Cape Town Volunteer and 5-Day Garden Route Adventure

Day 1: Welcome to South Africa (Saturday)
You are collected from the airport and taken to your accommodation. You will be shown around and given an understanding of the area. You have the day at your own leisure so you can explore the beach, shops, bars and restaurants. In the evening you are served a welcoming meal at the hostel.

Day 2: Cape Town City Walking Tour (Sunday)
Start the day with a self served breakfast. Your friendly project leader will teach you about the bus system before you head out to Cape Town City Center.

Cape Town City Walking Tour:
Do a walking tour visiting historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope and the Grand Parade. Learn about life under apartheid in South Africa at the Parliament Buildings and the District Six Museum. Shop for African arts and crafts in Greenmarket Square and St George’s Mall.

After the listed activity, you can take a bus or walk to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Sit back and sip a delicious coffee, enjoy some fresh fish and watch the ships in the busy working harbor or walk around and visit the shops, markets and listen to the musicians on the sidewalks.

Alternatively, you can take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breath-taking views of the city, or visit the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held in prison during the apartheid era. (Own Expense)

In the evening head back on the local bus to Table View where you can join the staff, guests and the locals at one of the restaurants or bars along the beachfront in Table View - all within rolling distance from the hostel where you will be staying the night.

Volunteers spend their days assisting local preschools and community projects.

Tasks include:
Assisting teachers in early learning
Helping with hygiene, feeding, and playtime
Running English, art, and sport activities
Supporting food distribution and upliftment programs
Afternoons: Free time, beach walks, games, or arranged activities.
Weekends: Optional excursions (hiking, Robben Island, markets).

Cape Town to Wilderness region
Travel time ± 6hr / ± 500km

Early morning pick up from your accommodation in Cape Town

Highlights
Botlierskop 4x4 Safari
Today starts off strong with a beautiful and exciting trip passing oasis-like seaside towns along the ocean-lined route hugged by forested national parks. After about 4 hours heading south east you'll be welcomed by the Garden Route in all its glory!

Venture further along the N2 national road to reach Botlierskop Game Reserve. Kick off of the tour with this exciting included safari activity in the heart of the native bushveld. On your first activity stop of the day, spot some of Africa’s wild animals from the back of an open 4x4 vehicle in the malaria-free Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Search for most of the big 5 animals and also giraffe, white rhino, kudu, lion, elephant, zebra and wildebeest, just to name a few. The game drive is led by an experienced game ranger, sharing his knowledge of the local wildlife.

After the animal sightings in the wild you'll travel onwards towards the coast. Tonight’s end destination at beachy coastal town in Sedgefield for the backpacker stay crowd and Knysna or near Wilderness town area for the guest house crowd promises a serene and relaxed evening.. and if you're lucky Mother Nature will bless you with the region's usual out-of-this-world golden sunset.

Overnight in Wilderness, Knysna region
Stay overnight in a hostel-style backpacking accommodation.

Travel time ± 3hr / ± 250km

Highlights
Knysna Heads View Point visit
Optional Waterfall Zipline
Optional Bloukrans Bungy Jump
Tsitsikamma National Park Walk

As you head along the coastal belt, the paradise-like coastal towns show off and display why this region is a favourite with holiday goers and locals alike. Stop for the obligatory photo op at Knysna Heads, a pair of rocky sandstone cliffs on the edge of the lagoon, to drink in the exquisitely scenic lagoon views surrounded by ancient forests. Pristine lush landscapes and adventure go hand in hand on this adrenaline-packed day... from ziplining over gushing river gorges, breathtakingly-beautiful ocean and river views atop Bloukrans Bridge and exploring dense forests along suspension bridges and footpaths in Tsitsikamma National Park - today is all about the "garden" of the Garden Route!

Calling all adrenalin junkies: Get ready for the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world. The bungy bridge itself is fairly unassuming as you drive over it, but it’s pretty apparent from the squeals and screams that this isn’t your average photo stop. Here, seemingly normal people hurtle face first down the 216m drop only to spring back up on their elastic cord like a yo-yo. So if you're feeling daring, why not face your fears and have a go? For a more relaxed thrill, Waterfall Ziplining through dramatic scenery and over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest. You’ll complete about five individual slides (the longest is 211m), zip over three waterfalls and slide down one impressive gorge.

This region is a playground for the outdoors, and for those who'd prefer to keep their feet on solid ground a visit to the lush forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park is sure to provide your essential forest fix. From birding to game spotting and waterfall chasing; your Tsitsikamma to-do list will be absolutely jam-packed. A short but steep walk to Tsitsikamma’s suspension bridge is worth it for the views alone, but the abundant reptile and bird wildlife, secret waterfall and sandy beach is waiting to amaze and delight you along the forest footpaths. The journey continues along the coast to reach surf-central; Jeffreys Bay as the sun dips behind the ocean by early evening. End the day with dinner at your accommodation or a night out to a local delicacy seafood restaurant, as you hear the gentle waves lap against the shore.

Overnight in Jeffrey's Bay
Stay overnight in a hostel-style backpacking accommodation.

Travel time ± 3hr / ± 300km

Highlights
J'bay free time or Optional Surfing or Optional Beach horseback ride
Tour Bus Game Drive in Addo National Park
Wake us in South Africa’s quintessential ‘Surf City’. Hang ten with the locals and slip into a relaxed frame of mind at the beach while enjoying the warmer Indian ocean waters. Shopaholics can visit the JBay’s surf wear shoppers village or if you’ve always fancied surfing at this world famous surf spot ; then put your goofy foot forward and go for it. Opt to fill your morning with a choice of the following optionals: hire Surfing equipment (or surf lessons if time permits) or book a Beach Horseback Riding optional activity to explore the coast as you gallop through the shallow waters of the unspoilt, rugged sandy beach.

From surf to safari; after the morning of beach adventures the journey now goes inland to visit the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park and go see native wildlife in their natural habitat. As you journey to the world-renowned Greater Addo Region the dusty plains of the Klein Karoo morphs into a greener horizon. Your guide will use local knowledge to pinpoint the whereabouts of the park’s big game animals while deftly navigating the maze of dusty dirt roads in search of some of the Big Five, and smaller animals too. You'll stay overnight in a small citrus farming community that lies in the Sundays River Valley surrounded by the Zuurberg Mountains - in the Addo town region.

Afternoon at leisure
The early morning start means free time in the afternoon and J’Bay’s surf shop village - with its discount outlets - is perfect for shopaholics. But, if you’ve always fancied learning to surf, then this town or the sand slopes beyond it are the places to put your goofy foot forward and try to surf, opt to try sand boarding or a calming beach horse ride along a secluded beach near J'bay.

Optional Activities:
Surfing
Sandboarding
Horse riding
Chilling

Overnight in Addo region
Stay overnight in a hostel-style backpacking accommodation.

Travel time ± 5hr / ± 400km

Highlights
Cango Caves Tour
Optional Elephant Observation in Nature

Journey inland to the mountains as you start the day with a journey through the landscape of rugged plains and towering cliffs to reach Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, situated in the semi-desert Klein Karoo. Head deep underground to the magical Cango Caves’ limestone chambers, alive with drip formation stalactites and stalagmites and remnants of Khoikhoi paintings. Opt for the easy-going Heritage Tour to test the cave’s acoustics and gain insights your guide provides into the formation and dripstone evolution. By contrast, the Adventure Tour (if available) allows would-be contortionists to squeeze, twist and wiggle their way through limestone chimneys on a rather more adventurous underground route.

Those seeking a close encounter with Mother Nature can join elephant guide rangers on an optional (charged extra) Elephant Observation in Nature at the Buffelsdrift private game reserve this afternoon (or the next morning in most cases). Meet these three rescued elephants named: Jabari, Malaika and Bulelo, as they roam freely in their natural habitat bushveld area close to a waterhole dam. These gentle giants were orphaned when their parents were poached in the north of South Africa. In efforts to keep the family together, they were transferred to Buffelsdrift, bringing their boisterous personalities with them. You are free to take pictures from a distance and can ask the guides as many questions as you wish as you follow their massive footsteps.

You’ll spend the evening here at leisure in this countryside town of Oudtshoorn. Either ask your guide to help you book a restaurant or taste local delights, such as ostrich "sosaties" (kebabs) and "pot brood" (bread cooked on open flames) at an optional 'braai' (bbq) experience and spend the evening around a crackling fire under the vast twinkling starry country sky.

Overnight in Oudtshoorn
Stay overnight in a hostel-style backpacking accommodation.

Travel time ± 6hr / ±450km

Highlights
Ostrich Farm Visit
Route 62 Winery

Wake up in Oudsthoorn, where the ostrich reigns supreme. If you haven’t picked it up from the bird-filled paddocks and farms lining the highway or the colorful feather stalls on the way to town center, you will from the many show farm signs and the palatial sandstone homesteads that hark back to an era when ostrich feathers were worth more than gold. Visiting a working Ostrich Show Farm gives you a glimpse into the farming industry, allowing you to observe the world’s biggest bird as you tour the farm grounds.

Complete this week-long epic road trip journeying along the ever-changing scenery, winding your way through mountain passes where lazy baboons surprise and delight along the roadside; rolling farmlands and fertile microclimates settle among the rows and rows of grapevines. Traverse our famous Route 62; modelled after America’s Route 66, but with a distinctly local flavor and the longest wine route in the world. This is more than just a leisurely drive - an opportunity to drink in the local country-life culture, taste the farm fresh produce and meet the larger-than-life local characters and sample world-class wines.

Wine lovers will be in their element with a Wine Tasting pit stop to sample some of the local produce about midway to your overnight stop. Few things are more beautiful to behold than the innate majestic beauty of this Valley of Wine with a glass of wine in hand. Non-alcoholic options available.

After all the excitement of the week; ticking off the region's bucket list items and exploring the best spots of the Garden Route and beyond, you'll say your goodbyes as you reach Cape Town or Stellenbosch.

Usually drop off times vary from between +/- 8 to 10pm - subject to traffic and your drop-off address.

This project runs all year round, however, during school holidays we run the project according to our holiday program. During the holidays it's a time for the kids to have fun so the programs are less structured and may change depending on the number of children that arrive on the day. Working hours are generally from 08:00 to 14:00.

In addition there are a lot of public holidays spread throughout the year. Please note that during the holidays, it's a time for the kids to have fun, so the programs are less structured and may change depending on the number of children that arrive on the day.

Due to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations between 23 December and 03 January every year, all projects in Cape Town are closed, however, volunteers may still use the accommodation and food and join us for Christmas lunch on the 25th.

The first week in January starting on January 4th 2027, all volunteers at the social/community programs in Cape Town will join the holiday club. The regular volunteer projects start running again on 11 January 2027.

The last day of volunteering at one of the social/community projects in Cape Town is 22 December every year. Volunteers can stay at the volunteer accommodation during Christmas and celebrate, but there will be no volunteering until 03 January every year.

Public Holidays 2026
09-10 August
24 September

Public Holidays 2027
21-22, 26 & 29 March
26-27 April
01 May
16 June
09 August
24 September

School Holidays 2026
27 June - 20 July
24 September - 05 October
12 December - 14 January 2027

School Holidays 2027
20 March - 05 April
26 June - 19 July
23 September - 05 October
09 December 2027 - 12 January 2028

With every new arrival we have a safety and orientation briefing where we discuss issues such as general safety in South Africa for example, what to do in the settlements, where not to go, what to do in case of an emergency, sea currents, HIV AIDS and crime. There is a volunteer co-ordinator with our volunteers at all times while on project to ensure the safety of the children and volunteer. We offer all our volunteers 24/7 support and assistance.

Airport pick-up & drop-off in Cape Town
Accommodation in Cape Town, including 3 meals daily Monday thru Friday, and brunch and dinner on weekends
10-day volunteer placement in Cape Town communities
4-day fully guided Garden Route tour (transport, 4 nights' accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner)
Entry fees & activities:
Botlierskop 4x4 Safari
Addo Game Drive
Cango Caves
Knysna Heads
Route 62 Wine Tasting
Ostrich Farm
Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge Hike
SAVE Volunteer Coordinator and dedicated local staff
Certificate of Completion & 24/7 in-country support

Minimum age of 18
CV/Resume
Police Clearance Certificate
Basic level of competency in English
Medium level of fitness required
Acceptance subject to availability

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.