The Standard ISV South Africa Program is four weeks in length and consists of a two-week Volunteer Project and a two-week Adventure Tour within South Africa.

The Customized ISV Program also gives you the option to travel to a second or third country for additional Volunteer Projects and/or Adventure Tours as outlined in the Customized Program Options under "Terms and Conditions". Please click on the Terms and Conditions link on this website for specific dates, costs and policies.

South Africa Volunteer Programs & Adventure Travel Tours

Travel to South Africa to volunteer and participate in conservation or community development programs such as:

• Community development in a township on the Wild Coast: new infrastructure, greening programs and building jungle gyms for children in school playgrounds.
• Conservation through volunteering at wildlife care centre; home to cheetah, wild dog, hyena and vultures. Infrastructure development and daily animal car.

Your adventure continues with activities such as:

• Surfing at the world renowned Jeffeys Bay
• Horseback riding along deserted ivory colored sand beaches
• Exploring high in the treetop canopies of Outeniqua Yellowood trees
• Ocean kayaking among the Cape Fur seal colony in Plettenberg Bay
• Bungy Jumping 216 m (648 ft) - the highest bridge bungy in the world!
• Rappelling from Table Mountain, overlooking the city of Cape Town
• Wildlife viewing via morning, afternoon and evening game drives in Kruger National Park
• Visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years of his life
• Sandboarding in the Atlantis Nature Reserve
• Experiencing the fun nightlife in Cape Town including a cultural night of food, music and dance at Moyo African Village

Programs run between May 14 and August 20, 2009

Help South Africa rebuild and conserve threatened wildlife !

About ISV's South Africa's Conservation and Community Development Projects

South Africa has a turbulent history, resulting in a great divide between rich and poor. Many South Africans live in poverty and struggle to meet every day needs. Greater infrastructure development is a priority to meet basic human needs of the many South Africans living in townships. Carefully structured volunteer programs provide a means to make a real difference through community development. You can help by volunteering to help with Township Renewal which involves focused work on school buildings and playgrounds, urban renewal projects, water and sanitation development.

South Africa has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. However, due to urban expansion, hunting and habitat fragmentation, many species are threatened by extinction. You can make a difference by volunteering on a conservation sanctuary. Tasks may involve light construction of facilities within the sanctuary and animal husbandry. Help protect animals such as the cheetah and give back through environmental awareness programs.

ISV's Projects

ISV has two key projects in very different parts of the country. You could be working on the Wild Coast or in the expansive North East of South Africa.

• Wildlife Sanctuary: Make a difference to South Africa's wildlife!
  As a volunteer, you will play a vital role to the restoration and enrichment of one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa. You will be volunteering on much needed restorations of the wildlife enclosures and infrastructure. Plus, you and your volunteer team will help with the daily care of many of the animals such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena and vultures. You will also spend one day in a local school promoting environmental awareness to local children so they may practice valuable lessons in conservation in their daily lives.



• Community Development: Help South African communities!
  Here’s your chance to make a real difference to a community that needs your help. This project will complement a bigger vision to redefine the face of the Cintsa East Township through new infrastructure, housing, water, sanitation and the building of a high school. Through smaller micro-projects, you will be involved in tasks such as urban renewal, township greening and school playground building. This is an amazing chance to make a difference and help the local empower people who live in this township.

Project Locations

Our projects are currently in two very different locations and ISV will add more projects as our program develops.

Please note: These are BOTH great projects with significant conservation, educational and community value in phenomenal locations.  Please be flexible with your project preferences as projects are subject to available spaces.

More on ISV's Projects

Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profits, government and non government organisations (NGOs), private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations, urban coastal area of the Wild Coast to the diverse wildlife areas of North Eastern South Africa. Each volunteer team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The volunteer team will consist of around 12 people.

No prior experience or expertise in environmental areas is needed in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects, ranging from volunteer houses, dormitory style accommodations to research stations. Meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer project.

