Africa is the continent where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan and Harry, fell in love. It holds a special place in their hearts, as well as Meghan’s wedding finger which shines a glamorous diamond from Botswana. Aside from their intimate fairy-tale, the royals spread their love throughout Africa by volunteering and directly contributing to a variety of charitable organisations. The Global Work and Travel Co has curated a list of the best volunteering trips to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to follow in the charitable footsteps of the world’s favourite royal family.
Prince Harry is known for his work with Rhino Conservation Botswana, aiming to protect one of Africa’s most iconic species. The prince has witnessed the cruelty inflicted by poachers on innocent rhinos’ first-hand, offering his support and skills to make a real difference. Named as the official United Kingdom Patron, Prince Harry cleared thorn bushes from the sedated rhinos’ environment to allow the fitting of tracking devices. These devices monitored heart rates, breathing rates and oxygen levels to keep the animals’ safe. Similar to the work of Prince Harry, The Global Work & Travel Co. VO-48 Endangered Wildlife Program allows volunteers to get up close and personal with white rhinos, lions, cheetahs and many other species. From pro-tracking and anti-poaching to national park excursions, volunteers are able to live their best life while making a positive impact in Hoedspruit, South Africa. Offered 13 times per year, this program runs for 21 days with travel, accommodation and meals all included.
Prior to Prince Harry’s Botswana trip, he spent a few days with Meghan in Malawi. The royals helped move hundreds of elephants more than 200 miles to Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. This kept the elephants safe from any conflict with humans. The Global VO-10 Elephant Conservation program and Helping Local Farmers project in Nambia focuses on building infrastructure to prevent future conflicts between locals and elephants. Since water sources are scarce, volunteers build frameworks that support farmers and elephants, monitoring the herds’ health and movements. This flexible program runs from two weeks to one month, suitable for those with busy schedules.
If animals aren’t your thing, the prince is also a co-founder of the Sentebale charity that helps local children in Africa. Sentebale supports the wellbeing and mental health of children, along with young people who are affected by HIV in Botswana and Lesotho. The educational programs offered provide disadvantaged children with the necessary tools that are required to build happy and healthy futures. Similar to this project, The VO-74 Healthcare Heroes in Zanzibar recruits volunteers that are willing to work alongside medical professionals to improve healthcare for millions of island residents. Volunteers can choose to stay from four weeks to as long as six months, assisting medical departments in Mnazi Mmoja Hospital. Like all other projects at The Global Work and Travel Co, this trip has all-inclusive features to make volunteering stress-free. Other community programs include: The VO-33 Cape Town Community, The VO-35 Zanzibar Community and The VO-12 Tanzania Community.
Prince Harry once told ITV, “If you can’t affect politics and change the big things in the world then just do whatever you can do — whether it’s in your local community, your village, your local church — walking down the street, opening a door for an old lady, or helping them cross the road.” The Global Work and Travel Co’s diverse range of programs in Africa are opportunities to make a positive difference, just like your favourite royals.
For more information on these programs, log on to https://globalworkandtravel.com/volunteer/africa
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