South Africa

South Africa

Wildlife, wild terrain, wild coastlines and wild surf! Awaken your senses

South Africa is known as a very diverse country with 11 official languages, and 9 other nationally recognised tongues. After years of segregation, known as apartheid, South Africa has seen many changes and developments since the Mandela years. South Africa now has the largest economy in Africa and despite many improvements the country is still plagued by poverty and social problems in some areas. Visitors are advised to avoid more problematic areas such as Durban or Johannesburg, except for transfers, where trouble is still evident. South Africa is also battling a growing AIDS problem, something volunteers can experience firsthand on some programmes. However, Cape Town is deemed safe, as is the south coast and north of the country. Despite it's problems South Africa has loads of amazing experiences to offer, including it's breath taking scenery, welcoming people, wildlife safari's and arguably the best surfing conditions in the world!

Fast Facts

Capital city
Pretoria (ex) Bloemfontein (jud) Cape Town (leg) Bloemfontein (Judicial) Cape Town (Legislative)
Government
Parliamentary republic
Languages
11 official languages including English and Afrikaans. 8 others are officially recognised
Religion
Christian (80%)
Population
47.9 million
Currency
Rand
International dialling code
+27
Time zones
GMT +2

Money Tips

Approximate exchange rate
Those travelling on a budget can probably get by on about £10 per day, though a more comfortable stay will cost you more like £15-20 per day.

Weather and Climate

South Africa Today
South Africa has a nice climate with a lot of sunshine and dry weather even in the winter. The northeast is quite tropical with many thunderstorms in the summer, in the north the weather is dry and desert-like and the south and west tend to be pleasant year round.

Programmes in South Africa

There are 13 results based on your criteria.
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1 - 8 of 13 results
Child painting at the HIV hospice centre

HIV Hospice and Children's Home Volunteer, South Africa

This exceptional volunteer project located in the Western Cape of South Africa is ideal for gap year or career break volunteers looking for a life-changing volunteering experience working with disadvantaged children.
Destination
From
£1,350
6 weeks minimum
Students at the Pre-school, Cape Town

Pre-school Assistant - Western Cape, South Africa

A perfect introduction into the world of international volunteering; Volunteer in a South African pre-school located in a township on the Western Cape, and spend your free time enjoying the magnificent beach resort of the strand.
Destination
From
£550
Study at a certified game ranger course

Game Ranger Course, South Africa

Take part in a journey of discovery that provides you with in-depth Game Ranger training and gives you the opportunity to discover the natural world of the Big 5.
Destination
From
£1,950
6 weeks minimum
Children at the Pre-school Activity Leader project

Nursery Care & Community Work, South Africa

Volunteer in a culturally rich South African local township pre-school, assisting the local teachers with educational activities in the beautiful town of Knysna.
Destination
From
£790
2 weeks minimum
White Shark & Marine Conservation South Africa

White Shark & Marine Conservation South Africa

Volunteer in a marine project that is committed to researching the lifestyle and behavioural patterns of marine animals, whilst creating awareness of marine conservation within the local community and its tourists.
Destination
From
£1,400
4 weeks minimum
HIV TB hospital

Medical Volunteering at HIV and TB Clinics

Volunteer in a mobile clinic, helping Tuberculosis and HIV patients.
Destination
From
£800

Cheetah Conservation South Africa

Help with the conservation of the fastest animal on the planet. Volunteer with Cheetahs in South Africa and help towards the conservation of African wildlife whilst living in a modern beachfront apartment on the Strand.
Destination
From
£1,100
4 weeks minimum
Volunteer with South African Elephants

Game Reserve Conservation Volunteer

Volunteer in a Big Five Conservation Project in South Africa and make a real and lasting contribution to the local wildlife.
Destination
From
£790
2 weeks minimum
1 - 8 of 13 results
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