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Volunteer Abroad Africa

Volunteer in Africa

Volunteer in Africa and take it all in: the endless Savanna and lush jungles leave no desires unfulfilled...

Volunteer in Africa and take it all in: the endless Savanna and lush jungles leave no desires unfulfilled! Do you want to use your time and skills to volunteer in Africa and protect endangered wildlife? Options are plenty! African Elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos - the numbers of African wildlife are constantly declining and need your help. It is time to act now! Step in and do volunteer work in Africa for an animal conservation project.

You'd rather use your skills and teach English to children in Africa? There are many reasons that make this continent one of the best places to travel. Even for solo and female travelers on search for a mission trip to Africa: we are keen to show you how to volunteer in Africa.

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Activities Hotspots Rhino Conservation Elephant Conservation Eastern Africa Lion Conservation Animal Southern Africa South Africa Wildlife Conservation Tanzania Giraffe Conservation Anti Poaching Southwest African Lion Black Rhino Intern Abroad Antelope Conservation Arusha White Rhino African Elephant Bush Elephant Leopard Conservation African Leopard Masai Giraffe Community Waste Reduction Premium Childcare Education Safari Sea Turtle Conservation Planting Trees Vegan Healthcare Southern Giraffe Cheetah Conservation Medical Training Tiger Conservation Bengal Tiger Zebra Conservation Hyena Conservation Spotted Hyena Western Africa South African Cheetah Ghana Midwifery Internship Green Sea Turtle Mountain Zebra West African Lion Madagascar Monkey Conservation Nursing Internship Environment Nosy Komba Masai Lion Buffalo Conservation African Buffalo Kudu National Park Primary School Plastic Reduction Ocean Cleaning Impala Bushbuck Cape Town Diving Beach Cleaning Diving certificate Shark Conservation Marine Conservation Coral Reef Physical Therapy Internship Zimbabwe Marine Life Families with small kids Zanzibar Caracal Conservation Baboon Reptile Conservation Animal Sanctuary Bird Conservation Pediatrics Volunteer English Teaching Horse Crocodile Northwest African Cheetah Black Wildebeest Caracal Namibia Plains Zebra Whale Conservation Meerkat Meerkat Conservation Primate Conservation Dolphin Conservation Sports Conservation Work African Wild Dog Conservation Soccer Cape Wild Dog Springbok Leatherback Turtle Windhoek Kumasi Ray Conservation Hawksbill Turtle Port Elizabeth Olive Ridley Turtle Lemur Dental Internship Mongoose Conservation Mongoose Horse Trekking Great White Shark Mako Shark Mangrove Plant Conservation Kilimanjaro Women Empowerment Social Work Bottlenose Dolphin Jackal Conservation Psychology Internship Owl Horse Sanctuary Yoga Serval Voluntourism Volunteer and Travel Basketball Human Rights Vervet Monkey Volleyball Kenya Eagle Ray Construction Black-backed Jackal Accra Victoria Falls Eagle Animal Shelter Reforestation Bush Baby Ostrich African Penguin Penguin Conservation Wildcat Conservation Humpback Whale Ragged Tooth Shark Giant Tortoise Tortoise Conservation Ophthalmology Internships Common Dolphin Youth Teaching Humpback Dolphin Southern Right Whale Brydes Whale Eland Antelope Blue Whale Building Schools Sumatran Tiger Northern Africa Street Animals Shark Tagging Hammerhead Shark Sting Ray Thresher Shark Nosy Be Nutrition and Food Elusive Pangolin Pangolin Conservation Horse Conservation Morocco Genet Nairobi Marmoset Nyala Common Warthog Warthog Conservation Duiker Parrot Dog Desert Elephant Waterbuck Cockatoo Kangaroo Conservation Macaw Blesbok Wallaby Sex Education Natural Horsemanship Cats Chameleon Veterinary Training Horse Therapy Honey Badger Badger Conservation Seychelles Otter Conservation Bat Bat Conservation Giant Otter Brown Hyena Blacktip Reef Shark NGO Support Manta Ray African Wildcat Surfing Elephant Research Uganda Hippo Conservation South African Hippo Capuchin Monkey Mombasa Special Needs Blue Wildebeest Agriculture Northern Giraffe East African Wild Dog Snorkeling Ecological Farming Watamu Business Development PADI Divemaster NGO Management Johannesburg Beehive Bee Conservation Mozambique Egypt Construction Internship Golden Jackal Side-striped Jackal Amur Tiger Senegal Spinner Dolphin Rwanda Knysna Great Apes Conservation Mona Monkey Plettenberg Bay Kruger National Park Tubulidentata Conservation Aardvark Whale Shark Loggerhead Turtle Leopard Shark Whitetip Reef Shark Chimpanzee Patas Monkey Cape Verde Teaching Internship Coffee Serengeti Squirrel Monkey Tamarin Macaque Striped Hyena Marketing and IT Zambia Culture and Arts Refugees Musanze Photography Internship Transvaal Lion Leopardus Conservation Ocelot Rissos Dolphin Pilot Whales Hiking Netball Middle Africa Cameroon Orphanage Civet Conservation Civet Gorilla Black-and-white Colobus Swaziland Energy and Water Malawi Tennis Sea Otter Tanzanian Cheetah Orca Long-beaked Common Dolphin Fin Whale Indigenous cultures Working with Seniors Elderly Care Music Günthers Dik-Dik Manatee Conservation Oryx Gambia Dugong Theater Short-beaked Common Dolphin Malawi Batis Sugar Glider Sugar Glider Conservation Athens Flamingo Livingstone Flycatcher Grants Gazelle Journalism Internship Wolf Conservation Pelagic Shark Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Grey Wolf Husky African Black Eagle East African Hippo Ecological Building Grey Reef Shark Ethiopia
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 South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Plan My Gap Year

