This document provides a comprehensive guide to volunteering in South Africa. It discusses popular volunteer projects such as teaching, healthcare, orphanage care, wildlife conservation and sports coaching. Popular locations for volunteering include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal. The best times to volunteer are summer (November to February) for northern and eastern areas, and winter (June to August) for western coastal areas like Cape Town. When choosing a volunteer program, factors to consider include the organization's professionalism, included costs, local community impact, and safety standards.

1. Travellers Quest
Volunteer in
South Africa
A Comprehensive Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in South Africa

2. Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in South Africa
Welcome to South Africa
Why you should volunteer in South Africa
What are some popular volunteer projects available in South Africa?
Where are some popular places to volunteer in South Africa?
Which is the best season to volunteer in South Africa?
3
4
5
7
8
Chapter 2: Choosing your South Africa volunteer program
Which organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in South Africa?
How you can select the best organization to volunteer with
9
10
Chapter 3: Filling out your application
15
Chapter 4: Getting ready to volunteer in South Africa
Visa, passport
Vaccinations
Air ticket
Raising funds
Suggested books to read
Packing advice and tips
Gifts for projects
16
16
17
17
17
18
18
Chapter 5: Information you must know about the project
Project details
What to expect when volunteering in South Africa
Learn about your host family
Local support
Make the final call
19
19
20
20
20
Chapter 6: Arriving and Volunteering in South Africa
How to make your volunteer in South Africa experience rewarding
Safety while volunteering in South Africa
Do’s and don’t in South Africa
Culture shock
Things to do in South Africa
21
22
22
23
24
Chapter 7: Completion of project & follow up
25
Chapter 8: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers
26

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CHAPTER 1: Getting Started - Volunteer in South Africa
Welcome to South Africa
Behold South Africa, a remarkable country of
ancient human origin where wildlife reigns,
stunning landscapes stroke the horizon and soci-
ety advances with rigorous force. It’s where two
great oceans meet and travelers can select from
a spectacular menu of scenic deserts, mountains
and dreamy beaches, or head to Johannesburg
for a cosmopolitan city experience. Once a very
segregated country, South Africa was able to
put an end to centuries of racial hatred with its
abolishment of apartheid in 1994, and is now a
progressive democracy that upholds freedom of
speech. It boasts an excellent infrastructure and
the most advanced and broad based economy on
the continent.
Nevertheless, this beautiful country still suffers
from poverty, lack of education and other social
issues. Volunteers are needed to offer compas-
sion, education and relief to the impoverished
communities of South Africa, and also to con-
tribute to the country’s hugely popular wildlife
reserve projects.
Photo Credit: ifrevolunteers.org

4. www.travellersquest.com 4
Why you should volunteer in South Africa
There are many reasons to volunteer in South
Africa; it’s a gorgeous country with modern con-
veniences, excellent recreational activities and
warm people who will welcome your humani-
tarian efforts with open arms. From orphaned
children to sick individuals desperate for medi-
cal care, you will find genuine grassroots oppor-
tunities to help people in this developing coun-
try. Here are some important reasons to select
a volunteer project in South Africa.
The beaches
Located at the tip of the African Continent,
South Africa’s two coastlines offer a wide va-
riety of beaches, from the tranquil waters of
the Indian Ocean to the slightly rougher Atlantic
surfs. From pristine stretches of virgin white
sand to the bustling shores of Cape Town, you’ll
have every opportunity to enjoy South Africa’s
aquamarine beaches – they are among the best
in the world.
The African bush
It’s no secret that South Africa has an exotic
mosaic of ecosystems you won’t find anywhere
else in the world. Even within an hour’s drive
from a major city area you can see all sorts of
species in their natural habitat. But perhaps the
biggest draw is the world-famous Kruger Nation-
al Park, home to lots of amazing wildlife.
Cultural diversity
South Africa is a melting pot of indigenous cul-
tures and people of Asian and European descent.
Foreign influence has planted people of British,
Indian and Dutch Afrikaner ancestry, while the
predominant African ethnic groups include the
Vena, Sotho, Nguni and the Shangaan-Tsonga.
You can visit rural communities where people
still live in huts, prize cattle as wealth and revel
in their traditional artwork, dancing, singing
and music. The streets of Cape Town and other

5. www.travellersquest.com 5
urban areas are scattered with venders selling
foods and goods from all of these cultures.
English and other languages
Multiple cultures mean multiple tongues, giving
South Africa 11 official languages, mostly indige-
nous except for Afrikaans, a derivative of Dutch,
and English, which is the official languages of
business and government and spoken by almost
all of the population.
The road signs are in English, and almost anyone
in hotels or customer services speaks it. Eng-
lish speaking volunteers in South Africa have
the privilege of absorbing other languages while
being able to communicate with everyone on a
daily basis.
Making a true difference with communities in
poverty
There is an extreme difference between rich
and poor, and even as South Africa progresses
socially and economically, the less fortunate
communities sadly get left behind. In volun-
teering, you’ll be playing a key role in the bet-
tering of their health, education and quality of
life as a whole. This will give you a feeling of
fulfillment that can’t be compared to any other
adventure.
Inside experience of a new culture
The people of South Africa have an authentic
culture to share that will rest in your heart long
after your project is complete. As a volunteer
in South Africa you will live with host families,
work with local people and have a chance to
observe rituals, festivals and customs that will
make you feel integrated with a new society
that’s thankful for your presence and eager to
share their traditions.
You will stand out from the crowd
When volunteering in South Africa, you are most
likely taking a break from school or a job and
traveling to complete a humanitarian mission by
working for a grassroots project. Working self-
lessly to help others will surely distinguish you
from the crowd and inspire others to follow in
your footsteps.
What are some popular volunteer projects
available in South Africa?
South Africa has some unique volunteer op-
portunities ranging from healthcare education
to assisting in the conservation of exotic wild-
life. Many of these assignments are incredibly
grassroots and will engage and nurture numer-
ous skills, making you more than just a helping
hand.
Orphanages
Orphaned and abandoned children are a dev-
astating result of poverty, disease and neglect,
and there is a sad number of children without
homes in South Africa. Orphanages struggle to
raise, feed and educate their kids due to limited
staff and insufficient funding.
Volunteers are needed to help them meet and
maintain their goals to support all areas of the
children’s lives. The role of volunteers for or-
phanages in South Africa is to teach these chil-
dren English and other subjects, help them with
their homework, and encourage their growth
through all sorts of games, arts and extra-curric-
ular activities.
Volunteers also support the orphanage staff by
assisting with cooking, fundraising and adminis-
tration.
Teaching

