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Top 10 Volunteer Programs in Africa

Top 10 Africa Volunteer Programs 2024 & 2025

There is truly no better way to experience Africa than by immersing yourself in the local culture, volunteering within the community and giving back on projects that value your support.

Volunteering in Africa with International Volunteer HQ is the most impactful way to have an affordable vacation that will genuinely change your life.

  • Choose from 9 incredible volunteer destinations in Africa
  • Get everything organized for you by IVHQ - the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer organization
  • From only $20 per day for your accommodation and meals
  • Volunteer in Africa for as little as 1 week or up to 6 months
  • Choose from a wide range of volunteer projects to align with your travel goals and the causes you care about
  • Get unlimited free changes up until 14 days before you start

Africa has stolen the hearts of thousands of IVHQ volunteers since 2007. So much so that we have countless volunteers returning each year. Thinking about joining them? Explore your Africa volunteer programs below.

Explore all destinations

Volunteer in Tanzania

Discover Tanzania

Immersing yourself in the Tanzanian culture, getting out of your comfort zone and giving back through volunteering is the most rewarding way to travel and learn something new about yourself at the same time! From the moment you step off the plane in Tanzania, you’ll feel embraced by the local community which will be further felt as you’re volunteering within the community.

“Eye-opening, heart-warming and so fulfilling” is the experience you should prepare for! And if you’re up for a weekend adventure, you can head out on safari, bliss out on the beaches of Zanzibar or even set your sights on conquering Mt Kilimanjaro.

  • Choose from 7 project options, including Childcare, Medical and Teaching
  • Prices from only $24 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in either a volunteer house or homestay in Arusha
  • Incredible add-ons available, including safari, Mount Kilimanjaro and Maasai village tours
Discover Tanzania

Volunteer Rating

8.84/10 rating8.84/10
Program support 9.05
Volunteer work 8.8
Accommodation 8.95
Meals 8.68
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Recommendation from Mariana

Recommended by Mariana

IVHQ Travel Expert

“Tanzania is our most popular program in Africa - and it attracts a diverse range of volunteers, from retirees and families to students and teens, including 16 and 17 year-olds traveling solo! Volunteers can choose from 7 meaningful projects that help the local community in Arusha and have the option to go on some incredible free-time adventures, including safaris with the ‘Big 5’ wildlife and climbing the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro!”

Discover Tanzania

Volunteer in Victoria Falls

Discover Victoria Falls

A once-in-a-lifetime Africa wildlife conservation experience is waiting for you in Victoria Falls! You cannot beat the experience of living in the middle of a wildlife conservation center where you can see giraffes, elephants and antelopes in the distance. Not only will you learn a huge amount about animal conservation, tracking and how your work is contributing to the local community. You’ll be living and volunteering alongside an awesome group of international volunteers with the support of an incredibly passionate and knowledgeable local team who love their work and your involvement.

  • Wildlife Conservation volunteer project available year-round
  • Prices from only $55 per day
  • Accommodation in private rooms and located within the conservation center
  • Program based on a private game reserve in the province of Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Discover Victoria Falls

Volunteer Rating

9.44/10 rating9.44/10
Program support 9.39
Volunteer work 9.62
Accommodation 9.63
Meals 9.74
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Recommendation from Claire

Recommended by Claire

IVHQ Travel Expert

“The Victoria Falls program offers volunteers the unique opportunity to live and work on a ‘Big 5’ game reserve, while still being a stone's throw from the city of Victoria Falls, and the stunning ‘Smoke That Thunders’ also known as the Victoria Falls. The area is an adventure enthusiasts playground offering everything from white water rafting to a gorge swing, as well as fishing trips and river cruise for those looking for more relaxing free time activities.”

Discover Victoria Falls

Volunteer in Kenya

Discover Kenya

With 17 years experience in hosting international volunteers and an unmatched safety record, you know you’re in good hands with IVHQ. As IVHQ’s very first volunteer destination, Kenya has formed a special place in the hearts of thousands of volunteers since 2007. It’s the community vibes, the welcoming locals and the unrivaled joy of the children you’ll be volunteering alongside that will stay with you for a lifetime. Sure - you can spend your weekends on safari or exploring other parts of Africa, but it’s the volunteer experience that will change the way you choose to travel the world.

