on a boat and get out into the bay to find yourself floating the waters alongside upwards of 50 whales!
Make sure to pass through Camps Bay, one of the country's most beautiful beaches, and Hout Bay, to check out thousands of seals as they congregate on Seal Island. Visit Table Mountain National Park to see wild ostriches, baboons, and antelope before continuing on to the lighthouse at Cape Point and the nearby Cape of Good Hope. End the day picnicking among the penguins at Boulder Beach.
Travel through the rolling countryside via the Garden Route, with a stop to climb aboard an ostrich at a local ostrich farm. Maybe you'll choose to go on a spelunking adventure through a jaw-dropping network of caves or explore South Africa’s forests up in the treetops on a zipline tour. And of course, there's the option to take an epic leap off of the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. As you loop back towards Cape Town, stop in Knysna, a laid back sailing town, for a quick dip in the Indian Ocean.
You don’t have to leave the bustling metropolis of Cape Town to experience some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. Visit Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks and either travel by cable car, or climb to the top and mountain bike or rappel back town. For another incredible view of the city, take a night hike to the top of Lion’s Head for a chance to climb right up to the moon and stars.
Kruger National Park in Northeastern South Africa is one of the largest and most popular safari destinations in the country. You don’t have to travel far to see the “Big Five” -- Africa's five most sought after wildlife encounters. If you can only spare a day or two, travel just a few hours outside of Cape Town to one of many game reserves where you can glimpse lions, giraffes, hippopotamuses, and rhinoceroses all hanging out in their natural habitat.
photo credit: merahcchayaNo trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to Robben Island. The island is most notable for its use as a penal colony for political prisoners, including former South African President, Nelson Mandela. In a country where anyone over the age of 20 can remember apartheid, Robben Island is an important reminder of the past. Pause on the beach in front of a pile of rocks representing each of the prisoners, before being guided through the prison by guides who were are all former prisoners of Robben Island.
Cape Town is home to a diverse offering of natural and cultural wonders. Shop at Green Market Square and pick up hand-crafted souvenirs, or head to the Old Biscuit Mill, a hidden gem of a neighborhood housing an organic farmer’s market. Take a stroll through Kirstenbosch, one of the most acclaimed botanical gardens in the world. Hit the surf at Camp’s Bay, or lie on its white sand beaches. Make sure to sample some local game at Mama Africa before checking out Cape Town’s fantastic live music and theater scene.
Reserve your spot today with a deposit of just $275!
