What to Pack for a Volunteer Trip to Africa [+ Free Checklist]

Volunteering abroad is one of the most exciting and transformative experiences you can have — but knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time heading to Africa. Do you need hiking boots and sandals? Will your phone charger even work? Should you bring a water filter? 🤯

At Outreach Overseas, we’ve supported hundreds of volunteers in remote conservation camps, relaxed rural villages, bustling towns, and pristine islands across Africa. So here’s your ultimate volunteer packing guide, plus a free downloadable checklist to make planning a breeze.

🌍 First, Know Where You’re Going

Africa is massive, diverse, and regionally unique. Packing for a beachside marine conservation project in Madagascar is very different from preparing for wildlife work in the South African bush.

Before you pack, consider:

🏝 Climate — humid tropics or dry highlands?

🐘 Project type — marine, wildlife, medical, teaching?

🚿 Facilities — Will there be laundry? Clean water?

🤿 Activities — Are you hiking, diving, teaching, or building?

Packing Essentials: The Non-Negotiables

Travel Documents

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)
• Visa (check requirements — Madagascar = visa on arrival)
• Flight tickets and booking confirmations (printed + digital)
• Travel insurance details (including emergency numbers)
• Vaccination certificates (e.g. yellow fever if transiting certain countries)

Health & Safety

• Prescription medications (in original packaging)
• First aid basics: plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts, antiseptic cream
• Mosquito repellent (DEET-based for malaria zones)
• Sunscreen (reef-safe for marine projects)
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
• Reusable face mask (for dusty roads or travel)

Electronics

• Universal travel adapter
• Power bank
• Headlamp or torch (rechargeable if possible)
• Unlocked smartphone
• SIM card or eSIM plan (local SIMs often cheaper)

Clothing: Think Functional, Not Fashionable

For most projects, you’ll need:

• Breathable t-shirts (quick-dry > cotton)
• Long-sleeve shirts for sun and bugs
• Zip-off or light trekking pants
• 1–2 outfits for weekends or town visits
• Waterproof jacket (especially Nov–April in Madagascar)
• Warm layer (evenings in South Africa can be chilly)
• Sports bra, swimsuit, hat, sunglasses
• Sturdy walking shoes or trainers
• Flip flops or sandals

🌊 Marine & Turtle Conservation volunteers: Add rash vest, quick-dry towel, reef-friendly sunscreen, mask, snorkel and fins

🦁 Wildlife Conservation volunteers: Neutral-coloured clothing, closed hiking boots

Gear to Make Life Easier

• Daypack or small backpack
• Dry bag (especially for coastal or boat-based programs)
• Reusable water bottle (1L minimum)
• Lightweight travel towel
• Notebook or journal (for field notes or reflection)
• Padlock for your bag or locker
• Travel laundry line or detergent sheets

What Not to Pack

• Heavy jeans or tight-fitting clothes (they won’t dry and are uncomfortable)
• Flashy jewellery or valuables
• Perfumes or heavily scented products (especially near wildlife)
• Single-use plastic (many programs are low-waste)

🎁 Download the Free Volunteer Abroad Packing Checklist

We’ve put together a full printable checklist so you can confidently prep, pack, and triple-check your bag without forgetting a thing.

👉 Download your Volunteer Abroad Starter Pack here (includes the checklist + travel prep guide)

Final Tips Before You Go

• Pack light — you’ll thank yourself later.
• Leave room for gifts or gear you might pick up locally.
• Scan your documents and email them to yourself.
• Pack patience and curiosity — your mindset matters more than what’s in your bag.

Ready to turn your packing list into a life-changing experience?

Explore our ethical volunteer programs, or apply now to join us.