VOLUNTEER TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE

THE ULTIMATE HANDY RESOURCE GUIDE FOR TRAVELLERS AND VOLUNTEERS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

So, you want to head off into the wide blue yonder, step out of your comfort zone and onto the tarmac of an exotic foreign country, push the boundaries, and test your limits. Perhaps you also want to leave your mark on society in some small way.

Am I a volunteer or a voluntourist? If you’ve decided to take the plunge and go travelling, there are plenty of things to consider; such as where to go, where to stay when you get there, what to see, what to take with you, and so on and so forth – even seasoned travellers with enough voyager miles to take them to the Moon and back, have to make decisions and plan meticulously.

You might want to spoil yourself with a resort holiday in an exotic tropical destination and enjoy sightseeing in comfort - even luxury! And why not? Off-season package holidays are increasingly within reach of the average Joe or Josephine. If you pick your destination and season cleverly, you don’t have to bankrupt yourself.

If you have more of an adventurous or individualistic approach to travelling and want to see a foreign country outside of the comfortable confines of a hotel, then backpackers and ecolodges are probably more your thing. There is hardly a better way to immerse yourself in a country than being in its rugged outdoors and breathing in its air from somewhere high up, from the middle of nowhere, or from the shore of a different ocean.

Of course, these are not the only travel options for itchy-footed souls. To paraphrase Shakespeare, the world is your oyster – it’s your choice how you want to “crack it open” and savour its delights.

More and more people every year decide to combine leisure AND adventure options, in worldwide destinations which cater to all tastes.

Another fast-growing percentage of travellers are opting to combine travel and volunteering, for affordable and unforgettable trips that make you hungry for more. If you would like to spend quality time in exotic locales and get to know the local people in a way that’s more meaningful than tipping them for bringing you your umbrella cocktail or haggling for artefacts - volunteering is a fantastic way to do this.

Think about this: if you decide to join a volunteering program while travelling, you immediately eliminate a lot of the hassle of travelling to a foreign country you might not know too well. Accommodation and meals are sorted out. You get to meet and socialise with like-minded, adventurous people of all ages. You are welcomed and assisted during your stay by qualified volunteer coordinators.

You will have people on site to advise, guide and help you out on your journey. And last but not least - you get to use your skills and energy to help out a community and leave your mark (however small!) on society and the world as a whole.

If you are a nature lover and thrive on the great outdoors, then Southern Africa is undeniably your go-to destination for a volunteering trip. You could be working with incredible wildlife, side by side with some of the world’s most renowned game rangers, in some of the world’s most breath-taking landscapes. You could be almost within kissing distance of Great White sharks, in their natural ocean habitat.

On top of these incredible adventures and life-changing experiences, you get to do all the beach bathing, mountain climbing, safaris, sightseeing and partying your heart desires, affordably and safely.

If this sounds too good to be true, and the only thing holding you back is that you have some questions, then keep reading while you start packing, because we have some answers!

Why should I volunteer?

➢ Not only are you guaranteed an unforgettable and worthwhile experience for yourself or your family – you are doing something that makes a difference in people’s lives. You realise how resilient we are as people and how profoundly linked we are, regardless of culture and circumstances. It’s an important lesson you won’t get any better way. Read more to discover the whys and wherefores of volunteering while you travel.

▪ Why volunteer?

➢ I like the idea of volunteering or voluntourism, but I feel like my motivations might be off base. Is it OK to be a voluntourist? Am I doing the right thing? Read on!

▪ Am I a volunteer or a voluntourist?

➢ I want to volunteer, and I know it will work for me. But what about the communities I’m visiting? Isn’t it patronising for me to fly in and just present myself? I don’t want to seem like I’m telling people to do things better than they are. Read on!

▪ Volunteers – are you really making a difference?

➢ What if I’m expected to do something I don’t want to do once I get to the volunteering program? And how can I be 100% sure I’m being responsible?

▪ Your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer

What kind of volunteer am I? You might be a student on a gap year, or a professional taking a sabbatical from work. You might be looking for an overseas travel option for your family. You might be a retired person with time and energy to spare, looking to do something different. You might be part of a group of friends wanting to travel overseas together.

Travelling as a volunteer offers you a number of options to suit you, wherever your life is at, and whatever your interests are.

➢ My family wants a trip overseas, and I want it to be meaningful and bring us closer together – I don’t want us to sit next to a pool for 3 weeks looking at our electronic equipment! Where do I start looking? Find some answers: Family volunteering overseas

➢ I want to travel alone but am nervous that I’ll be unsafe or lonely.

Not-so-lonely planet

5 things to know about group volunteering overseas

Whether you want to volunteer with children; communities; sports development; healthcare; wildlife and conservation; and education projects. We have unique and affordable projects that you can uplift and support.

