South Africa Volunteer Program for Teens
This teen volunteer program in South Africa is filled with unbelievable wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a rich cultural exchange. We have a long-established relationship with Eco Children Klaserie and you will get the opportunity to work closely with the local youth. This South Africa summer travel program uses a service-learning framework, where our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program and promote the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. You will gain as much from this experience as the young students you will be privileged to spend time with. Top that off with an unforgettable safari to see the Big 5 in Kruger National Park and this is a summer experience sure to create life-long memories.
About This Program
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What It’s Like
The perfect balance of meaningful service projects, cultural immersion and unforgettable adventures.
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Cultural Sensitivity
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and comfortable hotels.
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60 Community Service Hours
A certificate of completion detailing the program's service hours and projects will be issued after the trip.
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Recognition
Your service hours are eligible toward the President's Volunteer Service Award.
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Service Projects
Everybody participates together in each project. Specific projects are confirmed in late spring and are similar to those described.
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Accommodations
Hotels & lodges.
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Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
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Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
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Transportation
Chartered, air conditioned vehicles with a professional driver.
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Group Size
Up to 24 participants.
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Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Program Highlights
- • Embark on a sustainable project with a local school.
- • Safari in Kruger National Park to see the Big 5.
- • Play soccer and run activities with local children.
- • Learn to surf in Muizenberg.
- • Help students practice their English with songs and games.
- • Learn about African wildlife conservation.
- • Taste the rich flavors of South African cuisine during a cooking class.
- • Enjoy spectacular views at Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope.
Service Projects
Activities
Accommodations
Johannesburg, South Africa
The Holiday Inn is conveniently located ten minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport and a great place to start your South African adventure. Rooms have TVs and WiFi.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
The amazing and authentic Timbavati Safari Lodge is situated close to Kruger National Park. The surrounding land is inhabited by all kinds of wildlife, from Giraffes to Wildebeests, which can regularly be seen from the verandas of the rooms. The property has Wi-Fi.
Simon's Town, South Africa
Each bedroom at the Quayside Hotel has a magnificent view of either False Bay and the Simon’s Town yacht basin or the majestic Simon’s Kloof mountains. The rooms are all comfortably furnished with Wi-Fi and TVs.
Cape Town, South Africa
Located in the heart of Cape Town, the Cape Town Lodge Hotel offers spacious rooms that are located on the higher floors, so that guests can appreciate the views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill, Cape Town Harbour and the eclectic colours of the Bo–Kaap Village. The property has WiFi.
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
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Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
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How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.Important notes:
- Depending on the hotel bedding configuration, all friends traveling together may not be able to room together for the first stop.
- Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
- On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.