January Big Green-hike: Volunteering overseas

The point of greenhiking isn't to stop flying completely, rather to recognise that flying is a privilege and a big deal - not something to be done lightly. That's because the true cost of flying is way in advance of what we pay; a short haul European return causes about 400kg of emissions. Turning your washing machine to 30 degrees saves about 230kg per year, to put that in context.

So if you do fly, make it worth it. Go for a decent amount of time - take a sabbatical! - and spend some of it volunteering. But, as ever, don't go through the obvious operators, most of them charge you through the nose, and that money all disappears into admin fees. Here's a few ideas to get you started - as ever, anyone with more let us know, and anyone who tries these out, let us know how you get on!


Our feature suggestion is APES - This is a primate rescue and rehabilitation centre, based in a bush camp in KwaZulu Natal, the wilder end of South Africa. Not only will you get stuck in with the monkeys, there's a small rural school nearby where you'll get the chance to meet the local kids, and the APES gang can organise homestay visits with local Zulu families. They ask for £195 per week, or £495 for a four week stay - this covers everything except your transport to the bush camp. Unbelievable bargain, unbelievable experience. Nearest airport is Durban, but Joburg's not a million miles away. Click here for more.

Keen divers should check out Blue Ventures, based in Madagascar. You can get a 6 week diving-based conservation trip from £1,765, covering everything but your flights and your 'personal' diving gear. None of us are big divers, but it does sound amazing - they've been awarded by National Geographic twice. Click here for more.

There's a company that are setting out to be the real experts in this field, and though some of their trips are a little short and a little expensive for the immediate taste of the greenhiker, the Observer's ringing endorsement for their Sunderbans Smiles trip (it won the accolade of 'Ultimate Eco Trip') suggests they're doing something right. We wonder if the Observer just hadn't found out about APES though! Click here to find out more about the wonderfully named Hands Up Holidays.

Happy hiking!