The Guest House
When you volunteer with us, you don't need to worry about where to stay. Our guest house has 3 bedrooms and comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests — your own space to unwind after a day in the community, just minutes from where you'll be volunteering.
- 3 bedrooms, sleeping up to 6 guests
- A quiet, comfortable base close to our programmes
- Perfect for individuals, couples, families or small groups volunteering together
Life In The Countryside
Our home doubles as a small farm — with goats, donkeys and more. For many of our volunteers, especially the younger ones, this is their first taste of real countryside life: waking up to animals, wide-open green hills, and a slower pace, alongside the meaningful community work you'll be doing.
It's a unique combination you won't find on every volunteering trip — hands-on community impact by day, and the quiet of the KwaZulu-Natal countryside to come home to.
Choose How You'd Like To Stay
Every stay is part of a way to volunteer, from a short or long stay in our shared house, with your own private bedroom, to a private 3-bedroom house, a skills-based project or a remote-working base. Compare all the options, side by side, on our Volunteer page.
Your accommodation, the cost of your meals, your volunteering and any donation to Opening Doors are all separate things. Before you pay anything, we'll set out in writing exactly what your stay includes. The fees cover the utility bills, and the remaining money goes to Opening Doors to help fund our projects.
Meals & Cooking
Our house is self-catering. You'll have access to the kitchen and your own fridge, so you can buy and cook your own food around your volunteering hours.
Food basics are provided. We include basics such as milk, bread, cereals, eggs, tea, coffee, ham, cheese etc, which vary depending on what we order, so you can get settled in and cook for yourself or together with other guests.
Where we can, we love to share the occasional family-style dinner with our hosts and other guests.
The House & The Setting
This is a family home in rural KwaZulu-Natal, not a staffed hostel or hotel. Short Stay and Long Stay Volunteers share the house and have their own, lockable, private bedroom. Private Stay Volunteers have the private 3-bedroom house to themselves.
A washing machine is provided for your use. We confirm your room arrangements, and what's included (including Wi-Fi), in writing before you pay. It suits people who are comfortable with a rural setting and happy to plan their own free time.
Quiet from 7pm onwards, please: young children sleep close to the 3-bedroom house.
The pool: there's a pool, available at pre-arranged times.
Getting Around
Transport for scheduled volunteering activities is explained in your placement details. Airport transfers, personal shopping trips and sightseeing outings are not automatically included. We'll discuss these with you on a call, by arrangement.
Some places need a private transfer or a pre-arranged outing, so it helps to plan ahead. We're happy to share advice on local activities, and you'll find a few favourites in What's Nearby below.
What's Nearby
Based in the heart of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, you're never far from a great day out. Here are a few favourites for your days off.
PheZulu Safari Park
~7 min driveZulu culture, wildlife and sweeping valley views, close to home.
View on map →Shongweni Farmers Market
~20 min driveFresh local produce, tasty treats and a relaxed country-market feel.
View on map →The Pavilion Shopping Centre
~30 min driveShops, restaurants and entertainment, handy for a rainy day.
View on map →Natal Zoological Garden
~30 min driveA family-friendly day out meeting animals from all over.
View on map →Natal Park & Lion Park
~30 min driveQuad biking and feeding the elephants. A real adventure!
View on map →Tala Game Reserve
~35 min driveGame drives and a wild day out among giraffe, zebra and rhino.
View on map →uShaka Marine World & Waterpark
~45 min driveDurban's beachfront, aquarium and waterpark fun.
View on map →Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic.
Questions About Staying With Us
Questions about the volunteering itself? See the volunteering questions.
Will I have my own room?
Yes, volunteers share the house but have their own private bedroom. Private Stay Volunteers have the private 3-bedroom house to themselves. We confirm room arrangements before payment.
Can I cook my own meals?
Yes. The house is self-catering, with kitchen access, your own fridge and pantry space, and food basics provided.
Are laundry and Wi-Fi included?
Yes, there's a washing machine provided for you to use. We'll confirm Wi-Fi details, and anything else included, in your written offer before you pay.
Is transport included?
Transport for scheduled volunteering activities is explained in your placement details. Airport transfers, personal shopping trips and sightseeing outings are not automatically included. We'll discuss these with you on a call, by arrangement.
Can I visit Durban, the beach or local attractions?
Yes. Because we're rural, we'll suggest attractions and plan with you, and we'll take you to some local attractions, agreed during the sign-up process. Ubers are available if you'd like to travel and explore.
Can I use the pool?
Yes, at pre-arranged times. We don't want the pool in use all day, but you're welcome to ask, for example "Can we use the pool today?", and we'll agree a slot, such as two hours at 11am.
Are there quiet hours?
Yes, quiet from 7pm onwards, please. Young children sleep close to the 3-bedroom house.
Is the property suitable if I want to explore independently?
It's best suited to people who are comfortable with a rural setting and planning their own free time. It isn't a city-centre hostel with shops, restaurants and public transport on the doorstep.
How do I apply?
Get in touch and tell us about your interests, your experience and when you'd like to come. Before a placement is confirmed we'll arrange a video call, and we may ask for references for longer or specialist stays.
Are placements guaranteed once I apply?
No. Acceptance depends on suitability, available accommodation, programme needs and any required screening. We only ask for payment once a stay has been agreed and the terms are clear.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Before you pay, you'll receive our written cancellation and refund terms, covering deposits, cancellations by you or by us, and any non-refundable costs.
What about visas, insurance and health requirements?
You're responsible for checking the right immigration permission for your planned activities, along with travel insurance and any health requirements. Unpaid volunteering doesn't automatically qualify under every visitor status, so please check before you travel.
What injections (vaccinations) do I need?
Please speak to your doctor or a medical professional about the vaccinations you need. Our area is not usually considered a malaria area, but some game reserves and parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo are, so check before you plan any trips.
Can I stay as a digital nomad without volunteering?
Yes. Our accommodation-only option is for people who want a rural base while working remotely. Volunteering is optional and arranged separately. You're responsible for confirming that your immigration status allows your intended remote work and length of stay.
Ready To Come Stay With Us?
Whether it's a week or a few months, get in touch and let's talk about dates, your interests, and what your visit could look like.