South Africa - Adventure Tour

Participants will travel along South Africa's stunning Garden Route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town discovering the world famous surfing mecca Jeffreys Bay, the rugged coastline and indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, the limestone caves and countryside of Oudtshoorn (ostrich capital of the world), Table Mountain and the exciting city of Cape Town. We will then fly to northern South Africa and explore the wildlife havens for elephant, lion, rhino and many other species at Kruger National Park, and take in the spectacular vistas of the Panoramic route around Blyde River Canyon. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

• Surfing at the world renowned Jeffeys Bay
• Horseback riding along deserted ivory colored sand beaches
• Discovering the wild coastline and waterfalls of Tsitsikamma National Park
• Exploring high in the treetop canopies of Outeniqua Yellowood trees
• Ocean kayaking among the Cape Fur seal colony in Plettenberg Bay
• Visiting Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world and exploring the countryside by bicycle
• Squeezing through tunnels and beholding the wonders of the limestone formations of the magnificent Cango Caves
• Bungy Jumping 216 m (648 ft) - the highest bridge bungy in the world!
• Rappelling from Table Mountain, overlooking the city of Cape Town
• Wildlife viewing via morning, afternoon and evening game drives in Kruger National Park
• Taking in the breathtaking views from the Panoramic Route nearby to Blyde River Canyon
• Visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years of his life
• Sandboarding in the Atlantis Nature Reserve
• Experiencing the fun nightlife in Cape Town including a cultural night of food, music and dance at Moyo African Village

Note: See ISV’s Tour Itinerary (below) which specifies the Program’s Included Activities and those provided in the ISV Optional Activity Package.

Adventure Tour Locations

Adventure Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Jeffreys Bay via Port Elizabeth: Travel to Port Elizabeth after your Volunteer Project and then drive south to Jeffreys Bay.  Unwind after the ISV Tour Orientation meeting with a Welcome Braai (BBQ) and Bonfire on the beach.

Day 2 – Jeffreys Bay (Surfing and Horseback Riding):An action-packed start to ISV's Adventure tour involving horseback riding (an ISV Included Activity) over coastal sand dunes and ivory colored beaches, followed by surf lessons by local expert instructors (part of the ISV Optional Activities Package). Jeffreys Bay is a surfer's paradise, and if the surf conditions are right, relax in the late afternoon and watch the experts show their stuff at 'Supertubes' break.

Day 3 – Storms River/Tsitsikamma National Park (Treetop Canopy Tour):After a fun morning of shopping at the Surfshop outlet stores, we will drive to Storms River to explore the enormous Outeniqua Yellowwood trees via a unique tree-top canopy tour experience (an ISV Included Activity). Using zip-lines (flying-fox cables), travel between multiple platforms set high in above the ground in the forest canopy. Learn about the amazing forest ecology from local knowledgeable guides. This evening, relax in our colonial village accommodations in the quaint town of Storms River.

Day 4 – Tsitsikamma National Park (Coastline and Waterfall Nature Hike): Explore the rugged coastline of Tsitsikamma National Park. Today we will take a three hour hike along the ocean’s edge to a waterfall that flows right into the sea (part of the ISV Optional Activity Package). Swim in a tannin colored pool at the foot of the waterfall and do some cliff jumps if you are brave enough to experience the ‘refreshing’ water! After lunch, drive to the nearby Bloukrans Bridge. As an adrenaline-charged option, thrill seekers can take on the highest bridge-bungy in the world, an astounding 216 m (648 ft)! There are alternative activities to choose from, or just watch your friends plummet towards the river below!

Day 5 – Oudtshoorn via Plettenberg Day (Ocean Kayaking): Get ready for the ultimate eco- adventure at Plettenberg Bay as we go ocean kayaking amongst the local Cape Fur Seal Colony (an ISV Included Activity). A unique and personal experience with hundreds of seals that play around your kayak and sunbathe on the nearby peninsula. We will then take a short drive to the town of Knysna for lunch at the waterfront. This afternoon, watch the scenery drastically change as we travel inland to the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn.

