HOME
ABOUT US
DESTINATIONS
FAQS
DAVIS SHOW
CONTACT US
We love combining adventure tourism and humanitarian projects when we travel to Africa. We've created Voluntour Adventures to give others an opportunity to experience Africa in this unique way.The focus of all of our projects is to improve the quality of children's health and educational needs in the communities we visit. We invite you to explore, discover, and get involved...
Karibou,
Barton and Valerie Bryan
Founders of Voluntour Adventures to Africa
July 24th-August 9th 2012
This excursion includes:
Click PDF Below for Itinerary
Voluntour South Africa 2012 Itinerary.pdf
This luxury adventure was created so that you can enjoy the best accomodations that Africa has to offer while discovering the rich history and natural wonders of this region. We will enjoy horseback rides on a private beach, luxury safaris in private game reserves, and indulge ourselves with a wine tasting excursion just outside of CapeTown. To better grasp the history of South Africa, we will visit Robben Island,where Nelson Mandela was impriosoned for 27 years. Our tour will end with an option to play a round of golf, pet lion cubs, and ride elephants at Zebula Estates Golf Course and Spa. While touring South Africa you will get to experience first hand how we have helped to provide education to children at two local schools.
Join this team
Val is a native Texan. She has always had a passion for helping disadvantaged children reach their full potential. She currently teaches anger de-escalation techniques at foster care and other local agencies helping teachers, counselors, and foster parents find more effective ways to deal with adolescent anger. Her extensive experience working with children and as a Training Specialist has provided her the tools to handle the challenges of working with children with behavioral issues. Ever since her first trip to Africa in 2007, Val has found another opportunity to help children discover their full potential. Her sensitivity toward childrens needs continues to help her and Barton focus on how to make the most effective positive change when working with children in a cross-cultural setting.
Barton spent much of his twenties traveling and studying overseas. While a student in France, he visited Morocco in 2000 and became fascinated with Muslim and West African cultures. He joined the Peace Corps in 2001 and was sent to Mauritania, West Africa where his assignment was to teach English at a rural junior high school. Barton worked with the village elders of Diadjibine (Jaw Jee Bee Nay) to construct a water tower, a solar-powered computer center, and a maternity center funded by the US Embassy. The connection created with his host family and the people of Diadjibine had such an impact on Barton that he wrote a one-man play about his experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Since 2006, he has performed his show all over the US.
Currently, Barton travels to East and West Africa working on development projects focusing on improving the quality of health and education for children in Africa. He is also an active member of the South Austin Rotary Club and Director of Public Relations for the Austin non-profit Children’s Orphanage International Network (COIN).
Barton and Val currently live in Austin, Texas with their dog Lagio (La-Joe).
Justin Meno is the most recent member of Voluntour Adventures to Africa’s team. Justin grew up in Seattle, Washington. After high school, he moved to Southern California to attend Claremont McKenna College. He and Barton met while studying abroad in the Aix-en Provence, France in 1999. Following graduation, Justin relocated to New York City and where he started working for Club Monaco and began to cultivate his passion for photography. Justin currently lives in New York City where he works as Director of Graphics Production for Aeropostale. Even with his busy schedule, Justin loves to travel and take photography several times a year, visiting new cities around the United States as well as other countries such as Thailand, Germany, France, and Tanzania. As a photographer, Justin strives to capture the unique humanity of people he meets on his travels. His photographs give the viewer insights into the places he’s visited through the eyes of the people who live there.
In August of 2010, Justin joined Voluntour Adventures to Africa as field photographer. He traveled to Tanzania to assess the needs at two orphanages where future groups will be volunteering. While in Tanzania, Justin accompanied our trekking partner Bio-Bio Expeditions on an eight-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. For our upcoming trip to Tanzania, Justin will be an assistance tour guide and Voluntour Adventure’s field photographer.
Nancy Lehmann-Carssow has been educating people on Africa and Geography for over thirty years. She received her B.S. and M.A. from the University of Texas in African geography and African anthropology and has also studied at the University of Nairobi, Kenya Science Teacher’s College, at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and George Washington University.
