Volunteer in Africa and focus on long-term, sustainable development in African countries. Through voluntary work in Africa, you’ll gain a deeper insight into people’s lives and the challenges they face. You’ll also be immersed in a new culture, contributing to your own education and personal growth.
On our volunteer opportunities in Africa, you can do things like:
- Volunteer with animals in Africa and work with wildlife conservation experts to protect endangered species like elephants, giraffes, and lions.
- Volunteer with children in Africa and help caregivers with Early Childhood Development.
- Teach in Africa and support education by working with teachers in local schools.
- Build a school in Africa and ensure that disadvantaged children have access to basic education.
No matter where you go in Africa, our Project Experts can help you find the volunteer project or internship that suits you. We can also help you plan the ultimate gap year in Africa!
With our volunteer programmes in Africa, we take care of the details, so you can have a hassle-free experience. Our local staff are available to help you 24/7. This means you can focus all your energy on making a real impact in the community where you’re working.
Why volunteer in Africa?
Africa is one of the most popular destinations for volunteers abroad, and for good reason. In the countries where we work, communities face numerous challenges and need extra support. As a volunteer, you’ll provide resources, offer your skills, and work directly with local people towards long-term goals.
Volunteers in Africa do things like:
- Treat wounds for leprosy patients and test for malaria in Ghana
- Build classrooms in Maasai villages in Tanzania
- Protect endangered species of giraffe in Kenya
And so much more!
These are Africa-specific issues that need people like you to offer your time for long-term solutions. At the same time, you get to explore a unique culture in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.
How to become a volunteer in Africa
Want to know more about how to volunteer in Africa? The good news is that we make it incredibly accessible! Just follow these steps to make your Africa volunteer travel dreams into a reality:
- Think about the work you want to do, whether that’s helping children, protecting endangered wildlife, or building houses. If you have your heart set on a particular country in Africa, then choose your favourite from the projects we offer in that destination.
- Reach out to our Project Experts, who can provide more information and help you make the right choice for your interests and goals.
- Decide how much time you have to travel to Africa, how flexible your dates are, and if you’d rather travel alone or as part of a group. This will determine what kind of trip is right for you, whether that's an independent Flexi Trip, Team Trip, or a High School Special for students aged 15-18.
- Once you know which African country you want to visit, what type of work you’d like to be doing, and the length you wish to travel for, there’s nothing left to do but fill in the application form and book your place!
How old do I have to be to volunteer in Africa?
All our volunteer opportunities in Africa are open to people aged 16 and over. To join a project, all you need to do is check you meet the requirements and apply.
Most of our volunteer abroad projects have minimum requirements which are stated clearly on the project page.
We also offer volunteer programmes in Africa for high school students aged 15-18. Our High School Specials give teenagers the support and care they need as young travellers.
And there’s no upper age limit! We believe you’re never too old to do volunteer work in Africa. In fact, your experience and skills are much needed to support development in African countries.
Is volunteering in Africa ethical?
Rest assured you’ll have an ethical experience with us in Africa. We hold our volunteers to a high standard, especially when working with children, animals, or in a medical setting.
As champions of responsible volunteer travel, we follow an eight-point checklist for all projects, including our service trips to Africa. This guarantees an ethical travel experience for all involved.
Learn more about our policies and approach to ethical volunteering.
Do we offer short-term volunteer opportunities in Africa?
Looking to do a one-week volunteer programme in Africa? We encourage you to maximise your impact by volunteering in Africa for longer. But, if you prefer, you can volunteer in Africa for a week.
Read our blog that explains how we approach short-term volunteering.
Can I volunteer in Africa for free?
We want you to have an experience abroad that is safe and impactful. We can’t achieve our long term sustainable development goals without adequate funding.
That's why we charge a fee for our volunteer projects in Africa. This fee covers food, accommodation, and much more. The money you pay to volunteer abroad ensures you have a safe and hassle-free trip. This gives you time to focus on making a positive transformation.
Read more about why you can’t volunteer abroad for free.
People often ask “How much does it cost to volunteer in Africa?”. The answer depends on where you go, what you do, and how long you volunteer for. But it’s probably not as much as you think.
Especially when you consider that our programme fees include:
- Three meals a day
- Accommodation
- Transportation to and from your placement
Plus, if you’re looking for low-cost volunteering in Africa, the longer you stay, the lower the cost per week.
You can also take advantage of our flexible payment plans. We understand that paying in one go isn’t always possible. That's why we just ask for an initial deposit. Then, you can pay as much or as little as you like in a series of small instalments.
We’re completely flexible, but the full fee does need to be paid in full before you leave for your project.
We also offer advice and support for volunteer fundraising, so you can get the funds for the adventure of a lifetime! Our staff and alumni are experts in raising funds. We’ll ensure that you’re able to secure the required amount.
Is it safe to volunteer in Africa?
Many people ask if it’s safe to volunteer in Africa. When you volunteer with us, this is something you can stop worrying about. We’ll place you in African countries that are politically stable and safe to visit. Our local staff constantly keep a close eye on changing situations.
We only work in the safest countries in Africa to volunteer. This means that you can really get stuck into making a positive change in the local community. As always when travelling abroad, volunteers in Africa should stay alert.
Local staff will be on hand to offer tips and advice on keeping yourself and your belongings safe. They’re contactable 24/7.
All our Africa placements are fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Where to Volunteer in Africa
Our volunteer opportunities in Africa include the following countries:
Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, with awe-inspiring natural wonders and a rich cultural heritage. We do volunteer work in several African countries and can help you find the best volunteer programme in Africa for you.
In each African country we work in, we’ve identified the needs of the local communities. Our volunteer placements in Africa all work toward supporting sustainable development and helping people overcome these challenges.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us as a volunteer in Africa today, and become part of something bigger!
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