Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2004 says, "Every one of us can make a contribution." Ever considered responsible travelling?

It could be an opportunity to make a difference in South Africa. Your part might seem small, but in the lives of an Aids orphan, a stray animal or a homeless family it's immeasurable.

So what’s Responsible volunteering all about?

Volunteering is said to be one of South Africa’s fastest growing tourism markets. It might not be everybody's kettle of fish but it provides tourists with more fulfilling experiences through meaningful connections with people. It also creates a greater understanding of local culture, as well as social and environmental issues.

Voluntours, one of the local operators, is an organisation passionate about our land and its people. According to them, participating in a holiday project directly benefits communities and the conservation of South Africa.

You get to pick the project and the tour packages allow you to volunteer and sight-see simultaneously.

Your participation fee includes a transparent project donation, which is used to ensure sustainability. Seventy-five percent of your project fee also goes directly into the community.

For the sight-seeing inclined

Enjoy some key South African heritage and tourism sites during your off-periods. Obviously, this is dependant on the location of your project. You can whale watch in Hermanus or track elephant in the Kruger National Park.

Or you could tap into the rhythm of Africa at an exclusive Game Lodge in the Eastern Cape.

A prime conservation project
Just 60km from Port Elizabeth in the Greater Addo area, the Amakhala reserve is a successful conservation project. It has seen the re-introduction of lion, elephant, white rhino, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest and antelope species.

You’ll also gain first- hand experience of how it is managed and a holistic understanding of the ecology and the history of the people in the area. It’s as if you’re the student and the reserve is your classroom.

Depending on the project you can learn building skills and how to care for certain animals. A main focus area is monitoring the integration of lions to reserve. This is done by tracking and recording their behavior.

The project also allows for interaction with children from the local orphanage. You get to share wildlife, environmental and educational activities that benefit you both.

Other benefactors of this reserve's project also include the local school and veterinary clinic.

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