Whether you're planning on taking an action-packed gap year, an invigorating career break or you are just searching for a holiday with a difference, adventure travel holds a distinct appeal. But if you're looking for a little more than exciting activities and exploration alone, why not consider adding a volunteering element to your itinerary?

Indeed, by choosing tours that combine adventure and volunteering, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Plus, it will allow you to give something back to your chosen destination and know that as well as having the time of your life, you've also done something that's truly worthwhile.

There are a number of tours you can choose from that embody these elements, so you can select a destination and a duration that suit both your preferences, needs and the time you have available. And don't forget, if you are planning to travel for several months or a year, you can fit such trips into your wider itinerary – perhaps allowing you to see even more than you would have before.

Africa is an excellent destination for this kind of travel plan, offering a variety of incredible locations teeming with exciting things to see and do – as well as a number of projects with very worthwhile causes.

One of your options for voluntary work in Africa, for example, would be to take a 26-day tour of some of its best areas. In doing so, you can visit places such as Botswana and Zambia, taking part in all kinds of exhilarating adventure sports. And when you're not out exploring and getting your adrenaline pumping, you will be helping a local community to build new housing. What could be better?

Working on the volunteering project for 17 days of your trip, you'll be based in the Mwandi Mission Village, working to build homes for elderly residents who take care of vulnerable and orphaned youngsters.

While you're here, you'll get to know the locals and learn all about their ways of life – something that's bound to make this trip all the more rewarding. Plus, if you have qualifications in medicine or teaching, you might be able to put your skills to use in a local school or hospital, which could prove particularly satisfying. After all, this is an excellent way to give something back to the local community.

Of course, not all your time will be spent volunteering here, and you'll find that there are countless adventures to be had waiting for you at your other destinations. For example, you can head out on a thrilling game drive in Chobe National Park, spotting all kinds of exciting animals. Heading to Livingstone, you will stand and admire the stunning Victoria Falls. Plus, you'll have the chance to ride the waves with a spot of white water rafting, and you could even go bungee jumping too!

With a combination of memorable thrills and truly rewarding work, this itinerary is the perfect means to pair adventure travel with volunteering projects – and discover a way of exploring new destinations that you'll never forget.

If you would like to work with animals, however, you could opt to volunteer in South Africa and spend time at Sidbury village, where you'll find an incredible game reserve. By doing so, you can work with magnificent animals like lions and elephants, helping with their rehabilitation and feeding, in addition to taking part in schemes like anti-poaching efforts.

Start planning your trip today – and look forward to having the experience of a lifetime!