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There are many kindergarten, primary and
secondary schools that suffer from insufficient
funding and resources. Recreational activities
such as sports and arts are practically non-
existent; as a result the teachers have lost their
motivation to provide quality education.
The goal of volunteer teaching projects in South
Africa is to enhance the quality of childhood
education and give children a chance to develop
extracurricular skills. Volunteers for kinder-
garten children are needed to help care for the
children, feed them, make and use educational
toys and play with them in their free time.
Volunteers in primary and secondary schools as-
sist teachers with lessons and occasionally teach
their own class. If volunteers possess skills in
sports, arts or music they can also lend a hand
with recreational activities.
Healthcare
More than 75,000 children die before the age of
5 in South Africa due to disease and lack of
parental education and awareness. Healthcare
volunteer projects in South Africa are focused
on providing workshops that aim to educate
children, caregivers, parents and teachers to
increase overall quality of life and drop the
mortality rate.
The role of the volunteer is to plan and orches-
trate workshops that educate learners on proper
hygiene, illnesses and their symptoms, nutrition
and exercise. The workshops include a dynamic
combination of lectures, stories, interactive
games and role playing.
Sports
South African children and teens living in set-
tlements suffer many disadvantages, from living
without electricity to having little or no expo-
sure to extracurricular activities and skills that
will shape their growth.
The goal of volunteer sports projects in South
Africa is to teach these children valuable skills
such as teamwork, structure and discipline,
which will give birth to their talents and keep
them away from trouble and negative influ-
ences.
Volunteers will spend their mornings offering
education and care to preschool aged children
and children who don’t attend school, and their
afternoons will be spent teaching team sports to
the older kids, such as soccer, cricket and net-
ball.
Volunteers also serve as positive role models,
educating youth on avoiding at-risk behaviors
such as drug use and sexual activity..
Wildlife
Photo Credit: globalcrossroad.com

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South Africa has such a wide array of ecosys-
tems, and wildlife conservation projects aim
to foster a clean and safe environment for the
animals, while sharing knowledge about the
diversity of the areas where they live.
Volunteers for wildlife projects in South Africa
have a number of responsibilities, including but
not limited to: elephant research by studying
population dynamics, Baobab tree surveys and
protection, dam building and protection, con-
structing natural water holes for animals, and
conducting inventory for mammals and birds.
What are some popular places to volun-
teer in South Africa?
South Africa’s draw for volunteers is as strong as
its magnetic pull as a tourist destination, mak-
ing it an ideal place to enjoy gorgeous scenery,
culture, sports and the “big 5” game animals
the country is known for. Volunteers in South
Africa can choose to live in one of these popular
project locations:
Cape Town
In its beachside colonial splendor, Cape Town is
South Africa’s legislative capital and the num-
ber one tourist destination spot in all of South
Africa. It sits at the very tip of the country, and
offers everything from first class travel ameni-
ties to indigenous African culture and the beau-
ty of natural landscapes.
There is no shortage of activities to partake
in, from enjoying water sports to visiting the
Kirstenbosch botanical gardens or hiking the
lofty Table Mountain, one of the world’s old-
est mountains. There’s a plethora of galleries,
antique shops and craft markets.
The architectural charm of the houses and shops
lining the street at the mountain base earn Cape
Town it’s unofficial title as San Francisco’s sister
city. There are many volunteer options in Cape
Town, mainly due to the sharp contrast between
the rich and poor classes of this beautiful city.
Popular volunteer projects in Cape Town include
healthcare, youth development and education,
conservation, and community development.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is South Africa’s biggest city and
capital of its inland Gauteng province. Having
sprung to life as a 19th-century gold-mining set-
tlement, it’s now a thriving metropolis of sky-
scrapers, high-rated hotels and restaurants, and
everything that one might expect from a major
modern city.
Johannesburg’s historical highlight is Soweto
Township, an enclave of African workers’ houses
that was once home to Nelson Mandela and Des-
mond Tutu. Mandela’s former residence is now
the Nelson Mandela National Museum, and you
can also visit the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef
City and Lion Park, while filling your weekends
with a variety of nightlife options and gallery
jaunts for the artsy.
Despite being one of the most culturally diverse
cities in the world, it still suffers post apartheid
trauma and division among social classes, so
volunteering aims to bridge this gap.
Popular volunteer projects in Johannesburg
include childcare, education, wildlife conserva-
tion, healthcare and wellness, special needs,
and community development.
Port Elizabeth
Situated in the Eastern Cape Province, Port
Elizabeth is one of the largest cities in South Af-
rica and was home to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Absorbing nicknames such as “the Friendly City”
and “the Windy City,” it’s a popular destination
spot.