South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers

Excellent 4.9
(1307)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
643 €  per week · 1  ‑  4  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Be part of a life-changing experience that allows you to work behind the scenes on a world-class wildlife reserve in South Africa! 🦏 Details >

Airport Taxi
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 Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Kenton-on-Sea, South Africa
Sibuya Wilderness Experience

Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

Excellent 4.8
(41)
⭐ Popular Flex Option
798 €  per week · 1  ‑  6  weeks · Age  16+ · Has Wifi

Eco Volunteering in Wildlife & Marine Conservation. Uncover the whole big picture of our Eco-System for a better understanding of Nature & learn how to make a difference! Details >

Airport Taxi
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 Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Phalaborwa, South Africa
LEO Africa

Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living

Perfect 4.7
(45)
⭐ Popular Video Flex Option
693 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Give your vital contribution towards wildlife conservation! Learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience! 🇿🇦 Details >

Airport Taxi
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 Tanzania Childcare Volunteers
Good Health And Well-Being
🔥 In High Demand
Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania
Plan My Gap Year

Tanzania Childcare Volunteers

Excellent 4.9
(1307)
Video Flex Option
243 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  17+ · Has Wifi

Leave a lasting impression on the lives of some of Tanzania’s most disadvantaged children by assisting with childcare and education in a childcare center. Details >

Airport Taxi
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Food
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 Marine Conservation Research Assistant
Life Below Water
🔥 In High Demand
Madagascar Nosy Komba, Madagascar
MRCI - Madagascar Volunteer

Marine Conservation Research Assistant

Very Good 4.4
(29)
Video Flex Option
513 €  per week · 4  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Protect Madagascar's marine ecosystem with MRCI's Marine Conservation Research program. Dive into meaningful conservation work! 🤿 Details >

Airport Taxi
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Food
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 Baby and Toddler Daycare - Child Care Worker
Good Health And Well-Being
🔥 In High Demand
Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania
STEP Africa

Baby and Toddler Daycare - Child Care Worker

Brilliant 4.8
(72)
Video Flex Option
143 €  per week · 4  ‑  26  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Care for the babies and toddlers at Tiny Steps Daycare in Arusha whose families face various challenges due to poverty, disease and single parenthood. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Rhino & Elephant Conservation
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
Zimbabwe Wedza, Zimbabwe
Imire Rhino Conservation

Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Perfect 4.7
(34)
Video Flex Option
993 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  17+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer in Africa and help secure the future of the endangered black rhino and elephant. Experience daily life on a 10,000 acre family-run private conservancy. Details >

Airport Taxi
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 Childcare, Sports and Teaching Support
Quality Education
🔥 In High Demand
Tanzania Paje, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Boresha Maisha Projects

Childcare, Sports and Teaching Support

Perfect 4.6
(33)
Video Flex Option
269 €  per week · 4  ‑  50  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Support children's development at a local pre-primary school in Paje, Zanzibar. Join our Child Care program and make a meaningful impact in early childhood education! Details >

Airport Taxi
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Food
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 Emergency Department
Good Health And Well-Being
🔥 In High Demand
Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania
Medi Trip

Emergency Department

Brilliant 4.8
(74)
Video Flex Option
253 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Emergency department placement in working with a busy team looking after major and minor injuries and with severely ill or acutely unwell patients. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 South Africa Childcare Volunteers
Good Health And Well-Being
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
Plan My Gap Year

South Africa Childcare Volunteers

Excellent 4.9
(1307)
Video Flex Option
304 €  per week · 2  ‑  6  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Plan My Gap Year supports a range of day-care centres that provide essential childcare facilities to impoverished families of nearby communities. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Medical Student Internship
Good Health And Well-Being
Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania
Medi Trip

Medical Student Internship

Brilliant 4.8
(74)
Video Flex Option
253 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Student medical placements in Emergency Medical, Surgical, Dentistry, Psychology and more. Please enquire for specific departments. Details >

Airport Taxi
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Food
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 Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter
Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
Namibia Windhoek, Namibia
The Great Projects

Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

Fantastic 4.5
(109)
Video Flex Option
615 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Here you'll direct all of your efforts towards the long term rehabilitation of animals. Experience hands-on volunteering with baboons, small animals and much more! Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Primary School Assistance
Quality Education
🔥 In High Demand
Ghana Abetifi, Ghana
Atlas Volunteers

Primary School Assistance

Excellent 4.8
(248)
Video Flex Option
95 €  per week · 4  ‑  50  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Provide a supporting role within our partner schools that lack basic resources. Run tutoring sessions covering English and core subjects as well as teaching assistance. Details >

Airport Taxi
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Food
Details
 Sea Turtle Conservation
Life Below Water
Available from Aug 2025
🔥 In High Demand
Ghana Cape Three Points, Ghana
Atlas Volunteers

Sea Turtle Conservation

Excellent 4.8
(248)
Video Flex Option
142 €  per week · 1  ‑  30  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Protect endangered sea turtles along the Ghana coastline. Working on nesting sites and beach patrols whilst experiencing beautiful surroundings in your free time. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Baboon Rehabilitator & Care-Giver
Life On Land
South Africa Phalaborwa, South Africa
C.A.R.E.

Baboon Rehabilitator & Care-Giver

Brilliant 4.8
(20)
Video Flex Option
312 €  per week · 2  ‑  50  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Make a difference for 437 orphaned, rescued residents at the sanctuary. Your help is needed to provide care to the animal orphans; food, enrichment, cleaning enclosures. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 South Africa English Teaching Volunteers
Quality Education
🔥 In High Demand
South Africa Cape Town, South Africa
Plan My Gap Year

South Africa English Teaching Volunteers

Excellent 4.9
(1307)
Video Flex Option
217 €  per week · 2  ‑  6  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Plan My Gap Year supports a range of day-care centres that provide essential childcare facilities to impoverished families of nearby communities. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Physiotherapy Department
Good Health And Well-Being
🔥 In High Demand
Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania
Medi Trip

Physiotherapy Department

Brilliant 4.8
(74)
Video Flex Option
253 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Volunteer in Tanzania as a Physiotherapy Assistant, gaining hands-on experience in rehabilitation, patient care, and cultural immersion while supporting a local hospital. Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Daycare and Pre-School Assistant
Good Health And Well-Being
🔥 In High Demand
Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania
STEP Africa

