Volunteer and Travel in South Africa
Combine Meaningful Volunteering and Adventure Travel in South Africa
International Student Volunteers (ISV) is a USA based non-profit organization that allows you to combine incredible volunteer projects with action packed adventure travel. Since 2002, over 15,000 people have traveled with ISV and made a significant difference across 6 continents.
ISV’s South Africa Program
ISV is excited to offer students the opportunity to volunteer and travel throughout South Africa – one of the most exciting countries on Earth. ISV launched its first ever South Africa programs in 2009 and featured community development projects in unique coastal township regions as well as conservation options in wildlife sanctuaries. ISV’s adventure tour covers the wild north, the famous coastal Garden Route and Cape Town in the south, as you see wild animals face to face and partake in the most spectacular adventure activities South Africa has to offer. Turn the TV off because this will beat the discovery channel any day!
Volunteer Projects
South Africa has had a turbulent history, resulting in a great divide between rich and poor. The majority of South Africans live in poverty and struggle to meet every day needs. While all South Africans have access to education, public services are inadequate and high levels of illiteracy remain. Carefully structured volunteer programs provide a means to make a real difference through community development. You can help by volunteering to help with Township Renewal which involves focused work on school buildings and playgrounds, urban renewal projects, water and sanitation development.
South Africa has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. However, due to urban expansion, hunting and habitat fragmentation, many species are threatened by extinction. You can make a difference by volunteering on a conservation sanctuary. Tasks may involve light construction of facilities within the sanctuary and animal husbandry. Help protect animals such as the cheetah and give back through environmental awareness programs.
At the same time, many of South Africa’s unique animals are on the verge of extinction due to hunting, culling and poor land practice. Make a difference to one of the world’s most unique countries with ISV and have an African Adventure you won’t forget. Current volunteer projects include:
- Township Renewal: building and repairing schools and playgrounds, urban renewal projects and water and sanitation development
- Wildlife Protection: Care for animals such as cheetahs, and wild dogs. Help build and maintain an enclosure for endangered vultures and also take part in environmental education programs in local schools.
Two Week Adventure Tour
On your two week adventure tour you will travel along South Africa’s stunning Garden Route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town discovering the world famous surfing mecca Jeffreys Bay, the rugged coastline and indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, the limestone caves and countryside of Oudtshoorn (ostrich capital of the world), Table Mountain and the exciting city of Cape Town. You will then fly to northern South Africa and explore the wildlife havens for elephant, lion, rhino and many other species at Kruger National Park, and take in the spectacular vistas of the Panoramic route around Blyde River Canyon. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:
- Surfing at the world renowned Jeffeys Bay
- Horseback riding along deserted ivory colored sand beaches
- Discovering the wild coastline and waterfalls of Tsitsikamma National Park
- Exploring high in the treetop canopies of Outeniqua Yellowood trees
- Ocean kayaking among the Cape Fur seal colony in Plettenberg Bay
- Visiting Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world and exploring the countryside by bicycle
- Squeezing through tunnels and beholding the wonders of the limestone formations of the magnificent Cango Caves
- Bungy Jumping 216 m (648 ft) – the highest bridge bungy in the world!
- Rappelling from Table Mountain, overlooking the city of Cape Town
- Wildlife viewing via morning, afternoon and evening game drives in Kruger National Park
- Taking in the breathtaking views from the Panoramic Route nearby to Blyde River Canyon
- Visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years of his life
- Sandboarding in the Atlantis Nature Reserve
- Experiencing the fun nightlife in Cape Town including a cultural night of food, music and dance at Moyo African Villagetu
Activities
ISV includes a minimum of five amazing activities to make your experience unforgettable. Activities are subject to change but may include activities such as the ‘Oudtshoorn experience’ which includes the Cango Cave Adventure Tour, Ostrich Tour and Cycling Trip, Cape Town guided tour of the city’s cultural attractions including Robben Island and two museums, horseback riding, the Treetop canopy tour, two game drives in Kruger National Park and ocean kayaking.
Price
Standard four-week program – $3,295 USD for two weeks of volunteer and two weeks of adventure.
Leave your response!