About VESA
VESA’s humanitarian and conservation projects aim to provide direct action support to communities in parts of the world overlooked by traditional charities and aid organisations.
Learn moreJoin us on our Africa project and experience vast arid deserts, cultures bursting with colour and energy, and extraordinary wildlife right up close. Volunteer in the communities of Saint Lucia and neighbouring Khula Village, and find yourself right on the outskirts of a UNESCO Heritage Site. Africa is at the very top of any explorer’s bucket list – discover it for yourself.
Week one: We cover a broad range of volunteering opportunities in Africa, including infrastructure, education and wildlife conservation. You’ll work closely with children teaching English and basic sanitation, hygiene and nutrition through games and activities. As well as this you get the chance to reinvigorate the village facilities with a fresh coat of paint, build new play equipment and help to construct bathrooms and kitchens alongside our qualified tradespeople.
VESA has established a program in association with the local Prince Induna, which identifies families in dire need of help, so we can build houses for them as part of the project. Get right up close with the world’s most iconic wildlife with our conservation projects in two local sanctuaries: Simangaliso Wetlands Park and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park. You’ll assist with the observation, population monitoring, capture and release of crocodiles, as well as behind the scenes maintenance at the Saint Lucia Crocodile Centre.
In Hluhluwe, we work with cheetah and other African cats in a rehabilitation, breeding and release program. You’ll help to prepare the food, feed the big cats and construct new enclosures for the breeding pairs. Seeing these awesome creatures right up close is truly life changing.
Throughout your volunteer week you will get the chance to try the traditional flavours and unique tastes of Africa with buffet breakfasts and dinner at your lodgings. But for those who prefer the tastes of home, fear not! We cater to every dietary preference.
Week two: Get ready for the travel adventure of a lifetime! Across two countries you and your VESA volunteer crew will experience the breathtaking sights and culture that makes Africa the most unique continent in the world.
Come face to face with the ‘Big Five’ on safari, take a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, have your future told by a Witch Doctor, and go horse riding or mountain biking in Swazi.
You’ll get to sample the local cuisine at our barbecues in Simangaliso and Hluhluwe Parks, while watching sunsets you’ll remember for life. On our cultural tour you’ll become warmly acquainted with a Zulu village and even learn a traditional dance.
From the magnificent landscapes to the welcoming locals, you will never forget your time in Africa. There’s really nowhere else like it.
1 new four-room crèche constructed for 60 children. 15-room boarding house constructed for 48 children. 32 x 3 or 4 room houses built in Khula village for local families. 2 new classrooms, toilet blocks, a library and jungle gym for the local primary school.
Over twelve thousand hours of hands-on volunteering with Cheetah, Serval, Caracals and African Wildcats. Over 16,00 hours with the endangered Nile Crocodiles.
Over 40,000 hours volunteering at the local creche and over 35,000 hours at the primary school. Fully equipped canteen constructed to provide lunch for the children
accommodation blocks constructed for one hundred and eight children.
hours of hands-on volunteering spent with Cheetah, Serval, Caracals, African Wildcats and the endangered Nile Crocodile.
hours spent volunteering at local creche.