Explore South Africa
Experience a luxury family volunteer vacation in South Africa. Few countries have such diversity, from the wonders of Cape Town to the stunning Garden Route, and of course epic wildlife safari in Sabi Sands, Kalahari, and Madikwe to name a few. Franschoek is the perfect base for exploring the vineyards and sampling superb wines.
You can make a difference providing safe drinking water, renovating a daycare center, conserve rhinos, and more
South Africa Highlights
So many highlights! Experience an epic safari in exclusive Sabi Sands (best for leopard) or head to the Kalahari for meerkats, pangolins and more.
Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with vineyards and Cape Peninsula in easy reach. The garden route is well worth exploring.
South Africa Eco-Luxury
South Africa has some incredible sustainable luxury properties. Our top picks are Grootbos Nature Reserve at the start of the Garden Route, Earth Lodge in Sabi Sands, The Homestead in Ladysmith, Thonga Beach Lodge in the UNESCO World Heritage iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Tswalu in the Kalahari.
You can make a lasting difference in a variety of ways in South Africa, including:
- conserving rhinos
- teaching computer skills
- renovating a daycare center
- being a reading partner
- providing clean drinking water
Suggested South Africa Itinerary
Example Price: US$7,885 per person for a family of four (low season)
This luxury adventure enables you to bond as a family by creating solar heating out of recycled bottles for a low-income family, plus you get to explore some of the highlights of this spectacular country.
Trip Highlights
- Provide clean drinking water in a community
- Explore the delights of Cape Town and Table Mountain
- Cycle tour around breathtaking Cape Peninsula
- Encounter delightful Cape Penguins
- Epic wildlife safari to see the Big 5 and more
Price Includes
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Expert local guides
- Meals as specified
- Volunteering costs
Note: Price excludes international flights
Sample Day by Day
(From $7,885 per person)
- Day 1: Arrive Cape Town. Stay at One & Only
- Day 2: Champagne breakfast atop Table Mountain, followed by private guided sightseeing around Cape Town, customized for your family (B)
- Day 3: Cycling around Cape Peninsula and visit penguins(B,L)
- Day 4 Fly to Sabi Sands, stay at Ulusaba. Afternoon game drive safari (B,D)
- Day 5 Morning and afternoon game drive safaris (B,L,D)
- Day 6-8 Community volunteering: provide clean drinking water; afternoon game drive (B,L,D)
- Day 9: Morning wildlife game drive, and fly out (B)
Note: This is a sample itinerary only, and we delight in crafting unique itineraries to meet your family's exact requirements
Highlights of a Luxury Family Volunteer Vacation in South Africa
There are a multitude of things to see and do in South Africa: hike up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head, spot whales, explore the Garden Route, marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula, and of course world-class Big 5 safari – to name just a few!
Hotels and lodges shown here are examples of what we call “eco-luxury”, meaning you minimize any environmental impact whilst retaining your creature comforts. South Africa has a growing number of fabulous eco-luxury properties; some of our favorites are: Tswalu in Kalahari, Homestead in Ladysmith, Thonga Beach Lodge in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati, and Grootbos at the start of the Garden Route
How to help in South Africa
On your luxury family volunteer vacation in South Africa, you can provide fresh clean drinking water to a community near Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park.
Alternatively, or in addition, you can help renovate a day-care center in Cape Town, provide computer skills, be a reading partner, or conserve rhinos whilst on safari.
With all of these projects, you and your family will experience meaningful interaction and engagement with the locals.
You have the rare opportunity to help in the conservation of the critically endangered black and white rhino by participating in a rhino- darting and notching programme under the supervision of a veterinarian and Conservation Manager.
Once the rhino is sedated, you get to assist the team by helping to administer medication as well as taking measurements for scientific and medical purposes.
The minimum age is 16 and the best time to take part in this programme is between the months of May and September, but this can be done at any time.