She traveled extensively to all seven continents. She has been guiding tour groups in Africa and the Middle East for over 25 years. She has visited Kenya so often, she became an honorary Masai tribe-member by a the Masai who live near Mount Kilimanjaro. Nancy has a passion for African history, geography, and especially helping others discover its many mysteries.
She taught ninth grade geography and coached varsity tennis at Lanier High School for over 20 years. In 1999, she became Lanier High School’s Partners In Education representative, a Parent Support Specialist, and the Varsity girls’ wrestling coach.
Nancy currently lives in Austin with her husband and their three dogs.
Christina is the newest member of the Voluntour Adventures team. She has vast experience in volunteer work and nonprofit development. She will be leading the January 2012 West African Caravans trip to Mali.
Christina received her BA in French and Global Studies. After college, she served as an AmeriCorps volunteer one year, and as an organic farming apprentice during another. In 2005, Christina went to Mali, West Africa as an agriculture volunteer in the United States Peace Corps. She was posted in Kangaba, 60 miles southwest of the capitol, Bamako. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, she developed and delivered agriculture-related projects, youth education workshops, and basic computer education trainings among others.
While in Peace Corps, she organized and facilitated cultural exchanges for groups of students in her community of Kangaba. Christina brought groups to Kangaba from the Bamako International School and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in order to get a glimpse of real life in a small, rural Malian town. Christina's background in human rights and her understanding of Malian culture helped her to be an empathetic facilitator for these groups.
Christina has lived in Austin, Texas since finishing Peace Corps in 2007. Currently, she works for Environmental Defense Fund in the Gulf and Southeast Oceans program in an administrative support position for staff working in both regions. She is also a new home-owner and planning her wedding for August 2011. The trip to Mali in January 2012 will be Christina's first opportunity to return to Mali since Peace Corps. Her Fiancé Alex will be joining her and Barton on the 2012 trip as lead builder for the development project.
Cheikh Gueye has spent the last 9 years as Peace Corps Mauritania's Volunteer Support Officer handling a wide variety of responsibilities related to volunteer's housing, logistics, safety, etc... Cheikh and Barton have been friends since 2001 and he has been Barton's "go to guy" with organizing trips back to Mauritania and Senegal since 2007. His family is Senegalese and he was born in Rosso, Mauritania. Cheikh speaks six languages including French, Arabic, some English and all of Mauritania's local dialects. Cheikh helps organize all of the West Africa trips for Voluntour Adventures and is also a guide. His passion for service, charisma, work-ethic, and influence throughout Mauritania and Senegal make him an integral part of our work in West Africa.
January 3rd - January 19th, 2013
This Excursion Includes:
Itinerary & Cost
Coming Soon
This Voluntour trip is the ultimate for the traveler who wants to get off the beaten path. Unlike South and East Africa, which are used to tourism, West Africa is still very untouched. We will work with Peace Corps Volunteers and other nonprofit groups to bring sustainable change to small rural communities in the southern part of Mali. During our tour you will learn how to make authentic West African tea, take a drum lesson, watch a traditional dance ceremony, and explore the ancient ruin of the 100 mile escarpment in Dogon Country.
July 10th-July 28th 2012
Voluntour Kenya 2012 Itinerary.pdf
This voluntour expedition has been designed to bring you deep into the culture and natural environment of Kenya. Expect to be wowed when visiting the Rothchild Giraffe Center and the Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi. We will take three separate safari tours including bringing you right in the middle of the Great Migration of the wildebeest as they travel across the plains of the Masai Mara. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the animals including lions, elephants, hippos and more in their natural habitat. The volunteer portion of our trip will be working with the most innovative nonprofit groups making sustainable change for local communities.
June 7th-June 26th 2012
This June 2012 excursion includes:
Tanzania 2012 Website Itinerary-1.pdf
Imagine yourself on the journey of a lifetime. This trip combines volunteering at two orphanages along with breathtaking natural and cultural tourism. Our group projects will make a dramatic impact on the lives of the children at the Maliaka Childrens Home and St. Josephs Orphanage. Your four-day safari will take you to Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Take in the spender of the vast stretches of savanna, flat-topped acacia trees silhouetted against orange-purple sunsets, all while encountering lions, elephants, rhinos, and so much more. Explore Tanzanias natural environment with day trips to the mountains and rain forests and relax on the majestic beaches of the Island of Zanzibar.
Applications can be submitted by email at: info_voluntourism-africa.com
or by mail at:
Voluntour Adventures
1108 Spearson Lane
Austin,Texas 78745
VoluntourAdv_8.5x5.5_lowres.pdf
Q: What sets Voluntour Adventures to Africa apart from other "volun-tourism" companies?
A: We create unique opportunities for people to travel to countries in Africa who are looking to experience the profound impact of giving back. Our Voluntour trips are focused on sustainable development projects that will benefit childrens health and/or educational opportunities in the communities we visit. Our team is dedicated to making sure that each client experiences the fulfillment of giving back through volunteering in a community. The Safaris and cultural tourism opportunities during our trips create a perfect blend of adventure tourism and volunteer work that sets us apart from other tour and volunteer trips.
Q: Is Voluntour Adventures to Africa a nonprofit company?
A: No. We are a for-profit company that partners with nonprofit groups. A portion of every trip is a direct nonprofit donation. 100% of your donation goes toward the purchase of materials and logistics during our project portion of the trip. (See our list of nonprofit partners for more information on their work)
Q: Is it safe to travel to Africa right now?
A: We choose to work in countries that are stable and where we have relationships with local community leaders, nonprofit groups, or a Peace Corps presence. These relationships provide us with excellent support, safety, and guidance.
Q: What do the trip costs cover?
A: It depends on the trip. The cost normally covers round-trip airfare, hotels and lodging, private transportation, guide fees, a nonprofit donation, safari and other tourism costs, as well as some of the meals.
Q: Is it appropriate to bring children with me?
A: We encourage parents to share their experience with their children and going to Africa can be a life-changing opportunity for a family. That being said, we advise the parent to consider their child's maturity level before signing them up. Volunteer work can be very rewarding if the child is mature enough. Suggested minimum age is 9 years
old.
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: We travel to East Africa in the summer and to West Africa in the winter, as these are very comfortable times to visit. In Kenya and Tanzania, the weather will range from 55 degrees at night to 80 degrees in the day. In Mali, the days can get up to 90 degrees
and the desert nights can drop to the mid 40's. We will send a packing list with the appropriate clothing to bring for these conditions.
Q: What if I don't have any carpentry experience to help with the volunteer project?
A: No experience or special skills are required to be a valuable asset to our team. We understand that each team members brings unique skills and interests to the project. We want you to be creative and resourceful with your individual abilities and we will help you find valuable ways to contribute to the project.
Q: How should I bring money to Africa? Are there ATM's or places where I can exchange traveler's checks?
A: Larger denominations of US dollars are the easiest to exchange in the countries we visit (Kenya, Tanzania, and Mali), and can be exchanged in the capital cities as well as the larger regional capitals. A good idea is to bring a Visa or MasterCard as those cards will be best to withdraw cash at ATM's. Watch out for bank fees for international ATM use. Discover and American Express are not frequently accepted anywhere in Mali. We do not suggest bringing Traveler's checks as they are not widely accepted and get a very low exchange rate in places that do take them.
A: Larger denominations of US dollars are the easiest to exchange in the countries we visit (Kenya, Tanzania, and Mali), and can be exchanged in the capital cities as well as the larger regional capitals. A good idea is to bring a Visa or MasterCard as those cards will be best to withdraw cash at ATM's. Watch out for bank fees for international ATM use. Discover and American Express are not frequently accepted anywhere in Mali. We do not suggest bringing Traveler's checks as they are not widely accepted and get a very low exchange rate in places that do take them. Also, be sure your large bills that were printed after 2000. Many places will not accept money printed before 2000 or if they do, they will give you a lower exchange rate.
Q: How many suitcases can I bring on my flight to Africa?
A: International flights accept two 50 pound bags plus a carry-on and a personal item. Avoid bringing suitcases. We recommend duffle bags with rolling wheels. We suggest using one of your duffle bags to bring donation items for the school and/or orphanages we visit and the other for personal items youll need. Also, youll want a small duffle bag
for when we go on safari.
Q: How much money should I bring?
A: Five hundred dollars should be fine. If you are a big shopper, $800 to $1,000 will suffice. You will be buying all your drinks and meals not included in the price with Kenyan shillings. In many places, dollars will be accepted. Even if you miscalculate, ATMs and banks are very accessible.
Q: Will I have trouble communicating with the Kenyans?
A: No. Most Kenyans speak at least three languages: their tribal language, regional language (Swahili), and colonial (English).
Q: Can you recommend books so I can learn more about Kenya?
A: Yes, you will receive an extensive list after you sign up for the trip full of novels, non-fiction, and DVDs about Kenya.
Q: Whats the weather like?
A: Perfect! It is usually 50 to 60 in the evenings and the 70 to 80s during the day. You will receive a suggested clothing and packing list before you go.
Q: Can we buy batteries in Kenya for our cameras?
A: You can but it would be much easier to bring rechargeable ones with you. You will need to also bring a recharger and an adapter to use the Kenyan plugs. Look on your recharger to see if it compatible with 100 to 240 volts. If it is not, you will need a converter to keep your recharger from melting.
Q: How early do we need to apply for our visas?
It is a lot easier to get our visa at the Kenyatta Airport when we land? We will have you fill out the form before we leave.
Q: What is our suitcase weight limit?
We recommend you take a medium and a small size duffle bag rather than suitcases. That being said, international flights accept two 50 lbs bags plus a carry-on and a personal item. We suggest using one of your duffle bags to bring donation items for the school and/or orphanages we visit. We have very limited storage space in the safari vehicles and need bags that are not rigid. When we fly to Mara, it will be in a small plane that also has limited space.
Q: Why has Voluntour Adventures to Africa chosen the two orphanages to work with?
A: Founders Barton and Val Bryan have been volunteering with both orphanages since 2008 and they have a close relationship with the directors and the children. They are uniquely aware of what the needs are at each orphanage and how these projects will impact the children of Malaika Children’s Home and St. Joseph’s Orphanage.
Q: Will we be “roughing it” while we are volunteering at the orphanages?
A: No. Our work during the day may get us a bit dirty but we are staying at a nice hotel with hot showers, a beautiful restaurant, and comfortable beds. We are confident that our group will find the hotel accommodations to be nicer than expected.
Q: What type of vehicles will we use on Safari?
A: We will have 4x4 extended Land Cruisers with a pop top roof so that we can stand up and take picture with a 360-degree view of the wildlife.
Q: What is so special about Zanzibar?
A: Zanzibar is a tropical Island off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar has always been a trading post in the Indian Ocean so there are Portuguese, Italian, Indian, and Arabic cultural influences found in the local cuisine, architecture, and their way of life. The natural coral reef and white sand beaches help make this a must-see destination on the East coast of Africa.
Q: Why is this trip more expensive than the others?
A: Our excursion in South Africa is a true luxury voluntourism experience. All of the hotels and resorts we stay at are either 4 or 5 star rated and offer the best in luxury accommodations. South Africa offers so many unique tourism opportunities such as horseback rides on the beach, visiting the Stellenbosch Wine festival (comparable to the Napa Valley), and visiting private safari Reserves to view game. We have tailer-made this trip to give offer the best of Africa while also giving back with our donations to the Ithemba Plumbline School near Queenstown.
Q: What is the Stellenbosch wine festival and what makes it so special?
A: The Stellenbosch wine festival happens once a year in late July and draws wine connoisseurs from all around the world. There will be opportunities to taste over a hundred types of wine, enjoy a verity for food, and participate in a celebration with music and dancing (not required). Whether you consider yourself a wine expert or a novice, the festival has something for everyone.
Q: Do I need to take Malaria medication when I travel to South Africa?
A: Actually, no! South Africa is one of the few countries on Africa’s continent that doesn’t have an issue with Malaria. Of course you will still need the recommended vaccinations for traveling overseas. For more information about what’s required, click HERE to download a PDF about what to do prior to going on our trips.
