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Upon Arrival
Upon your arrival to your country of destination our Country Coordinator will meet either you individually, your family or group at the airport or port of arrival. Most of the times you will see your name of the sign, we encourage you to wear your Baobab Volunteer T-Shirt that there will be no confusion! Make sure to send your the detailed itinerary and if possible your photo or family picture ahead of time and notify us of any changes, delays or flight cancellation so alternative arrangements can be made accordingly.

Clothing
East African countries are generally warmer than Southern African, we suggest that you check Climate under Country Overview for your weather forecast ahead of time before arrival. Make sure you have both tropical and temperate clothing because some areas are cooler than others. Desert nights in the Kalahari may be very cold while day time is Dar-es-Salaam are generally hot and humid. In cases where volunteers would like to participate in safaris and excursions then camping equipment would be preferable things such as sleeping bags, flashlight (battery touch), camping mattress etc.

Communication
Mobile phones are a major means of communication in most countries, its relatively easy to secure your own mobile handset with local sim cad line for temporary use. We strongly suggest that the use of internet for fast and convenient communication, internet cafes are available in most big cities. Other means of communication include Post offices, couriers such as DHL, EMS and others if you need to receive or ship packages during your stay.

Currency
Every country uses some what a different currency, they may be all designated as shillings or dollars but most of the time they differ greatly in value. Most airports have places to exchange currency; ATM machines can be found in hotels, malls and banks. We encourage volunteers to only change money at these designated locations and not with individuals (black market). American Dollars and Pound Sterling are common currencies that are widely accepted but one should know the exactly the current exchance rate. We advise that volunteers should have these currency most of the times for emergency purposes (refer to the Baobab Volunteer Orientation Kit).

Safety and Security
The house is normally safe and secure, with a security guard and a large gate, however, with the home stays, we give that family money from your fee for support, food and boarding. It is exciting to stay with a family; that way you will learn the African way of life, meet local people, eat local food and engage in local customs and traditions. Living is basic but all the home stays have power, water and accommodate volunteers in homes but more so in their lives. We have assessed all homes for basic needs to make your stay comfortable enough, you may stay with other volunteers in the same home or alone depending on the size of your group. Typically, home stay can accommodate up to 6 volunteers while hostels can accommodate more. Do not worry about staying in a home stay—we would not place you somewhere that is unsafe. While bedding is provided it is recommended that volunteers bring their own sleeping bag and towels for any trips away. Home stays are located in the towns and cities closer to the project sites but sometimes they may be 20-30 minute drive from the township. Detailed safety tips are included in Baobab Volunteer Orientation Kit.

Food and Meals
In the volunteer house or hostels, there is a cook who fixes meals for the volunteers, meanwhile in homes stay you will normally eat what the family eats. Regardless of the tribe or culture your host family be assured that they will give you a good African treat and meals will be relatively varied. Most African foods have background story attached to them, make sure to ask each dish associated occasion. Bottled water is readily available in all African countries and volunteers need not to worry about bringing their own water supply!. Depending on the African country you are volunteering, breakfasts generally consist of a cup of tea or coffee, bread or traditionally made cake, toast, fruit and deep fried dough. A typical lunch can include meat and vegetables with rice, sandwiches and fruit while dinner usually sees traditional food such as ugali and chapatti accompany the meat and vegetables. Breakfast is taken in the morning, then, lunch, which is served at about 1 pm (or you can take a packed lunch if you wish to eat at your project) and then dinner/supper served at 6 or 7pm or sometime later. Volunteers with special special dietary needs are accommodated by let us know ahead of time. Please dot not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but also as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible and courteous.

1. Help uplift the community through building and refurbishment projects and community development programs such as construction of school classrooms, rural medical center (dispensary), kids playgrounds, orphanages, community meeting places etc. Volunteers participate in the community brainstorming sessions for projects that benefit them all.

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2. Most of the centers and projects accept internship opportunities for students and participants. Students can earn College or University credits by participation and professional references are produced to indicate the level and extent of volunteer’s involvement in the skill transfer and participation.

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3. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure trips and safaris

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TYPICAL VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE

Day 1: The volunteers will be oriented the route to the project site, introduced to the staff and people at the project you will be working with and taken back to the hostel or home stay.

Monday to Friday: A typical week depends on the project site and activities done, office oriented work may extend to regular hours while labor intensive outside work may not be typical and usually ends early. A typical day may be as follows:

• 07.30AM-08:00 AM Breakfast is been served
• 08.00AM-08:30 AM Volunteer goes to the project site.
• 08:30AM-09:00 AM The volunteer reports at the site for work. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.
• 12.00PM-04:30 PM Work at the project usually ends. The volunteer at this point is free to visit and see places or do shopping. You may also want to hang out with friends, colleagues or kids up to around 6.00PM.
• 06.30PM Dinner with the host family or other volunteers.

You will be given a detailed duty plan for your work for the entire week ahead of time so you have an idea what to expect and how to make adjustments.

Saturday and Sunday: During the weekend, volunteers have free time to chill and relax, take the opportunity to explore the country and learn more about culture. Whenever there are long weekends volunteers could go on safari or travel further afield to places of interest, your country representative will give you all possible places to have fun and tour. If volunteers wish to work over the weekends they can visit other projects that are active during these times, such projects as orphanages (or other children helping organizations) to spend time simply playing with and entertaining the children.

Tours and Excursions
Baobab Volunteering Services can organize tours, safaris and trekings at special fees for our volunteers, this is done with separate tour operators that have contract with us to provide subsidized and discounted rates. We have separate information for these experiences for different countries. Detailed rates and fees for each countries experience can be downloaded or emailed, visit Safari for descriptions and special fees.

Our partner Tour Operators arrange for group or individual 3, 5, 7, 10 days camping safari to different parts for volunteers. Campsite are beautiful with spacious tent with beds and have access to toilet and shower, clean drinking water and nice meals. The safari staff includes a professional guide, cook and crew in charge of practical tasks and safety. For more information and arrangements >>Click Here

Baobab Volunteering Services and our partners will always try to give the best experience and service to our volunteers, however, do not expect full first world western living standards and perfectly precise working schedules. It is always a big challenge to live and work in African countries. It demands a lot of understanding, tolerance, courage, some experience and the ability to adapt to the environment. Sometimes, it may be overwhelming, especially for the first timers, adjustments to completely new conditions and have to communicate in a foreign language may be unbearable-do not worry, this is part of the fun!. Most things are not the way you are accustomed to, such as the climate, foods, culture, way of doing things, – literally everything is different, probably you are the one now with a weird foreign accent! Hey, most places find foreign accents adorable. During your volunteering time you will learn and find great things that normally a tourist would never see or experience just because you got integrated in the social and cultural fabric. It takes maturity, flexibility, independence and courage to get the positive experience you will never forget; this is an undertaking that is WORTH pursuing and its life transforming.

• All airport pick up and drop off from the project
• Work permit application and arrangements
• Detailed Handbook for Volunteerism
• Country and Project orientation programs including safety briefings
• Full board and lodging stay, which includes all meals a day
• Tour and Game drives (subject to project)
• Assistance from Country coordinators
• Certificate of Participation

What the fee excludes:

• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement which must include cover for repatriation
• All transport to the destination (ie flights)
• All items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/internet and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, Medications, and Entertainments
• All visas for border crossings
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary