After each trip we ask our teen volunteers what stuck with them. A few from this year’s Bali group got…
Applications Open for July 2027!
Join a small group of teens aged 15–17 for a 13-day adventure in South Africa combining community volunteering, wildlife, conservation, and outdoor activities. Support a local community program in Cape Town before traveling along the Garden Route for safari and marine conservation experiences. Along the way, learn to surf, sandboard at the Atlantis Dunes, explore Table Mountain, join wildlife safaris, and discover South Africa’s marine environment. With 24/7 supervision throughout the program, teens can experience different sides of South Africa while volunteering, learning, and having plenty of fun along the way.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
What’s Included
What’s not Included
International flights, travel insurance, visas where applicable, snacks and drinks, personal expenses, and optional activities not included in the scheduled itinerary.
The expedition begins in Cape Town, where participants experience the city’s history, culture, community life, and outdoor environment. Highlights include District Six, Bo-Kaap, Table Mountain, the botanical gardens, surfing, and several days with a local community program.
The second part of the journey heads along the Garden Route for wildlife and marine experiences. Participants join guided game drives near Oudtshoorn before continuing to Gansbaai for marine conservation, a boat safari, and a visit to an African penguin and seabird sanctuary
About the Program
This teen expedition was developed by GoEco together with our established South African nonprofit and travel partners, building on years of experience with our regular Cape Town volunteer program. Drawing on GoEco’s 20+ years of experience in international volunteer travel, we designed the program specifically for teens, combining responsible community volunteering with supervised travel, wildlife, conservation, and outdoor activities.
Our local nonprofit partner has been running volunteer and community programs since 2006, while an experienced local travel team coordinates accommodation, transportation, tours, and activities. Together with GoEco’s participant preparation, parent communication, and ongoing support, this provides a well-organized and closely supervised experience from arrival through departure.
The community portion takes place with a local school and community program in Cape Town. Participants learn about the community and its priorities before getting involved, with an emphasis on listening, learning, and contributing responsibly. They also receive guidance on safeguarding, safety, and appropriate behavior when working with children.
Your Role as a Volunteer
Teen volunteers support educators, children, and community staff through educational, creative, sports, and practical activities. As the week progresses, participants may take greater responsibility in suitable activities, helping organize games, supporting smaller groups, and assisting with creative sessions.
Volunteer Tasks
