Internships and Volunteer Programs in Africa

I got a very welcoming and good help from the project manager Sara from Sweden. We did amazing job with the schools, lions, nature and had a lot of disposed things to do after the working days were over. The Zambian staff how worked there where very helpfull and kind to me. I get very good info and response of all the questions I had. I never get bored a single day. There was a lot of new experiences and adventure every day. I am really happy that I come there and good memories for rest of my life =) David from Sweden

I had a fantastic experience, there wasn't anything that the staff didn't want to help with and the guides were amazing at their job. I feel that with a few simple changes the experience would be even better. Improve lounge area to make a better social and comfort area. Base alcohol consumption on age.

Being at Dumela for just 2 weeks when the volunteerships are created for longer stays, I obviously didn't get the full experience. That being said I had an amazing time, staff are great and helpful. was great, lodge comfortable

I'll start by saying that you have the most patient, professional, welcoming and caring employees I've ever met. Unfortunately, we had a particularly bad volunteer with us during our time, who took a particular disliking to me (for reasons I will never know) and was exceptionally rude, nasty and abhorrent at times to mostly myself and others, particularly Caroline and Francis. I am a very patient person, just as they are, but she was a real test to that, I am proud of all of us that despite her attempts to rubbish everything about the project and be aggressive and insulting to us we did not rise to her provocation, we simply ignored it, and continued to enjoy our time. It became very clear early on that her expectation of the experience was way beyond what any company would be able to provide for her, and her reaction to that was to simply be aggressive and awful to others, which was never going to fix anything. There was no engagement from her, there was no respect for the fact that this is a project, not a resort, and that when you are in the presence of wild animals, you may not always find them, because they are not here to serve you. There was no respect for other people and there comfort, and no respect for the fact that this is not a "Come look at cats every day'. This is a wildlife project, you are so lucky to see what you see, across all taxon, and you are here to work and give back, not the other way around. Caroline went so far as to allow her to break rules such as staying away from base during the week and not take part in working activities because of the manual labor, and still she was not satisfied, her contribution to the project overall was monetary, that's it, the rest of the time she complained that it wasn't good enough, despite people bending over backwards to provide for her. It was incredibly sad to see, but I believe this is a very sad and unfulfilled person whom isn't satisfied no matter what, it's simply a shame that we had to be exposed to her. Your guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and accommodating to all interests, we saw big cats almost every day, and when we didn't, the majority of us were simply pleased to be present in this incredible landscape, myself and a fellow volunteer were particularly interested in birds, which we understood was not everyone's interest, so we only asked that we be allowed to spend a few seconds looking should a particular species make itself visible to us, we didn't take pictures, we didn't waste time looking for things that weren't there, we were simply happy to check off a few from our list while we could, the rest of the volunteers, bar one, were more than happy to accommodate that. Just as we were happy to accommodate anything they requested. Our primary focus was the big 5, as that was everyone's focus, and we saw everything, more than I expect a lot of people have seen during their time here, it was incredible. I never felt in danger while I was here, I am fully aware that the guides have spent their lives in this landscape, and know better than anyone what is safe and what is not. As well as where these animals like to be and what they like to eat. They worked so hard to provide for everyone, which sadly for a select 2 was never good enough, because they simply did not appreciate the meaning of the word "wildlife". For myself, I was awestruck by their dedication to the landscape around them, and the species that dwell within it, I learned things I never expected to learn, and I'm coming away a more knowledgeable, well rounded person from my experience. You have two excellent chefs in your employ, who sadly were also subject to insult from our unsatisfied guest about the budget being too tight, their food apparently being "disgusting" and uncooked, it's not true at all. The rest of us are in complete understanding that there is a budget, and a finite amount of food here at any one time. I never went hungry, I was always satisfied, and I was always grateful for their effort. I even went as far as to say the food is better than at Eagle View, because it is! Ben and Michael are a credit to your project, they are warm, welcoming and provide excellent meals three times a day, I was hoping to lose weight while I was here, that has definitely not happened! I have identified certain needs for the project during my time here, things you need that I understand you don't necessarily have the budget for or access to, it's my intention when I return to England to write a proposal to my superiors to provide you with what you need, because you more than deserve to have the right equipment and plenty of it to do your work, because the work you do here is incredibly important, and it should continue for as long as it possibly can. In conclusion, my only complaint from this project is having to endure the abuse I endured from someone whom is quite possibly the worst person I have ever met during my 26 years on the earth, despite my attempts to reconcile and ask what the problem was, I never got an answer, I simply got further abuse, and we were all subjected to blatant lies being made up about ours and her conduct in an attempt justify her behavior towards us. However, that is not something that is in your control, and I understand that, I was sad to learn that this isn't necessarily uncommon either, you deserve volunteers who are here because they believe in the heart and soul of the project, not ones who are here because they think it's a cheaper way to have a safari holiday. Despite that, I've had an incredible two weeks, I am so glad I chose this project, I've met some of the most amazing people, seen and heard and learned things I never expected to, and I'm leaving a better person than when I came. I really appreciate Caroline being so comforting when Elle got to me and made me cry, and telling me how much she appreciated my patience and understanding. She is a manager worthy of the name, I know very few people in her position who would have handled the situation so well. I implore you to please take in the feedback from the other volunteers that have been here for this time, and be careful when considering hers, because knowing her as I do I believe a lot of what she will tell you will be fabricated to try and justify her cause for being so aggressive to us and perhaps even to you. This project is exactly as described, and her own ignorance of not reading any literature before she came meant she lacked preparedness and had no intention of admitting that in fact she was the problem, not myself, Caroline, Francis, Collins, Ben, Mike or any of the other volunteers. Finally, I will be coming back to this project, and I intend to send as many people as I can in my profession. As an ecologist, I have been utterly amazed by the conservancy and the people working within it, and I will continue to support the project in any way I can for as long as I possibly can using my skills and connections. Asante Sana, you have literally changed my life.

I had the time of my life at AP! I met loads of new friends and the experience with the lions was insane. I’m coming back here one day! The people working at AP was so much fun to hang out with. To experience the African life was so much fun.

My experience in Zambia with African impact was more than i could have ever asked for. The team here was outstanding and made my experience in Africa very welcoming and friendly. Overall the medical project was brilliant and is a very much needed project in this community.

I expected to see a few animals and meet some nice folks and find something to do that will help preserve endangered animals. What I got was more animals in 24 hours than I've seen in a lifetime. I came when the animal were birthing and saw baby giraffe, elephant, lion, hyena, cheetah, wart hog, and even the hyena pups were adorable. These babies would have been extinct if this conservancy hadnt been available to them.

My experience with African Impact went beyond my expectations. Amazing Staff and Volunteers, meaningful communal activities and great social events! The guides on drives were interesting and informative. Our Photography coordinator Sam was Amazing and taught us a lot from his experience. Thank you so much for everything and see you next time!

Volunteering at African Impact Naboisho is an insightful and rewarding opportunity to learn about and contribute to one of Africa's leading conservation efforts. The daily game drives are spectacular!

My stay in Antelope Park has been great. It has been interesting to work with animals such as lions and elephants. The work does include cleaning a lot of enclosures and preparing meat for the lions, but that is just part of the experience. You also get to know a lot of new people from all over the world. The staff here is very friendly and knowledgeable as well.

It was an amazing experience to meet new people from all over the world! I haven’t expected that you can get so close to people that you only know for 2 or 4 weeks! It‘s incredible! Also the locals here are absolutely amazing, always in a good mood and friendly! Hakuna Matata, you know ;) It was such an honor for me being the teacher of kids and adults aswell, and I really hope that I have the chance to meet my students again some day! In general I can say: will never forget this 4 weeks in Zanzibar and the people I met! Thanks for all african impact!

This is my fourth visit to Antelope Park and I had more fun than ever coming back to stables for 2 months. I was completing my university dissertation research whilst out here and everyone at stables was really accommodating and helped me to do this. In addition I was able to participate in all the usual activities and my highlight was definitely going to Bulawayo for the dressage and showjumping show. I can't wait to come back again!

