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Volunteering Programme

Improve your English while volunteering in South Africa

EC Cape Town’s Volunteer Programme

Volunteering is an incredible way to develop and grow as a person, while at the same time contributing in meaningful, lasting ways to various communities and the broader environment. Anyone can volunteer, and as long as you follow your passion by doing what excites and motivates you, you will be able to find a cause or project that suits you and where you will be able to do the most good.

What can you expect?

Besides the clear benefits an extra pair of willing hands contribute to every project, there is a wealth of direct personal benefits also to be gained by being part of a volunteering experience.

Another major benefit of participating in this Volunteering Programme is that your English will improve while you are living and volunteering in South Africa.

Volunteering and Learning English

You will improve your English naturally as you work at the volunteer project, but you are also able to combine your volunteering experience with an English language course.

Since most of the programmes require at least an Intermediate (B1 or B2) Level of English, we recommend that you enroll for a short English course (around 2 weeks, or longer) with EC Cape Town before you begin volunteering.

Project Categories

EC Cape Town partners directly with several organisations in South Africa. Some of them are based in Cape Town, while others are based elsewhere in South Africa.

There are two broad categories of volunteering opportunities: Animal-based and Community-based.

Animal-based Projects

It generally includes the rehabilitation, care and upkeep of wild or domestic animals.  This includes big-game animals, various species of antelope, birds of prey and marine creatures (e.g. sharks, whales and seals).  Other animal projects might include working with penguins, or rescued dogs and cats. 

  • African Elephant Encounter

    This African Elephant project gets up close and personal with the largest land animals on the planet. Situated about a 6 hours' drive outside of Cape Town, you will live on-site with other volunteers.

    African Marine Encounter

    Located along the coast just over 2 hours' drive away from Cape Town, this project is perfect for anyone who has any interest in our oceans and the amazing creatures we encounter in them.

    African Wildlife Encounter

    Situated close to one the surfing meccas of the world, Jeffrey's Bay, this project works with a wide variety of wild animals, mainly from Africa, but also from other places around the world.

  • Coastal Birds Encounter

    This conservation project was established in 1968. It is a non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations. Learn more

    Wildlife Research & Conservation

    Take the opportunity to get involved in conservation, research and wildlife management on a on a free roaming wildlife reserve . This project is based in Hartenbos, Western Cape.

    Domestic Animal Shelter

    Situated in Hout Bay, Western Cape, this organisation provides shelter for its rescues through housing an extensive cat garden, cat sanctuary, outdoor and indoor kennel area.

  • Marine Dynamics Academy

    Help protect the Dyer Island ecosystem and the marine world off the Cape coast, for many years to come. Marine Dynamics Academy is based in Gansbaai, South Africa.

    Conservation and Community

    All aspects of conservation are addressed in your experience, no matter how short your time. Help manage all aspects on the game reserve near the town of Paterson, Eastern Cape.

  • African Elephant Encounter

    This African Elephant project gets up close and personal with the largest land animals on the planet. Situated about a 6 hours' drive outside of Cape Town, you will live on-site with other volunteers.

  • African Marine Encounter

    Located along the coast just over 2 hours' drive away from Cape Town, this project is perfect for anyone who has any interest in our oceans and the amazing creatures we encounter in them.

  • African Wildlife Encounter

    Situated close to one the surfing meccas of the world, Jeffrey's Bay, this project works with a wide variety of wild animals, mainly from Africa, but also from other places around the world.

  • Coastal Birds Encounter

    This conservation project was established in 1968. It is a non-profit organisation whose primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations. Learn more

  • Wildlife Research & Conservation

    Take the opportunity to get involved in conservation, research and wildlife management on a on a free roaming wildlife reserve . This project is based in Hartenbos, Western Cape.

  • Domestic Animal Shelter

    Situated in Hout Bay, Western Cape, this organisation provides shelter for its rescues through housing an extensive cat garden, cat sanctuary, outdoor and indoor kennel area.

  • Marine Dynamics Academy

    Help protect the Dyer Island ecosystem and the marine world off the Cape coast, for many years to come. Marine Dynamics Academy is based in Gansbaai, South Africa.

  • Conservation and Community

    All aspects of conservation are addressed in your experience, no matter how short your time. Help manage all aspects on the game reserve near the town of Paterson, Eastern Cape.

Community-based Projects

This involves helping children, from previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa, with their education and promoting their well-being.

  • Hout Bay Kids

    It is located in a part of Hout Bay (a suburb of Cape Town), known as Imizamo Yethu township. It is a daycare facility for the people of this area, where young children are cared for in a loving environment.

    J-Bay Kids

    The J-Bay Kids projects are located in a township called Ocean View in Jeffrey's Bay (7 ½ hours from Cape Town), with two crèches for children and babies up to the age of 6 years.

    Surfing Project

    Volunteer your time and skills to coach and mentor children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. The organisation promotes surfing, education and nutrition.

  • Conservation and Community

    All aspects of conservation are addressed in your experience, no matter how short your time. Community aspect includes assisting with education lessons of young kids.

    Hout Bay Football

    Bringing communities togther through football. Tasks vary from coaching to teaching or administrative duties, and volunteers are given a great deal of responsibility.

  • Hout Bay Kids

    It is located in a part of Hout Bay (a suburb of Cape Town), known as Imizamo Yethu township. It is a daycare facility for the people of this area, where young children are cared for in a loving environment.

  • J-Bay Kids

    The J-Bay Kids projects are located in a township called Ocean View in Jeffrey's Bay (7 ½ hours from Cape Town), with two crèches for children and babies up to the age of 6 years.

  • Surfing Project

    Volunteer your time and skills to coach and mentor children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. The organisation promotes surfing, education and nutrition.

  • Conservation and Community

    All aspects of conservation are addressed in your experience, no matter how short your time. Community aspect includes assisting with education lessons of young kids.

  • Hout Bay Football

    Bringing communities togther through football. Tasks vary from coaching to teaching or administrative duties, and volunteers are given a great deal of responsibility.

Not sure which EC English course is right for you?

We offer a wide range of courses to help you meet your goals. Let us help you find your perfect English language course.

Contact us