Q: Is it safe to pet baby lion cubs or ride on the backs of Elephants?
A: When we visit the Zebula Golf Estates and Spa Resort, we will have the opportunity to enjoy both of these in a safe and supervised environment. The veterinarians and professional guides will help teach and facility these activities in a way that make sure that your safety is their number one priority.
Q: Do I need to have any special skills in order to go on this trip to Mail?
A: No, you just need to be willing to contribute to the team and to the projects in any way you can.
Q: What is the weather like in Mali in January?
A: January is one of the best months to visit Mali! The temperatures can reach mid-80's during the day and over-night can drop to the lower 40's with beautiful sunny days and starry nights. Low humidity also adds to a traveler's comfort as rain or any precipitation during this time of year is incredibly rare.
Q: What is Mali's current status of development as a nation and where does it rank in regards to the rest of the World?
A: According to the UN, Mali has a population of 13.3 million where 51% lives on less than $1.25 a day (the actual Malian poverty line). The average life expectancy is 49.2 years. The UN's Human Development Index ranks Mali 160th out of 169 countries ranked, considered a country with low human development.
Q: I've never been to a developing country. Will Voluntour Adventures to Africa help me prepare for my trip?
A: Yes! Once you have signed up for the one of our trips, we will send you regular information on how to prepare; from visiting your travel clinic, visas, packing, etc.
Q: What is the primary language spoken in Mali?
A: Mali is a multi-cultural country with many ethnic groups living there. French is the national administrative language, used predominantly by government officials and taught in public schools. Bambara is the majority group language and spoken on the streets and at markets. Other primary languages spoken in Mali are: Soninke, Songrai, Fulani, Arabic, and many dialects of Dogon.
Providing hope through relationships and using a holistic approach to community development, CTC is empowering our world. CTC is a non-profit organization based in the Rift Valley area of Kenya. They have five program areas including eductaion, environment, economy,health and community.
Voluntour Adventures partners with CTC International to complete volunteer projects and introduce our teams to the village of Maai Mahiu.
Well Aware was founded in June of 2006 to facilitate the fundraising for and the construction of drought relief projects in East Africa. They are working intensively with our communities abroad and other state-side nonprofits to affect a realistic plan for change. The communities they are able to assist are also fully invested in helping us help them.
Writer and filmmaker Turk Pipkin is the founder of The Nobelity Project and the director of the organizations three feature documentaries about global problems and solutions. The latest film, Building Hope, tells the story of The Nobelity Project’s partnership with a rural Kenyan community to build the area’s first high school.
Voluntour Adventures will partner with the Nobelity Project this summer in Kenya and our team will visit the Mahiga Hope High School in it's completion.
C.O.I.N. 's goal is to assist orphanages in responding to basic humanitarian and life-threatening health conditions that focus on improving the standard of living. They work to establish a community link for national and local health prevention programs such as vaccine campaigns, distribution of bed nets against malaria, prevention and management of HIV and nutritional awareness.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs
Over 2,462 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Mali since the program was established in 1971. Currently, 171 Volunteers are serving in Mali. Volunteers in this West African nation work in the areas of non-formal education, environmental and agricultural conservation, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, water sanitation and hygiene promotion, and business development. Business development Volunteers provide training and counseling regarding feasibility studies, marketing surveys, inventory control, accounting, and product pricing. Volunteers are trained and work in Bambara, Bomu, Dogon, French, Fulfudé, Khassonke, Malinke, Minianka, Senoufou, Sonrai, Soninke, and Tamashek.
Africa's natural wilderness through safaris, hiking, boat excursions, horseback rides, and snorkeling. You will get the chance to encounter an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat.
the unique and fascinating cultures of each region we visit. We've created opportunities for you to not only observe local cultures and their customs, but also to participate in activities that will help you gain a greater understanding of the people from that community.
in humanitarian projects that will benefit the communities you interact with. For each Voluntour trip, we partner with trusted nonprofit organizations throughout Africa so that our efforts have a lasting effect.
Priority Tickets $20
Student Tickets $10
Gen. Admission $15
For Tickets for Sunday, Jan. 29th at 2:30 pm,
Click below: (Please purchase one ticket at a time)
Testimonials
"Barton Bryan's passion for Africa and its people is inspiring. I had the great privilege of spending two weeks with him in Mauritania and Senegal. I'd say I'm an experienced traveler, but Bart led me on an adventure beyond the ordinary. I felt like I was seeing the real Africa: its generous and spirited people, its simple beauty and its heartbreaking challenges. I believe traveling is about understanding new cultures, enjoying new people, and changing your perspective. Bart understands this more than anyone and I was so glad to have him as my guide on an unforgettable trip."
Andrew S.
Broadway Actor
"If your looking to find out how Africa really functions then 'Voluntour Adventures to Africa' will not disappoint. During March 2010 I joined a group to build school desks needed in a small village in Mauritania. What impressed me most about the trip was the remarkable way in which our group leader, Barton Bryan, met multiple challenges so that we could reach our destinations in a timely manner.
We experienced first-hand what hardships the local communities deal with in the third world but developing areas never see. We joined a spirited and good-hearted community effort to develop more opportunities for their children. Our hard work was rewarded with regular kindnesses and warm greetings. We found ourselves momentarily transported to a very different and vibrant culture and came away with a perspective that cannot be received in any other way.
During part of the trip, we took time out for relaxation, the obligatory shopping to capture memories and visits to historically important sites in the West Africa region. It was all worth every penny spent and every ounce of perspiration. Try it."
Ward L.
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Malawi)
"Where do I begin?! My trip to Africa with Voluntour Adventures was absolutely, positively amazing and life changing! One of the most amazing things to me about the whole trip was, well, just being in Africa! Experiencing the different cultures of Africa was so special to me. Playing with the children from the village was so much fun! But there was more to the trip than just that. What was so amazing to me were the people from America that I got to travel with. The first day that we met we were complete and utter strangers but by the end of the trip we were best friends. Working along side each other and experiencing village life together was what brought us together. If you are possibly considering going on a trip with Barton and his Voluntour Adventures to Africa, do not even hesitate! It WILL be worth it! The trip that I got to go on changed my life. I can not wait to go back!"
Kirsten T. - High School Senior
"I was looking for a memorable experience and the Kenya 2011 excursion exceeded my high expectations. The choice of events, the small size (14) of the group, the combination of humanitarian service coupled with a great safari in comfortable accommodations, detailed oversight by Barton and Nancy, all at what I considered an equitable price added up to making this so memorable".
-Al Stehli
"This trip opened up a whole new version of Africa to me that i had not experienced before. West Africa is a whole new adventure. From canoeing across rivers, to building desks along side the local carpenters, to playing soccer with the village children, to drum circles, to the beaches of Saint Louis, to long dusty car rides, to majestic Baobabs, to lifelong friendships, my eyes were opened. Having grown up in East Africa, I went into this trip a veteran, an almost native to Africa, born and raised on the grit and heart of this beautiful continent, but I realized that i was not as hardened as i once thought. Through the expert guidance of Barton Bryan I was shown a brand new experience, an adventure with something new around every corner. This trip truly was an eye opening ride for me, a wonderful trip led by a wonderful man. I would, and will, recommend Voluntour Adventures to Africa to any and everyone i meet without a doubt."
Troy M.
High School Senior
"I've dreamt for a long time about taking my coming of age sons on an adventure to Africa and Voluntour Adventures delivered us the perfect trip. Pre-trip planning and logistics were handled well with lots of opportunities for me to ask questions and learn more about Kenya. The trip was perfectly coordinated, a balanced mix of service to a school, visits to orphanages, safari, and cultural tourism. We made life-long friends with the others in our travel group and with the many Kenyans we worked with. We saw amazing sights and had many adventures. It was my greatest adventure yet and I know it had made a huge impact on my sons lives! I hope to book another trip soon. -Janet Jewell
THE FOUNDERS
MEET THE TEAM
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
OUR PARTNERS
TESTIMONIALS
TANZANIA
KENYA
SOUTH AFRICA
MALI-WEST AFRICA
HOW TO SIGN UP
my business copyright 2023 no animals were harmed in the making
