Cape Town · Volunteering
Stay. Explore. Volunteer.
The heart of it
A day with a local partner.
Beach days, youth programmes, a community hall full of donated shoes. This is what a Cape Trek visit is built around — the drive comes after.
How it works
Three steps, and the first one is the only one you do.
- 01
Tell us your days
Pick the weekdays you can give, say if you'd like a drive as well, and how many of you there are. Five minutes, no account needed.
- 02
We confirm within 24 hours
We check your dates with 9Miles: Surfing for Dreams, answer your questions and confirm the plan and cost by email or WhatsApp. Nothing is charged online.
- 03
We collect you on the day
Cape Trek drives you to Strandfontein and back — and on to Cape Point or the Winelands if you've added a route.
The extra
A wine farm afternoon, or a day exploring Cape Town.
Cape Winelands
Good to know
The questions everyone asks first.
What does a volunteering day actually involve?
A day on the beach in Strandfontein, Cape Town with 9Miles: Surfing for Dreams, a community nonprofit that uses surfing and time in the ocean to build confidence and structure for local children and youth. You’ll help with coaching, board care and simply spending time with the kids. Days run on weekdays only — that’s when the programme runs.
Do I need any experience?
No. You don’t need to surf, and you don’t need to have volunteered before. 9Miles: Surfing for Dreams’s coaches run the day; you bring energy and a willingness to get your feet wet.
Is it safe, and how are the children protected?
The programme is run by 9Miles: Surfing for Dreams’s own staff, who work with these children every week. Volunteers are always alongside their team and are never left alone with a child. Please bring photo ID on the day. If you have questions about safeguarding, ask us before you book — we’d rather you did.
Can I bring my family or friends?
Yes — groups are welcome and often the best days. Tell us how many of you there are when you request, and we’ll confirm the partner can host that number on your dates.
What does it cost?
Sending a request is free and nothing is charged online. We confirm the cost of your days, transport and any extras in our reply — before you commit to anything. Drives are priced per route (Cape Point and the Winelands from ZAR 2,200), and professional photography or video can be added if you’d like the day captured.
How and when will I hear back?
By email (or WhatsApp if you leave a number) within 24 hours. We check your dates with 9Miles: Surfing for Dreams, answer your questions and confirm the plan. Only then is anything booked.
What should I bring?
Sun protection, a hat, something warm for the wind, a towel and swimwear if you want to get in the water, and a reusable water bottle. Tell us about dietary needs when you request and we’ll plan around them.
Something else? Ask us — a real person replies.
Questions first?