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?
There are a wide range of interesting volunteer projects available, most of which are located in the beautiful city of Cape Town and its surrounding communities. Volunteers can make a valuable contribution in various fields, including childcare, teaching, social work, environmental initiatives, and medical placements in and around Cape Town.
While participating in our Volunteer Program, volunteers will live in our volunteer house, located in the popular bohemian suburb of Observatory, approximately a 10-minute drive from the city center.
As an organization run by staff from local communities, we have extensive knowledge of the various communities in Cape Town and South Africa. This enables us to offer first-hand experience and gives volunteers a genuine insight into Cape Town’s culture, history, and landscapes through orientation and local community placements, as well as opportunities for meaningful interaction with local people.
Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to participate in this program. Applicants should be open-minded and flexible regarding daily tasks and responsibilities. A clear criminal record is also required for all programs involving work with children.
Volunteer experience
Volunteers work from 08:00 to 13:00, Monday to Friday each week. Afternoons, evenings, and weekends are free for exploring the city and participating in activities with other volunteers in the house.
Your daily duties and responsibilities include:
- Feeding, teaching, and playing with children
- Meal preparation
- Making educational toys and learning aids
- Assisting teachers with creative arts, songs, and dance
- Supervising children during free play time
$175 per week
The Stay Africa volunteer house boasts the following features:
- Accommodation for up to 40 volunteers at a time, in 10 dorm-style rooms sleeping 4–6 people each
- On-site live-in house manager
- Two fully equipped kitchens (including stove, microwave, toaster, kettle, fridge, etc.)
- Two communal lounge areas with satellite TV (featuring various sports, movie, and music channels)
- Fully fitted bathrooms with a total of 7 showers and 8 toilets
- Individual lockers for each volunteer (participants must bring their own padlock)
- Bedding and linen are provided during your stay; however, volunteers must bring their own towels and toiletries
- Uncapped high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the house
- Centrally located on a transport route, close to supermarkets, internet cafés, laundrettes, restaurants, and other amenities
- Self-service breakfast provided at the house every morning (Monday to Friday, 06:00–08:30), including cereals, bread/toast with various toppings, coffee/tea, and a variety of fruits
Breakfast on weekdays is self-service and includes tea, coffee, milk, toast/bread, butter, cheese, eggs, yoghurt, and a variety of seasonal fresh fruits.
Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Meals:
The volunteer house is located within walking distance of numerous restaurants, including steak houses, burger joints, sushi and Asian cuisine outlets, as well as small corner cafés and coffee shops offering light meals. Well-known fast-food outlets such as KFC, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Burger King, and Pizza Hut are also nearby. Uber Eats is available for delivery from most of these restaurants. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available at most restaurants and supermarkets.
Volunteers also often purchase groceries from the nearby supermarket and prepare home-cooked meals together in groups, creating great bonding experiences and a fun, social atmosphere. Just try not to burn down the kitchen!
Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for good reason. 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 the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood 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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