Please reach us at hello@wildcoastgapyear.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
It’s a 3, 6 or 9 month Educational and Adventure Programme based on a secure 4.2-hectare private estate at Mtakatyi in the pristine Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Volunteer Programme blends life skills, vocational training, community projects, and leisure activities.
Our comprehensive, 3-month Volunteer Programme runs three times per year. Programme dates for each year are as follows:
Extension beyond your initial Volunteer Programme period will be considered, subject to availability. This extension could be for an extra month or longer as desired. Alternatively should you wish to extend your stay, when booking for the Volunteer Programme, select option 6-Months or 9-Months.
Our exclusive intakes are limited to 16 to 20 young men and women, ensuring personal attention and a strong sense of community.
Safety for our Wild Coast Volunteer Programme Volunteers is a top priority. The private Mtakatyi Estate Campus is secured with a perimeter fence, controlled vehicle gate access, CCTV cameras, and patrolling security guards day and night.
Your experience with us is built on a foundation of security and social impact. While you enjoy our fully secured private estate—a rarity on the Wild Coast—you can also feel good knowing your presence directly supports the local community. We are deeply intertwined with the lives of over 300 community members, providing vital services that support their livelihoods.
This strong, reciprocal relationship creates a unique environment where the community's well-being is tied to our success, resulting in their active and dedicated protection of our estate.
Yes. Professional staff and facilitators are on-site, ensuring a structured and supportive learning environment.
Participants live in comfortable, fully equipped communual living areas with bathrooms and shared spaces. Facilities include a swimming pool and entertainment area, lecture hall, indoor/outdoor kitchens, games hall, gym, and recreational areas and wi-fi.
Yes. Students share meals in both community and outdoor kitchens, with opportunities to learn cooking and nutrition skills. If students remain on the Estate Campus over weekends, then all meals are also provided.
The curriculum covers Life Skills (public speaking, leadership, meal preparation and cooking, self-defence), Vocational Skills (quad biking, tractor driving, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, painting, etc.).
Hands-on experience in sustainability and community projects (aquaponics, beekeeping, vegetables cultivation, free-range chicken rearing, etc).
Surfing, swimming, angling, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), spearfishing, birdwatching, hiking, trail running, beach bonfires and more - all provided at no extra fee.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME FEES
3 Month Programme
Deposit R15,000-00 (Payable on Accepted Application)
Monthly Payments R6,666-00 x 3 months (Payable commencing 1 February 2026)
Total Fees R35,000-00
6 Month Programme
Deposit R15,000.00 (Payable on Accepted Application)
Monthly Payments R8,333-00 x 6 months (Payable commencing 1 February 2026)
Total Fees R65,000-00
9 Month Programme
Deposit R15,000.00 (Payable on Accepted Application)
Monthly Payments R8,888-00 x 9 months (Payable commencing 1 February 2026)
Total Fees R95,000-00
Visit the FEES page for more detailed information.
Swimming and diving proficient Participants can elect to train and apply to participate in the East Coast Rock Lobster Diving Programme (no additional cost) with experienced local fishers. Catches are sold to neighbouring Phumalali Seafoods, enabling students to earn a minimum of R5,000 per month during their stay. The East Coast Rock Lobster harvesting season commences 1 March and end 31 October each year.
This arrangement assists local community divers to attain their allowable rock lobster harvest quotas. Importantly, it also benefits Volunteer Programme Participants by providing real cash to learn financial management. These discretionary earnings can be expended on their travel and accommodation expenses when exploring other regions of South Africa during their week-ends or during their mini-breaks of the Volunteer Programme or invested into their savings account.
No, Volunteer Programme Fees must be paid upfront. However, income earned by Participants can be used for personal expenses, accommodation and travel costs during their away-weekends or during their mini-breaks, or invested into their savings.
The neighbouring Mtakatyi Clinic (50m distance) and hospitals (Umtata and East London) are within easy reach. Trained staff are also ready on-site with first aid certification to assist with emergency medical procedures.
Yes, all dietary requirements including vegan and vegetarian can be accommodated with prior notice and on registration.
Active young adults (men and women) from South Africa and abroad (including EU & UK), with preferably proficient swimming skills, who have a keen sense of adventure, enquiring minds to learn new skills and talents, and who wish to participate in community upliftment projects and wanting to "earn while they learn', will be favourably considered.
Download, complete and return the Application Form and our Admissions Team will guide you through your next steps.
Yes, because this is an exclusive Volunteer Programme with a limited student intake (20 x Participants), shortlisted applicants will be interviewed to ensure suitability and their commitment to the Wild Coast Volunteer Programme.
The Wild Coast Gap Year Campus Estate is located in a safe and malaria-free environment, so no additional vacinations are required.
For UK & EU Residents we have provided a Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Volunteer Visa (Visitor Visa with Volunteer
Endorsement or Temporary Residence Volunteer Visa), for South Africa.
You can view this Guide in the 'Resources' page.
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