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Cape Town Video Tour

Take a look at our Cape Town accommodation!

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Volunteer in South Africa

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer volunteers a unique and inspiring experience. South Africa is located on the southern tip of the African continent flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warm Indian Ocean on the east. The country enjoys a temperate and pleasant climate, with warm sunny days most of the year.

Our placements offer volunteers from all over the world a truly holistic growth experience. South Africa is situated ten hours from the majority of gap year world traveller destinations, making Gap Year South Africa an ideal stop on your global adventure travel. Gap Year South Africa offers volunteer projects in Cape Town.

Volunteer in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The impressive presence of the world renowned Table Mountain stands proudly above the city of Cape Town. Beautiful white sandy beaches along a peaceful coastline frame the Cape Peninsula, which is famed for its unique floral kingdom, bountiful rivers, vleis and dams and magnificent countryside. The surrounding area extends far into the winelands, green in summer and red-gold in autumn. Cape Town is a city of culture, built on a history that reflects in the architecture, cuisine, music and dance.

You are hosted by the Team of Gap Year South Africa in our comfortable fully furnished house along with all our volunteers. The volunteer house is a very safe and friendly environment within Fish Hoek, a coastal village lying in a valley at the mouth of the Silvermine River, on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula. Together with a warm summer and temperate winter climate and a friendly community, Cape Town is an ideal Gap Year destination throughout the year. For more detailed weather information and long-term weather forecasts, visit www.weathersa.co.za

Accommodation, Food and Transport

Gap Year South Africa volunteers stay in dormitory style accommodation with communal bathrooms. There are separate male and female bedrooms and bathrooms. The house facilities include satellite television, DVD player, wireless internet access, pool table and swimming pool. The house is located within walking distance to the beach, mainline railway station and to a wide range of amenities for all your additional needs.

View photos and video of our accommodation

During the week, Mondays to Fridays, volunteers have all their meals prepared for them by our local team. Meals are not included on Saturdays and Sundays, as experience has taught us that most volunteers tend to explore the multitude of attractions Cape Town has to offer during weekends. Volunteers either purchase and prepare their own meals on weekends or often choose to eat out at local restaurants. Our kitchen is superbly equipped and local supermarkets and restaurants are within walking distance from the volunteer house.

On arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be welcomed by our Gap Year South Africa Team and be transferred from the airport to the volunteer house. All daily transport to and from the projects is provided.

Excursions

The volunteer group excursions are selected from a wide variety of exciting activities. Volunteer group excursions are selected in advance by the Gap Year South Africa team and are subject to change. The table below indicates the number of group excursions selected from a wide variety of exciting activities that are included as part of your project fee:

Project Duration Number of group excursions included in your project fee
3 Weeks One group excursion included as part of your project fee
5 Weeks Two group excursions included as part of your project fee
3 Months Four group excursions included as part of your project fee
5 Months Six group excursions included as part of your project fee

Typical Cape Town Group Excursions:

  • Explore Cape Point where the cold Benguela and warm Agulhus currents merge
  • Hike up Cape Town’s magnificent Table Mountain and return via Cable Car
  • Spend a day exploring all the attractions at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
  • Visit the magnificent two oceans aquarium
  • Enjoy learning to surf or surfing the waves of Cape Town

Additional Cape Town Excursions:

  • Journey on a Township Tour into a vibrant world of colour
  • Shark Cage Diving with Great White Sharks
  • Scuba dive at the Two Oceans Aquarium
  • Snorkel or freedive with Cape fur seals in the exquisite oceans of Cape Town
  • Abseiling down Table Mountain
  • Specialised guided wine region tours
  • Robben Island Museum Tour
  • Penguin Sea Kayak Trail Simon’s Town
  • Tandem skydive
  • Visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
  • View the magnificent penguins at Boulders
  • Explore the World of Birds wildlife sanctuary and monkey park
  • View the African Big Five on a one day safari tour

Additional information on South Africa

Useful Information
Currency The South African currency is Rands (R) and Cents (c). There are 100 Cents to a Rand. Notes are in R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 and coins in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
Foreign Exchange Foreign currency can be exchanged at any commercial bank, American Express, Thomas Cook, Rennies or Diners Club office or Bureaux de Change which can be found at airports and most large centres. South Africa has a modern banking system and the majority of shops and hotels accept credit cards.
Banking Hours Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:00-15:30 and on Saturdays from 8:30 - 11:00.
Post Offices   Post Offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 8:30-16:30 and on Saturdays from 8:00 -12:00.
VAT (Value Added Tax)   VAT is currently at 14% and is added to the price of most goods and services. As a tourist, retain receipts for purchases to the value of R250 or more and you will be able to claim VAT back on your departure.
Credit cards and Travellers Cheques   Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted at formal businesses. At roadside stalls and informal markets etc, you will need to pay with cash.
Medical Services   It is advised that medical insurance be taken out before travelling to South Africa. Most hospitals have emergency and casualty units and private hospitals offer excellent medical assistance. Charges are reasonable by international standards. Unfortunately government hospitals are generally under-staffed and under budget pressure.
Travel Medical Insurance   Before going abroad, travellers should be advised to learn what medical services their health insurance will cover overseas. If the health insurance policy provides coverage outside your country of origin, travellers should be advised to carry both the insurance policy identity card (as proof of insurance) and a claim form. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, international travel involves risk. You need travel medical protection because it lets you travel with a strong sense of security. Travel Medical Insurance addresses the gaps in health insurance coverage for travellers outside their home county.
Water and Health Issues Cape Town is a clean and safe area - there are no health risks and no vaccinations are required. Tap water is safe to drink and there is no risk of contracting malaria.
Safety   Cape Town is generally a safe and friendly city, although it is strongly advised that safety precautions be taken. Due to poverty in certain areas, crime and theft can be a problem. Try not to carry large amounts of cash and be discreet with expensive cameras, jewellery etc. Do not walk in deserted areas, especially after dark and always park in designated, well-lit areas. When driving, keep your doors locked and while parked lock your belongings in the boot (trunk) rather than leave them in the open. Ask locals or your hosts to advise you on areas that should be avoided.

 

Cape Town Weather
Due to its coastal position, Cape Town enjoys a temperate Mediterranean type climate for most of the year. Summers can be very hot, although often moderated with a cool sea breeze and mid-winter can be very cold with snow falling in the surrounding mountains. However, whichever time of year you choose to visit Cape Town, expect a surprise or two - Cape Town is known to have four seasons all in one day.  Cape Town's summer is generally from late October to March, winters are moderately cold and wet during the months of June to August. Generally summers are hot, although Cape Town's coastal position brings moderating sea breezes. Spring and autumn are mild and remain enjoyable months to visit Cape Town.
Summer Cape Town enjoys a long summer from mid October to March. Temperatures vary from mid 20's to mid 30's with little rain over the period. The south-easterly wind blows fairly often, more so in November and December than in February and March. Days are long and perfect for evening entertainment, sundowners and long days on the beach.
Autumn &Spring Many visitors choose to visit the Cape in its 'off-season' during spring in September and autumn in April. Days are a pleasant temperature, cooling towards evening, but often more enjoyable for visitors not accustomed to the heat. In Spring the famous West coast flowers put on a dazzling display of colour and whale watching is at its best. In autumn, the colours of the many vineyards in the Constantia valley and Stellenbosch are a beautiful sight.
Winter In years gone by the Cape winters were long and rainy. In recent years however, weather patterns have changed and days of rain have been interspersed with a day, even weeks, of mild weather and sunshine. This has become known as the Cape's 'secret season'.
For more detailed weather information and long-term weather forecasts, visit www.weathersa.co.za

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