Daycare and Pre-School Assistant

Brilliant 4.8
(72)
Video Flex Option
143 €  per week · 4  ‑  26  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

Teach children from vulnerable backgrounds in Arusha the basics for a successful start to school using a playful approach and simply be there for them. 🎨 Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Sea Turtle Conservation Monitor
Life Below Water Life On Land
🔥 In High Demand
Madagascar Nosy Komba, Madagascar
MRCI - Madagascar Volunteer

Sea Turtle Conservation Monitor

Very Good 4.4
(29)
Video Flex Option
503 €  per week · 1  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

MRCI’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Program has been established to identify and develop Safe Turtle Breeding Zones in North Western Madagascar Details >

Airport Taxi
Housing
Food
Details
 Midwifery: Labour & Delivery
Good Health And Well-Being
Tanzania Arusha, Tanzania
Medi Trip

Midwifery: Labour & Delivery

Brilliant 4.8
(74)
Video Flex Option
253 €  per week · 2  ‑  12  weeks · Age  18+ · Has Wifi

We're inviting midwifery volunteers to assist hospital maternity care, helping to deliver newborns & support pregnant women! Trained Professionals & Students welcome! Details >

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Show All 735 Programs
Volunteer Abroad Africa

How to volunteer in Africa

Volunteering in Africa is exciting and maybe something you have dreamed of for a while. Africa is the perfect volunteering destination for all adventurers out there. Go on a safari in Kenya, visit buzzing cities like Cape Town or Nairobi, observe gorillas in the wild, support marine life conservation, or immerse yourself in Africa’s rich tribal culture. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Africa to choose from: teaching English in Africa to protecting African wildlife like elephants, lions, and gorillas. Discover the best African volunteer programs and allow a whole new world to unfold. We will explore some tips on how to find and prepare for a volunteer opportunity in Africa.

As you may have guessed already, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Africa. The challenge is finding the best program for you. Don’t worry, we’re here to help and support you during your search for opportunities to volunteer in Africa. We’ll not only guide you through the different volunteer destinations in Africa but also give you an idea of the volunteer categories in Africa.

🌍 Where Can I Volunteer in Africa 2025?

Let’s start with the best places to volunteer in Africa. Find out what makes each country unique. Discover interesting facts about each destination and read up on the most urgent issues. This will give you the information and guidance to choose your ideal volunteer program. We’ve provided links to the different countries you can do volunteer work in Africa:

Africa
  • Cameroon
  • Cape Verde
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • South Africa
  • Swaziland
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

🤷🏽‍♀️ Why Volunteer in Africa?

Also known as the “cradle of humankind”, Africa offers a vibrant mixture of ancient traditions and modern influences alongside pristine nature and lively cities. Even though it is the second-largest and most populated continent with plenty of natural resources, Africa remains the poorest and most underdeveloped continent in the world.

Slave trade, colonization, corrupt governments, human rights violations, and frequent military conflicts are only a few historic causes behind Africa’s poverty. Most communities still have extremely high illiteracy rates, on average two out of five adults are illiterate.

According to the Global Young Voices, some of the major problems Africa is facing are:

  • Poverty
  • Poor education
  • Ill health
  • Violence
  • Hunger
  • Poor governance
  • Corruption
  • Unemployment
  • Lack of sustainable agriculture
  • Little access to financing
  • Rapid population growth
  • Droughts and famines

There are many ways for you to help: Whether you are passionate about teaching in Kenya, want to build schools in Tanzania, are eager to join a medical mission trip, or passionate about African wildlife conservation, you will find several volunteer opportunities in Africa.

Continue reading to find out how you can volunteer in Africa. You’ll find out what types of projects are available and which tasks you’ll be doing while volunteering abroad.

🤸🏽‍♀️What do Volunteers do in Africa?

Africa is a very common volunteer destination because there are so many opportunities to help. Volunteers will find all types of volunteer experiences in Africa. Whether you’re a teacher looking for international experience, enjoy working with young children and want to support the local community or have a medical background, you’ll find exciting volunteer programs all over Africa.

If you care a lot for the environment, join a conservation project, or protect Africa's endangered wildlife species. Get ready for your African adventure. We promise it will be an unforgettable experience. Here’s a list of the different volunteer categories in Africa:

  • Teaching English
  • Community Service
  • Child Care
  • Women’s Empowerment
  • Medical
  • Environmental Conservation
  • Wildlife Conservation and Animal

👨🏽‍🏫 How to Teach English in Africa?

Poor education and high illiteracy rates lead to unemployment, increased crime rates, and poverty. Providing quality education for every child in Africa is the first step to end this vicious cycle and pave the way towards a better future for generations to come.

Many families can’t afford to send their children to school and class sizes are extremely large due to understaffed schools. As a volunteer teacher in Africa, you can support the staff in local schools by giving children extra help and attention. There is a variety of tasks you can assist with when teaching English in Africa:

  • teaching English in Africa
  • teaching Maths, science, sports or arts
  • supporting local teachers during their lessons
  • helping the children with their homework
  • organizing after-school activities
  • sparking the children’s interest in foreign languages and cultures
  • providing one-on-one tutoring when necessary

👭 How to Support Community Development Programs in Africa?

If you want to immerse yourself in the culture and get in touch with the local community during your volunteer work in Africa, a community service trip to Africa program is the perfect opportunity. Community work and charity projects in Africa call for open, outgoing and empathetic volunteers that want to get involved and are able to face harsh realities.

Depending on what your skills and qualifications are, there are many different ways to help in a community development program:

  • taking care of young children while the parents are at work
  • working in a women's shelter
  • helping out at a childcare center
  • teaching young women about important life and business skills
  • supporting construction activities
  • renovating community buildings, houses, and schools
  • providing counseling for families and individuals
  • organizing cultural activities

Orphanages, Child Care and Women Empowerment in Africa

Working in an orphanage, in childcare or women empowerment is a great way to support the local community.

Child Care Programs

Volunteers who love working with children can work in an Africa childcare program where they take care of children during the day while parents go to work or provide after school activities for kids to give them a meaningful past-time and keep them off the streets.

Women's Empowerment

If you are especially interested in women empowerment and want to support women's rights, there are several projects available in countries like Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Cameroon, or Malawi.

Orphanage Projects

Volunteer World offers a few African orphanage programs that have been carefully selected and screened by us. Although we strongly prefer deinstitutionalized child care, orphanages still have their place, for now. When you apply to work at an orphanage project, make sure you research the orphanage project thoroughly to be sure they prioritize the child’s wellbeing.

It’s important to keep in mind that children in orphanages aren’t orphans in the strict meaning of the word. They usually still have at least one parent that is still alive. Parents in less privileged circumstances often give up their children to an orphanage center due to limited resources.

Relevant Experience

Many of the children and women you will be working with have experienced violence or abuse and are traumatized. This is why it is essential that volunteers have the appropriate skills. You need to know how to work in this kind of environment. If not, you could be putting yourself and the people you work with at risk. If you wish to volunteer with children or at a women’s shelter, you should meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • experience in working with traumatized clients
  • training as a child caretaker
  • training as a psychologist
  • training as a social worker

🩺 How to join a Medical Mission in Africa?

Poor health is another important factor that affects many people in Africa. This is especially the case in rural areas where access to medical care is more difficult than in the growing capitals. While you may think this is one of the volunteer opportunities in Africa that is only suitable for trained doctors and nurses, there are ways for untrained and unskilled volunteers to help as well!

If you are a trained doctor, nurse, medical student, or pre-med, you will gain practical experience and support doctors in hospitals, small clinics, and during medical mission trips to rural areas. Some of the medical areas where help is needed are:

  • dentistry
  • maternity & midwifery
  • psychology
  • ear, nose, and throat (ENT)
  • general surgery
  • laboratory
  • nursing
  • pediatrics
  • gynecology
  • pharmacology

If you are not a trained professional, you can still help. Support the administrative staff in hospitals and clinics, educate locals about hygiene, illness prevention, nutrition, and many other topics. From Ghana to Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania, help is needed in locations all over Africa. Medical mission trips are ideal opportunities to create a meaningful impact on the local community.

