South Africa

South Africa Quick Facts
Full Country Name: Republic of South Africa
Area: 1,233,404 sq km
Population: 50.46 million
Capital: Pretoria
Borders: Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe
Religion: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional religions
Time Zone: Standard time is +2.00 in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: South Africa has 11 official languages. English is the language of administration and is widely spoken. Others are Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. Many foreign languages are spoken in the larger hotels and shops
Country Dialing Code: +27
Climate: The southern part of South Africa, around Cape Town, has a Mediterranean type of climate with mild, though changeable, winters and a warm to hot sunny summer.  Most of the annual rainfall occurs during the winter months. The Durban and KwaZulu-Natal coastline is affected by the warm Mozambique current and enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine throughout the year, but the summer months can become very hot and humid. On the high veld there are sharp differences of temperature between day and night; but there is less daily fluctuation nearer the coast. Much of South Africa gets its rain in the summer months, but the western coastal belt is a winter rain area.  Along the Cape south coast, rain falls during both seasons.  Generally the winter months are between April and August with summer being from September to March.

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Travel Highlights
South Africa is a treasure chest of unforgettable scenery, from lofty mountains to sun-baked deserts and dramatic coastlines washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Its game viewing equals the best in Africa and where else can you find both penguins and elephants? Overshadowed by dramatic Table Mountain and surrounded by the Atlantic, Cape Town is one of the world’s most picturesque cities.  You can sample fine wine under the grapes in the tranquil winelands, while the pretty Garden Route offers countryside towns, lagoons and forests to explore.  The Wild Coast boasts isolated beaches, rocky coastlines, traditional rural villages and the resorts along the KwaZulu-Natal coast offer lots of family fun.

Inland is the intriguing and moving battlefield sites that lay testament to the Anglo-Boer war.  Here too rise the Drakensberg Mountains where vultures ride on the thermals over deeply green valleys and jagged peaks. To the east is the Kruger National Park where the thorny bush harbors the ‘Big Five’ animals to see (the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino) as well as many other fascinating animals and birds.

South Africa also has a vivid history. Apartheid activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu named the newly integrated South Africa the ‘Rainbow Nation’.  It is a fitting name for a country with 11 official languages and people of all colors, races and creeds, living in a colorful and sculpted landscape.  It is no wonder then that its cities are so cosmopolitan.

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Projects Available in South Africa

Volunteering Teaching of disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the rural areas schools, orphanages and secondary schools
Volunteering with both domesticated or wildlife animals, children and communities in Africa.
Volunteers can be attached to a specialty group of professionals such as architects, engineers, pharmacists, mechanics etc
Help uplift the community through building and refurbishment projects and community development programs such as construction
Volunteering in the Medical center to help with vaccinations, immunization, treatment, counseling, education and protection of diseases and health care issues!
Make a real impact in women empowerment, legal aid, advocacy and basic human right issues.
Volunteer with organizations and centers that work with disadvantaged teenage girls.
Work with project that cares for environment, agriculture, permaculture, wetlands and natural resources management.
Internship opportunities for students and participants.
Enjoy cultural tours, adventure trips and safaris

Application and Fees

Program Cost

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• All airport pick up and drop off from the project
• Work permit application and arrangements
• Detailed Handbook for Volunteerism
• Country and Project orientation programs including safety briefings
• Full board and lodging stay, which includes all meals a day
• Tour and Game drives (subject to project)
• Assistance from Country coordinators
• Certificate of Participation

What the fee excludes:

• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement which must include cover for repatriation
• All transport to the destination (ie flights)
• All items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/internet and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, Medications, and Entertainments
• All visas for border crossings
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary