Destination Guides:Africa

Volunteering in Africa

Africa is a huge and awe-inspiring continent filled with diverse landscapes of frozen mountain tops, meandering rivers, vast desert sands, dense jungles and great swathes of Savanna dotted with some of the worlds most impressive animals. GVI operates a range of programmes for anyone who wants to volunteer abroad in Africa to explore this amazing continent experiencing the awe-inspiring scenery and spectacular wildlife. Volunteering in Africa could take you to trek through mist-covered rainforests to find gorillas in the mountains of Rwanda; help bring rhinos back to the wide plains of Uganda; scuba dive in crystal waters to aid marine research projects in the Seychelles; live in shimmering forests to help protect the endangered lemur population of Madagascar; or track game that include lions and leopards on beautiful reserves in South Africa. If you are a nature enthusiast looking to volunteer overseas, the wildlife of Africa is sure to appeal.

Africa is also a place of people, from the famous and dignified figures such as Nelson Mandela to the colourful Masaai tribes of Kenya and Tanzania. From great individuals and ancient communities to the variety of growing modern populations with cosmopolitan, urban metropolises; Africa thrives as a land of human diversity and vibrancy. Yet a great number of underprivileged people also live in Africa who urgently require volunteer aid, making the programmes GVI operate in Africa all the more vital. GVI work with local communities and local organisations to ensure we operate sustainable volunteer programmes in Africa which are tailored to meet the needs of communities at a local level, promoting health through sport in HIV-stricken Zambia, for example, working with indigenous communities in underprivileged rural Ghana or teaching communities in Namibia the skills they need to live without conflict with the resident elephant population. By volunteering in Africa, you will be providing much needed help to people who show remarkable strength in adverse situations, whilst becoming a small part of this continents future.

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