Volunteers Programme

We offer an awesome experience whilst been a volunteer at Betty's Haven. Home base is our home from home Old Vic backpackers, after a rewarding day of volunteering at Betty's, chillax around the pool with a coolie or catch up with your fellow volunteers around our pub – or simply grab some R & R in your comfy bunk room.

In between volunteering we visit and experience the breath taking sights of the Blyde Canon and seek out the incredible Big 5 – the impressive Buffalo, the unbelievably enormous elephant, the regal King of the Jungle the almighty lion, the prehistoric looking Rhino not forgetting the amazing markings that seem so similar but on closer inspection are worlds apart, the leopard and the cheetah in our two day one night tour.

While we volunteer at Betty's some of the life filling duties that are required are to help these amazingly appreciative kids with their schooling, assisting at the local kindergarten as these little one's soak up all your knowledge that you share with them. Or if you prefer the Jamie Olivier feel, lending a hand in the kitchen is always gladly welcomed. If the kitchen is not your domain the house is always calling for the odd job here and there, and not forgetting the garden that is always in need of a little TLC.

The children that are fortunate enough to have found a safe haven at Betty's range from babies to teens, all seeking your love, knowledge and attention while you volunteer. Through this some wonderful friends also bloom. The time period ranges from 7 to 10 days – although Betty and her kiddies will always gladly welcome you for a longer period should you so wish.

This really is an awesome experience while allowing one to still experience and enjoy the sights in and around our beautiful city. Not forgetting we are the gateway to Mozambique and Swaziland. Groups are always more than welcome. Sharing accommodation which includes breakfast and a home cooked dinner after a rewarding day at Betty's. Transport to and from Betty's is included.

A routine day would be up and at Betty's from 7am till 5pm with our Kruger and Blyde Canyon tours included in this amazing deal.

Bettie Mandlazi is the founder and totally committed life member of Betties' Haven. All of the children that have been fortunate enough to find their way to Bettie's haven are truly Blessed children. Bettie has the hugest of hearts and is the most humble, salt of the earth woman, one could ever have the absolute privilege of meeting. Bettie helps between twenty to twenty-four children.

All these children have become orphans due to a variety of happenings in their unfortunate little lives. Some lost their parents to AIDS and they themselves battle with the disease on a daily basis.