South Africa Volunteering
Coach sport and teach English in local communities.
Your Trip is ABTOT Protected
Tour Summary
If you’ve been wanting to do something a little more meaningful with your travels, this one comes with Katie’s seal of approval! Handpicked by Simply Katie, who has experienced the programme herself, this South Africa volunteering trip brings together everything she loves about travel: seeing more of the world, meeting like-minded people, trying something new and giving your time to something that matters.
Spend 4 to 12 weeks living and volunteering in South Africa, teaching English, coaching sports or trying a bit of both in local schools. No teaching or coaching experience needed, just come ready to get involved, learn as you go and make the most of every day.
Outside the schools, you’ll live alongside volunteers from around the world, explore Port Elizabeth and spend your weekends discovering more of South Africa. Jeffreys Bay, game reserves and bushcamps under the stars could all be on the cards, with optional adventures like surfing, skydiving and bungee jumping too.
Stay for four weeks or make South Africa home for up to twelve. Although Katie won’t be joining you in person, you’ll be experiencing the volunteering programme she knows and loves. Travel with purpose and see for yourself why this one gets Katie’s pick!
What's Included
How This Tour Scores
Balanced mix of adventure and chill with moderate thrills throughout.
Full volunteering immersion; make a real difference daily on tour.
Some nightlife with occasional bars or low-key social events.
Deep cultural immersion with extensive local experiences and authentic traditions.
Occasional wildlife with brief animal encounters or short nature visits.
The Best Bits
From hidden gems to unforgettable nights, every moment’s a vibe.
Teach, Coach, Connect
Classroom or sports field? Spend your weekdays volunteering in local schools, helping with English lessons, coaching sports or both.
Included
Weekends Done Right
Your weekends are made for exploring! At least one activity is included during your stay, with possibilities ranging from Jeffreys Bay and a game reserve to Sundays River or a bushcamp under the stars.
Included
Learn While You Teach
While you’re helping children build their English skills, you’ll be building your own too, with the option to gain a Young Learners qualification.
Included
After Hours
The fun doesn’t stop when volunteering finishes! Head out with your new crew and get a taste of South Africa’s nightlife, with lively music, dancing and plenty happening after dark.
Included
Local Life
Get to know South Africa beyond the tourist spots, spending time within local communities and discovering more about everyday life, culture and traditions along the way.
Included
Itinerary
From day to night, your itinerary’s packed with unforgettable moments. Here’s the lowdown.
Day
17
Port Elizabeth
Your South Africa Routine
By week three, you’ve probably got a few things figured out. Which sport you love coaching and who takes games night a little too seriously. You’re still volunteering, but you’re also getting a proper taste of everyday life in South Africa.
Head back into the schools for another five days of teaching and coaching. Fancy trying a different sport or spending a few days helping with English instead? You can switch things around and keep your week interesting, or stick with the project you’ve been enjoying most.
Then there are the evenings. The local team organises activities throughout the week, so you could find yourself playing 5-a-side football with the other volunteers or trying local cuisine at ‘Localicious Wednesdays’.
It’s the kind of week where you finish volunteering, head home and someone’s already asking what everyone’s doing later. A little bit of routine, a little bit of spontaneity and plenty of South Africa in between.
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Day
22
Port Elizabeth
What Happens in South Africa...
School’s out and you’ve got two whole days to play with. So, are we doing something adventurous or are we having a beach day? Both are very valid options.
If you’re up for a little adrenaline, South Africa has plenty to offer. Skydiving, bungee jumping, shark cage diving, safari and game reserve drives, surfing, dune boarding, zip-lining and canoeing are all available as optional activities. The weekend schedule will be confirmed when you arrive, so have a chat with the local team, see what’s running and get your plans together.
Not feeling adventure this weekend? No problem. Head to the beach, do a little shopping or claim your spot by the pool for the afternoon. Sometimes a weekend of doing absolutely nothing is exactly what you need after five days in the schools.
Whether you’re the one convincing everyone to book an activity or the one saying “I’ll watch from here, thanks”, there’s plenty of room for both. Grab your volunteer family and enjoy another weekend in South Africa!
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Day
24
Port Elizabeth
Not Ready to Clock Out?
Head back for another week of teaching and coaching, making the most of the relationships you’ve built and the progress you’ve seen along the way. Whether you’re helping a child with their reading or running another sports session, you’ll have had the chance to see how much can happen when you show up consistently and give your time.
And here’s the good news: week four doesn’t have to be your last. You can stay for up to 12 weeks, so if you’re loving life in South Africa, there’s still plenty more to come.
Now you’ll know why Katie keeps coming back! You might have booked four weeks, but who said you had to stop there?
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Day
29
Port Elizabeth
Home Time... Or Not Quite Yet?
Four weeks in South Africa, and now it’s time to find out whether you’re heading home or keeping the good times going!
If your trip finishes here, you’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight home. Time to say goodbye to your volunteer family, squeeze everything back into your suitcase and start thinking about how you’re going to explain the last four weeks to everyone at home.
Staying longer? Well, lucky you! Your next weekend is waiting, and there’s still plenty more South Africa to explore. Your local leader will confirm the plans and let you know which activities are coming up.
Whether you’re heading home or staying for another few weeks, you’ll have a lot more than just a few holiday photos to take away.
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Accommodation
Think chill vibes, cool spots, and sharing it all with your new travel fam.
More Information
Welcome to the place you’ll be coming home to every day, comparing weekend plans and discovering who’s actually good at pool. Your accommodation in Port Elizabeth is shared with other volunteers, so there’s always someone around for a chat, a game or a spontaneous trip to the beach.