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Beach dwellers and water sport fans will find
plenty of outdoor activities to keep them busy
in Port Elizabeth, while this bustling urban
center offers historical and cultural icons such
as the Red Location Museum, which portrays the
horrors of apartheid, the South African Air Force
Museum and Nelson Mandela Art Museum.
The city is a nature’s paradise, with everything
from the Seaview Predator Park to the lush
forests of the Kragga Kamma Game Park, where
white rhino, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes and
many other Discovery Channel celebrities roam
freely.
Popular volunteer projects in Port Elizabeth
include wildlife reserve projects, childcare,
teaching, and orphanage care.
Limpopo
Limpopo is South Africa’s northernmost prov-
ince, and is a place of picturesque mountains,
indigenous forests, farmland, unspoiled wilder-
ness, wildlife, and some of the country’s most
significant ancient archeological artifact discov-
eries.
There’s no shortage of reserves or rustic attrac-
tions, and two major highlights are the Kruger
National Park, the largest game reserve in South
Africa, plus the Cave of Hearths, one of only
two Stone Age sites in the world. Also a place
of rivers, there are many water sports including
rafting, tubing, kayaking and fishing.
Popular volunteer projects in Limpopo include
childcare, teaching, orphanage care, wildlife
“big 5” game reserve, and lion and predator
research.
KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu-Natal, known as the “Garden Prov-
ince,” lies on South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast-
line and is known for its beaches, mountains and
grasslands populated by big game where you can
be in safari heaven. Durban is its Indian influ-
enced harbor city, and a popular surfing spot.
The town of Eshowe is surrounded by villages of
the indigenous Zulu people. You can also visit a
wetland park, wildlife reserves and the Drakens-
berg mountains.
Popular volunteer projects in KwaZulu Natal
include game reserves, youth development and
sports, wetland park photography and orphan
care.
What is the best season to volunteer in
South Africa?
Known as “sunny South Africa,” the country
boasts some of the most pleasant weather in
the world. It is in the Southern Hemisphere so
spring is September and October and summer
is November to February, although the country
never gets very cold.
South Africa is divided into summer rainfall
areas and winter rainfall areas; northern, cen-
tral and eastern parts of South Africa (Kruger
National Park, Johannesburg) have summer
rainfalls and dry and cool winters, whereas
Western Cape and Garden Route areas (Cape
town, southern coast) have winter rainfall and
dry summers.
The perfect time to visit South Africa depends
entirely on your climate and location prefer-
ences.

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CHAPTER 2 : Choosing Your South Africa Volunteer Program
Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org
Finding the best organization for you
Depending on the project of your choice, the
selection of organizations might seem endless.
So how do you choose the right program for your
volunteer experience in South Africa? Here are
some key factors to consider in making your
decision.
Does their website look updated and profes-
sional?
Any reputable volunteer organization will have
a professional, well-written and continually
updated website. Before selecting a program,
make sure there’s helpful facts about their pro-
jects and that you feel you can trust the infor-
mation provided.
Their site should have links to positive reviews
and social media, and they should have some
track record in the industry (at least 5-7 years
is standard). Their mission statement should
clearly reflect the values associated with volun-
teering abroad.
What are you getting for your money?
Ask yourself if the price is reasonable accord-
ing to your budget and expectations. The price
should encompass basic inclusions such as ac-
commodation, some food, airport pickup and
work expenses.
Prices can range from $500-$3000 for a two
week program. If you find yourself on the higher
end, there should be a good reason – either the
project demands a higher investment, or per-

10. www.travellersquest.com 10
haps it offers university credit or a TEFL Certifi-
cate.
Make sure the program is cost-effective and
that you know exactly where the money is go-
ing. Take careful note of any hidden costs, and
be aware of the things that are never included,
such as airfare, visas and spending money.
Is the organization committed to a local or
ethical cause?
As a volunteer, you are also an ambassador for
the program you select. Are they supporting
a local school or community project? Do they
seem concerned about helping local people
build a sustainable environment?
Evaluating their ethics is something that can
be done by looking through their mission state-
ment, online reviews, your personal corre-
spondence, (feel free to email them, introduce
yourself and ask questions) and your overall gut
feeling. At no point should you get the impres-
sion that they aren’t acting not-for-profit, or
that money is their main concern – these are red
flags.
Is there in-country support?
Good organizations foster safe, friendly environ-
ments for their volunteers, so you should never
feel like you’re alone. Make sure there’s an in-
country coordinator available to assist you and
plenty of local support.
You should expect someone to pick you up from
the airport, help you get acclimated, and be
available if something goes wrong with your
host family or project. The first step in evaluat-
ing how much support you will get is to send an
email and see how fast you get a response to
your initial inquiry.
Check their reviews
Most organizations will dedicate a part of their
own website to reviews and testimonials from
project alumni, and these can be a valuable tool
when deciding which agency is the best fit for
you. Do bear in mind though that they are free
to choose which feedback they share with the
world.
Make sure you do some extra research, looking
for mentions of an organization or their projects
on general volunteer sites, or those dedicated
to reviewing programs. These should provide a
more rounded picture of what an experience
with a company will be like.
Send a few test emails
When you have found an organization offering
an interesting volunteer South Africa opportu-
nity try sending an email with some basic ques-
tions. A professional and reliable company will
respond promptly, and their answer will cover
every point you raised. The tone should be po-
lite and helpful, and make you feel comfortable
about asking more questions.
What are some of the best volunteer or-
ganizations in South Africa?
Photo Credit: volunteerafrica.com