Environmental Conservation in Africa

Even though Africa is known for its undeniable natural beauty, there are a lot of environmental problems. If you love working outdoors, don’t mind physical work, and are passionate about environmental conservation, this is the perfect volunteer opportunity in Africa for you!

If you are an experienced gardener or farmer or you have a degree in agriculture and sustainable farming, this is your chance to share your knowledge. Droughts and famines affect a large number of the African population, and sustainable agriculture is a great way to initiate change that benefits both the people and the environment.

If you are interested in research, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Africa where you get to observe and preserve the environment while collecting important data.

To give you a general overview of the environmental conservation volunteer programs, here is a list of the work you could do:

  • engage in marine and terrestrial research
  • support reforestation efforts
  • teach sustainable agriculture
  • work at an eco-farm
  • help provide clean water for secluded communities
  • educate locals about the importance of environmental conservation

🦓 How to Volunteer in Africa with Animals?

Africa charity volunteer work goes beyond just working with human beings. Africa is famous for its biodiversity and fascinating wildlife. Going on a safari in Africa and seeing the Big 5 up close is every animal lover’s dream. Many of these famous animals are endangered which is why wildlife conservation is so important.

One of the biggest problems concerning African wildlife is poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Diminishing habitats and human-animal conflicts play a big role in declining animal populations.

If you are interested in one of the wildlife conservation volunteer trips to Africa and wonder how you can become an animal volunteer in Africa, check out our page about African wildlife and find your animal volunteer program in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia or South Africa. Are you ready to volunteer in Africa with African elephants, lions, big cats, and even sharks?

🤑 How Much Does it Cost to Volunteer in Africa?

The cost to volunteer in Africa depends on which country in Africa you’ll be volunteering in. Large cities will always be more expensive than rural areas and it will also depend on how much you are planning to travel alongside your volunteer activities. To get a good idea of what you would be spending, it would be a good idea to get in touch with your volunteer organization.

To give you an idea of which African countries are considered expensive vs which countries are cheap, we have the following list:

The top 5 most expensive African destinations are:

  1. Zambia
  2. Seychelles
  3. Cape Verde
  4. Kenya
  5. Madagascar

The 5 most affordable African countries are:

  1. Zimbabwe
  2. Ghana
  3. Burkina Faso
  4. Egypt
  5. Rwanda

This is just a general guideline based on budget your trip which takes into account budgets of real travelers. How much you spend will depend on your travel plans.

💲 How to Volunteer in Africa for Free

Most volunteer projects in Africa will require a fee to be paid by the participant. This fee covers your room and board but it also supports the organization’s work. Fees will differ depending on the volunteer program.

Volunteers who are on a budget will be happy to know there is voluntary work in Africa for free. International volunteering doesn’t need to be expensive. There are also some cheap volunteer programs in Africa for those who have limited financial resources.

You will, however, need to pay for your flight and visa fees. Volunteer in Namibia, Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa and make a meaningful difference by being a teacher, helping with construction projects, or volunteering for African wildlife conservation.

💡 Good to Know Before Volunteering in Africa

Volunteering can be a daunting experience if it is your first time. It’s a completely new environment and all programs have different requirements. Before starting your international volunteering experience, it’s important to think about the cultural norms you may need to adjust to.

In addition, learn about the precautions you will need to take when volunteering abroad. Get in touch with the volunteer project so you know what to expect. The following list might help you with that:

🦺 Is it Safe to Volunteer in Africa?

Before you leave on your volunteer trip to Africa, make sure to read up on the safety advice your government gives for tourists in your volunteer country.

Most African countries like Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, or Tanzania are perfectly safe. However, it is important to use common sense at all times and be aware of the current political situation.