  • Choose from 6 project options, including Teaching, Childcare and Women’s Education
  • Prices from only $20 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in a homestay in Nairobi
  • Spend your weekends on safari or venturing further afield to Mombassa, Uganda or Tanzania
Discover Kenya

Volunteer Rating

7.99/10 rating7.99/10
Program support 8.2
Volunteer work 8.69
Accommodation 8.44
Meals 8.04
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Recommendation from Claire

Recommended by Claire

IVHQ Travel Expert

“The Kenya volunteer program allows volunteers the opportunity to live with a local family and really get to understand their day to day life, immerse themselves in the local community and the Kenyan culture. Nairobi is a city full of color and vibrant local markets where you can purchase almost anything. As well as bordering the Maasai lands it is also the only Capital City in the world with a National Park.”

Discover Kenya

Volunteer in South Africa

Discover South Africa

Volunteering in South Africa will exceed any expectations you have - so leave them at home! Not only will you fill your heart and discover a new sense of purpose, you will make life-long friends from all over the world in a city like no other. Cape Town will soon become your second home where you’ll get to experience life-changing adventures while giving back to people and communities who need it most.

  • Choose from 5 project options, including Surf Outreach, Animal Care and Childcare
  • Prices from only $25 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in a volunteer house in a coastal surfing town
  • Spend your free-time at the beach and your weekends on safari!
Discover South Africa

Volunteer Rating

9.05/10 rating9.05/10
Program support 8.71
Volunteer work 8.93
Accommodation 8.38
Meals 7.59
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Recommendation from Mariana

Recommended by Mariana

IVHQ Travel Expert

“Volunteering in Cape Town offers you the perfect mix of experiencing a colorful coastal city with beautiful natural scenery, while becoming part of the local community. You will be accommodated in a relaxed surfing community and can spend your volunteering hours assisting youth development initiatives through education and sports development, or provide hands-on support in caring for at-risk animals at a local animal shelter.”

Discover South Africa

Volunteer in Ghana

Discover Ghana

“Best experience in my life” is the most common feedback we receive from IVHQ volunteers in Ghana. It’s the locals who go out of their way to ensure you feel welcomed into their community and empowered to make a genuine impact.

Through exchanging cultures, learning about new ways of life, volunteering and sharing this life-changing experience with a crew of like-minded volunteers, Ghana will forever hold a special place in your heart. Spend your weekends exploring colorful beach towns, visiting Ghana’s historic sites like Cape Coast or getting lost in the tropical rainforest reserve of Kakum National Park and experiencing the Canopy Walk.

  • Choose from 7 project options, including Teaching English, Medical, Childcare and Construction and Renovation
  • Prices from only $22 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in a volunteer house within a local village
Discover Ghana

Volunteer Rating

8.6/10 rating8.6/10
Program support 9.0
Volunteer work 8.95
Accommodation 8.6
Meals 8.69
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Recommendation from Sammy

Recommended by Sammy

IVHQ Travel Expert

“If you are looking for change from your day-to-day routine and want to truly immerse yourself into another culture; the Ghana program should definitely be on your list! With a wide range of projects offering many different methods of volunteering, there is something for everyone in Ghana. This program is the ultimate cultural immersion experience and volunteers regularly sign up again as Ghana holds a place in their hearts.”

Discover Ghana

Volunteer in Zambia

Discover Zambia

Seeing the smiles of the community elders and the laughter of the children you’ll be playing with each day is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. This is the perfect Africa volunteer program for volunteers who want to be part of a tight-knit community with the guidance and support of a super accommodating local team who will ensure you have a memorable experience. Pop over the border to experience the wonder of the world, Victoria Falls, or take a safari through the many game reserves at your doorstep. The best advice - come with an open mind and you will be blown away by the impact the trip will have on you and those around you.

  • Choose from 6 project options, including Childcare, Medical, Teaching and Construction and Renovation
  • Prices from only $21 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in either a volunteer house in Livingstone
  • With national parks, adventure activities and Victoria Falls in your backyard, there’s no shortage of adventures for your free-time!
Discover Zambia

Volunteer Rating

9.1/10 rating9.1/10
Program support 8.76
Volunteer work 8.86
Accommodation 8.62
Meals 8.01
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Recommendation from Mariana

Recommended by Mariana

IVHQ Travel Expert

“If you're looking for a close-knit program where you'll quickly feel like part of the community, Zambia is a wonderful choice. This is a fantastic program for first-time travellers, families, older volunteers and couples alike.”

Discover Zambia

Volunteer in Madagascar

Discover Madagascar

While living and volunteering on a private island in Madagascar, you’ll have the opportunity to disconnect, appreciate the simple things in life and form greater connections with the people around you. The communities in Madagascar show you that happiness is in the simplest things. Their laughs, their smiles, their warmth will fill your soul. Come prepared for the best experience ever.

  • Choose from 6 project options, including Marine Conservation, Turtle Conservation, Forest Conservation and Teaching
  • Prices from only $31 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in open-air huts on the island of Nosy Komba
Discover Madagascar

Volunteer Rating

8.53/10 rating8.53/10
Program support 8.43
Volunteer work 8.67
Accommodation 7.99
Meals 6.78
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Recommendation from Sammy

Recommended by Sammy

IVHQ Travel Expert

“IVHQ’s Madagascar program is the perfect match for volunteers looking to unplug from their everyday lives! Tucked away on a remote island, the rustic camp is the perfect base to immerse oneself into the Malagasy lifestyle. With the Marine, Forest and Turtle Conservation projects offering volunteers a chance to make a real impact on the local and wider environment, Madagascar is very popular with eco-warriors! There are also Teaching and Community projects for those who want to engage with the local community to help make a difference.”

Discover Madagascar

Volunteer in Morocco

Discover Morocco

Looking for a holiday with a much greater sense of purpose? While volunteering in Morocco with IVHQ, you’ll have the special opportunity to stay with a local host family and experience this beautiful country in a much more meaningful and memorable way. By living with a local Moroccan family, exchanging points of view with other volunteers, learning about the local lifestyle and language from the locals you’ll be volunteering with are experiences you will remember for a lifetime.

  • Choose from 7 project options, including Teaching English, Teaching French, Childcare and Women’s Education
  • Prices from only $24 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in a homestay with a local family
Discover Morocco

Volunteer Rating

8.61/10 rating8.61/10
Program support 8.61
Volunteer work 8.49
Accommodation 8.98
Meals 9.33
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Recommendation from Jasmin

Recommended by Jasmin

IVHQ Travel Expert

“Not only will you get the chance to be fully immersed in Moroccan culture as you stay with a local Moroccan family while you are on the program but you also get the chance to explore Morocco’s vibrant capital city, Rabat, and the history and astounding architecture that decorates its streets while getting the chance to give back to a local community on either our Childcare project, Sports Development project, Teaching English or French project, Women’s Education project or Ramadan project.”

Discover Morocco

Volunteer in South Africa - Kruger

Discover Kruger

If you’re looking for a Wildlife Conservation project in South Africa with the opportunity to live and work within the world renowned Kruger Park, this is the chance of a lifetime! Not only will have the opportunity to support local conservationists with a range of protection and research activities, you’ll meet volunteers from all over the world, learn about new cultures and form friendships that’ll last a lifetime.

  • Unique Wildlife Conservation project based within Kruger National Park
  • Prices from only $41 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in dormitory-style volunteer houses in a safari camp
Discover Kruger

Volunteer Rating

8.47/10 rating8.47/10
Program support 9.25
Volunteer work 9.08
Accommodation 8.25
Meals 8.17
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Recommendation from Mariana

Recommended by Mariana

IVHQ Travel Expert

“The role volunteers perform on the Wildlife Conservation project in Kruger Park is crucial for the survival and wellbeing of local wildlife. If you are passionate about nature, enjoy working outdoors and don't mind some physical work and getting your hands dirty, this program should be on your bucket list! Not only will you be part of a team working on protecting animal species in the African savannah, you will also have the unique experience of living and working in a private game reserve where you have the opportunity to see wildlife every day during game safaris.”

Discover Kruger

Volunteer in Zanzibar

Discover Zanzibar

If supporting conservation projects on one of Africa’s most idyllic islands sounds like your kind of vacation, Zanzibar is ready for you! Here you’ll be supporting local initiatives that aim to protect and preserve the natural environment and its wildlife through a range of conservation and sustainability activities and community education programs.

  • Choose from 2 project options: Turtle Conservation or Rainforest and Coastal Conservation
  • Prices from only $30 per day
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation is in a beachside bungalow or forest camp
Discover Zanzibar

Volunteer Rating

8.19/10 rating8.19/10
Program support 8.78
Volunteer work 8.48
Accommodation 7.59
Meals 8.11
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Recommendation from Claire

Recommended by Claire

IVHQ Travel Expert

“The stunning white sand beaches of Zanzibar offer volunteers the perfect spot to sit and watch the sunset on the horizon and the perfect spot for year round swimming and snorkeling. As well as the stunning beaches volunteers can also visit Stone Town, which is the home to historical buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th Century and the Freddie Mercury Museum, as (fun fact) he was born and raised on the island until the age of 8.”

Discover Zanzibar

Excited to get started?

Once you’re ready to volunteer, simply submit your free application online to check your eligibility. You can apply for any date up to 3 years into the future!

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