Why Volunteer in Africa?

If you’ve made the rewarding decision to volunteer abroad, one of the most important decisions to make is where in the world to visit! There are impactful volunteer opportunities all over the world, so this decision is often much harder than it seems. 

Today, we’ll be making a case for volunteering in Africa. Not only is this one of the most beautiful continents in the world, with unique cultures and traditions to experience, but there are also plenty of ways to lend a helping hand and improve local communities. 

Keep reading to find out why volunteering in Africa may be your greatest adventure yet!

Explore some of the most fascinating countries in the world

Volunteering Solutions offers opportunities in six African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, and Tanzania. Despite sharing their continent, these countries all offer their own unique charm that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world. 

Along with immersing yourself through volunteering, you’ll also get time to explore during your downtime. Here’s what to expect: 

Ghana

Ghana is a beautiful country, and when volunteering with us, you’ll choose between Accra, the capital of Ghana, known for its glittering beaches and impressive monuments, or Tamale. The former is perfect if you want to discover all Ghana has to offer its visitors, while Tamale is an off-the-beaten-path city up North, where you can get stuck into the region’s culture, hospitality, and heritage.

Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya, is ideal for volunteers hoping to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. The Nairobi National Park offers city safaris, while the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Giraffe Center house plenty of unique species you won’t find anywhere else. Between volunteering sessions, hike the Ngong Hills or learn about the country’s rich history at one of its many museums. 

Madagascar

Volunteering Solutions hosts volunteers in Nosy Komba Island, where the beaches are dazzling and the waters are crystal clear. This is a truly unique corner of the world that not many people can say they’ve experienced, so consider volunteering in Madagascar! Visit the Black Lemur Sanctuary, go snorkelling or diving with turtles and sharks, and immerse yourself in the culture by visiting local villages and sacred trees. 

Morocco

Volunteering in Rabat, Morocco, gives you the opportunity to explore historical landmarks like the Kasbah des Oudaias and the Hassan Tower. For any history lovers out there, this is the ideal place to volunteer and explore during your downtime! There are plenty of museums to wander around, boutique shops, and authentic markets to buy souvenirs from. 

South Africa

We host two cities in South Africa: Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Cape Town is stunning and has several iconic landmarks to explore, including Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. Animal lovers can partake in shark cage diving or visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. Port Elizabeth is slightly more rural, lending itself to wildlife and beaches. If you want a chance of seeing the Big 5, here’s where to volunteer! 

Tanzania

Depending on the opportunity you choose, you may get the chance to volunteer in Arusha, Mtwara, or Zanzibar. Each offers its own unique attractions and amazing cultures. Arusha is perfect for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, while Mtwara is most notable for its beaches. Zanzibar features the historic Stone Town, snorkelling in coral reefs, and the intriguing Jozani Forest. 

Look beyond the tourist hotspots

When advocating for volunteering, one thing we always say is: The best way to fully immerse yourself in the culture, traditions and communities of a country is to volunteer rather than visit. Visiting is fine, but it gives you a snapshot of Africa rather than an authentic understanding of everything it has to offer. 

That’s where volunteering really shines. No matter what opportunity you choose, you can get to know the local communities where you’ll work and live. You can even meet native animals, like African Penguins, Giraffes and Lions, if you join a conservation project! 

Volunteering in Africa gives you a true, authentic view of the continent - especially when you choose an ethical organization. Volunteering Solutions only partners with local providers to make sure you get a real insight into your chosen country, away from tourist hotspots and in the heart of the wonderful community. 

Develop personal and professional skills

One of the most exciting reasons to volunteer in Africa is the promise of personal and professional growth! Each volunteering opportunity comes with its own set of challenges you’ll need to overcome, allowing you to develop all sorts of transferable skills that you otherwise might not require at home. 

Volunteering gives you the chance to step up and be a leader, working on your project management skills, critical thinking, leadership, and cross-cultural communication skills. Not only does this usually give you a wonderful boost of confidence, but it can also help you stand out from the crowd in the job market. Your African volunteer experience could be the deciding factor in getting your dream job!

Get the chance to promote education, equality and empowerment

Community projects in Africa are usually excellent conversation starters on topics like gender equality and empowerment. While African governments have been doing great things to make the continent a safer place for everyone, there are still gender-based issues that make volunteer work all the more important. By joining a relevant program, you could help make a real difference in the world. 

Education is another really important volunteering opportunity. Many African communities are still struggling with a backlog of work leftover from the pandemic, which has left schools in Africa missing out on humanitarian and financial aid they would’ve normally received.

By choosing to volunteer in Africa, you can make a real difference through meaningful volunteer work that contributes to the development of thousands of children. 

Check out our teaching volunteer opportunities in Africa to learn more.  

Meet new people and build lasting relationships

One of the most rewarding reasons to volunteer in Africa is the amazing people you’ll get to meet. Between other volunteers, who come from countries all over the world, to locals in your chosen country, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people from all walks of life to talk to, learn from, and build lasting relationships. Many of these connections will last much longer than your volunteer experience!

No matter which opportunity you choose, you’ll meet other volunteers with similar goals to you. You’ll brainstorm ways to help, share stories, and make wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Experiencing challenges together and finding ways to overcome them helps form unbreakable bonds that are so special and unforgettable. Even after returning home, you’ll always remember your Volunteering Solutions family. 

Ready to plan your African volunteering experience? 

Volunteering anywhere in the world is a life-changing and rewarding experience, and Africa is an amazing place to consider. Whether you’re passionate about the conservation of sea turtles or empowering girls and women, Volunteering Solutions has an opportunity for you. 

Check out our volunteer opportunities in Africa to get an idea of what we offer. Contact us when you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your journey, and we’ll help make it as stress-free and exciting every step of the way.