Here are some universal tips you may want to follow during your volunteer work in Africa:

  • Keep your personal belongings and important travel documents with you at all times! Also bring attested photocopies of these documents, in case you lose them!
  • When you go out, do not take a lot of money, jewelry, or other fancy possessions with you. Bring what you need and leave everything else at your accommodation!
  • Never resist the robbery
  • Be careful when withdrawing money from a bank or at an ATM.
  • Do not use unregistered taxis.

🚑 What are the Safest Countries to Volunteer in Africa?

Based on various sources, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 safest countries in Africa. It’s always important to practice safety and to take your precautions regardless of where you are.

  1. Botswana
  2. Namibia
  3. Ghana
  4. Malawi
  5. Seychelles
  6. Mozambique
  7. Kenya
  8. Rwanda
  9. Madagascar
  10. Morocco

Health Advice

It’s unfortunate to get sick when traveling abroad. Although it’s common for travelers to get a stomach illness when traveling to Africa, there are some basic precautions you can take to avoid it:

  • Get all proper vaccinations four to eight weeks before any volunteer trips to Africa, especially if you will be working with animals. Find out which vaccinations are required for specific African countries on the website of the US-based health protection agency CDC.
  • Protect yourself from mosquitoes, because they can carry diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. Pack anti-Malarial medication, since mosquito-borne illnesses can limit your ability to travel back home.
  • Don't drink tap water! All water should be either boiled or filtered before you drink it.
  • Wash all your fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
  • Plan how you will get health care during your stay. Get travel insurance and bring along medication, especially if you require special medication.

Packing Essentials for Volunteering in Africa

It's nice to have an idea of what to expect of your international volunteer adventure. This also goes for what to pack. Ask your project coordinator what volunteers should bring to the volunteer program.

  • Aside from the essential travel documents: passport, travel medical insurance information, and visa, keep photocopies or scanned copies of these documents just in case.
  • Always carry sunscreen with you! The African sun can be unforgiving!
  • Keep enough cash on you! You might want to consider getting a money belt.
  • Carry luggage that makes traveling easy, like daypacks or backpacks; as well as lightweight bags.
  • Pack appropriate clothing and shoes! This means clothes that are suitable for a variety of climates because temperatures can vary a lot throughout Africa.
  • Bring bring locks for hostel lockers and your luggage.
  • Mosquito nets that are treated with Permethrin will save you from mosquito bites. Also, try to buy bug sprays and Sunblock containing DEET.

🕵🏽‍♂️ Who Can Volunteer in Africa?

Certain projects and programs expect different skills from their volunteers. While you can find the specific requirements for each project on their program page, here are some general requirements that apply to most volunteer opportunities in Africa:

  • You need to be at least 18 years old for most volunteer projects abroad. When in doubt, we advise you to contact the local project manager. Some projects allow you to volunteer from the age of 16.
  • You need to have basic English skills to join a volunteer project in Africa. Some teaching projects may require more advanced skills.
  • Depending on your project, you will need to provide a criminal background check and a health declaration before volunteering.

❓How to Volunteer in Africa?

So you’re ready to volunteer in Africa but you’re not quite sure how to get started? Take a look at the following 3 steps that will prepare you for your volunteer work in Africa and an unforgettable adventure abroad:

  • Check whether there’s a match between you and the project by looking at their requirements.
  • Take a look at the project location and decide whether it’s a place you are excited to go to.
  • Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and schedules match up.
  • After this take a look at the practical steps:

Insurance (Health & Travel)

  • We recommend all our volunteers get both health and travel insurance This is even a requirement for most programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

Visa, Passport, and Documentation

  • Look into the visa requirements for your volunteer country.
  • Make sure you have a valid passport considering the requirements of the host country.
  • Prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application.

That’s it! You’re ready to volunteer in Africa and fall in love with its nature, warm fun-loving people, and the incomparable mix of tradition and modernity. Volunteer abroad for one of the Africa projects and take this opportunity to embark on an adventure you’ll never forget.

If you have any questions about how to volunteer in Africa, don’t hesitate to contact us and let us help you find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

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