Volunteer to Help Educate Women in Kenya

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is considered the nation’s safari capital. This vibrant city is known for its cultural diversity and is home to beautiful scenery and Nairobi National Park. While in Nairobi, volunteers will work in women’s centers to promote women's education and empowerment through income-generating projects. Volunteers will also help women in under-resourced communities and centers affected by HIV/AIDS. This trip is perfect for those interested in arts and crafts, as volunteering can include sewing, candle-making, jewelry making, and finance and business management courses.

This is a minimum one-week trip and a maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $337 for one week and $4045 for 12 weeks.

Venture Through the Serengeti

Tanzania is a country in Africa known for its wildlife and culture. Thirty percent of the country is made up of National Parks, with the city of Arusha being its safari capital. After beginning the trip in Arusha, travelers will see the Serengeti National Park. Here, travelers will partake in a three-day wildlife safari in which they will visit Ngorongoro Crater, a conservation area that is known for having Africa’s best wildlife view. Travelers will also have the option to take a hot air balloon ride and will get to go down to the crater floor. Travelers will then pass by Mount Kilimanjaro on the way to Dar es Salaam before spending the last few days of the trip in Zanzibar. In Zanzibar, travelers will get to visit Stone Town. This is one of the oldest parts of Zanzibar and is one of its historical centers with amazing architecture and beaches.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1565 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 9 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals and accommodation will be included.

Volunteer to Help Animal Shelters in South Africa

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and a popular tourist destination. The city is home to Table Mountain, a famous plateau that resembles a tabletop, and gorgeous natural scenery heightened by its location between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In Cape Town, volunteers will work at a local animal shelter in the Grassy Park community. Volunteers will help run the shelter, care for abandoned animals, and help with the animals’ medications and injections. Additionally, volunteers will assist with animal cleaning and feeding to gain animal care experience.

This is a minimum one-week trip and a maximum 24-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $247 for two weeks and $5928 for 24 weeks.

Volunteer to Assist Namibia’s Wildlife Program

Namibia, located in Southern Africa, is full of wildlife, ranging from desert elephants to the world’s largest population of free-roaming cheetahs. The country is also known for its scenery, having the highest sand dunes in the world, made famous by the film “Mad Max: Fury Road.” While here, volunteers will help and support wildlife preservation efforts and care for injured and abandoned animals. This includes assisting with the animals’ food preparation and aiding with small animal feedings. Additionally, volunteers will have the chance to learn more about wildlife by watching cheetahs run and conducting focused research such as analyzing GPS data and monitoring animals.

This is a minimum two-week trip and a maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1,260 for two weeks and $6145 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Assist Maasai Communities in Tanzania

Volunteers are based at a village in remote Maasailand of Tanzania. Here, they can live and learn from the Maasai people who have lived in areas of what are now Tanzania and Kenya for hundreds of years. The Maasai of Tanzania are pastoralists, with a lifestyle centered around cattle. Volunteers will support a rural Maasai community in various ways, including environmental conservation, poverty reduction, farming and welfare. Volunteers can also help local doctors, create social media content, and work on construction projects for school expansions.

This is a two-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $463 for two weeks.

Experience Southern Africa’s Wildlife

South Africa, the rainbow nation, is the southernmost country on the African continent. It is surrounded by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and shares borders with six neighboring countries. This cradle of humankind is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country on the African continent. It’s worth noting that South Africa houses 10% of the world’s plants, 15% of coastal marine species, and 7% of the world’s mammal, reptile and bird species. Botswana, known officially as the Republic of Botswana, is home to the planet's largest population of elephants. The nation is home to the Okavango Delta, the 1000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around a third of Botswana’s landmass is protected as national parks, game reserves or wildlife management areas. Finally, there’s Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The nation has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has the most official languages in the world. On this trip, travelers start their journey in Johannesburg, where they can get acquainted and see the Emperor's Palace. Going into Botswana, everyone will have a chance to see the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where they will set up camp. After stopping in Maun, everyone can take pictures of the Okavango Delta. Travelers can engage in birdwatching on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). In Gweta, everyone can camp under the country’s iconic Baobab trees. Onward to Kasane, the group can choose to embark on a river cruise through Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa. After arriving in Zimbabwe, the first destination is Victoria Falls. Everyone can take a helicopter ride over the iconic landmark while bungee jumping and taking selfies. In Matobo National Park, people can see the iconic granite masses before returning to South Africa. At Kruger National Park, everyone can scan the savanna for lions, elephants and other animals. After arriving back in Johannesburg, travelers can depart at any time.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $2119 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 15 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.

