The romance of Africa has lured many an unsuspecting traveller into its liar. Africa offers wide open spaces, lush rain forests, barren deserts and bountiful coastlines. All of these give the wary traveller the impression of peace and tranquillity.
Along with the peace and tranquillity offered, Africa also has some of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife in the world. Depending on the region you will encounter anything from rhino and elephant to dolphins and whales. There is also an assortment of snakes, tortoises and other reptiles, along with all sorts of spiders and insects.
Everywhere the Africa volunteer goes there will be beauty – whether it’s raw beauty of poverty stricken areas like Ethiopia or the sophisticated beauty of the Wild Coast. Even in the dusty streets of many African countries you will find something beautiful to look at – be it colourful headdresses or a smiling baby.
The Africa volunteer expects to find a country with similar commodities and amenities as your home country. The reality, however, is far from it. Of course there are modern and sophisticated cities in Africa where the rich and the poor co-habit. But, where the need is greatest, you must expect that things will be very different.
Africa exacts a toll of its people and visitors. You can expect to do a rollercoaster through happiness and despair, sadness and hope. You will find some activities exhilarating, others bone-grinding exhausting. Being an African volunteer will be one of the most personality defining experiences of your life.
There are, of course, various choices that you can make. The first choice that you can make is to not expect anything in particular. It is important to go to Africa (anywhere in Africa) with no preconceived ideas. You need to understand that no matter what you anticipate, you will always be surprised – either pleasantly or not.
Your next choice is to make the most of the experience – even if you don’t like it. For many Africa is an acquired taste – especially the rural and poor areas of the countries. Your expectation should focus on what you are going to learn and the difference that you will be making – whether you’re working with people or animals.
Your last choice is to give as much as you get. Many African people are poor, but they are very hospitable. Your expectation should be that they will look to you for support and guidance. There are, however, also African people who will resent your presence in their country. Here you will need to give more than what you’re getting in order to attain your goal of making a difference.
Finally: Head to Africa with an open heart and a clear mind. She will fill it for you.