Volunteer Trip To Africa?

Should I Volunteer in South Africa or Kenya?

• I'm planning a volunteer trip to Africa in June 2013 and cannot decide between just outside of Cape Town, South Africa and Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to culture, weather, etc. I ...show more

• Answer:

  Both countries are dangerous places, BUT if you are careful to stay in safe areas and follow advice about safe behaviour, then you should be fine. Cape Town itself is much more like a 1st world city, whereas Nairobi is very much "Africa". You need to find out more about what you what you will be expected to do, where you will be expected to do it, and what provision will be made for your safety. In both cities, you can have two areas only a mile apart, but a world apart in terms of safety. You need to know how you will be expected to get around - both for work and during your time off. I wouldn't use public transport in either country. Nairobi has better weather. Cape Town has snow in winter, and the wind can be so bad in summer that people actually get blown off their feet. However, in Cape Town, you can get the best medical treatment in the world, whereas medical treatment is pretty basic in Kenya. Neither city has malaria, but be aware that parts of both Kenya and SA do have malaria - so don't go to those areas without taking malaria tablets for the full prescribed time. In SA, never, ever go to areas where there are predominantly black people living - it would be like asking to be killed. In Kenya avoid the dangerous areas - take advice from the volunteer organisation you will be working for. Just be sensible, be careful, and you will have a great time, whichever county you choose.