Day 6 – Oudtshoorn (Cango Caves, Cycling Tour and Ostrich Farm): A fun and diversified day (with all activities Included!) which starts with an adventure experience in the Cango Caves, viewing the magnificent formations and then squeezing into tight tunnels and caves. After lunch, get on our bikes and cruise downhill through the scenic countryside. We will stop mid-way at an Ostrich farm for an informative and fun tour to learn about this remarkable species and its importance to South Africa. In the afternoon, continue your ride back to town and enjoy a free night out in Oudtshoorn.

Day 7 – Oudtshoorn to Cape Town: Today is a travel day as we drive through spectacular mountainous landscapes en route to the most popular tourist destination in all of South Africa, Cape Town; get ready for four exciting nights in the adventure capital of South Africa!

Day 8 – Cape Town (Rappelling from Table Mountain): A must-do activity for those that like challenges and adrenaline! Hike 3-4 hours up Table Mountain or take the Cable Car to the summit. From there, gather your courage as we rappel 112 m (336 ft) (part of the ISV Optional Activity Package)! Professional rappelling instructors will help you face your fears in a safe environment. After taking in the views form the top, return via the Cable Car to the bottom of the Mountain. Tonight is a free night; you might wish to seek out the Waterfront area with its multiple restaurants and bars.

Day 9 – Cape Town (Sandboarding): Sandboarding is like snowboarding, but on sand! Learn this exhilarating adventure activity which is suitable for beginners from the company that pioneered sandboarding in South Africa. Even if you are a total beginner, instructors will have you carving your turns in no time on the sand dunes of Atlantis Nature Reserve! This evening, hit the town and have fun exploring the nightlife in Cape Town.

Day 10 – Cape Town (Cultural Extravaganza): Cape Town offers much by way of culture due to a fusion of settlers from Europe and indigenous tribes, and today we will learn about the history through a variety of culturally enriching activities. Start the experience by visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years of his life. Then, we will be given a guided tour of the highlights city centre including the fascinating museums of District Six and Slave Lodge which tell compelling parts of Cape Town’s history (ISV Included Activity). This evening, you may like to finish off this cultural day via the Moyo African Village experience which includes a buffet dinner, dance and music (part of the ISV Optional Activity Package).

Day 11 – Cape Town to Blyde River Canyon via Johannesburg: Today is a travel day, incorporating a domestic flight in the early morning from Cape Town to Johannesburg then a drive through postcard-stunning scenery to Blyde River Canyon. Soak up the surrounding mountain views and watch the local wildlife.

Day 12 – Blyde River Canyon to Kruger National Park (The Panoramic Route):Have your cameras ready as we drive the Panoramic Route through the Drakensberg escarpment. We will make a number of stops including the unique rock formations at Bourkes Luck Potholes and the magnificent views from God's Window. This evening we'll arrive at our accommodations in Skukusa Rest Camp which is situated right within Kruger National Park.

Day 13 – Kruger National Park (Game Drives): This morning we will explore the Park looking for wildlife! With luck we will see a diversity of game including elephant, rhino, hippos, springbok, lion, giraffe and many other species. We will return to our accommodations to rest and for lunch, then hit the road again in the afternoon (both drives are ISV Included Activities). If you are really keen, experience the Sunset Game Drive to look out for those animals which are more active at night (part of the ISV Optional Activity Package). The night drive offers much suspense and the reward of seeing animals at night is well worth the effort!

Day 14: – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg and Home: Depart Kruger in the morning and return to Johannesburg for an early evening return flight home. Say Goodbye to South Africa, the Adventure Ends!

Disclaimer: Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and included activities will be given to participants in the ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure. ISV reserves the right to change the ISV tour itinerary, accommodations and activities without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc.