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Volunteer Projects in Africa

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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!

a man teaching a young girl while writing on a paper

Volunteer showing and reading a book to children

A group of women dressed in vibrant traditional clothing

Three people on the beach examining data on a tablet, with ocean waves in the background.

Two individuals riding horses through a field of tall grass

a volunteer and a young boy making crafts together

volunteers and children dancing inside a classroom

A group of zebras showcasing their distinctive black and white stripes

A woman assisting a student with his homework

Two women hugging each other in front of a car

Colorful icons representing various sustainable development goals.

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.

OUR IMPACT

RESPONSIBLE VOLUNTEERING

Our Impact Areas

CONSERVATION

Wildlife Conservation

COMMUNITY

Teaching & Sports

CONSERVATION

Marine Conservation

COMMUNITY

Gender Equality

CONSERVATION

Environmental Sustainability

COMMUNITY

Medical & Healthcare

Our Volunteer Projects

Here are our past volunteers’ favourite projects along with some staff picks.

SEARCH FOR A PROJECT

hands holding a plastic pot with a plant

Reforestation & Environmental Project

Kenya Environmental Sustainability

Medical Project in Kenya

Kenya Medical and Healthcare

Mara Big Cat Conservation & Elephant Research Project

Kenya Wildlife Conservation

Female Empowerment Project

Zambia Gender Equality

A volunteer teacher instructing a student

Teaching & Educational Support Project in Zambia

Zambia Teaching

Dolphin & Marine Conservation Project

Zanzibar Marine Conservation

healthcare worker checking an elderly's blood pressure

Public Healthcare Project

Zambia Medical and Healthcare

children and volunteers playing football on the field

Sports & Community Development Project in Zambia

Zambia Sports

Volunteers and young children holding plastic bottles

Waste Reduction & Ecobricking Project

Zambia Environmental Sustainability

close-up of a lion resting in tall grass

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Project

South Africa Wildlife Conservation

photographers taking a photo of an elephant

Wildlife Photography Project

South Africa Wildlife Photography

a volunteer showing a photo to young kids on her camera

Nonprofit Photography Project

NGO Photography

Woman feeds hippos in the wild, demonstrating close human-animal interaction

Wildlife Rehabilitation Project

South Africa Animal Care

Two individuals horseback riding in a field

Horse Riding, Elephant & Rhino Conservation Project

Zimbabwe Wildlife Conservation

Elephant & Rhino Conservation Project

Zimbabwe Wildlife Conservation

Shark & Marine Conservation Project

South Africa Marine Conservation

Humpback Whale Conservation Project

Mozambique Marine Conservation

a group of volunteers with young children in a classroom

Teaching English & Community Support Project in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Teaching

Young woman on an all terrain vehicle in nature

a woman volunteer teaching young students inside a classroom

a group of volunteers working together with their laptops

Volunteer and three children sitting together in a learning lesson.

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Two sports coaching volunteers playing sports with young kids.

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volunteer-wildlife-rehabilitation-centre-rescue-release-south-africa

Frequently Asked Questions

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 English, coach 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.

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All African Impact News Childcare Community Conservation Destination Environmental Sustainability Family & Group Trips Gender Equality Internship Testimonials Kenya Marine Conservation Medical & Healthcare Mozambique Pre-Departure Tips Programs Resources South Africa Sports Teaching The AI Experience The Bigger Impact Volunteer Testimonials Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Photography Zambia Zanzibar Zimbabwe

Conservation South Africa Wildlife Conservation

Recent Volunteer Reviews

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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!”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”