Has volunteering in Africa info been monopolizing your web browser tabs? Have you been scouring the interwebs wondering if you could volunteer in Africa for free? Well, probably not. There’s a good chance you’ll have to fork over some money. But, hakuna matata! Volunteer in Africa for free opportunities are rare. However, you can still do it at a totally low-cost price. That’s because there are tons of low cost programs out there. Plus, there are a heap of ways to trim down volunteer in Africa costs too.
Are you ready to volunteer in Africa at a doable cost? And how does pairing all that with evening walks under gorgeous African sunsets sound? If you thought all of this good stuff was out of reach, think again. Read on for our secrets on how to volunteer in Africa at an affordable cost.
Why so few free volunteer in Africa programs?
When you search “how to volunteer in Africa for free”, you might be surprised by how few volunteer programs pop up. So, why is that?
The priority for resources is on communities first. Most African nations are still considered to be developing. That means needs in local communities and development projects are high, leaving little room for sponsoring volunteers! As a volunteer, your goal should be to come to Africa to help fill a need, not deepen it.
The best Africa volunteer programs operate through volunteer fees. Quality volunteer programs with a strong track record of results cost money to run. Africa volunteer programs’ expenses include anything from host family and staff stipends to rent for volunteer housing. The best volunteer in Africa programs are not financial burdens on local communities. And that’s only possible because most of their expenses are covered by volunteer program fees.
Free volunteer work in Africa still comes with a price.
Flying to Africa adds up. Another reason why it’s unlikely you’ll be able to volunteer in Africa for free? Airfare. Unless you’re coming from Europe or the Middle East, flying to African countries can get pricey. There are fewer airlines going the long distances to African nations, driving ticket prices up. So, unless you’ve racked up a ton of skymiles, your flight will be one of your biggest expenses.
Traveling cash is a must. Cardinal volunteer abroad rule number 1: always have cash saved up while abroad. It’s always important to have emergency funds or a little change for buying a comforter on those surprisingly chilly South African winter nights (who knew Africa got so cold?!). You’re going to need money for any unexpected surprises. “Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them” – Miriam Makeba
9 ways to cut your volunteer in Africa costs
So you’ve crunched all those volunteer in Africa numbers above. You were thinking “I want to volunteer in Africa!” But now you know that free volunteer work in Africa is what you’re probably in for. Feeling a little bummed and discouraged? Don’t be! Here’s a little positivity for ya: aside from airfare, most African nations are some of the cheapest places in the world to volunteer abroad. Are you coming from the West? Then the low cost of living in many parts of Africa means your dollars will go far. We can’t tell you how to volunteer in Africa for free. But there are steps you can take to bring the cost of volunteering down, like…
We’re all here to help you find budget volunteer trips in Africa!
1. Exchanges
Do you have valuable skills that could be put to use in an African country? Then you could seriously reduce volunteer in Africa costs through an exchange. Exchange programs match up your skills with the needs of a local organization. Then they cover a good chunk of your volunteer fees (and maybe even give you a small stipend) in exchange for your work. So, if you’ve got lifeguarding, first aid, or other hardcore skills, you’ll get put your passion to a good cause. Do a google search for paid volunteer work in Africa and see what exchanges come up.
2. Scholarships
Are you a student thinking about volunteering abroad in Africa? Then it’s time to pay a visit to your academic adviser. They’ll have the lowdown on financial aid available to help pay volunteer abroad fees. You should aim for scholarships geared toward student travel, humanitarian causes, or for students in specific fields (you’ll increase your chance of being selected). Our scholarships guide is another great place to start your search. You can also look for volunteer programs in Africa that offer their own scholarships as well.
3. Fundraise
The thought of asking others for money can feel super cringy. Yet, when it comes to lowering volunteer abroad costs, fundraising is a legit way raise the cash. So how do you convince people to donate to your Africa volunteer dreams? Show off your genuine volunteer in Africa interests to friends, family, and other potential donors. Then, throw a stellar fundraiser! Humbly tell everyone you know, “I want to volunteer in Africa and this is how you can help me.” It’s not everyday that someone decides to up and go to Africa to volunteer. Folks to be impressed by your interests in heading all the way to Africa for a worthy cause. Our FundMyTravel tool will help you create an effective volunteer in Africa fundraiser.