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Many organizations offer South Africa volunteer
programs. Based on prices and reviews, we are
highlighting the following organizations. .
IFRE
http://www.ifrevolunteers.org/southafrica/vol-
unteer_in_southafrica.php
Based in Dallas, Texas, IFRE was established in
2006 and has placed over 17,000 volunteers in
developing countries all over the world. This
organization extends its heart to struggling com-
munities worldwide, having recently responded
to the April 2015 earthquake in Nepal with a
huge campaign for volunteers and relief assis-
tance. It also promises each volunteer a caring,
experienced and hands-on country coordinator
who will guide them through the entire experi-
ence, starting with their airport pickup and con-
tinuing on through the project duration. IFRE is
one of the more affordable organizations. Pro-
gram fees go directly to projects and host fami-
lies and start at $800 for two weeks. In South
Africa, IFRE offers projects in teaching, physical
education, orphanage care and healthcare, all
located in or around Cape Town.
RCDP
http://www.rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org/vol-
unteer_south_africa/
Since RCDP was founded in 1998 to provide
excellent volunteer support to disadvantaged
communities in Nepal, this USA based company
has expanded across the world, and the origi-
nal commitment – to provide volunteer abroad
options at prices which make this an attainable
experience for everyone interested - remains at
the core of everything they offer, regardless of
location.
Being transparent about how fees and charges
are allocated is a key part of the way RCDP
operate. By having volunteers on South Africa
programs pay their fee directly to the project
and their host family they guarantee that those
who need help get the maximum benefit.
With program fees starting from just $100 a
week, experienced and extremely supportive
local staff on hand, and quality accommodation
in either a hostel or with a friendly host fam-
ily, RCDP is a natural choice when looking for
an ethical and rewarding volunteer South Africa
experience.
RCDP offer volunteer South Africa programs in
Cape Town only, in the areas of orphanage work,
sports, healthcare, teaching and conservation.
Global Crossroads
http://www.globalcrossroad.com/southafrica/
volunteer_in_southafrica.php
Global Crossroads also hails from Dallas, Texas
and was formed in 2003. Global Crossroads now
serves 18 developing countries throughout Asia,
Africa and Latin America.
This organization has placed over 18,000 volun-
Photo Credit: rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org

12. www.travellersquest.com 12
teers and is reasonably priced at $800 for a 2
week duration. Global Crossroads offers exten-
sive in-country support to its volunteers, and
even goes a step further by offering volunteers
a chance to select projects that aren’t outlined
on the website, as well as the flexibility to
extend their project past the scheduled comple-
tion date.
South Africa volunteer projects are based in
Cape Town and include teaching, physical edu-
cation, orphanage care and healthcare.
International Volunteer HQ
https://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-
south-africa
International Volunteer HQ is a New Zealand
based organization that was launched in 2007,
and has sent over 42,000 volunteers to 30 coun-
tries throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia.
IVHQ partners with in-country organizations
whose staff members speak the local language
and know the area inside and out. This provides
the best possible guidance to volunteers and it
keeps program costs to a minimum.
In South Africa their projects are in Muizenberg,
a suburb of Cape Town, and include teaching,
sports development, surf outreach, childcare
and computer training. Fees range from $530-
$680 for 1-2 weeks.
Naturally Africa
http://www.volunteerafrica.com/why-volun-
teer-with-us/about-naturally-africa-volunteers/
Naturally Africa is a British based organization
that was established in 2004 and aims to help
people and communities achieve self-sufficiency
through education and support as opposed to
developing a dependency on outside donations.
With Naturally Africa you’ll have a unique op-
portunity to volunteer in pre-vet wildlife on the
Eastern Cape of South Africa which offers real
experience in veterinary science ($1655 for 2
Photo Credit: globalcrossroad.com
weeks) or you can work on an education project
($795 for 2 weeks). Naturally Africa also part-
ners with local organizations to offer the best
in-country support to its volunteers.
African Impact
http://www.africanimpact.com/volunteer-pro-
jects/south-africa/african-big-5-wildlife-conser-
vation-south-africa/overview/
African Impact is a Zimbabwe based organiza-
tion created for and entirely dedicated to the
development and nurturing of Africa. It was
started in 2004 and offers an extensive list of
South Africa projects throughout the country:
wildlife conservation, education and NGO work,
community development, healthcare, sports and
even white shark conservation.

13. www.travellersquest.com 13
Program fees will basically run from $955 to
$1473 for your standard two weeks, but there
are also 4 and 12 week programs for the same
cost or only slightly more. African Impact forms
partnerships with local governments and com-
munities to assure the support and long-standing
effectiveness of its projects.
Real Gap Experience
http://www.realgap.com/south-africa
Real Gap Experience is a British organization
with projects in over 35 countries, and on nearly
every continent. Its mission is to give volunteers
a chance to learn and grow in that “gap” year
or stretch of time when opportunity calls to do
something altruistic and great. Real Gap part-
ners only with NGOs and local organizations to
ensure sustainable development to underprivi-
leged communities all over the world.
In South Africa there’s a plethora of projects in
different regions: health, education, turtle con-
servation, big 5 wildlife conservation and even
great white shark experience, all ranging from
$900-$2000 for two weeks, though there are a
couple of 4 week options for $1200.
Go Eco
http://www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-afri-
ca/south-africa
Go Eco was started in 2005 and has ecological
and humanitarian programs in 33 countries all
over the world, with a focus on sustainable de-
velopment. Go Eco takes an active role in help-
ing its volunteers find the programs best suited
for them, and places roughly 1000 volunteers
per year in exciting and rewarding projects.
South Africa programs are quite varied and dis-
tinguished, and they include monkey and wild-
life rehab, African wildlife ranch work, teaching
and surfing, community development, orphan
daycare, physical education, healthcare, animal
rescue and veterinary work and wildcat sanctu-
ary. Project fees range from $950-$1850 for 2
weeks.
Kaya
http://www.kayavolunteer.com/destinations/
country/South%20Africa
Kaya is a British organization that was estab-
lished in 2008 and has projects in 27 countries,
all strongly focused on creating independent,
thriving communities and making sure their
volunteers are well informed on their projects
before they begin, so they can play the most ac-
tive and affective role possible.
In South Africa Kaya offers a plethora of ex-
otic options not found anywhere else, such as
primate sanctuary, rhino, elephant and big cat
conservation, and big 5 volunteering, as well
as HIV/AIDS and orphan daycare, community
teaching and health/children recovery. Project
fees range from $1138 - $4891 and can run any-
where from 2-8 weeks.
Projects Abroad
http://www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-
destinations/volunteer-south-africa/
Projects Abroad has placed over 60,000 volun-
teers in 28 different countries since 1992, when
this British organization was established. They
are now one of the largest volunteer organiza-
tions in the world, with full-time staff in every
country offering volunteers plenty of support.
There are a huge variety of projects to choose
from, and with this program you can also enjoy
the flexibility of selecting your own start date.
In South Africa, options run the usual gamut;
teaching, healthcare, veterinary and animal
care, environmental conservation, construction
and arts and music. Project fees range from
$2990 - $4000 for 2-4 weeks.

