Vacations are a great way to get away from it all and recharge your internal batteries from the drains of daily living. Traveling to far off places, seeing amazing sites and meeting new people can refresh both the body and mind. But sometimes you need something more—a vacation that helps not only you, but others as well. In South Africa, there are a number of volunteer programs that allow you to take a vacation, see a new part of the world, get involved with the local culture, and help other people who are working to make the world a better place. When you sign up for one of these unique vacation opportunities, you’ll often receive free transportation within Africa to your location, housing and accommodations, meals, training and many chances to have side trips, so it’s an economic way to experience the country as well! Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer for these safe, eco-friendly, once-in-a-lifetime trips to help support endangered wildlife or make a difference in the lives of South African children.
We all hear about the tragic loss of wildlife and their natural habitat on the news. But there is only so much we can do from our homes to stop it. But by getting involved in a hands-on way with a South African volunteer program, you can help make a real difference in the world. There are programs to help with big cats on sanctuaries (in farm-like settings), and programs that letyou take care of lions, tigers, elephants, zebras, and more. There are opportunities to go on safari on horseback on reserves or help with endangered wildlife out in the bush. There are even volunteer opportunities to help with marine life, like dolphins, seals, and endangered Great White Sharks and African penguins.
When you decide to go on a volunteer vacation to South Africa, you may very well wonder what to expect. Volunteer services vary from place to place so it’s best to do your research before you decide on which trip will best suit your needs and interests. As a good starting point, head to Volunteersa.com, which will show you how a top-tier, professional organization runs their volunteer programs. They know that while conservation is crucial to the continued health of wildlife in Africa, there are also wonderful opportunities to help in South African communities, particularly with ill, disabled or orphaned children. Volunteering with children can be some of the most rewarding work you can ever do. Everyone benefits from the love given to children and the love that children give back. When you interact with people in the local communities, don’t forget to be considerate of the local culture in South Africa (or any foreign country you visit, for that matter).
Going on vacation can be a great way to not just relax and unwind, but also to grow as a person. When you sign up for a South Africa volunteer program, you open yourself to the opportunity to meet new people, experience new things, and help make our world a better place. And what could be a better vacation than that?
