Orientation
At the start of your programme you will receive an in-depth local orientation, which will be conducted by our local programme coordinator and will cover the following areas:
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Culture and behaviour: you will be familiarised with the cultural norms of South Africa and what your expected behaviour will be whilst on and off the placement.
- Travel: for during and after your placement finishes. Our coordinator will let you know what you can do in the local area and what your travel options are for after your placement.
- Safety: our coordinator will tell you how to keep yourself and your valuables safe whilst in Cape Town. This will include areas to avoid, what to do in an emergency, behaviour at nighttime and more.
You will also have a tour of Cape Town, visit a few local areas of interest and have an introductory BBQ.
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation is included throughout your time on the programme. For your first 2 days and final 2 days you will be staying in a comfortable hostel in Green Point. The area is safe and has good restaurants, bars etc where you can spend time with your fellow volunteers. The hostel is less than 2 km’s from the city centre, Victoria and Alfred waterfront complex and the site of the new football stadium being built for 2010 World Cup. The hostel is professionally run, has two swimming pools, a bar and self-catering facilities.
Your stay here will allow you to become familiar with the local area and where the places of importance are.
After your first 2 days (and orientation) you will be transferred to the project accommodation, which is with a host family in Hout Bay. The house is situated 5 minutes away from the Township School and 5 minutes from the Hout Bay town centre. The large family home has all the modern amenities necessary, plus a swimming pool, stables and fields where they keep horses! This excellent home provides the perfect place to stay and will be more than comfortable during your placement on the project.
During your time on the project, you will be provided with 3 meals a day. Meals will be made from local produce, which typically consists of rice, vegetables, chicken and fish. A packed lunch will be provided for you when you are at your placement.
Please Note: Your accommodation may vary during busy periods according to the number of volunteers that are on the project. When there are more participants on the project your accommodation may be at an apartment in Hout Bay town centre, with all of the necessary amenities.
Free Time
Within the Hout Bay / Llandudno area the following is available for you to do in your free time: surfing, ocean kayaking, deep sea tuna fishing, sailing, hiking, horse riding (stables next to football pitch), African drumming etc. A little further away: windsurfing, kite surfing, paragliding and hang gliding.
There will be plenty for you to do at the weekends in and around Cape Town. You could visit the beach for a relaxing sunbathe or to play a beach game, or there are several restaurants and pubs in Hout Bay that you could sample with your fellow volunteers.
Programme Support
Throughout your stay in South Africa you will have the support and guidance of our local project manager Kevin and his team. They will provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The house staff will be on hand throughout the day and your project manager will be contactable during your stay.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health
