The Top 5 Countries In Africa To Volunteer in 2015

The Top 5 Countries In Africa To Volunteer in 2015
By Dronacharya Dave

"I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy".
- Ernest Hemingway

The charisma and aura of Africa are not new to travelers. As a destination, Africa has something for everyone. Rich and varied wildlife, beautiful landscapes and some of the most interesting tribal communities in the world, Africa, with an amalgamation of more than 54 countries, is at the top of every tourist's must-visit list.

A lot has already been said and written about this majestic continent and I believe that one visit is just not enough to experience everything it has to offer. But, apart from the many reasons that we are already aware of, there is a flip side to life in Africa.

Many countries in Africa have faced some of the most ravaging calamities over the years - Be it the horrifying drought of 1981-84, which claimed more than a million lives, or the ongoing epidemic of the Ebola virus, which, thankfully, has been stemmed after a year of death and havoc. All of this warrants somewhat extreme volunteer measures in different parts of Africa. While one can choose to join any of the volunteer programs, a much more convenient way would be to go via a placement agency. Not only do they help you choose the right program and destination, depending on your field of interest and skill level, they also take good care of you and ensure proper arrangements are made for your accommodation and stay.

Here are the top 5 countries in Africa that not only need skilled volunteering work but also have some of the most scintillating tourist attractions in all of Africa:

Ghana (West Africa)

The word "Ghana" in the native tongue means "the warrior king", and the citizens of this country stand true to this definition. Withstanding the deadly Ebola virus endemic, which has affected the western part of the continent the worst, the people of Ghana have displayed the strength of a true warrior.

As a volunteer, one has the opportunity to help improve the life of the less privileged. There are opportunities to work at orphanage centers, teach at local schools, help in community development and provide support in healthcare departments. You get the flexibility to choose the amount of time you want to spend on a program. It is advised that you spend at least a month with the volunteering program.

Adding a spark to the volunteering program in Ghana are the warm and welcoming people of the place, lip-smacking local food, and some of the finest architecture. It also has some of the best turquoise beaches in Africa. Lake Volta, the largest reservoir by surface area in the world, is a major attraction here.

Best Time to Go: May to October

Trip advice: Wildlife Safari is a must. Also, coming back without sampling the delicious cuisine will leave your trip incomplete.

Kenya (East-Central Africa)

With the Indian Ocean forming a long coastline on the southeastern side, Kenya is one of Africa's most fascinating countries. From the "Big 5" - Africa's top wild attractions, the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) - to the Bomas and, of course, the Masai tribe, Kenya is full of things to look forward to.

Unfortunately, this beautiful land has been facing calamities for many years now. The deadliest has been the outbreak of Aids, apart from the malaria epidemic. Countless lives have been claimed by these diseases so far. According to a survey report, the doctor-to-patient ratio in Kenya is an alarming 1:17,000. Although, Kenya is considered to be one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, it is a morbid fact that half of the population survives below poverty level, dropping the life expectancy to 55 years of age. This is a clear call for action in the region and an act of altruism is highly anticipated.

Best time to go: Anytime of the year.

Trip advice: Avoid travelling at night on major highways in and out of Nairobi.

Morocco (north Africa)

Considered to be the jewel of Africa, Morocco is a magnificent amalgamation of Africa's best, including the Sahara desert, beaches carved by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coastlines, and snow-capped mountains of the Atlas range. Being one of three nations in the world to have both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coastlines, the country stands out from the other African nations, where the focus is not just on safaris and wildlife, but much more.

On arriving in this country, one feels that nothing can go wrong with this region. The bitter reality, however, is that the country has been ravaged by disasters over the years. While a life-wrecking drought hit the country in 1999, heavy floods have regularly wreaked havoc on the country. The less privileged need strong volunteering help. As a volunteer, you can teach students in local government schools. And then there are NGOs and community-building program that you can volunteer with, along with the orphanage as well as women's empowerment program.

Best time to go: October to May

Travel advice: The rainy season extends from November to March. Flash floods can be frequent and sometimes severe in this period. They can be dangerous, especially in the high Atlas valley. Monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Tanzania (east Africa)

High mountain peaks, exciting wildlife safaris and scintillating beaches, Tanzania has it all. It is considered the most visited country by tourists, especially for its safaris and hiking opportunities centered on Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, at 5,895 meters above sea level.

Unfortunately, this beautiful country has fallen prey to a lethal onslaught of AIDS. However, it's malaria that has proved to be bane of the region. As a volunteer, one can prove to be a life-changer for kids by teaching them, attending to them in orphanages and playing a significant role in community development.

Due to the increase in tourist footfall every year in Tanzania, there are a number of job opportunities here as well - a hold on the English language can prove to be of great help for the people here.

Best time to go: August to June

Trip advice: Take precautions in terms of health and personal safety.

South Africa

This country needs no introduction. South Africa is a country of Savannah grasslands, diverse wildlife and a multicultural society (with 11 official languages). Often termed as the "Rainbow Nation", South Africa is a complete tourist's paradise. With the south Atlantic and the Indian Ocean forming the coastline for about 2,800 km, you may run out of time and money, but not things to admire in this country.

However, despite being the strongest economy in Africa, the country is not free of its share of miseries. Apart from the ghost of racial discrimination which haunted the country for decades, the country has gone through devastating turmoil. There is a huge requirement of volunteer work in rural areas of the country in the departments of education, healthcare and child welfare.

Best time to go: April to November (September is the best)

Trip advice: South Africa is a safe destination with good hygiene standards. There are, nonetheless, some health issues that you should be aware of.

Africa is a fabulous continent and one simply cannot return home empty-handed. There are a bag full of experiences and stories to tell. What's more interesting is, if you tour all these five countries, you get to see all corners of the continent, North, East, West, Central and South, and hence, learn and see different cultures and ways of life. Volunteering Solutions, one of the leading volunteer abroad placement agencies, provides ample opportunities to volunteer in Africa. Not only are the programs extensive, they also make sure you have a comfortable and undisturbed program execution during your stay. For more information on volunteering in Africa, visit http://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/

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