As I browse through the Linkedin app, I began reading, congratulations messages from my connections and it registered late that this month is my official 3rd anniversary working for All Out Africa. A big thanks to all of you who sent me a quick note, I appreciate all of the kind words.

I started reflecting on my experience working at All Out Africa, and I realized how my work anniversary is a bigger deal to me than I thought. I remember my first day at work as a photography intern, my heart was beating, pulse racing, nerves ticking as I entered the threshold of what would be my workplace the next three years. 2018 to be precise, I was young and full of great expectations. I worked very hard that year and to my surprise, I was promoted to be a Marketing Assistant and Team Leader. I was assigned to create content for All Out Africa and do other marketing tasks under the supervision of Ginger Green who was the Marketing Coordinator then.

Simise with volunteers planting a tree during World Environment Day

During my experience at All Out Africa, I have learned that progress does not stand still and living within your purpose is not easy but it is all worth it. I am thankful that the company provided me with opportunities for self-development. So, my everyday advice is to use every opportunity to do your work to the best of your ability and choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Before I drop the microphone I would like to thank the All Out Africa Team, Ginger, all the international volunteers who contributed immensely to my career and lastly I will forever be grateful to Kim and Robs Roques as they have given me the head start towards my career.

I thank you.

Written by Simise Masilela, Marketing and Donations Coordinator 

We’ve never thought about hiking and camping with our family before.  Why it is so much fun? 

As well as learning lots of fun facts from your lead hiking guide about nature, there is the potential to spot wildlife – in Lubombo there are zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, bushbuck, giraffe, klipspringer, monkey and baboon hiding out in the bush.  For families with older children, it is often the challenge of completing the hike.  For those with little ones, it might be taking them an adventure and trying something new.  For all families, we notice it is doing something completely different from home life and spending time together.   Sigs, who hiked with us with her 3-year-old son recently, said that for her “It’s about sharing values that I can pass on.  I can teach my child how to enjoy nature.  I grew up with it.  It is an adventure.”

The children are young so it really possible to do a hiking and camping weekend trip?

We can tailor-make any hike by discussing the fitness and likes of your group so that the experience works for you.   Some are athletic and happy to carry little ones, but it’s not for everyone.   Camping is great fun for small children, especially if there are some marshmallows to cook on the campfire.  Sigs said “My son is 3.  He is young, so needs to be carried so take this into account on longer hikes.  But he does like it and it works if you take “petrol” (rewards!) as he can walk and enjoy it.  He really loves the camping – the fire, the evening under the stars and camping.  Chose the hike that suits your family, don’t choose something that is too strenuous as no-one enjoys it.  It is an adventure and if you don’t want any hassle then the slackpacking adventures with All Out Africa work well.”

We’re not all super-fit so won’t it be too difficult? 

Our advice is that you know your limitations and those of each member of your family.  It is possible to make a plan for different needs within a group, as long as we know in advance.  We have an experienced team and are happy to chat about your family and make a plan that suits you.

The great thing about our hiking and camping “Slackpacking” trips is that we tailor them to every family.  We understand that every family is different – single-parent families, blended families and extended families to name but a few, ensuring that our experiences are open to everyone. Contact us tours@alloutafrica.com to plan your next family adventure.

Where are you from?

Hi, there! My name is Daphne, I am 23 years old and from the Netherlands.

What project did you sign up for?

I signed up for the 6 week Kruger to Coast project and chose Childcare as my voluntary work. My role was to assist the NCP teacher, educate children between 3 to 5 years of age and concentrate on the language, motor, basic academic and social skills of a child in order to prepare them for primary school. In the afternoons, we had the Homework Clubs with older children, most of them are NCP graduates, from the ages of 12 to 17. We helped them with their homework and if they did not have any, we would played mind games.

What do you do for a living?

Actually, I obtained my Master of Science degree in Marketing Management the Friday before I started the program. At this moment, I am looking for a job.

What does volunteering mean to you?

In my opinion, volunteering means giving something back to a world where there cannot be enough help. In my case, this world was the local community of where my NCP was in. I managed to give something back to the local community in a sense that I helped the kids in writing and learning small English phrases. Afterwards, I never expected that volunteering would mean that much to me. It is impossible to describe the feeling you get when you manage to get a smile on the kids’ faces, or when they – after a couple of times of trying – write a certain word correctly.

Click here if you would like to know more about our Childcare (Eswatini)

Where are you from?

I live in Holland but I am British.

What project did you sign up for?

I signed up for the 6 weeks Kruger to coast  project and chose childcare as my voluntary work

What do you do for a living?

I am just finishing my gap year but I worked at a wedding venue for 7 months.

What does volunteering mean to you?

Bringing a smile on people’s faces to those that are less fortunate, working side to side with others and connecting with others to work towards a goal, being able to give your own time and attention for the benefit of others, showing you care and wanting to make a difference and also I wanted to explore and experience a culture/country that I didn’t know much about.

Reason for choosing All Out Africa?

I signed up for Kruger to Coast via a Dutch agency, so I didn’t actually know I would be working with All Out Africa. I found out when I arrived in Eswatini. I now will definitely recommend All Out Africa!

Your experience as a volunteer, did it had any positive impact on your life?

It had a huge impact on my life. I appreciate the things I have in life so much more than I did before coming on this trip. My experience as a volunteer allowed me to connect with new people and learn new skills. This trip will be a memory that I will cherish forever.

Click here if you would like to know more about our Childcare (Eswatini)