4. Plan for minimal Africa excursions
While volunteering in Africa, you’ll be tempted to sprinkle in some getaways to nearby countries. Think carefully: do you really want to spend less? Then it’s best to stick around in-country. Apply to programs that focus more on community experiences than excursions—which by the way is totally okay! Why? Because there’s plenty to do, see, and learn right inside the African country you volunteer in. Don’t feel like you’re missing out by not visiting other countries. This won’t be your only chance to #travelAfrica. Just you can do more African traveling down the line when you can afford it. Shift your mindset about volunteer in Africa experiences and enjoy all the awesomeness your local community has to offer.
5. Pay attention to your budget
If you want to experience low cost volunteer abroad in Africa, now’s not the time for glamour shots / luxury travel.
Afro-contemporary thatch roof homes…five star dining with the finest game meat. If you’re not careful, lavish African living gets expensive…fast! So, if your volunteer in Africa budget is tight, lower your standards. Scratch off any programs with cushy accommodations and amenities because they’ll have a higher price tag. Sure, housekeeping and your own flat would be great. Yet, you’ll save so much more with programs with more basic digs. Eating braaid (bbq’d) meat at the open market will cost you way less than brunch at a lodge. Riding a boda boda to your volunteer project is cheaper than Uber. Living like the locals and not the tourists saves bank. Plus, the non-touristy route practically guarantees deeper cultural immersion—a huge part of volunteering abroad in Africa.
6. Go for more affordable destinations
Where you volunteer plays a big role in how much you’ll have to spend. Cheaper locales mean lower program fees and everyday expenses such as food and transportation. For example, Ghana is said to be the most expensive country in Africa to live in. And last year, many websites ranked Luanda, Angola as the world’s most expensive city! So, if you’re on limited funds, volunteer outside of capital cities. Or, consider volunteering in less expensive African countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
7. Plan ahead
Another brilliant way to chop down volunteer in Africa costs? Plan, plan, plan! Planning ahead gives you time to discover affordable and reputable volunteer programs in Africa. While if you rush your research, you’ll likely miss out on the good steals. You can use our MyGoAbroad tool, compare programs side by side, and start planning now!
Another huge reason to start planning for volunteering in Africa like, yesterday? Flight alerts! The earlier you set them up, the better position you’ll be to snag airfare deals. Whatever you do, DON’T try to volunteer in Africa for a low cost at the last minute. It ain’t happenin! Take the time to thoroughly research and save up as much dough as you can. The smarter you plan the less money volunteering in Africa will cost ya.
8. Do you
And by that we mean, organizing your own volunteer abroad experience! No programs, no middle men… just you and your favorite organization in Africa. This cuts out all the added expenses that come with structured volunteer programs. You will save a bunch of money. And, you will also have A LOT of responsibility. You will have to choose (and vet) what organization you want to volunteer at and probably organize your housing and transportation.
Unless you travel with friends, you won’t have the built-in social network that volunteer programs provide. Think you’re cut out for it? Find a school that needs extra teachers and apply to volunteer. Interested in medicine? Reach out to a health care facility in-country. If you want to volunteer in Africa with animals, email a local conservation society.
You can create your own free volunteer abroad programs in Africa if you have an independent streak.
9. Moonlight as a freelancer
Did you think you had to choose between volunteering and earning money? That’s just not true! Sure, paid volunteer work in Africa isn’t common. However, many volunteers have free time after project hours. So why not do a little digital nomading on the side? Let’s say your volunteer project at the local orphanage ends by four each day. You could tutor online or freelance write a few evenings a week for income. Set your Paypal account up before you leave home. Then, find out the best way to access your money while overseas.
Note: Don’t pick up a formal job in-country—you’ll need a work visa for this! As a volunteer, your immigration status may prohibit you from officially working. Sticking to online gigs is a safer route.
