Volunteering for the Wildlife
Whether you are looking to spend a couple of weeks away, a couple of months or even an entire year, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience as an Africa volunteer.
When most people think of work as an Africa volunteer, they think of wildlife. It is true there are a multitude of opportunities to work as a wildlife volunteer throughout the African continent. With world famous national parks like the Masai Mara numerous organisations exist to protect indigenous species and conserve national parks. You can work with many different type of animals including endangered species or target specific animals such as lions. One organisation actually allows you to get up close and personal walking with lion cubs from a few weeks of age right up to 18 months.
While taking time off from your work as a Africa volunteer Africa is culturally diverse and has a number of visitor attractions. The town of Livingstone for example is known as the adrenalin capital of the world. Bungee over the Victoria falls or negotiate the Zambezi river with white water rafting. Whatever your passion you will find a number of opportunities throughout Africa.
If you do decide to take up a wildlife volunteer post you can mix work and pleasure in a setting no other continent can offer. Work with elephant, leopard, buffalo and even rhinos with research posts available in addition to conservation work.
If you are more interested in dealing with people than animals you can also find work as an Africa volunteer. Many countries in Africa are very poor and opportunities exist to aid in the development of local communities. From healthcare and teaching to development organisations aiming for sustainable development in the local region organisations exist throughout Africa.
One of the most popular destinations for a volunteer post is Ghana. Ghana offers work year round with organisations accepting volunteers for people aged 16-70. Community work is available including health care, teaching, local development and orphanage assistance. Ghana even has some volunteer posts in law. Intern-ships are also available for more skilled volunteers. Basic volunteers assist local officers and professionals. Interns take a more active role in their field.
Most posts do not require specific skills or qualifications in order to take place. Programs are designed so that anyone can give their time. All you need is your initiative, motivation and compassion in order to make a difference whether it be in wildlife or humanitarian aid. Many posts actually involve home stays with local families allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture also.