Research Whale Sharks in Mozambique

The largest extant species of fish on the planet is now endangered, in large part due to the devastating effects of industrial fishing and pollution on the global whale shark population. The coast of Mozambique, known for its breathtaking turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, has recently become a haven for divers eager to witness these docile giants and experience the region’s abundance of marine life. While volunteering at the Marine Research and Conservation Project, volunteers will have the opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks and collect valuable data that will help conserve Mozambique's diverse marine ecosystem. Included in the program is a four-day open water diving course that will prepare volunteers to monitor the coral reefs and safely use diving equipment. Volunteers will carry out essential functions in marine research and conservation, participating in beach walks, boat surveys and dives alongside coordinating scientists. Aside from conducting research, volunteers will also learn about whale sharks and the effects of human activity on their ecosystem, and help spread awareness about the importance of conservation efforts in the area. During the project volunteers will reside in Tofo, a coastal town in southeastern Mozambique known for its snorkeling, which offers a wide array of activities for volunteers to spend their free time on — including sailing, fishing and eating at local seafood restaurants.

This 3-12 week experience costs $3,619 for 3 weeks and $9,643 for 12 weeks, and includes accommodations, meals, a scuba diving certification training program, 24/7 on-site support and some activities. Volunteers with diving experience may be eligible for discounts and may stay for a minimum of 2 weeks if they do not wish to participate in the diving certification program.

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KAYA

Safari and Wildlife in Southern Africa

South Africa’s philosophy of Ubuntu perfectly encapsulates the nation’s spirit of hospitality and mutual responsibility for well-being. Desmond Tutu explained it as, “I am because I belong.” It means that everyone shares a common humanity and all visitors are as welcome as the locals. Beginning in South Africa’s City of Gold, Johannesburg, specialized overlanding vehicles will take travelers to Serowe, Botswana. Originally named Bechuanaland, the Republic of Botswana was a British protectorate and attained independence in 1966. It is predominantly inhabited by the Batswana people whose recorded history goes back to 14th century migrants from Gauteng, South Africa. From here, travelers journey to the Okavango Delta, known for its high population of elephants, via Maun, where they can experience an aquatic excursion into the Delta on a traditional canoe (mokoro). Travelers continue their journey through Gweta and Kasane before crossing into Zimbabwe and arriving at Victoria Falls. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (thundering smoke), the ‘Vic Falls’ was given its English name by the British explorer, David Livingstone, after Queen Victoria. This is then followed by a scenic drive and exploration of the Matobo National Park, which has been the site of civilization for 40,000 years. After crossing back into South Africa, travelers are taken on a safari to the Kruger National Park before returning to Johannesburg. The Kruger National Park is one the largest game reserves in Africa and was named for Paul Kruger, a South African politician who led the Transvaal Republic against the British in the Anglo-Boer War. 

This 15-day experience, organized by G Adventures, starts at $1,756 per person and includes simple hotels and camping accommodations, transportation, safari, various activities, 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 8 dinners and local guides. The trip has a maximum group limit of 22 travelers aged 18–39, and is suitable for individuals with average fitness as it includes light hiking, biking, rafting/kayaking and walking.

