For those with an adventurous mind, big heart, and sense of philanthropy, volunteering in South Africa is the perfect combination of thrill and education in any season. Not only do you get invaluable new perspectives, daily feasts that will make even the lions jealous, and a paradisiacal backdrop, but you get to step outside the box and observe firsthand the beautiful circle of daily life.
When you volunteer in South Africa you will be surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains.
Volunteer programs in South Africa have been around for decades and are rising in popularity every day. That means that volunteers have the safety of working with well-established organizations and experiencing the magic of South Africa during its biggest economic boom in history, all while having the Africa continent’s beauty and adventure at their doorstep.
Sure, it’s not the easiest place in the world to pursue altruistic involvement, but the obstacles just make the satisfaction that much more savory. Plus, the treasures you’ll dig up will outweigh any pesky inconveniences. Zip up your mosquito net, pull up your safari socks, and read forth for the pros and cons of volunteer programs in South Africa. (And then check out your best options!)
9 pros and cons of South Africa volunteering
1. Pro: The views!
Pretty much anywhere you go in South Africa, the landscape will take your breath away. Whether you’re interested in the Sahara, lush jungles, coral reefs, Baobabs, waterfalls, gorges, nature reserves, volcanic valleys, cliffs, beaches, or anything in between, there’s a spot in South Africa that will fill your needs with plenty of ooh and aah.
As a South Africa volunteer, you will experience the beautiful colors of every mountain and sunset!
With over 20 national parks (including two of the world’s most famous wildlife reserves), South Africa is a playground for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This also translates to a plethora of animal welfare, conservation, and reforestation volunteer programs in South Africa to preserve the incredible landscape!
2. Con: The airfare
While the price of living in South Africa is low, getting there is another story. Not exactly central or well-connected (although there are an increasing number of direct flights to both Europe and the US), this exotic country is going to have you racking up a lot of sky miles for future trips abroad.
Volunteers in South Africa should look well in advance for plane tickets, ideally in low season (March) if you have the flexibility. London and Dubai are the most popular layover cities from the States, so check multiple-ticket flights to save a significant amount of money.
On the bright side, keep in mind that this is the biggest expense of the trip! Once in South Africa, you can gorge on all the braai and witblits imaginable for mere cents.
- What you can do: Start a FundMyTravel campaign! It’s the perfect way to bulk up your savings or pay off program fees.
3. Pro: The people
Hospitality seems to be a natural skill in South Africa. Almost any village you set foot in the locals are more than eager to welcome visitors, make friends with the guests, and open their homes and hearts to you.
You won’t feel too far away from home when you choose a volunteer program in South Africa.
Whether this means a long home-cooked dinner or an all-night dance-off, the community’s desire for genuine involvement shines in everything they do. With music and dance such a huge part of South Africa’s religions, the joy for life is loud and vibrates to include both locals and foreigners.
Kick off your shoes, hang up your straw hat, and experience the true gold of Africa in the course of a lazy evening among friends and family.
4. Con: Safety concerns
Although comparatively lesser than a few decades ago, there is still violence in some parts of South Africa. While most of the violence is among ethnic groups or local gangs, it’s best for tourists to practice basic safety precautions, just like anywhere else in the world (e.g. don’t walk by yourself after nightfall, know the areas to avoid when alone, stay alert, keep an eye on valuables, etc.).
Try to understand and research safety issues in South Africa as much as possible prior to departure. South Africa struggles with a lingering misogynistic mentality, so women in particular should stay in groups at night and practice common sense (don’t leave your drinks unattended when out and about, for example).
If these are issues you’re passionate about, consider South Africa volunteer opportunities in youth development and gender issues to spread a greater sense of acceptance and equality.
- What to do: Research safety precautions in the area you’ll be volunteering in, listen to the advice given by your program provider or local friends, and stay up-to-date with news and current events in South Africa.
5. Pro: The population diversity
South Africa is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation” due to its sheer diversity of skin colors, cultures, and religions. Of its population of 52 million, ethnic groups include Nguni, Sotho, Shangaan-Tsonga, and Venda; white, Indian, and Asian populations are contributing their own threads to the colorful tapestry too.
