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WELCOME TO AFRICA

Why Volunteer in Africa?

Volunteering in Africa is life changing. Not only does it help break down stereotypes and misconceptions about the continent and its people, it also provides a cultural exchange that benefits both you and the local community. Unfortunately, many African countries have struggled with instability and poverty, causing widespread issues like gender inequality and limited access to education. But, as global citizens, it’s our responsibility to make a positive impact and create lasting change.

That’s where volunteering in Africa comes in. Whether you’re interested in conservation work or want to make a difference in a local community, our programs offer a unique and transformative experience. So, come and join us on an adventure that will leave a lasting impact on both you and the communities you serve!

We Contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals serve as a guide to creating a better, more sustainable future for everyone. These goals tackle global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental damage, and the need for peace and justice.

Every African Impact volunteer project contributes to one or more of these goals, addressing significant social and environmental challenges. Our mission goes beyond sustainability, aiming to offer a regenerative approach to travel and community service. We are dedicated to improving every place we visit, ensuring we leave it better than we found it.

Choose Your Volunteer Project Focus

We believe in creating immersive and impactful experiences for our volunteers and interns, which is why we offer a range of conservation and community programs in Africa. Whichever type of program you choose you’ll have a unique and life-changing experience.

Featured Projects

Here are our past customer’s favourite volunteer and internship programs along with some staff picks. Don’t forget to wishlist your favourite programs, they can then be accessed using the heart icon in the top right.

Africa Highlights: Meet Our Favourite Continent

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Culture & Lifestyle

From South Africa to Kenya, the cultural roots in Africa run deep. There’s an amazing amount to learn if you are open and respectful to these values and beliefs while volunteering. Additionally, life in many African countries moves at a slower pace, it’s a great chance to unwind and experience a different pace of life.

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Language

African nations boast over 2000 different languages, each with its own local dialects. This can seem daunting, but it’s all part of the experience. Embrace the unfamiliar and challenge yourself to communicate in new ways. Who knows, you might even learn a new language or a few phrases!

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Locations

From its rolling hills and verdant forests to its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, the continent is a feast for the eyes. A visit to Africa is a chance to experience nature at its finest. The breathtaking beauty of Africa’s landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression. Our volunteer projects in Africa will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional life and witness a side of Africa that few get to see.

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Weather

Africa’s climate is a tapestry of extremes, from scorching deserts to lush equatorial jungles. Coastal regions bask in year-round warmth, while the continent’s heart pulses with dramatic seasonal shifts – sizzling summers giving way to crisp winters. This rich mosaic of weather and terrain promises an adventure for every traveler, whether you seek sun-soaked beaches, misty mountains, or vast savannas teeming with wildlife.

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Wildlife

The continent’s various ecosystems, ranging from savannas and deserts to wetlands and forests, provide habitats for a vast array of species, making it a prime destination for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. African wildlife is renowned for its incredible diversity and abundance of species. A visit to Africa promises unforgettable experiences and encounters with some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet.

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Safety

Our community projects are fully committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff, the communities we work in, and the environment. Our bases are secure with security staff patrolling 24/7, and our team members are trained in various Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies.

All vehicles are well-maintained at prescribed intervals, and our drivers possess valid licenses and are knowledgeable about safe routes.

We have policies and procedures designed to protect everyone involved, including a child protection policy that extends to our underage participants and the children in the communities we serve. Upon arrival, you will be inducted by our trained staff on these policies, procedures, and our code of conduct to ensure you understand how to keep yourself safe and informed.

Free time and weekend activities in Africa

You will work hard as a volunteer or intern, but there will also be time to play hard. You will have your evenings and weekends free to explore all Africa has to offer and there’s no shortage of adventure on this continent!

You might join a cultural tour, safari in nearby game reserves, visit historical landmarks, bungee jump over Victoria Falls, abseil down the side of Table Mountain or snorkel in Zanzibar’s coral reefs.

Our project teams on the ground will help you book tours upon your arrival, so you can experience it all with your fellow volunteers. There’s so much to experience in Africa – and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Recent Volunteer Reviews

Kelley EliseTeaching & Community Development, Zambia

My volunteer experience in this program was undeniably the greatest thing I have done in my life! The people I met were amazing, kind, helpful, and allowed me to have an unforgettable experience in Zambia. You immediately feel like part of the family when you start, and it only gets better the longer you stay!

Mishy RashidHospital and Clinical Medical Support in Kenya

Loved the cultural experience at the local hospital, Limuru Nursing Home - The principal of the hospital allowed me to get involved on an Executive Level Operations- Which turned out to be a positive outcome for my professional development.

Pablo VialAfrican Wildlife Photography and conservation

I had a great experience, it was above all my expectations. The people is amazing, I learned a lot about animals, photography and conservation. I really enjoyed my time here and got to see many wonderful things.

NicolaBig Cat & Wildlife Research in Kenya

This has been an amazing experience from start to finish. Naboisho is absolutely stunning. Everyone on the project are extremely welcoming and you very quickly become part of a family. The animals that you get to see whilst on the game drives blow your mind every time. Every day is a new experience here. It is great to help collect data on the animals and to feel like you are helping. It is humbling to see the children in their school and spend time playing with them.

Jen LamswoodEarly Childhood Development

It is difficult, to sum up my time with African Impact. I could use every superlative possible and it probably wouldn't come close to explaining how being part of this organisation, even for a short time makes you feel. It is the most rewarding, amazing experience. split my time between two different preschools and an after-school club. All the projects were filled with inspiring people and I genuinely felt like the work we were doing was adding value to both the teachers and children.

Mollie RobbieSports Coaching & Development, South Africa

South Africa has been the best experience ever African Impact has been life-changing! Sports
volunteering was brilliant. The kids were a pleasure to coach and welcomed me with open arms. The coaches at the schools are doing a great job and I will miss them all greatly! I came to South Africa alone and was very nervous, but everyone did a fantastic job of making me feel this was my home. I'm leaving here feeling more than content and with a completely different outlook on life.

Volunteer Project FAQs

WHERE CAN I VOLUNTEER IN AFRICA?

African Impact offers volunteer programs in the following locations and countries:

  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Zanzibar
  • Livingstone, Zambia
  • Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
  • Mozambique
  • Zimbabwe
  • Kenya

These destinations are full of natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. In every African country we work in, we’ve identified the needs of the local communities and together we work towards supporting sustainable development and helping people overcome these challenges.

WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK CAN I DO?

Whether you’d prefer to teach Englishcoach a sports team or work alongside healthcare professionals, as a community volunteer in Africa, the opportunities to change lives are endless. Or why not join one of our African conservation volunteer programs – it is one of the best ways to get involved in protecting Africa’s precious ecosystems. All wildlife conservation projects at African Impact are committed to making sustainable and long-term impacts on local communities and wildlife.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH AFRICAN IMPACT?

Volunteering and interning in Africa is what we do, it’s in our DNA. We’ve built our very own projects – hand-in-hand with local communities – since 2004 and have spent the last 16 years growing, monitoring and improving them. Aside from being the trusted specialist on volunteering and interning in Africa, our staff know the best places to go, as well as the hidden treasures and secret spots that take you beyond a regular tourist trip.