Explore Ancient Ruins in Libya

Located in northern Africa with a long Mediterranean coast, the nation of Libya is renowned for its well-preserved ruins and archeological wonders that testify to the country’s rich history. Once the site of Phoenecian trading posts, the area was colonized by the ancient Greeks in 630 BC and eventually conquered by the Persians nearly a century later. Persian rule was ended by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, returning to the control of the Greeks until being annexed by the Romans in 74 BC. Having passed through the hands of so many powerful historical civilizations, the region has been endowed with remarkable cultural diversity and inspiring historical sites. During this trip, travelers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Libya’s history and explore the remnants of these ancient civilizations. On the first day, travelers will arrive in the capital city of Tripoli, which was founded by Phoenician colonists in the 7th century BC. From there, the group will drive to Ghadames, an oasis settlement and trading center known as “the pearl of the desert” which lies on the border between Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. A full day will be dedicated to exploring the traditional Berber architecture and the natural scenery of the Sahara desert before returning to Tripoli. Afterward, travelers will drive to Leptis Magna, once an important city in the ancient Carthaginian and Roman civilizations and now one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Mediterranean region. Among these famed ruins are the Severan Basilica, the Arch of Septimius Severus and a number of other grandiose structures which have stood for millenia. The final full day of the trip will be spent at the Roman ruins in the city of Sabratha, established in 500 BC by the Phoenecians and now best known for its impressive three-story Roman theater. Travelers will spend their final night in Tripoli before returning home the next morning.

This 7-day experience is $2,550 per person and includes all accommodations, transport, activities, tour guides, and most meals.

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UNTAMED BORDERS

Safari Through Kenya's Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is a national reserve located in the South West of Kenya and is famous for its spectacular diversity of wildlife. Visitors can see many lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, wildebeest, giraffes and zebras here. The tour begins in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya known as the “Green City in the Sun.” This metropolis is known for beauty, interesting and cosmopolitan cultures, great variety of religions and vibrant nightlife. From here, travelers journey through the Great Rift Valley and the Masai Mara where they are taken on safari drives to see the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinoceros and leopards). They then journey to Lake Nakuru National Park. Created in 1961 around Lake Nakuru, the reserve is famous for its huge flock of pink flamingos and immense diversity of bird species. Travelers will be taken to a safari lodge and get to enjoy a late afternoon safari drive through the area. From here, the adventure continues to Eldoret, a town popular during Kenya’s colonial period for its moderate climate and health benefits. The adventure finishes in Kampala, the capital of Uganda and famous as the old headquarters of the Imperial British East Africa Company. Travelers can see Lugard’s Fort on Old Kampala Hill, which was the Ugandan colonial administration headquarters until 1905. 

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18-39 year old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $960 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 6 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included. 

Renovate Schools in Cape Verde

An island nation off the coast of Africa, Cape Verde’s breathtaking scenery is at risk of being overshadowed by its legacy of colonial rule. Since achieving independence from Portugal in 1975, the country has made incredible strides towards overcoming its economic difficulties. Recognized in 2020 as the most democratic nation in Africa, it has been admired for its rapid improvements in the standard of living in spite of a notable lack of natural resources. Cape Verde’s economy relies heavily on services and tourism, and in recent years the country has opened itself to foreign investors in the hopes of promoting development. Volunteers will be able to improve the educational environment for underprivileged students by renovating and maintaining school facilities. Upon arriving in Cape Verde, volunteers will attend an orientation and participate in a Creole language lesson. During the week the volunteers will complete various projects, such as painting, tiling, laying bricks, gardening or fixing furniture. The weekends can be spent freely, exploring the local beaches, hiking in the natural parks and learning about the influence of Portuguese culture on the island. Volunteers also have the opportunity to extend their stay as part of the Culture Week in Tarrafel, which includes language lessons, visits to markets, museums, beaches and other exciting activities.

This 2-7 week experience costs $1,050 for the minimum of one week and six days and $3,330 for 7 weeks, and includes food, airport transfers, shared rooms, and 24/7 emergency support. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a letter of consent from their parents.

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GOECO

Experience Morocco like a Local

Morocco, the westernmost country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. With influences from Berber, Arab and various European cultures, Morocco has shaped and conceived for itself an identity that is uniquely its own. The only way to understand and appreciate the full depth and breadth of Moroccan life is to explore the country like a local. During this experience, travelers will be able to stay at a riad, a traditional Moroccan home with an interior courtyard, in Marrakech, the fourth largest city in the country and walk the narrow streets of the old medina to the great square of Jemaa el Fnaa, the city’s main square and market place. Henna-painting, storytelling, myriad performances and abundant stalls teeming with local Moroccan delicacies are all on offer at the square. From Marrakech, the group will then travel to the High Atlas Mountains with a stop in the town of Tahanaout, where they will experience a hands-on cooking class. An afternoon trek to the small village of Aroumd offers travelers the unique opportunity to learn about traditional Berber culture as well. Having experienced city and village life, the group will then have the chance to camp in the Sahara Desert for a night, exploring the stunning wind-blown sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and dancing under the stars around an open fire. After a sunrise camel ride the next day, the group will drive along the famous “Road of 1000 Kasbahs”, so named for the numerous kasbahs – citadels of North African cities – dotting its valleys and desert paths, before heading back to Marrakech. To conclude the journey, travelers can opt in for a stunning hot air balloon ride overlooking the city.

