<\/span><\/h2>\nWhether it’s a building project or teaching in a village, sometimes locals can do the job more effectively than international volunteers. If you’ve traveled in Africa, you know that foreigners often attract attention, which can be a distraction on a volunteer site. And with building projects, volunteers often don’t have the skills needed to build with local materials and tools. Plus, it would be a shame if volunteers were taking away paid work for local residents.<\/p>\nvolunteering abroad programs volunteer in Africa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/span>Tips for an amazing life-changing volunteer experience<\/span><\/h2>\nAll of that said, there are many organizations rely heavily on volunteers and feel that their service is invaluable. If you\u2019re short on time, plan ahead. I\u2019ve met a handful of people who arrived in Africa hoping to volunteer, but with out having any contacts or plans for what they would be doing. If you have plenty of time (and patience!) this can work. But it\u2019s best to plan ahead, especially if you’re on a shorter trip. Contact a few organizations in areas you\u2019ll be visiting and find out how you might be able to get involved.<\/p>\n
<\/span>It\u2019s okay to pay, just not too much<\/span><\/h2>\nThere are a lot of great organizations that ask volunteers to contribute to overhead costs, or the cost of the specific project they\u2019ll be working on. In general, I think this is fine. But ask good questions \u2014 make sure the money is staying in the local community and supporting local programs. There are some organizations that will charge inflated amounts and take advantage of volunteers. Do your homework and plan ahead ;to make sure you find an excellent volunteer experience with a reputable organization.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Be willing to do anything<\/span><\/h2>\nIt\u2019s great if you have specific skills you think will be helpful, but it may be difficult to find a short-term volunteer opportunity where you\u2019ll be able to use your talents. Be open to a variety tasks, however menial they may seem, that allow you to take some of the load off of the people working hard in their local communities. Use the time to build relationships with other volunteers and local non-profit workers; you\u2019ll be able to gain insight into their culture, as well as the significant challenges they may be facing.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Learn about WWOOFing in Africa<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you’ve always wanted to volunteer in Africa, there’s no time like the present. Volunteering in Africa and volunteering abroad can be an amazing, life-changing experience. Just make sure you have realistic expectations, and use the tips above to set yourself up for success.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Eco-tourism in Africa<\/span><\/h2>\nMany people may plan to volunteer as well as travel in a new country. It’s great if you have the time to do both. When we were in Argentina, we took several days to volunteer on an organic farm. It was one of the highlights of our trip. When you go to Africa, or anywhere and are planning travel, more and more tourists and tourism providers are taking responsibility for the environmental impact caused by their activities. The tide is turning toward eco-friendly, sustainable travel.<\/p>\n
Holiday-makers expect ethical dealings, and tourism providers understand the importance of maintaining the environments and communities they operate within. An example of a company that takes eco-tourism its commitment to ethical tourism practice, a UK-based tourism provider. Here\u2019s a case study of the different ways this company is working to maintain sustainable tourism:<\/p>\n
Giving back to the communities who accommodate tourists through the Loldia School Fund<\/span>, Safari Consultants sponsors students for the entire five years of high school in Kenya. There is also a commitment to provide two bursaries each year for students at the Koiyaki Guiding School. Providing local Maasai youth in Kenya the opportunity to learn the tourism industry and skills in eco-friendly land management.<\/p>\n<\/span>Wildlife Conservation<\/span><\/h2>\nSafari Consultants demonstrates its commitment to taking care of wildlife through regular contributions to the South Luangwa Conservation Society in Zambia. Smaller conservation projects and one-off involvement is also key. Maintaining a level of flexibility in the budget allows a company to make pledges to a variety of different projects as they come up.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Volunteer in Uganda ~ My Life-Changing Trip with Shanti Uganda<\/span><\/h2>\nFor a volunteering experience like no other, consider the chance to volunteer in Uganda. No travel experience has been more powerful and transforming for me than my trip to Uganda. Just for reference, I have traveled to more than 70 countries. I went with Shanti Uganda, a non-governmental organization dedicated to women’s health. Instead of being on the outside looking in, Shanti Uganda afforded me the unique and precious