14. www.travellersquest.com 14
International Student Volunteers
http://www.isvolunteers.org/destination/south-
africa/volunteer-projects
A USA based company, ISV distinguishes itself
with a long-standing excellent worldwide repu-
tation and also support from the United States
government; 32 members of the Senate and
Congress serve on the organizations Board of
Reference as endorsement of their on-going vol-
unteer efforts, and they are the official distribu-
tors of President Barak Obama Volunteer Service
Award.
They have placed 30,000 volunteers since 2002
and offer the following volunteer programs in
South Africa: environmental management, com-
munity development, conservation and chil-
dren’s program. The strength of ISV’s creden-
tials gives volunteers an opportunity to obtain
university course or internship credit, depending
on project details and prerequisites. Their pro-
gram fee is $2300 for a two week duration.

15. www.travellersquest.com 15
CHAPTER 3 : Filling out your application
Most good organizations will garner interna-
tional interest for their programs, making the
application process just competitive enough to
demand your full professionalism and attention
to detail in submitting your resume or CV and
filling out their application.
Remember that they are evaluating your com-
patibility with their programs just as you are
selecting them – if you’re called on to submit a
letter or statement of motivation, make sure it
clearly states why you would be a strong fit for
the project.
All prospective volunteers want to travel, and
most good programs will support your exploring
the country of your choice; but make sure that
your application clearly states that volunteer-
ing in South Africa is the main objective of your
trip.
Photo Credit: volunteerafrica.com

16. www.travellersquest.com 16
CHAPTER 4 : Getting Ready to Volunteer in South Africa
Now that you’ve chosen your project, it’s time
to put all of your pre-travel steps in order.
Visiting a foreign country involves at least two
months of prior planning; obtaining passports,
visas and necessary paperwork, securing airline
tickets and organizing trip finances all involve
research and wait periods. Don’t leave anything
to chance.
Visas
Travelers from the United States, UK, Australia
and a handful of other countries don’t need to
obtain a visa prior to entering South Africa for
a period of 90 days or less. However, you must
have passport and upon entering South Africa all
travelers will need a yellow fever certificate if
passing through a yellow fever belt area.
If you intend to work on a project longer than
3 months, speak with your organization about
obtaining a volunteer or work visa.
Passport
Prior to entering South Africa your passport must
be valid up to 30 days beyond your expected re-
turn date and contain at least 2 blank pages. Be
sure to research your country’s passport applica-
tion fees and approval time, and consult local
authorities for exact instructions and required
documents. For US citizens, a wait of 4-6 weeks
and a fee of $110 is standard for renewing your
passport or getting a new one.
Vaccinations
Photo Credit: globaldentalrelief.org

17. www.travellersquest.com 17
It’s crucial to get the most updated information
on the current routine vaccines for where you
are traveling. Standard vaccines for any country
are MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), diphtheria-
tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chicken pox), polio
and your flu shot.
Most travelers to South Africa also get Hepatitis
A or typhoid vaccines to protect from possible
contaminated food or water that could be pre-
sent in certain places you’ll be staying, particu-
larly in rural areas. Mosquito bites can give you
malaria, so you might need to take prescription
medicine before, during and after your trip to
prevent this notoriously awful disease, depend-
ing on the environment you’ll be in.
Follow this link for specific, up-to-date informa-
tion on vaccines: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/trav-
el/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa
Airfare
Airfare will be one of your biggest expenses,
so get a head start on your research and try to
book tickets as far in advance as possible. South
Africa is a cost-friendly country; getting there
is not as cheap, with flights taking 12-15 hours
depending if you’re coming from Europe or the
United States.
Traveling during the off-peak season can help
(April/May and September/October), however
the best course of action is to compare prices
between different airlines on discount travel
websites and shop patiently until you find the
best deal.
Raising Money
If you need money for your volunteer project,
consider building your own fundraising cam-
paign. Tally up an estimated budget for your
entire trip, taking all costs into account: air-
fare, immunization, program and application
fees, spending money, travel insurance and
anything else you can think of.
Your math will likely prove volunteering in South
Africa to be a significant investment, yet fortu-
nately it’s a noble cause that’s bound to garner
support from your personal network if marketed
correctly. Due to social media and popular sites
like Go Fund Me and Rally.org, fundraising online
for personal projects has peaked in popularity.
Make sure your web campaign is clear and in-
formative. A detailed, sincere project descrip-
tion will draw interest from people who have
a high level of respect for both you and your
compassionate desire to make the world a bet-
ter place.
However, you should not ignore traditional
methods, and ones that extend past friends and
family. Search your university for grants, hunt
for scholarships and send letters in the mail to
owners of companies or organizations in hopes
that they might want to officially sponsor you
project.
Philanthropy looks good for business, and they’ll
be especially inclined to help someone they
know. Picture how your flyer would look in the
lobby of your dentist or doctor’s office. Pick
up the phone to call distant relatives and your
parents friends, anyone who will likely be in-
spired by your adventurous and kind mission.
Keep track of the numbers as donations roll in,
this will provide extra motivation and ensure
you reach your goal.
Suggested books to read
You need a guidebook for getting across a coun-
try like South Africa, but it takes a great novel
or work of non-fiction to really dive into its core
and understand the people, culture and politics,
especially with the country’s transformation in
the two decades following apartheid.
The following titles are among the many recom-
mended reads: Dinosaurs, Diamonds and De-
mocracy; A Short, Short History of South Africa