6 budget volunteer in Africa programs to put on your list
Here’s our roundup of some of the best Africa volunteer programs that are a steal—yes, with the right amount of research, you can find low cost and practically free volunteer abroad programs in Africa. You will have to pay a program fee and you will be doing free volunteer work in Africa. After all, you’re going to Africa to volunteer your time. However, these programs offer a combo of great value, proven positive effects in African communities, and excellent reviews from former volunteers in Africa.
1. Connect-123
Have you been itching to catch the waves in South Africa and give back while you’re at it? Connect-123 offers the perfect opportunity do just that in their Cape Town program. You can sign up for their economic volunteer program. Or, if conservation is your thing, become an environmental volunteer. Connect-123 has plenty of projects areas to match your volunteering interests and skills.
- Where? South Africa
- Cost: ~$2450 flat fee for all Cape Town projects which typically last from one to six months
- Related: Read Connect 123 reviews
Sometimes, life comes at you fast, and gets overwhelming too. That’s why taking a breather volunteering in Africa with Plan My Gap Year is just the fix. You can totally do a volunteering gap year in Ghana, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, or Tanzania and make a positive difference at an affordable cost. Are you looking for a long-term volunteer in Africa gap year? PMGY offers a round the world volunteering gap year that includes 12 weeks of volunteering in Africa.
- Where? Ghana, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, or Tanzania
- Cost: Starting at ~$375
- Related: Read PMGY reviews
Voted a 2017 top volunteer abroad org by Go Abroad (yea, that’s us!), African Impact is one of your best bargains for all things volunteer in Africa! The company offers community and conservation volunteer programs in over ten African countries. (These guys offer some incredible volunteer in Africa with animals projects too!) Keep an eye on their website too because they offer volunteer discounts at different times of the year.
- Where? Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Cost: Starting at ~$1375 for ten days and up
- Related: Read African Impact reviews
If you’re looking to save BIG volunteering in Africa, then IVHQ is your go-to. They even profess to be the most affordable way to volunteer in Africa. And, there are even more perks to volunteering with IVHQ. They’ve got over ten years of experience, programs on every corner of the continent, and loads of different volunteering projects to choose from.
- Where? Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Cost: Starting at ~$250 a week
- Related: Read IVHQ reviews
5. Cross Cultural Solutions (CCS)
With volunteer programs in Morocco, Tanzania, and Ghana, CCS offers a top notch volunteer in Africa experience. Volunteers can choose from one of CCS’ volunteering “impact areas” including education and healthcare. From giving individualized support to students to working on healthcare campaigns, you’ll be working with an org with a history of making a sustainable difference in local communities.
- Where? Morocco, Tanzania, Ghana
- Cost: Programs are available for 1-12 weeks with program fees starting at $2490.
- Related: Read CCS reviews
6. Peace Corps
Why pay out of pocket when you can volunteer on the U.S. government’s dime? That’s right, join the Peace Corps. You’ll have not one but TWO years of volunteering in Africa paid for. You may have a few upfront expenses like dental checks to pay. But the vast majority of your “service” will be covered. And when your two years are up, you’ll get a nice stipend as well. And the great thing about Peace Corps is that they’ve programs all over Africa. If you want to volunteer in Africa for free, you’ll come pretty close with Peace Corps.
- Where? All over
- Related: Visit the Peace Corps website
[Browse ALL Africa Volunteer Programs]
Whether volunteering in Africa for free or not, it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make
Africa volunteer programs are truly worth the effort.
It’s almost impossible to volunteer in Africa for free. However, now you understand that the lack of free volunteer abroad programs in Africa isn’t a bad thing—because your time and money are directly connected to the effectiveness of a project. However, this is an experience that will be money.well.spent. So you thought you were just going to help? Don’t be surprised if you leave with even more in return. There’s the inevitable warm friendships that many nations are known for. And as a volunteer, you’ll gain grassroots insight into how the continent is evolving past it’s colonial histories.
Finally, many African nations are also still undersaturated volunteer destinations, making for a truly authentic trailblazing experience. So what part of Africa is calling your spirit? Senegal in the West or Uganda in the East? No matter where you’re looking, with the proper time and research, you can make volunteering in Africa an incredible and unforgettable reality.
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