This 8-day and 7-night experience starts at $1,395 per person and includes accommodation, transportation, and 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners. 

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UNDER 30 EXPERIENCES

Experience Uganda’s Culture and Wildlife

Uganda, a medium-sized country in East Africa’s Great Lakes region, is home to diverse wildlife and has a rich history and civilization. Off Season Adventures is currently offering a cultural tour of the nation, during which travelers will immerse themselves within Ugandan life and traditions, participating in myriad activities including farming, tasting fresh local foods, basket weaving, preparing local dishes and watching cultural performances. The group will also have the opportunity to visit the Kibale Forest National Park, which is home to 13 species of primates, the most famous of which is the chimpanzee. Trekking through the forest for 2-3 hours with a Uganda wildlife ranger, travelers will be able to observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Other highlights include a visit to a local tea plantation to learn about the production process, help pick tea leaves and taste some of the final product. Travelers will also learn to prepare local delicacies at a nearby village and try out some weaving techniques at the village handicraft workshop. At the village the group will assist the African Sustainable Tourism Cares Foundation (ASTCF) with some of its community conservation projects which focus on women and youth empowerment, clean water, renewable energy, sanitation and environmental conservation. To conclude the journey travelers will visit some of the many historic sites of capital city Kampala and explore the Ssezibwa Falls, a heritage site in the Buganda Kingdom. Prepare to find out why Uganda, a modern republic with a president as its head of state, has a kingdom with a reigning monarch within its borders!

This 8-day and 7-night experience starts at $3,000 per person and includes accommodation, transportation, and contribution to the 501(c)(3) organization Second Look Worldwide. 

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OFF SEASON ADVENTURES

Volunteer at a Wildlife Orphanage in Zimbabwe

Interested in working directly with a wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation center? Located in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo, a family-owned wildlife orphanage serves as a safe haven for animals who would otherwise have little hope for survival. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside animals who have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in captivity, or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. Volunteers will work on preparing food for the animals and feeding them, cleaning out enclosures, contributing their own enrichment ideas, and hand-rearing orphaned animals. However, involvement with the wildlife orphanage goes even further, allowing volunteers to assist staff with educational outreach at local schools, as well as getting first-hand experience in giving tours and public education.

This minimum 2-week and maximum 12-week experience starts at $1,650 per person for 2 weeks and $8,150 per person for 12 weeks. Accommodation, airport transfers, orientation, meals, and 24/7 GoEco support are all included. Volunteers will work from Tuesday-Saturday for eight hours a day.

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GoEco

Explore Tunisia

Once the seat of the ancient Carthaginian Empire – one of the most important trading hubs in the world of antiquity – Tunisia today remains a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. On this journey, travelers will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the myriad cultures that have shaped the country’s history and present. The exploration begins with a visit to the Bardo Museum in nearby Tunis, which is located in a 15th-century Beylic palace and contains one of the world’s most extensive mosaic collections. Travelers will then tour the archaeological site of ancient Carthage, wandering through the many Punic ruins and beholding the former citadel atop Byrsa Hill, which was once the city’s military center. Other historical sites include the Medina of Sousse, which was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, and the colosseum of El Jem, the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in Africa. Travelers will also be able to explore some of Tunisia’s many topographical wonders, including the stunning oasis towns of El Hamma and Kebili, as well as Chott el Djerid, an expansive endorheic salt lake in southern Tunisia,and have the opportunity to learn about palm, date and olive oil production, and see firsthand the famous pottery of Sejnane, which is made entirely by women. 

This 12-day and 11-night experience starts at $3,890 per person and includes accommodation, food, airport transfers, and contribution to the 501(c)(3) organization Second Look Worldwide. 

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OFF SEASON ADVENTURES

Experience Tanzania

Tanzania, a country in East Africa sitting just south of the Equator, is a study in topographical contrasts, filled with vast stretches of plains and plateaus as well as jutting mountains, the most famous of which being Mount Kilimanjaro. The country is also home to more than 120 ethnic groups and a diversity of cultures and traditions. During this trip, travelers will be able to experience some of these many cultures, chatting with members of local tribes and participating in myriad activities such as drumming, cooking and traditional metallurgy. The journey begins in Arusha, a city located at the base of the volcanic Mount Meru, where the group will be able to experience daily life in the city and visit the local market. The next day, travelers will learn about the peanut butter production process and visit the Nelson Mandela Institution of Science and Technology, a public university in Arusha, to connect with the students and learn more about their projects and research. A full day will also be spent in Tarangire National Park, the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania. From observing the diverse wildlife in the park to visiting the Kakoi Water Project – a project that aims to construct a constant water source for 15,500 local people who live in the surrounding areas of the park – the day will be full of adventure and learning. In the days following, travelers will also have the opportunity to go on a morning hunt with the Hadzabe tribe and learn to make metal handicrafts with the Datoga tribe. 

This 9-day and 8-night experience starts at $3,000 per person and includes accommodation, transportation, and contribution to the Kakoi Water Project through the 501(c)(3) organization Second Look Worldwide. 

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OFF SEASON ADVENTURES

Improve Community Needs in the Heart of Ghana

Head to Ghana and lend a hand in Ho, a region still heavily dependent on international aid. Volunteers will spend a week getting to know locals along with providing community support and helping with educational needs. Community support projects range from building wells to helping ease the severity of the area’s dry seasons. Education projects include building and improving schools, spreading awareness of health education and teaching English. When not at work, enrollees can experience facets of the Ghanaian lifestyle through African dancing and drumming lessons, visits to local markets, soccer games and sessions on kente weaving. There is a planned excursion to West Africa’s largest waterfall as well as to nearby monkey sanctuaries. This is a one-week trip that costs $1,467.

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Globe Aware

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See the Horn of Africa

Ethiopia, the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa, possesses one of the most rugged terrains in the continent. This road trip offers travelers the chance to explore the wilder parts of Ethiopia and parts of Somaliland, and some may opt to spend an extra 48 hours in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, at the end of the journey. The trip begins with an optional walking tour of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, before setting out on the road the next day to Erta Ale, the most active volcano in the country. After a three to four-hour trek to the volcano’s rim, the group will camp there overnight before driving to Lake Afdera, a hypersaline lake located in the Danakil Depression. A full day will then be spent at the Awash National Park, which is renowned for its volcanic formations, mineral hot springs and abundance of wildlife. Following Awash, travelers will journey to the walled city of Harar, which is considered by many to be the fourth-holiest city in Islam. Famed for its ancient mosques and shrines, the city is also home to a unique blend of African and Islamic traditions. To conclude the trip, travelers will cross the border to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, visiting the Hargeis Camel Market and admiring the rich and vivid cave paintings at Laas Geel.

This 10-day experience starts at $3,950 per person and includes accommodation, ground transportation, three internal flights, and breakfast. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS

Empower Kids Through Play in Malawi

Experiencing all aspects of education and development is crucial in a well-balanced childhood. Unfortunately, many children around the world are lucky just to be taught the basic elements of schooling and are deprived of knowledge or experience in arts and sports. This program offers volunteers the chance to work with kids in Malawi, in sports, dance, music, art and creative writing. Also, it's an opportunity to experience Malawian culture, tour a village and spend one night of the trip on safari with wild elephants, monkeys, impala and on boat, crocodiles, hippos, and exotic birds.  This 11 day trip costs $1,399 per person.  

KUSEWERA HUMANITARIAN

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Experteer Around the World

Are you interested in helping global communities and travel, but want more than a two-week volunteer trip that may or may not help the community you visit? Check out this organization that offers “experteering” experiences. You will be selected for your existing professional skill-sets and placed in a role where they can be maximized with an international social enterprise.

MOVINGWORLDS

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