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by Francis Wilson; The Bang Bang Club: Snap-
shots 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.
Packing List
South Africa is a fairly warm climate, yet you
should absolutely be prepared for the outdoors,
especially if you’re doing a wildlife project. It’s
always a good idea to check with your country
coordinator for any specific things you’ll need to
bring for the project, but here’s a general list of
things to bring to South Africa.
▪▪ 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 in-
structed 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
Gifts for Project
While not required, it’s a nice gesture to bring
a small token of appreciation to your host fam-
ily and maybe your project as well, if it’s in a
school or orphanage. You are a guest in their
country, so something that symbolizes your
home country or culture would be much appre-
ciated. Make sure it’s affordable, appropriate
and something on par with what you would bring
to a family member or friend in another country.

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CHAPTER 5 : Information you must know before you volunteer
Your tickets and passport are safely stored and
your packing list is complete … but remember,
you can never be too prepared. Don’t let the
excitement of the journey distract you from
getting the necessary information about your
project, host family and the in-country staff.
Being prepared with the correct contact in-
formation and set of instructions will limit the
chances of last minute arrival blunders and en-
sure a smooth transition into your assignment. It
will also manage your expectations.
Get detailed information about your project and
what’s expected of you while volunteering
Treat this assignment with the same degree of
fact checking as you would for a new job. This
experience may have a greater impact on your
life than any previous employment opportunity,
so set yourself up success by confirming the fol-
lowing basic details:
• Name of project
• Exact location, address and contact details
including; phone, email, website, social me-
dia message page
• Job role and specific duties and responsibili-
ties
• Hours of operation and your daily schedule,
including break times and lengths
• Dress code and any required tools, however
minor (pens, notebooks, etc)
• Any rules, regulations or guidelines you must
adhere to
• How many people you will be responsible for
(if at an orphanage or school)
Photo Credit: projects-abroad.org

20. www.travellersquest.com 20
• Means of daily transportation to your project
• Number of staff and other volunteers
Learn About your Host Family
Your host family will provide the most personal
part of your experience. They are the people
you will live and share meals with, and hope-
fully forge a bond of friendship and cultural
exchange. How well you co-exist with them will
have a direct impact on what you take away
from this experience, so it’s important to famil-
iarize yourself with them and learn as much as
possible about their lifestyle and customs before
you arrive.
These are good questions to get answers to:
• How many family members are there in the
house, and what are their ages/gender?
• Did they host volunteers before? If so, can I
get references from past volunteers?
• What is their religion and how is it observed?
• Do I get a separate bedroom?
• Can I expect hot water?
• How can I do my laundry?
• What are their meal times?
• How do they feel about me having an occa-
sional guest?
• Are there any regulations for volunteers?
• How far is their home from my project? Is
there a curfew?
• How far is it from bus or train stops for other
locations – will it be easy to go exploring on
weekends?
Get connected with local support
Before leaving your home country, call or email
your organization and get all contact informa-
tion for local in-country support. Whether
you’ll be living somewhere remote or a major
destination such as Cape Town, it’s important to
know where the nearest office is for your pro-
gram or for their local partnering organization.
Make sure to get all necessary addresses, phone
numbers and email addresses. Whether the local
presence is big or small, there should definitely
be individuals living close to your project who
can help you at any time. Get full contact in-
formation for your project coordinator.
Make a Final Call Before Leaving
It’s a good idea to pick up the phone and call
your organization with any questions or last min-
ute concerns before going to the airport. Make
a list of questions, ask about current weather
conditions and confirm all details about your
project and host families.
The most important part of this conversation is
you giving them your flight details, confirming
an exact time and location for airport pickup
and also find out how to identify the person
you’ll be meeting (gender, physical description,
etc). If you haven’t already, provide them with
your emergency contact information.

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CHAPTER 6: Arriving and Volunteering
Photo Credit: african-adventures.co.uk
You’ve taken the logistical steps to get to South
Africa; the quality of your experience from this
moment forward will depend on your mindset,
attitude and approach to safety concerns. It’s
important to be aware of your surroundings, in-
formed of certain basic do’s and don’ts and also
aware of the extra things that will make this
experience wonderful, like tuning into cultural
opportunities and knowing where to travel in
your spare time.
How to make your volunteer experience
rewarding
You might be in South Africa for two weeks, or
longer if you have the budget, flexibility and
luck of finding a longer project. Get as much out
of the experience as you can, so you can evolve
as an individual and have fond memories to last
a lifetime!
Here are some tips to help you do this:
Have realistic expectations.
You are on a mission to experience life in a new
country and bring some hope, joy and education
to people in desperate situations, or to contrib-
ute to the welfare and research of animals. It’s
important not to have expectations of what re-
sults you might see – communities are not built
in a day. Focus on the impact you’ll make, not
the results you will see.
If you face any problems, notify your country
coordinator immediately.

