Work Travel Volunteer

Raw, unfinished, in your face, wild. Family focused, kind, exotic, magical. Africa's extremes will blow you away. If you want to go back to basics, it's the place to be. From Arabian coastal resorts to arduous overland journeys on infamous "matatus" to watching in wonder at a pride of lions, despite Africa's tortured past and still deep wounds and future troubles, it is an unrivalled continent. The trouble comes in choosing where on earth to go in Africa.

Fearful? Don't be. Africa is largely peaceful. Check up current situations on the government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website

Travellers are often overwhelmed by the friendliness and hospitality of local people and of how cheerful communities are, despite the major, major problems the continent faces. Families are large and tight. Attitudes are generally fatalistic - what will be will be. Remember this when your two hour bus journey turns into a two dayer. Kick back, get out the cards and converse with your fellow companion.

There are many well-known tourist spots in Africa - Victoria Falls, the Masai Mara, Table Mountain, but part of the joy of Africa is getting off the beaten track and down and dirty in real communities. For history and culture, Africa is unparalleled. The diversity of different tribes, still live and kicking is astounding - the Turag in the Sahara, the Samburu in Kenya, the Himba people of Namibia.

Did you know? Safari is Swahili (East Africa's dominant language) for journey.

Wildlife Wonders

What animals make up the big five list?

Rhino
Lion
Elephant
Buffalo
Leopard

But don't forget... Hippos, zebras, gorillas, monkeys, giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, impala, kudu, cheetahs and wildebeest. Visit our Conservation volunteering page or Volunteer Africa to find out more on volunteering with Africa's wildlife.

What else can I do apart from travel?

Apart from volunteering there are also opportunities to work in South Africa. Visit our Work South Africa section and Volunteer Africa to find out more.

Did you know? It is thought that mankind began in Tanzania, Ethiopia or Kenya.

What to expect

• Good manners
• A five minute conversation as a greeting to a friend
• Conservative dress
• A lack of queues
• Loud music on public transport
• Potholes

Highlights of Africa

• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
• Visit Matopas National Park in Zimbabwe
• Take the train from Mombasa to Nairobi
• Watch in wonder at the vast array of wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater
• Dive Lake Malawi
• Go native in the Okavango delta
• Marvel at Victoria Falls
• Buy a fez hat in Morocco
• Absorb the history of the pyramids, Egypt
• Awaken your senses in Morocco
• Ascend Table Mountain in cosmopolitan Cape Town

Tell us about your highlights. Email kate@worktravelvolunteer.com and we'll print the best.

Don't forget to search our directory which contains hundreds of work, travel or volunteer opportunities throughout Africa.