I want to travel as a volunteer in Africa. Tell me the important stuff! Africa, that vast mysterious continent - troubled and dangerous, or a victim of bad press? It’s sometimes hard to sort the actual facts from the mainstream media spin on the facts. The actual fact remains that Africa is home to some of the most amazing people and beautiful landscapes in the world that absolutely SHOULD NOT be missed, and volunteering while travelling is a safe way to experience this, with the guidance of experienced locals from the start to finish of your trip.

First of all, what kind of accommodation can you expect, and how much does it cost? You might not have booked a 5-star trip with all the luxuries laid on, but you rightfully expect some kind of decent place to sleep and wash, and edible food; without having to worry about what’s in the fine print! The good news is that, as a volunteer signing up with a well-run organisation, your housing and meals should be included in the price and are more than adequate for reasonable travellers. If you’re a lone traveller, you’ll meet great people and be able to socialise as much or as little as you choose.

For example, consider one of the Khaya Projects in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and stay at the Khaya Beach House, where you’ll be treated to spacious and well-appointed accommodation in a great shared house close to the beautiful balmy Indian Ocean. All your meals are included in your fee, we have a wonderful cook who prepares delicious dishes for you. You will be transported to and from the project of your choice and we have a super volunteer coordinator to see your needs. You will only be responsible for your own personal luxury items such as alcoholic beverages and snacks.

If you’re heading to another Southern African country as a volunteer, you’ll be housed and fed with local standards but comfortably – all included in your upfront fee. Bear in mind that developing countries can experience little ups-and-downs like interrupted water and power. Be patient and take the guidance of your co-ordinators, who are experienced and prepared for these events!

What if you should require emergency medical treatment? Medical services in Southern Africa are somewhat different to what you might expect at home, but you’ll receive the help you need. You can expect to pay upfront for your care and claim from your insurance provider back home, so make sure you’re prepared for this. If you’re volunteering, the projects you work on will be reasonably close to hospitals and clinics.

If you’re going to travel in tropical or subtropical countries like Tanzania or Malawi, ask your doctor what vaccinations you will need.

You might be concerned about your personal safety in Africa. Rest assured that, even for lone travellers, a little common sense goes a long way. Don’t wander in lonely areas, especially at night; don’t wear flashy cameras or jewellery and haul your wallet out at every opportunity; walk purposefully and briskly, and dress appropriately – these basic rules are applicable in any city in the world, not just the developing parts of it! One thing that might surprise you is just how friendly and accommodating the locals can be. Just relax, keep an open mind and open eyes, and you’ll be fine.

➢ I’m travelling to a country in Southern Africa. What can I expect? FAQ Malawi

FAQ South Africa FAQ Tanzania (FAQ Zanzibar)

➢ I’ve heard about the notorious crime-ridden townships in South Africa. If I’m going to be volunteering there, how safe is it? Let’s have a look at some of the realities of crime in South Africa, and the safety of volunteers from overseas travelling there. 5 tips for travel safety in South Africa

And now for something completely different! ➢ Your trip is booked, and you’ve planned what you want to see and do. But how about looking at

some travel options you won’t find in the brochures – something with an alternative flavour?

Off the beaten track

Walk on the wild side

Packing101 for adventurers

➢ Even seasoned travellers could use a handy hint or two, especially if you’re volunteering while on your travels. Everything but the kitchen sink

Things to do after your volunteering stint is finished As a traveller, you’ll want to get out there and start exploring. Southern Africa is rich with diversity and amazing experiences – you can hike and camp, cycle and horse ride in lush forests and epic mountains, visit jewel-like beaches and go diving or snorkelling in the warm Indian Ocean, enjoy the peace and beauty of the Namibia desert, go extreme-sports adventuring, experience tribal cultures, see a huge array of wildlife on safari, and more.

If you book your travel / volunteer experience with Khaya Volunteer Projects, you’ll get a 10% DISCOUNT on the activities listed below.

➢ Follow the links below to whet your appetite for adventure. Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

Cape Town to Victoria Falls

The Kruger Big Five

Real People, Real Experiences

There is nothing better than listening to real people talk about their experiences. Check out these awesome volunteer testimonials.

Volunteer travel, it’s a lifestyle We hope that this guide has been helpful and that it will help you in making your decision on what you would like to do. If you would like to contact us, or have a look at the projects we currently have available and make a booking you can do this through our website.

Your travel experience is important to us so connect with us for any help about your travels before or after your volunteering stay, about great discounted safari options or any other questions you might have. We will gladly call, Skype, WhatsApp or fax (ok, that we don't use anymore) you. Below you can find links to our social media channels where you can see updated news and events that are happening at our projects. We look forward to hearing from you!

SEE MORE ABOUT KHAYA…

Have a look at our social media channels for videos, reviews and volunteer pictures: