International Volunteers Abroad
Where Adventure Meets Compassion
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AFRICA
Cape Verde
Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands situated in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. Known for its stunning landscapes, Cape Verde boasts a blend of golden sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and vibrant towns. Its capital, Praia, located on the largest island of Santiago, serves as the political and cultural hub. The country's Creole Portuguese-African culture is reflected in its music, particularly morna—a melancholic and soulful genre popularized by the late Cesária Évora. Despite limited natural resources, Cape Verde has achieved political stability and significant development, relying heavily on tourism, agriculture, and remittances from its diaspora. The islands offer a unique mix of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences, making them a rich cultural destination with warm hospitality and a laid-back atmosphere.
Ghana
This multicultural nation is in the western region of Africa, south of the Sahara. Bordered by the Togo in the east, Burkina Faso in the north, Ivory Coast in the west and the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. Ghana's President is both head of state and head of the government. They now have one of Africa's strongest economies, which together with their democratic political system have made them to a regional power in West Africa.
This country has succeeded in keeping its culture alive for centuries making it an amazing place to visit. Its diverse geography and ecology ranges from coastal savannahs to tropical jungles. Once known as the gold coast, Ghana is the second largest producer of gold in Africa and today Ghana is also the second largest producer of cocoa beans in the world.
Kenya
The first thing that might pop to mind when thinking of Kenya are lions, zebras and leopards. However, this vast country has much more to offer. With 40 national parks and reserves scattered around the country, Kenya features almost every landscape and activity that you can imagine and it will suit any type of traveller’s palette.
Undeniably, safaris are the core of tourism in Kenya, but you might also venture in deeper and discover the Maasai, a semi-nomadic tribe known for its color-filled adornments. Nairobi is another destination to explore, with its bustling nightlife and unique vibes. For those who love nature, a visit to the Great Rift Valley is a must. And for those who enjoy chilling at the beach, Kenya’s coastal area covers almost 80,000 square kilometers and remains sun-filled during most of the year!
Madagascar
Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island, lies off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, around 90% of its wildlife, including iconic species like lemurs, baobab trees, and chameleons, is found nowhere else on Earth. This unique ecosystem has earned Madagascar the nickname "The Eighth Continent." Its diverse landscapes range from tropical rainforests and arid deserts to coral reefs and pristine beaches. The capital city, Antananarivo, is a bustling hub with a mix of traditional Malagasy culture and French colonial influences. Despite its rich natural resources and cultural heritage, Madagascar faces challenges such as poverty, deforestation, and climate vulnerability. The Malagasy people, known for their warmth and hospitality, contribute to a vibrant cultural tapestry through music, dance, and traditional crafts, making Madagascar an intriguing destination for travelers and researchers alike.
Malawi
Known as "The Warm Heart of Africa", Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that is bordered by Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It was settled by migrating Bantu groups in the 10th century and was later colonized by the British in 1891. In 1953 Malawi, then known as Nyasaland, a protectorate of the United Kingdom, became a protectorate within the semi-independent Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, this ended in 1963. Nyasaland became an independent country a year later under Queen Elizabeth II with the new name Malawi. Two years later it became a republic and gained its independence.
Many of today’s Malawians are descendants of the Bantu people who moved across Africa and into Malawi for hundreds of years up to the fifteenth century.It is a country that welcomes all who wish to experience the incomparable combination of environment, wildlife & culture in one of Africa's most beautiful and diverse countries.
Mauritius
The beautiful island Mauritius is a famous tropical travel destination lying in the Indian Ocean, about 2000 km away from the southeast coast of the African continent. The country was known by different names throughout the past as it was visited by a number of nations from time to time. And it was only in the year 1638 that the country was inhabited after the establishment of a colony by the Dutch republic. And later, in 1710 the Dutch colony was abandoned and then became a French colony five years later giving the island the name “Isle de France”. The country became a republic in the year 1992 under the commonwealth nations and currently, it is the 3rd most attractive tourist destination in the region due to its breathtakingly gorgeous beaches and the tropical forests. And in addition to this, the country owns the world’s third-largest coral reef which surrounds the island as well.
Rwanda
Despite its brutal and quite recent history, Rwanda has lifted itself up from the ground and has undergone an almost miraculous transformation since the occurrences of 1994 and now boasts unity, stability and a slowly growing bright future.
With bamboo forests, awe-strucking volcanoes and mountains, gorillas roaming about its jungles, rich culture, dances and more, Rwanda is well-prepared to show how it has recovered in the past decade and is ready to show you what it has got to offer with arms wide open!
South Africa
South Africa is a vast country with an incredible variety in landscapes, people, traditions, languages, cuisines and more. The country is often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation” due to its population diversity. The country is also renowned for its wines, so make sure not to miss these while you are here!
While big cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg can look quite first worldly, most of the country has remained underdeveloped. This is a perfect example of the economic inequality that exists in the country.
South Africa is an ideal destination for those interested in nature and it is incredibly varied in terms of landscapes. The country boasts a large number of National Parks such as Kruger, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is located in the desert, Addo Elephant National Park, Simangaliso Wetland Park and many more. It is also a great place to spot the “Big Five” (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and White/Black rhinoceros) as well as a wide range of other species.
All in all, South Africa is an ideal place to start if you wish to travel in southern Africa and get a good insight into the region.
Tanzania
Tanzania is a large country in Eastern Africa within the African Great Lakes region. Parts of the country are in Southern Africa and it is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south; and by the Indian Ocean to the east. It is home to Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, in its northeastern region and is considered the Safari capital of the world!
Tanzania is a presidential constitutional republic, and since 1996, its official capital city has been Dodoma, where the President's Office, the National Assembly, and some government ministries are located. Dar es Salaam, the former capital and its largest city, retains most government offices and is the country's principal port and leading commercial centre.
Uganda
For a small country, Uganda has everything an adventurer could wish for. It has everything and more than its neighbouring countries do, including the famous “Big Five” must see animals of Africa. More than that, the country is home to the tallest mountain range and largest lake in Africa. Half the remaining mountain gorillas in the world reside in this country, making wildlife watching a unique experience!
Zenzibar
Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is a tropical paradise renowned for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural history. The main islands, Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, offer a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences, reflecting the archipelago’s vibrant history as a key trading hub in the Indian Ocean. Stone Town, Zanzibar's historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow streets adorned with carved wooden doors, bustling bazaars, and centuries-old mosques. Zanzibar is also famed for its spice plantations, earning it the nickname "Spice Island." Visitors can explore the island's lush tropical landscapes, swim in its clear coral-filled waters, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Swahili culture. The local cuisine, heavily infused with spices, is a highlight of any visit, making Zanzibar a must-see destination for lovers of history, nature, and the sea.