I went to the Safari Stables on placement as part of my veterinary degree to learn more about the keeping and husbandry of horses. I had the most amazing experience which included being within feet of giraffe and zebra on horseback, an overnight safari, an incredible horse swim and of course getting to look after the ponies at antelope park. I also got the opportunity to walk with the lion cubs and with the orphaned elephants as well as visiting a wildlife orphanage. I can honestly say the whole trip was the best experience of my life the activities were incredible, the people were so friendly and the cause this all goes towards is so worthwhile. I cannot wait until I get the opportunity to volunteer at Antelope Park again and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

If you are reading this I hope it means you are excited to volunteer with African Impact. My experience was outstanding in so many ways. It was not so great in others but overall it gets a big thumbs up. If you keep in mind that this is a volunteer experience and not a luxury vacation than you will be fine. There is definitely a lack of comforts and plans and time schedules change on the fly, but the overall picture is that you are helping out in a great way. I highly recommend adding antelope park to your schedule if you are looking for semi-rustic volunteer experience and are happy with less than perfect accommodations (ie. cold showers) while you are abroad. Make sure you review your program details fully and prepare yourself for the opportunities that await.

Dumela lodge is truly one of the best wildlife based centres for conservation and knowledge. Among the many things I ve seen here I now have a much wider scope of understanding with the rhino situation. African impact helped me make an impact on wildlife and helped make an impact on me.

Enjoyed every minute at the dumela lodge. I have seen every animal I wanted to see. Even an Aardvark whites absolutely amazing. Klasserie is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen in my life and I will definitely go back to this place. The hard work that everybody is doing here is amazing and I think it s good tat the community is involved too.

This s the third time I have been to Antelope Park and I can't stop going back. I love the people, the horses and the staff. The best project I've been to. Everyone is really welcoming and nice. And the horses are just so well trained and nice. And to be able to spend the whole days with the donkey Jackie makes the experience perfect!

The most incredible 5 weeks. So much happening, so well organised and so much on offer. Rosa and Abbie were both brilliant and there was an amazing feel about the place. Came for 4 weeks and stayed an extra week, best decision. The option of Victoria Falls was fantastic and park life was so much fun. Lion walks and elephant herds were incredible and the setting of the place was beautiful. The only problem is once you go you will never want to leave.

Even though I was only here for 3 weeks, I've had the experience of a lifetime. I have been incredibly lucky to have learned so much about so many species, and to have even seen some very special animals (leopards, aardvarks, and wild dogs). The guides are always on board to teach you anything you'd like to know and if they don't know the answer, they make an effort to go out and find out for/with you. The schedule each week was always jammed pack full of interesting drives, conservation work, and the occasional class at the local schools so it lets those, like myself, who are only here for a short while experience as much of the conservation project as possible. It always felt very well organised and thought out which made a huge difference. It enabled you to just focus on the work you were doing and to leave feeling like you made as much of an impact as you could. After all, it is called African Impact.

I worked for the Happy Africa Foundation and its partner African Impact in Moshi, Tanzania, and it was the best summer I've ever had. It was not only such fun and enjoyable experience, but also a great opportunity to learn about development and NGO management. During my placement I lived in the volunteer house with others. Because we lived and spent so much time together, we got very close and became like a big family. Unlike government funded programmes like ICS, volunteers come from all over the world, which makes it so interesting to get to know other volunteers as they all have different cultures and stories. This is one of many things I miss about my time in Moshi. I had such a great time in just talking to other volunteers, sometimes sitting around a bonfire, watching the sky full of stars! The weekend trips are also one of my highlights. They had a variety of trips and tours with reasonable price you can do over the weekends. I've done most of the tours, and they were all incredible. Watching a family of lions, crossing the border betweenTanzania and Kenya with a kayak, snorkelling in the turquoise blue ocean of Zanzibar, climbing Kilimanjaro, swimming in a hidden hotspring… and the list goes on. The internship also offered me a great opportunity to deepen the understanding of development and NGO management. Working on the grass route level allowed me to observe how the community is changing, and how NGOs have been contributing towards its development. It was very interesting to learn how the team manages the projects, and being able to see how the projects are making impacts on the community even in a short term was amazing. Being a part of the Happy Africa Foundation team was probably one of the most fruitful experiences I’ve had during the internship. With them, I was able to learn fundraising strategies. As fundraising is perhaps the most important element in the development and charity sector, having an opportunity to learn about it was incredible. None of these experiences would have been great if it weren’t for the staff members of African Impact and the Happy Africa Foundation. They were always very friendly and supportive, which made it so much easier for me to adapt to the new environment and to understand my tasks. I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with.