Travel Safety in Africa - Safe volunteer work

At African Impact, we place the highest level of importance on the safety of our volunteers. We are part of an established travel company with more than 20 years experience in operations on the ground in Africa and have a proud safety record.

We also understand that travel safety in Africa and personal security are one of the prime concerns for many visitors to Africa. In reality, we believe the continent is just as safe — if not safer — than most travel destinations. You will be given 24-hour field support at any African Impact placement that you join, and our highly experienced volunteer coordinators are always on hand to offer you their guidance and support.

As a volunteer you are also welcomed into the local communities because you are involved in making a difference in their lives and they embrace your presence. However, we do believe that it its also up to each traveller to come prepared and to be informed and responsible.

Safe & Supervised Volunteer Work in Africa

African Impact offers a safe and supervised environment for all volunteers, gap year students and travellers to encounter our remarkable continent. We ensure that parents, guardians and volunteers are fully aware of our stringent policy on safety in Africa.

We know that parents or guardians have many questions too, and have some useful information for parents.

When on your gap year in Africa, we guarantee the following:

• 24-hour field support
• Guidance and assistance from experienced volunteer coordinators
• A welcome into the local communities
  

As in all countries, tourists to Africa can sometimes become targets due to their relative wealth. Your personal travel safety in Africa will be fine as long as you aware of the basic safety precautionary measures.

If you have read this section in detail and are slightly overcome with all the safety issues please contact us for more details.

Safety Guidelines for Volunteers & Gap Year Students

Be Informed

• One of the biggest dangers of travelling is ignorance and arrogance. One must always remember to take precautions.
• Do your research and don't believe everything the media portrays. Rather read through reputable travel guides and publications, such as the Lonely Planet guide.

• Look through travel websites for blogs and forums of others who may have travelled to the same destinations that you plan to visit.

Be Prepared

• Check the web - Updates of projects / countries are regularly posted on the website by African Impact. We would never encourage a volunteer to go to a country we feel is unsafe.
• Stay in touch - Inform friends or family of how they can reach you whilst you are on your gap year placement. Your cell phone will work at almost every project if it is activated with international roaming - contact your cellular provider about this before you leave!
• Keep copies - Prepare additional photocopies of your important travel documents to carry with you as well as to leave with friends or family. Please visit our visas and travel documents section if you are unsure about the facts regarding visa, passports, work permits and other travel documents that you might need while in Africa.

• Luggage - Have lockable luggage and keep important documents and your cash in a safe place upon arrival. Don't bring fancy luggage as this will only draw unwanted attention to you.

On the road

• Stick together - Travelling alone isn't advisable; it’s best to stay in a group of people that you trust. Tell others your destination, route and ETA. Always keep your luggage padlocked and never let it out of your sight in unsecured places.
• Street savvy - Be wary of con artists! Do not deal with black-market currency traders in particular; if they’re not out to con you themselves, they’re often involved with a scam with the local authorities and then you’ll be fined for illegal dealings. Always look out for normal pickpocket tricks such as being bumped into, distracted or crowded.
• Steer clear of ‘spying’ - Certain countries and officials are markedly suspicious of foreigners, particularly from nations with whom their country has strained relations. As a rule don’t take photos of any structure, person, occasion or situation that may be of strategic, military or political importance, at least not without asking beforehand.
• Health and Vaccinations - Ensure you have the correct vaccinations before you depart. Please review our section about which vaccinations for Africa you need to get before you go on holiday.