About Us
Stay Africa Volunteers (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was established in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It served as the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities originated during the Apartheid era.
For over 40 years, we have played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel and are well-equipped to help young people realize their travel dreams. We have achieved this by working with reputable and internationally recognized partners from around the world. Stay Africa's volunteer programs are operated in accordance with the guidelines established by these international organizations.
Over the past 15 years, Stay Africa has expanded its offerings to include exciting opportunities for international travelers to experience South Africa through Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, High School Exchange, and group travel programs.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
This wonderful project works to rescue, treat and rehabilitate animals in need in the Philippi area. The residents live in extreme poverty, well below the poverty line. There is a huge issue with stray animals/pets in the area, largely dogs and some cats. Due to the tough economic and social situation in the area, these animals are often neglected and left to fend for themselves, often resulting in starvation and/or sickness. Because of this ever-growing problem in the area, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center was established. The center is a pro-life, non-profit organization that rescues, cares for, and sterilizes stray dogs and cats, with the hope of eventually finding new homes for them.
We have 2 sections: a full animal hospital that treats all types of sickness and injury, and an adoption center where we try to find new homes for the rescued and recovered pets. Due to a lack of funding, they depend heavily on volunteers to provide care for these vulnerable animals.
Requirements
All volunteers need to be vaccinated against Rabies AND Tetanus, in order to work at this animal shelter. Even though the animals that are already at the shelter are safe to work with, new animals are being brought in almost on a daily basis and most of these have not received any inoculations/vaccinations.
Volunteer experience
Your typical working hours are from 08:00 - 14:00, Monday to Friday. We often have Adoption Day events that take place over weekends - volunteers are encouraged to assist with these.
Volunteer duties include:
- Cleaning the enclosures and kennels
- Feeding the animals
- Washing and walking the dogs
- Assisting in the animal hospital when needed
- Just spending time with the animals in order to get them to trust people again
$200 per week
You will live with one of our amazing host families in the local community. The homes are generally 3- or 4-bedroom homes, with communal bathroom, lounge, kitchen and outdoor areas. We generally have 2 volunteers sharing a room (same-sex/gender) and placed together at the animal shelter.
The home is normally 5-10mins drive from the project, and volunteers use an Uber taxi to commute daily (the cost is shared amongst the volunteers).
This is a great way to immerse yourself in the unique Cape Town culture, as you will experience the daily life, first-hand.
3 meals per day are included on weekdays (vegetarian option is available). Volunteers will often be away on tours or exploring the city, over weekends, so sort themselves out for meals then.
Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. Its beaches, such as Camps Bay, are world-renowned, and both the beachfront and downtown areas remain lively throughout the day and night. During the day, it is easy to find artisans selling crafts or enjoy outdoor cafés in the Mediterranean-style climate. At night, the city offers a wide range of excellent bars, clubs, and restaurants where locals and visitors can relax and socialize.
There are numerous cultural sites to explore, including Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Cape Town offers a wide variety of activities. Table Mountain is a breathtaking landmark to visit, and there are many nearby hills, mountains, and trails ideal for biking, climbing, and hiking. Spots such as Lion’s Head Mountain also provide stunning views over the city and ocean. Visitors can also join tours to Robben Island or travel along the Garden Route for safari game drives to spot the Big Five.
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