You’ll stay in shared bunk rooms, split by gender, with shared bathrooms and storage space for your belongings. There’s also a communal kitchen and dining area, a lounge, games room, swimming pool and Wi-Fi, giving you plenty of space to hang out or take a little time for yourself.
The kitchen and dining area are great spots to catch up with everyone, while the lounge and games room are perfect for a little friendly competition. And on a sunny afternoon, the pool is a pretty good place to be!
Your volunteer house is all about having a comfortable base, a house full of people doing the same programme and somewhere to come back to after a day in the schools. From shared evenings to spontaneous plans, it’s where so many of your South Africa memories will be made.
Day 1-2, Day 4, Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, Day 29
Port Elizabeth
Live alongside your fellow volunteers in a fun, social base with shared rooms, communal spaces and a pool, perfect for relaxing after busy days on the projects.
Still Deciding? Let's Chat
Talk it through with someone who’s actually been. Our Travel advice sessions are for you.
Real Travellers. Just. Like. You.
Kate
Joe
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Key Information
Everything you need to know before you go.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Weather
Whatever time of year you’re heading to South Africa, there’s plenty of good weather to look forward to! From November to March, Port Elizabeth is at its warmest, with daytime temperatures around 23–27°C and evenings around 16–18°C. From April to October, expect milder days of around 20–24°C, with mornings and evenings dropping to roughly 8–13°C. You’ll be spending plenty of time outside while teaching, coaching and exploring, so pack your warm-weather favourites, throw in a few layers for the cooler months and you’re good to go!
Getting There
Starts
Your South Africa experience starts the moment you land in Port Elizabeth! Fly into Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), where the local team will be waiting to meet you and take you straight to your accommodation. Drop your bags, meet your fellow volunteers and start settling into your new home for the next few weeks.
Ends
When your time in South Africa comes to an end, we’ll make getting home nice and easy too. Your return transfer from the accommodation to Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) is included on your final day, ready for your journey home. Whether you’ve stayed for four weeks or stretched it all the way to twelve, saying goodbye might just be the hardest part!
FAQ's
Volunteering
On the Sports & Coaching program, you’ll spend Monday to Friday visiting local schools, where you’ll teach English and lead sports sessions for children. It’s a rewarding way to inspire and connect with young learners while sharing your passion for education and sport.
Do I need a Visa?
UK passport holders can visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism purposes.
You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay, so it’s worth having these details ready when you arrive.
As requirements can change, it’s your responsibility to check the latest entry guidance before travelling. We recommend checking official government websites or speaking to our team if you need support.
We recommend checking with your GP or a travel health clinic for the latest advice on vaccinations and health precautions for South Africa.
Make sure to arrange any vaccinations well in advance so you can travel with confidence.
Weekend Activities
Weekends are yours to enjoy.
You can relax on the reserve or head out to explore nearby Port Elizabeth, known for its beaches, coastal views, and laid-back atmosphere.
Whether you’re unwinding by the sea, trying out activities like surfing, or exploring the local area, it’s the perfect way to recharge after a week of hands-on conservation work.
Money
In South Africa, the local currency is the South African Rand. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and local spots.
For convenience and to avoid high foreign exchange fees, many travellers use a travel card such as Wise or Revolut. This allows you to pay in local currency with minimal charges, and you can also withdraw cash from ATMs if needed.
Solo? Couple? Friends?
Most of our travellers are solo, so joining a group tour is a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends along the way. Travelling alone gives you flexibility, the chance to connect with others, and the freedom to follow your own adventure.
If you’re coming with a friend or partner, just let us know when you book. We’ll make sure you’re paired together in the same room so you can enjoy the trip side by side.
Free Time
While our programmes are full of unforgettable experiences, there’s still plenty of time built in to relax, explore, or do your own thing. Whether you want to lounge on a beach, wander through local markets, try out a new cafe, or just take a quiet afternoon for yourself, the choice is yours.
Your guides are always happy to share insider tips and recommend hidden gems, so you can make the most of every free moment. Free time is your chance to explore at your own pace, discover local culture, and create memories that are completely your own.
Pre and Post Tour
If you’re arriving early or staying on after your programme, we can help make the most of your extra time. Extra nights of accommodation before the tour starts can be booked easily through us, just get in touch with our team.
Planning to continue your adventure once your trip ends? Our travel experts can offer advice on the best destinations, routes, and experiences to extend your journey, so you can explore confidently and make the most of your time abroad.
Arrival & Transfers
We provide an airport transfer on the day your trip begins. To make things easy, aim to arrive between 9am and 5pm on the start date. Once you’ve booked your flights, be sure to share your arrival details in the Manage My Booking area so we can coordinate your pick-up.
If you’re arriving outside these times, don’t worry, we can help you arrange a private transfer at your own cost. Our team will give you all the details you need to meet your driver and get to your accommodation safely and smoothly.
All in-country transport throughout your trip is included, so you can relax and enjoy the journey. We handle transfers between hotels, activity locations, and any pre-arranged excursions, using buses, trains, and boats where needed.
Each tour page lists the correct airport to fly into and out of, so you’ll know exactly where to arrive and depart. If you're still unsure, just chat to the team!
Luggage & Packing
Pack light, pack smart, and be ready for anything. Bring versatile clothing for warm days, cooler evenings, and temple visits. A sturdy backpack or suitcase works fine, and you’ll have opportunities to do laundry along the way. Don’t forget essentials like chargers, travel documents, and a good pair of walking shoes for exploring
Flights
Flights are not included in the trip price and will need to be booked separately. We recommend securing your place on the trip before booking flights, as availability and dates can sometimes change and flight prices can fluctuate.
Once your place is confirmed, our team is happy to help with advice on the best airports to fly into, typical routes, and timings to ensure your arrival runs smoothly.
Departure Dates
Choose your adventure.
Dates for this tour are coming soon.
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