Volunteering In Africa from About.com recently turned up in one of my Google News Alerts. I must admit I know little about volunteering in Africa - but I thought this three-page guide provided a good number of resources.

The first page has general information on what to expect; the second, links to larger organizations which place volunteers in many locations throughout the world (of course including Africa) like VSO, the Peace Corps, UN Volunteers; the third page includes links to organizations dealing more specifically with Africa.

Some of these Africa-specific organizations are:

• Raleigh International, where volunteers can join ten-week projects consisting of three phases (sustainable community and environmental projects and an “adventure phase”) in Namibia; other locations and project lengths are also available. The cost for the Namibia program is £2,995.
• All Africa Volunteers has a number of programs in South Africa, many of which focus on the eastern part of the coast, which they report is underserved by and in need of volunteers. Possibilities include a sports skills program (volunteers share their sports skills and culture with kids) as well as a dolphin research program. Costs are approximately $400 per week and include accommodation.
• One more is the Institute for International Cooperation and Development, which offers participants six months of language and skills training in its “Development Instructor” program; one possibility following this training is to work on education in general and HIV/AIDS awareness in particular in Mozambique. Costs are about $4000 for a fourteen-month program. UPDATE: Different sources have expressed concerns about this organization, advising volunteers to beware.