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Urban Farming Internship in Cape Town
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Be ready to roll up your sleeves and grow your passion for food, sustainability, and nutrition with a nonprofit.
Are you passionate about locally sourced food and sustainability? Or have an interest in urban agriculture and its role in healthy communities? Then it seems like you might be the perfect fit for this Urban Farming Internship! Join South Africa’s oldest edible garden service where they engage in all aspects of urban farming, from seed propagation and planting to harvesting and maintaining urban agriculture projects.
Be a part of this organization’s mission in building a sustainable future by working the land and promoting a healthy lifestyle for disadvantaged communities in Cape Town. Provide a healthy harvest to nearby townships while honing your skills in gardening, problem solving, and adaptability. This internship will allow you to be a self starter and, without the need of having constant supervision, it will give you the freedom to work on independent projects at your own pace. Get ready to get your hands dirty and implement gardening solutions to gain practical field experience!
ORGANIZATION
Urban Harvest is South Africa’s oldest edible garden service that provides installation, maintenance, and support of organic food gardens in homes, businesses, schools, and communities. This organization is based in Cape Town and makes it easy for South Africans to grow their own fresh, nutrient-rich, and chemical free food and have a great time doing it. By helping South Africans to grow their own food, they are supporting a healthier, happier, and more sustainable way of life for everyone. In addition, using an ecological approach to food gardens supports natural systems and helps to cut down on the harmful effects of the packaging, travel miles, and chemical pollution created by the mainstream, store-bought foods. Urban Harvest also offers courses and coaching sessions on natural farming.
To date, they have installed and maintained more than 300 beautiful and highly productive food gardens at homes, hotels, restaurants, schools and community projects.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This internship focuses specifically on the urban farming work that the organization is involved with. However, if you are also interested in food security work, it is possible to combine elements of both internships offered by Urban Harvest. No matter the specific focus, interns are expected to be hands-on, get involved in multiple projects, be capable of working independently, and be eager to learn by doing.
Responsibilities
- Join the garden maintenance team and visit home, corporate, and township school gardens for general upkeep.
- Look after fruit trees, vegetables, and the tree nursery at the Urban Harvest flagship garden.
- Assist with the installation of a new urban garden (depending on availability).
- Research into urban gardening techniques to enhance garden designs and capabilities.
- Optional – Be paired with a specific school to work with the Garden Champion in maintaining the garden and helping to support the kitchen to educate students and get the most use out of produce.
- All interns will spend a few hours every day working in the garden and nursery, assist with school workshops, help take care of the chickens, sorting & cleaning the work spaces, as well as making food products that are gifted to clients.
Requirements
- Interest or background in environmental management, biology, sustainability, gardening, community and social development, nutrition, agriculture
- Practical experience in home vegetable gardening or have attended a course in organic gardening/permaculture is handy
- Interest in contributing to and developing new systems to bring these community projects to the next level
- Pro-active and independent worker
- Good problem-solving and social skills
- Passionate about making spaces beautiful
- Comfortable getting your hands dirty and using building materials/tools
- Eager to get involved with various projects and self-motivated
- Bring your own laptop
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay in a fully furnished co-living space in Cape Town’s Observatory neighborhood, with your exact unit confirmed based on availability during your internship dates and your budget. Spread across multiple locations, the accommodations offer private bedrooms – available in small or large – alongside shared individual bathrooms, a communal kitchen, and inviting communal areas. All the essentials are taken care of, including free WiFi, housekeeping, linens and towels, laundry facilities, and CCTV cameras for your peace of mind. It’s a safe, comfortable base to connect with others in the city, and when you’re not interning, Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, stunning coastline, and vibrant food and culture scene are right on your doorstep.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.
South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night – it’s better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.
Communication
Communication
Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone’s status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).
Meals
Meals
Meals are not included, but you’ll have full access to a well-equipped shared kitchen with everything you need: pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, kettle, fridge/freezer, microwave, and a double burner stove top. Many interns take advantage of the chance to explore the city’s vibrant culinary world. Cape Town has no shortage of restaurants and cafes, with a wide variety of international cuisines to suit every taste and budget.
Location details
Location details
Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
You can start your internship with this organization every week. Please keep in mind that the project is closed for a few weeks in December – January.
What you’ll pay (2026 rates)
8 weeks USD 2,426
12 weeks USD 3,209
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in a single room in shared accommodation.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Wifi access
- Housekeeping service
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
- A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns
Exclusions
- Flights to Cape Town International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Transport to the office
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
REVIEWS
Going abroad for a couple months really changed my life. I learned so much about new cultures and it was really interesting to see how urban greening is applied in Cape Town and see different perspectives. Beyond my internship, I also had time to explore the beautiful city, discover all that it has to offer, and meet new people. I had a great time in Cape Town and would definitely intern here again.
Luco, Dutch – HAS University of Applied Sciences
Urban Greening Internship, South Africa
Many children around the world don't eat enough fruit and vegetables, sometimes not at all. I wanted to show the kids I worked with in Cape Town that healthy food can be tasty as well. It was very interesting to see the children who did not previously like any sort of vegetables then really enjoy making spinach and parsnip cookies. You can imagine making children enthusiastic about healthy food was one of my favourite parts of the internship.
Caya, Dutch – HAS University of Applied Sciences
Food Security Internship, South Africa
My internship in Cape Town was genuinely so much fun. The gardens are amazing, the kids are curious to learn, and I gain more knowledge about produce and organic farming every day. On a personal note, I loved seeing the direct impact that I made in my role because the organization is small. They say it only takes one seed to make a difference, and it brings so much joy to feel like I got to be a seed here!
Vera, American – Northeastern University
Food Security Internship, South Africa
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa
PROGRAM FOCUS: Urban Farming Organization
TASK FOCUS: Urban Greening, Food Security, Gardening, Fieldwork
LENGTH: 8-12 Weeks
COST: From USD 2,426
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Immerse yourself in organic gardening under expert guidance.
- Unleash your green thumb by experimenting with diverse plant life.
- Cultivate your passion and work with children from various backgrounds.
- Savor the fruits of your labor with fresh, organic produce.
- Experience the vibrant energy of Cape Town while making a positive impact.
- Discover South Africa’s beauty during your well-deserved breaks.
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form and share your CV with us.
CONNECT
We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you, your travel plans, and your internship goals.
MATCH
Your advisor will reach out to your host organization and verify that you’re a strong fit for their current projects.
ENROLL
Once the details are settled, confirm your placement with a program deposit (EUR 250).
MEET
We’ll arrange a meeting with your internship host, where you can learn more about your specific responsibilities as you prepare to depart.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
If you’d like to ask us some questions about our internships, fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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