It’s an amazing opportunity to make new friends and you’ll be able to learn an immense amount from each other.
With countless ethnicities and 11 official languages (including English!), the variety of sounds, smells, tastes, and opinions experienced while you volunteer in South Africa is a rich basis for cultural exploration. South Africa is a great balance of tradition and modern influence, both impacted by its people and their practices. People like you only solidify the country’s pride in diversity!
6. Con: Potential health concerns
Malaria and certain diarrhoeal diseases are found in South Africa, and there have been recent reports of bubonic plague. We don’t mean to scare you, but those are definitely a few experiences that you don’t want to add to your South Africa volunteering days, right?
To maximize safety, get a thorough check-up before embarking and get up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. While abroad, avoid contact with infected regions if possible (if your volunteer placement is near or in one, you’ll receive plenty of information and cautionary advice!), carry a bottle of mosquito repellent and a net for sleeping, and pay particular attention to the food preparation.
While street food and backyard braais often smell the most delicious, prioritize health over tasty indulgences; be severe with sanitation, wash all food carefully, and drink bottled/filtered water only. If you are particularly interested in the health sector and would like to improve conditions, check out South Africa volunteer programs focused on health care, health education, and medicine!
- What you can do: Talk to your doctor about vaccinations you’ll need for South Africa and bring diarrhea medicine with you...just in case.
7. Pro: Pace of life
One of your best memories of volunteering in South Africa may be the time you spent doing nothing (or what just seems like nothing!). Conversations on the side of the street that last until the shadows lengthen, dinners that extend into nightcaps, public areas filled with sitting men and playing children...the tick of the clock in South Africa is slower than in most of the world.
Volunteering in South Africa means you’ll be able to savor each moment.
It is also more meaningful. There is no stress, rush, urgency, or anxiety to get things done — and yet (eventually), it all gets done. Relationships and simplicity rule the scene, which is great at decluttering the Western mind and opening eyes to the importance of the small moments of life.
8. Con: Pace of life (part 2)
On the other hand, the pace of life might be the source of no small amount of frustration while you volunteer in South Africa. Especially when dealing with bureaucratic matters or transportation, the sporadic opening hours, unorganized public bus routes, and unofficial businesses make getting anything done pretty complicated sometimes.
Things take time (a lot of time), the workers radiate more nonchalance than urgency, and options (for anything) might be limited at times. Stock up on patience and chant hakuna matata under your breath to survive attacks of exasperation. Keep in mind that not all cultures operate with punctuality or what might be your perception of efficiency; things will happen when they happen. Until then, learn the beauty of idle hours.
- Why it’s OK: Values and lifestyles differ around the world, right? That’s part of the beauty of traveling. We all need to slow down sometimes.
9. Pro: The impact
There’s no feeling more satisfying than knowing that your work has actually made a difference, both in your life and the lives of others. While you get the character growth, resume boost, expanded mind, new field knowledge, and plenty of original melodies to sing at work, South Africa gets the best parts of you that you left behind.
The amount of NGOs and volunteer opportunities in South Africa is huge, and they all genuinely need people who care to contribute their time and resources to a wide range of causes. Whether you teach the alphabet to one child or replant an entire forest, the many opportunities for meaningful, satisfying work are more than happy to have an adventurer like you onboard!
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Volunteering in South Africa will be MORE than worth it
You’ll never forget the moments you experience in South Africa.
Africa is predicted to be the next hot spot of the global economy, entertainment, and business fields, with South Africa one of the countries spearheading the movement to greatness. South Africa volunteers get to experience the beauty of ancient traditions while also being part of the wheel of innovation, equality, and opportunity driving the country to the top of various international statistics.
In other words, it’s the best of both worlds: authenticity and new ideas, cheap economy and high-quality products, traditional practices and a more open mind, a need for help and a desire for change. (And if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out these insider tips to volunteering in South Africa before you go!)
When participating in a volunteer program in South Africa, you’ll help write history and shift the tide toward a brighter future. With a long story of persistence, the fiery spirit of a population eager for growth is the perfect place to plant the seeds of goodness. We ain’t lion — there’s a good reason why South Africa volunteering is the current darling of international philanthropy!
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