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.

G Adventures is a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

<<< Back to Trip Search

Volunteer to Help Conserve Peru’s Rainforests

Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts and coastal plains, and its three prominent topographical bands are Costa, Sierra and Amazonia. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost two-thirds of Peru, about 60% of the nation's territory! The Peruvian Amazon is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 700 kinds of fish, 500 types of mammals, and over 300 reptile species. Ecotourism has become an essential industry in Peru; the nation has a higher percentage of protected land than any other country in South America. Specifically, there are fifty-three protected areas throughout the country. This includes national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and reserved zones. Volunteers can help with a wide range of conservation activities that add to preserving Peru’s climate and animals. Participants will be based in the heart of the jungle, where they will receive a different kind of insight into Peru’s rich biodiversity. Tasks include (but are not limited to) reforestation, home-based maintenance, research projects, trail conservation and animal inventories. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and gain conservation and research experience, all while making a difference in the nation's ecosystem.

This is a minimum two-week and 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 $105 for two weeks and $1,510 for 4 weeks.

<<< Back to Trip Search

Volunteer to Help Conserve Croatia’s Bears

Croatia, the land of a thousand islands, has within its borders eleven nature parks, eight national parks and two nature reserves. The country is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, remarkable considering its relatively small size. Approximately 900 brown bears, the largest European carnivores, live in Croatia, although the exact number is unknown. The bear population in the country has been growing since the 1950s and has a favorable conservation status. Volunteers have a chance to help protect bear populations and conserve nature. They can join a bear sanctuary and help preserve the environment and assist in a place for bears who have suffered maltreatment and abandonment. Volunteers will live in a traditional Croatian village amid nature, where they will become part of the local community. Tasks include (but are not limited to) maintaining the forest and surrounding environment, ensuring the well-being of all animals at the center, and supporting the visitor center’s needs. Volunteers can learn the Croatian language and immerse themselves in the culture while making a difference in the community.

This is a minimum four week and 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 $1,955 for four weeks and $5,075 for 12 weeks.

<<< Back to Trip Search

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.

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 Botswana 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.

<<< Back to Trip Search