22. www.travellersquest.com 22
It’s their job to help you; they know the area
inside and out and can help you manage any
situation or emergency. Have their phone num-
ber programmed into a phone you will have on
you at all times.
Do not expect luxury/comfort and don’t com-
plain about small things.
There is a strong chance you’ll be living with
a host family that doesn’t have such comforts
as hot water or central heating. Part of being
a role model and a fantastic guest is being as
adaptable as possible to your new environment.
If certain circumstances or conditions present a
health risk or you have special needs, make sure
to communicate this to your organization ahead
of time.
See everything as an adventure.
Buses and trains may show up late, directions
might falter, and you might be working along-
side a strange personality in the body of a fel-
low volunteer. Take everything in your stride –
traveling is not supposed to be predictable.
Do not impose your views on others
No matter how unfortunate a child, teenager
or adult’s situation might be, avoid the tempta-
tion to tell them how to change it. You are not
there to impose your ethics and values on their
society. Except for specific teaching or workshop
assignments, your job is to give them care and
companionship.
Feel happy about what you can realistically
achieve
It is impossible to completely transform a com-
munity or ecosystem in 2 weeks; these projects
go on for years. You might not see the changes
you envisioned when you chose your program,
but your work will count, and it just might be
your positive review or reference that sends the
next volunteer to pick up where you left off.
These projects are long-term, collective efforts.
Enjoy the local culture and food.
Look for local festivals, even if you have to
travel to another city or province on a day off.
If this isn’t possible, attending local farmer and
flea markets might earn you a glimpse of the
arts, crafts and traditions of South Africa. If
you have time, take a cooking or dance class
– absorb anything that will educate you on the
culture.
Safety while volunteering in South Africa
Though rapidly transforming, South Africa has
always had a high crime rate, particularly in Jo-
hannesburg where pick-pocketing, petty crime
and carjacking are prevalent in certain neigh-
borhoods. Avoid going into African townships for
any reason, unless on a guided and protected
tour.
In general, exercise basic common sense; don’t
travel around with a lot of cash (credit cards are
better), avoid walking late at night and women
should be particularly aware of their behav-
ior, since sex/gender attitudes are different in
South Africa.
Cape Town has far less reported crime than
Johannesburg, but follow the same safety rules
there or anywhere you are volunteering, and
always travel with a friend.
Do & Don’ts in South Africa
Aside from the normal common sense tips you
should adhere to as a guest in any foreign coun-
try, South Africa actually has some very specific
preferences in terms of manners and social
graces. You might find that some of these rules
won’t affect you with your host family or pro-

23. www.travellersquest.com 23
ject, but keep them in the back of your mind.
Unless you observe otherwise, assume that
these are the rules you should follow.
Don’t
• use offensive language, especially words like
‘negro’ or ‘black.’ This might seem like com-
mon sense if you have an educated back-
ground, but be mindful that these words are
highly offensive in South Africa, as they are
associated with slaves who were trafficked
to the United States. Avoid calling indigenous
people ‘African’ as well. The safest route is
to avoid any type of ethnic description.
• refer to Afrikaners as Dutch – avoid labels for
everyone.
• photograph any government/military build-
ings or police stations, or take photos/film
any dirty or poor areas; it hurts local peo-
ple’s self-esteem and is just considered rude
behavior.
• leave food on your plate after having finished
eating, it’s a sign of waste. Only adhere to
this inside people’s homes, it should not be
an issue in restaurants.
• touch someone’s arm, stand too close to
them or make physical contact.
• sunbathe nude unless you are on a nude
beach – women should be mindful that South
Africa can be a sexist culture.
Do
• greet people by raising your right hand with
your palm towards theirs; it’s a symbol of
friendship.
• give strong handshakes, as weak handshakes
can come across as bad manners.
• ask permission before taking pictures, since
Africans fear that the camera will absorb and
exhaust the ‘essence’ of people, houses and
livestock.
• dress as you normally would in urban areas,
but try to dress nicely; people favor western
attire.
• put your napkin on your lap upon being
seated, cross your knife and fork on your
plate to indicate that you are still eating and
put them together on your plate to indicate
you are finished.
• tip 10-20% at a restaurant.
• open any gifts right away, using either your
right hand or both hands. African citizens
will value gifts such as hometown souvenirs,
and also wine or cigars (but make sure the
situation is appropriate).
Culture shock
South Africa is not just another country, but a
whole different way of life, and besides the nor-
mal feelings that come from leaving your nest
you will likely observe poverty and desperate
living situations in ways you never have before.
The wave of shock and surprise coupled with
your overall adjustment to a new time zone, cli-
mate and schedule could affect you in a number
of ways; this is called culture shock. Sometimes
it affects your mood or energy level, and it has
been known to manifest itself as homesickness
or even feelings of very mild depression – every-
one deals with culture shock differently.
The point is not to worry about it, but under-
stand the symptoms and causes so you can
recognize it, deal with your reactions and try
to turn things around so your experience isn’t
hindered.
Here are some tips to help you deal with culture
shock:
• Isolate present, in-country situations from
anything else that might be bothering you
that can’t be fixed or controlled while you’re
in South Africa. If you have personal prob-
lems back at home, try to let them go (not
worry about them or get mentally or emo-
tionally involved). This way if something
related to your project is bothering you, you
can deal with it face on without having it
mixed up with situations unrelated to the

