Childcare Volunteer Cape Town

You’ll arrive on Sunday, and have a day to relax and settle into your new surroundings.  Time zones are not too much of an issue here, with only a 2 hour difference between the UK and Cape Town.

Weekly Schedule

On the first day of your volunteering placement, you will meet the local staff you’ll be working with and get a little introduction to the centre. Your normal hours of volunteering are from 08:00 – 17:00 pm.

• 06.00 am Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation
• 07.30 am Travel to the placement centre
• 8.00 am-12.00 pm Childcare volunteering
• 12.00 pm Lunch
• 13.00-15.00 pm Childcare volunteering
• 17.00 pm Return to accommodation
• 17.00-18.00 pm Dinner

Your day as a Childcare Volunteer will typically involve some of the following:

• Assist at the creche by changing nappies, feeding babies & interacting with babies
• Support staff with the facilitation of workshops with mothers
• Assist with filing and other administrative work
• Engaging with mothers
• Help out at reception by answering the telephone when the receptionist is on lunch
• Helping children with homework
• Playing with older children after homework is completed

Evenings and Weekends

Once your day of childcare volunteering is over, you can choose to explore the Cape Town area or simply relax with your new-found friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Places to Visit

Cape Town, the famous port city of South Africa, lies at the foot of Table Mountain. Even though a small city, Cape Town boasts of dynamic culture and nature. Here are some of our top must-sees!

• Table Mountains by arial Cable Car
• Drive to Chapman’s Peak
• Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
• Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
• Cape Point Nature Reserve

Please note:
Cost of transport to project locations is not included, but will usually be around £1.50 per day. Additional excursions to sightseeing areas must be arranged separately and are not included in the programme.

This schedule can be changed depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Cape Town, the famous port city of South Africa, lies at the foot of Table Mountain and boasts a wealth of culture and natural landmarks. There is so much to do here when your day of volunteering is done, such as hiking, shopping, and checking out the fantastic aquariums – or even a penguin colony! It’s all there for your discover after your day of volunteering is done!

About the Accommodation

You’ll have a really comfortable stay at our Volunteer Centre! The accommodation comprises male/female dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, a communal living room and dining room.

In addition, there’s also a BBQ area and a swimming pool – perfect for relaxing and socialising with your new friends! And don’t worry about needing help – there are staff on-site 7 days a week to help you. Wifi is available in communal areas of the volunteer house so you can catch up with friends and family – if you get the time!.

Food 

There are two mini-kitchens to cook in should the mood take you, and there’s plenty of storage for your own food. However, all meals are provided at the accommodation, prepared by our super cook! Meals – typically western, are served 3 times a day Monday to Friday, with breakfast consisting of tea, coffee, toast, fruit, and cereal. Lunch can range from sandwiches taken along to the volunteer project, to salad and Pasta. Finally, your evening meal will likely include potato, pasta, rice, meat and vegetables.

Finally, our volunteers love braai nights (BBQ) at the weekends, when they prepare and cook their own food together in the sunshine!

Facilities

Nearby, you’ll find a few small local stores that sell snacks, drinks, and any basic supplies you might need during your stay. ATM’s, banks, shops, and a local pharmacy are also close to the centre.

As mentioned, the volunteer accommodation has Wi-Fi in communal areas. However, if you would like to stay connected with your families and friends whilst in South Africa. we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone if you are staying for a longer period of time. Thereafter, the local team will help you to buy a local SIM card.

Transportation

Transportation is available to all surrounding areas. However, transport costs are not included in the programme and extra provision must be made for your excursions.

Volunteering in South Africa with TRU combines meaningful volunteer work with unforgettable adventure travel. TRU’s South Africa volunteer programmes give volunteers the chance to support local communities through education projects, youth development initiatives, and wildlife conservation experiences while exploring one of Africa’s most diverse destinations.

Perfect for gap year travel, solo volunteers, and anyone looking for ethical volunteering abroad, these programmes focus on responsible tourism, cultural immersion, and sustainable community impact. Volunteers gain hands-on experience working alongside local teams while discovering the real South Africa beyond the typical tourist route.

Outside of volunteering, South Africa offers world-famous safari experiences, coastal road trips, hiking trails, and vibrant city life in Cape Town. From conservation volunteering to community projects abroad, TRU creates authentic travel experiences for volunteers looking to combine adventure, purpose, and cultural connection in South Africa.