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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about volunteering abroad with Outreach Overseas.
Everything You Need to Know Before Volunteering Abroad!
Clear answers to your most important questions about volunteering in Africa. Learn about safety, fees, accommodation, visas, inclusions, ages, travel, insurance, and choosing the right program.
General Questions
What makes Outreach Overseas different from other volunteer organizations?
Outreach Overseas partners exclusively with locally-led NGOs across Africa. We focus on transparency, community benefit, animal welfare, and sustainable impact. All programs are carefully vetted to ensure safety, quality, and ethical integrity.
What’s included in the program fee?
Inclusions vary by program and country, but may include:
- Accommodation
- Meals (full, partial, or self-catering depending on program)
- Airport pickup (some programs)
- Orientation and training
- Project materials
- 24/7 in-country support
- Program coordination
- A direct contribution to the partner organisation
Each program page lists exact inclusions.
What’s not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Personal spending money
- Extra snacks/drinks
- Weekend excursions
How long can I volunteer for?
Programs range from 2–12 weeks. Some programs may require a minimum of 2–4 weeks for proper training and impact.
What ages can volunteer?
Most programs require volunteers to be 16-18+. There is no upper age limit.
Do I need experience?
No. Almost all programs are open to complete beginners. Specialised programs, such as medical, may require previous work experience.
Download the Volunteer Abroad in Africa – Starter Pack (FREE!)
Everything you need to choose the right volunteer program, compare fees, see dates, and plan your trip.
Madagascar
Island biodiversity & cultural richness
Namibia
Destined for the desert
Safety & Support
Is it safe to volunteer in Africa?
Yes. Outreach Overseas works only with trusted partners in safe communities. All volunteers receive:
- 24/7 in-country support
- Safety briefing on arrival
- Vetted accommodation
- Transparent risk management
- Clear emergency procedures
Safety is our top priority.
What support do I get before traveling?
- Pre-departure checklist
- Packing list
- Visa guidance
- WhatsApp support
- Program manual
- Starter Pack
- Staff introduction
- Airport arrival instructions
What support do I get while volunteering?
- Onsite coordinators
- Daily supervision
- Training
- Safety briefings
- 24/7 contact support
- Orientation
Accommodation & Meals
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation differs by program:
- Madagascar: Eco-style huts, basic facilities, shared rooms
- South Africa: Volunteer houses, dorm-style, hostels or lodges
- Namibia: Lodge rooms, shared houses, safari tents
Every option is safe, clean, and vetted.
Are meals included?
Depends on destination:
- Madagascar: 3 meals/day included
- South Africa: Varies (full, partial, or self-catering)
- Namibia: Most programs include meals
Each program page lists full details.
Money, Fees & Budgeting
Why do I need to pay to volunteer?
Most volunteer programs in Africa are run by small, locally-led organisations that do not have the funding to host international volunteers for free. Your program fee directly supports the essential costs that make your placement safe, impactful, and sustainable. These include:
- Accommodation and safe housing
- Meals (full, partial or self-catering depending on the program)
- Airport pickup and local transport (where included)
- Training and supervision from qualified coordinators
- Project materials used for conservation, education, or community initiatives
- Operational costs such as fuel, electricity, maintenance, and staff salaries
- A direct financial contribution to the organisation you support
Without these fees, most grassroots organisations simply would not be able to host volunteers or continue their work. Your contribution ensures you have a safe and meaningful experience while also strengthening long-term community and conservation impact.
How much should I budget for spending money?
Typical weekly spending ranges from $50 to $150 per week, depending on excursions and personal preferences.
Are there hidden fees?
No. Outreach Overseas is transparent. Everything included or excluded is clearly listed before booking.
Do you offer refunds?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions page. If you need to change dates, we always try to accommodate.
Impact Through the SDGs
All of our programs support multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14 & 15: Life Below Water & Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Travel, Flights & Visas
Which airport should I fly into?
- Madagascar: Nosy Be (NOS)
- South Africa: Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB) depending on program
- Namibia: Windhoek (WDH)
Do I need a visa?
- Madagascar: 15, 30 or 60-day visa on arrival. 30-day extensions on 60-day visas are available in-country. Fees apply.
- South Africa: 90-day visa on arrival for most countries.
- Namibia: Visa on arrival for many nationalities.
We will guide you individually and accordingly.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes. Insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and cancellation is mandatory.
Program Suitability
How do I choose the right volunteer program?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want wildlife, marine, community, teaching, or medical work?
- Am I comfortable with rural settings?
- Do I want physical work or people-focused work?
- What skills do I want to build?
Can I volunteer if I don’t know how to dive?
Yes! Marine programs require only snorkelling ability. Training is provided at an additional cost.
Can I switch programs?
In most cases, yes, depending on availability. Let your coordinator know early.
Application & Next Steps
How do I apply?
Simply click Apply Now, complete the application, and receive your acceptance within 24–48 hours.
Can I volunteer with a friend or partner?
Absolutely. We will house you together where possible.
What happens after I’m accepted?
You’ll receive:
- Acceptance letter
- Invoice
- Information Packet
- Pre-departure checklist
- Travel planning support
Apply in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your passion and goals.
Step 2: Submit your Application
Complete our quick and easy online application form to start the process.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Pay your $199 confirmation deposit after acceptance and we’ll get you ready to go.
Step 4: Make an Impact
Travel to your destination, join your team, and begin your volunteer journey.
Stay in the Loop
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