24. www.travellersquest.com 24
trip.
• Try to develop friendships with other vol-
unteers – you have something wonderful in
common with them, which is the desire to
make a positive difference in a particular
area. Offer your support to them whenever
possible, because they are likely experienc-
ing many of the same emotions as you. The
more time you spend with others, the less
time you have to feel lonely or out of place.
• Don’t take anything to heart – you might
observe behaviors or customs that would
bother you at home, but try not to let them
upset you here. Other people’s manners, at-
titudes and beliefs are not your reality. Try
to find common ground with local people and
“don’t sweat the small stuff” – ignore small
things people do or say that might upset you,
and you’ll find yourself quickly blending in as
opposed to feeling like an outsider.
• Always get enough sleep, you will need it for
your volunteer project to be a success and
it will also help you feel better in general.
Maintain as healthy a diet as possible, and
try to exercise if it’s part of your normal
routine.
• Be it Skype or Facetime, try to call your fam-
ily and close friends back at home on occa-
sion, when you have privacy and an internet
signal. We can now see and talk to the peo-
ple we love and miss without paying a dime
– this has made the world a smaller and more
connected place, so take advantage of it.
Things to do in South Africa
Welcome to the adventure capital of the world;
there’s enough stellar destinations and exciting
activities to fill your schedule for weeks, but
here are a few highlights:
• Go on a safari in the Hluhluwe & Imfolozi Na-
tional Park, the oldest game reserve in South
Africa, known for its white and black rhino
population. (in St. Lucia)
• Kayaking with Crocodiles: This is for the ad-
venturous of spirit where nothing but fiber-
glass separates you from crocodiles in a 1
meter deep estuary (in St. Lucia)
• Visit Table Mountain National Park in Cape
Town, one of the oldest mountains in the
world. There are hiking, boating and helicop-
ter tours available.
• Visit Kruger National Park in the northeast
of the South Africa for a true wildlife expe-
rience filled with leopards, lions, buffalo,
elephants and more. It’s twice the size of
Israel and chock full of safari opportunities.
• Head to a beautiful wildlife reserve near
Pretoria for Adventures with Elephants,
where experienced, elephant loving handlers
can facilitate back rides and swims on the
elephants.
• Visit any of the top rated beaches: Clifton,
Llandudno, Ballito, Camps Bay, Durban North
Beach, Cape Vidal

25. www.travellersquest.com 25
CHAPTER 7 : Completion of project and follow up
Photo Credit: thegaptravelguide.com
Congratulations on reaching the end of such a
brave and altruistic road! Once you’ve success-
fully completed your mission, it’s time to share
your experiences with anyone and everyone who
can be inspired or encouraged by it. Write that
blog, and most certainly send a hand-written
thank you to anyone who contributed financially
to your fundraising campaign.
The best thing you can do is support a project
that you love, so review away on your organi-
zation’s website and provide a good and in-
formative reference for any new perspective
volunteers. By passing on the torch, you are
continuing to help the community you put so
much effort into building at your project site.

26. www.travellersquest.com 26
CHAPTER 8 : Most Frequently Asked Questions
How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?
Your volunteer organization should arrange to have someone pick you up from the airport and bring
you to your host family. Please make sure to give your in-country coordinator all of your flight info,
and get their local phone number and contact information. It also helps to exchange information
on physical description, so both yourself and the person picking you up can find each other.
Will there be support from staff in-country?
Yes, almost all programs should have in-country staff able to assist you. Contact your organization
to find out exactly who the in-country staff person is, their contact information and the address
and contact information for the nearest office to your project location. If your organization doesn’t
have an office, they should be partnered with a local community group that does.
How many other volunteers will be participating with me?
This depends on the size of your organization and the specific project. The larger the project, the
more volunteers you can expect to be working with. Please find this out before you go.
If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the project and housed together?
When possible, organizations will try to accommodate friends who are volunteering together by
matching you with the same host family, but of course this depends on the circumstances. It’s
best to inform them far in advance so they have time and ability to make the appropriate arrange-
ments.
Are meals and housing provided?
Mostly yes – in general, your program fee covers housing and 2-3 meals a day if you’re with a host
family, but this depends on the details of the project, and is usually information you’ll have access
to before applying.
I am a vegetarian will that be a problem?
Most organizations offer vegetarian food but it is still a good idea to check and make sure.
Will my host family be able to speak English?
English is the official language of South Africa that’s most commonly spoken so yes, it will not be a
problem to communicate with your host family in English.
Can I travel to other cities during my days off?
You are absolutely encouraged to use your days off to see the sites of Africa and explore the lo-

27. www.travellersquest.com 27
cal attractions of your town, city or rural area. Try to travel with other volunteers if you can, and
make sure to look into transportation schedules and travel times so you can plan well for day trips.
Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito nets?
Most organizations offer a basic bed, but bring what you think you’ll need to feel more comfortable
(foam mattress cover, pillow, etc). However definitely bring a mosquito net to be prepared for any
circumstances, particularly traveling to locations where it might be relevant. Mosquito bites have
been known to be a problem in South Africa.
How will I get to my project every day?
It depends on the distance and the local transportation that’s available, but your program fees
almost always cover this cost. You might be taking a train if it’s a project in a city like Cape Town,
but more rustic projects probably have private transportation arranged. Please find this out from
your organization, and confirm if your project travel expenses are covered or not.
Can I speak with a volunteer who has gone?
Yes, this absolutely helps in getting specific answers to project questions. Please ask your organiza-
tion for references.
What does the accommodation look like, are there pictures?
It helps to have a general sense of where you’ll be living, so please ask for photos or a description.
What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?
Traditional South African food is usually cooked over an open fire, and meat tends to be grilled or
stewed. Common vegetables include carrots, cabbage, beetroot, pumpkin and potatoes. It has
a reputation of being delicious. How you will eat also depends on your host family and their pre-
ferred at home dishes.
How many hours per day will I be volunteering?
In general most volunteers work around 4-6 hours a day, but of course this will depend on the pro-
ject you’ll be working on. Check with your organization for full details.
How much money do I need to bring?
Of course this varies according to personal spending habits, but in general a budget of
$30/week is sufficient for food and other basic expenses while volunteering in South Africa. If
you want to travel on your time off, consult local travel guides for specific prices.

28. www.travellersquest.com 28
This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source
of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is
impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant
and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook
this advice.