Top 5 Countries to Volunteer Outdoors in for Adventurous Travelers
Although travelers who seek adventure may not realize it, they have a lot in common with those who combine travel with volunteering.
Adventure travel and volunteer travel both offer a unique perspective
on a new destination. Whether you’re zip lining over a forest in Costa
Rica or building a school for a local community in Russia, you are
engaging with your travel destination on a whole new level.
If
you’re an adventurer who’s new to the volunteering abroad world, don’t
fret, there are an infinite number of ways to get involved in
voluntourism. Some people may want to volunteer in the development
office of an NGO in Peru or teach English to Chinese students. However,
these more stationary positions might not be right for you. There are
plenty of ways to get outside and explore a new place while contributing
to the local community at the same time. These five countries offer
many wonderful opportunities to volunteer for those with an adventurous
spirit.
South Africa
South
Africa is a great place for a volunteer interested in conservation.
More than 20,000 different plant species can be found in South Africa,
making it one of the world’s megadiverse nations. Its wildlife also
makes South Africa a popular safari destination. Volunteers can work on
local wildlife reserves where activities may include building fences,
clearing trails, tracking and counting wildlife, feeding animals, and
more. Popular national parks include Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga
and Addo Elephant National Park. With numerous exciting ways to spend
your free time after volunteering, you will never get bored. The South
African coast, a popular scuba diving destination, is a great place to
volunteer with marine life, conservation, and just relax.
Ecuador
Ecuador
is known all over the world for its beautifully unique landscapes and
wildlife. The most popular types of volunteering in Ecuador are
conservation and teaching. While the two can be mutually exclusive,
there are also great opportunities to teach about sustainable practices
when it comes to wildlife and environmental conservation. The Amazon
rainforest and the Galapagos Islands’ extreme biodiversity ensure that
the outdoor explorer will stay busy in Ecuador. Various endangered and
near-endangered plants and animals in Ecuador benefit from volunteer
work that focuses on protecting these rare species (like jaguars, pumas,
and the howler monkey.) Unfortunately, human development and tourism
has had large impacts on the endangerment of these precious animals and
their habitats. Anyone looking for an adventure in Ecuador should look
into volunteering on a beach or in a forest in this beautiful country.
Cambodia
Cambodia,
located in Southeast Asia, is full of activities to keep a volunteer
busy in their free time. Try viewing the cities and ancient ruins by
bicycle or scuba diving to see the natural underwater wonders. A true
Cambodian adventure goes beyond fun outdoor activities. As a volunteer
you will live like a local while contributing to community development.
Lend a hand in Cambodia to fight growing social issues that separate the
rich from the poor. Volunteers are needed to support refugees and
homeless, work in health clinics, teach children, and more.
Ghana
Ghana
is another great place to get outdoors and experience one-of-a-kind
sights throughout the country. Similar to the other destinations on this
list, Ghana has a number of national parks and coastal areas where
volunteers can get their hands dirty. Help protect endangered elephants,
monkeys, and birds throughout the country in wildlife reserves and
parks. Sports fans will especially enjoy volunteering in Ghana –
children in Ghana are particularly interested in sports, which lends to
volunteer projects in sports development and coaching. Playing sports
with kids at local school is one of the most fun ways to contribute to
youth empowerment. Whatever your interest may be, there are a number of
ways to get involved with Ghana’s local community.
Thailand
A
volunteer trip to Thailand isn’t complete without a cultural adventure
and a volunteer project. The coast of Thailand and surrounding islands
offer great breathtaking opportunities to snorkel, scuba, surf, and
more. If water sports aren’t your thing, exploring Thailand’s tropical
forests is another great way to spend your time. The different types of
forest regions in Thailand are great for those interested in local
conservation and the impact of tourism on the land and wildlife.
Thailand has a number of elephant sanctuaries where you can get up close
and personal with these giant animals who are exploited regularly. Give
back to the local community by promoting sustainability, volunteering
at a national park, or teaching English at a school or monastery.
No
matter what kind of adventure travel you’re interested in, there are
plenty of ways to explore the world while volunteering, too. Whatever
efforts you can make to have a positive and meaningful impact on your
host community are important. Step outside of your comfort zone and find
an adventure volunteer program that fits your needs and interests.
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