MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH VOLUNTEERISM
A holiday is designed for respite from the concrete jungle, for rest far away from home. When combining a vacation of the leisurely kind with an immersion into worthy causes, the idea of a volunteerism safari to Africa is worth entertaining.
Safari-goers to Africa have the opportunity to share and depart their skills and expertise with the citizens of the continent. There are plenty of unique experiences to be had when opting for a safari of this kind and providing a helping hand while on holiday. These include assisting with education programmes, community outreach projects, child care programmes, projects to do with women’s rights as well as wildlife conservation. They are usually dictated by the specific needs of each country.
important things to know
Volunteers should expect to leave the creature comforts at home when opting for a volunteerism safari in Africa—where a communal approach to life is more the norm. These can sometimes include fetching water for cooking and ablutions, going to the local market for fresh supplies and spending hours on local transport when travelling.
There are a few important things to take note of when deciding to venture to the continent on a volunteerism safari:
• Do proper research on the organisation chosen to put together a preferred itinerary and only make use of a reputable agency.
• Be aware of cultural differences like dress code when participating in certain programmes.
• Get acquainted with the location and conditions of the chosen programme including basic living conditions, medical precautions (like malaria, yellow fever) and working conditions.
• Make sure of visa requirements and of any travel or similar warnings that may exist for the chosen country.
• Pack sensibly for the specific programme chosen, for instance, take books and pens when signing up for an educational project.
DESTINATION IDEAS
VOLUNTEERISM DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
There are a whole host of platforms and programmes that are in constant need of volunteers. These include wildlife conservation and environmental education, community development and health issues.
BOTSWANA
As a prime wildlife destination, the majority of volunteerism is centred around tourism, conservation, and the rehabilitation of injured animals. There are also opportunities to get involved with awareness campaigns for HIV that have greatly impacted local communities.
ETHIOPIA
Volunteers can participate in education, health care, and community development programmes that reach out to especially children and orphans.
UGANDA
Assisting local efforts in the building of houses and providing the necessary sanitation in rural areas can be combined with a gorilla trekking safari. There are more opportunities available through social welfare and education programmes.
KENYA
The rescue and rehabilitation of some of the continent’s big cat species form part of the country’s volunteerism industry. Extra hands are also needed for education and healthcare awareness.