Volunteer Programs in Africa

Once I decided to volunteer, IVHQs website helped me easily arrange the rest. I chose Cambodia as I had been there before and thought this was a good place to start my volunteering journey. As an older single traveller i needed to feel safe about what I was doing. I have the confidence now to go anywhere with IVHQ. All the inclusions, information and arrangements as part of the program all happened as IVHQ said it would.

What an experience, and what gratitude from the people around me, and the love I received from the animals. Unforgettable – and I’ll definitely be back. Thank you to Rhiana and Ute for all your hard work there and for letting me be part of it. ❤️

I enjoyed assistant teaching 3rd graders in Cape Town South Africa, under the IVHQ teaching program. I enjoyed lots of flexibility in helping the students individual ly. I helped with the following subjects: Life Skills, Math in class and weekly lab, English and history. The teacher was awesome and had control of her classroom at all times. I was never bored. The students responded to me with the upmost respect. When it was time for me to leave I receive a number of cards and thanks from the students. The staff was outstanding. They took us to the school and picked us up. They were very organized, professional, polite and always helpful. The food was excellent along with the accommodations. This was my third trip there doing the teaching program. I was never disappointed with anything. I was stretched each trip and I grew a lot. I am retired, 72 and was always treated with the upmost respect by all.

Everything about Cheetahs Experience is wonderful - the staff, accommodations and their care for the animals! Being a part of the day-to-day activities necessary to care for the animals and getting to know them is a life changing experience. They have various programs based on the level of physical activity - you’re never too old! We found Cheetah Experience four years ago and have gone back every year and will be returning soon. Cheetah Experience is our home.

The Haven and Sister Cynthia took great care of us and made us feel welcome from the very beginning. Carol, despite her heavy workload, made sure we settled in and gave us direction to get started. The first week was mostly reading and familiarising ourselves with the work, which at first seemed slow, but as time went on we began to understand the importance of that foundation. Gradually, we got to know the colleagues better, and what started as a formal work environment grew into genuine friendships. By the end, I felt like we were not just interns tagging along but part of a team working toward shared goals. Over the course of the programme, we were involved in both community and legal work that made the experience incredibly meaningful. It gave me the chance to contribute to client submissions, legal drafting, and case preparation, which was both challenging and rewarding. We never felt thrown in at the deep end or left without support.During my time I worked with around 45 clients on a range of refugee and asylum matters. I drafted submissions that supported successful appeals against Home Affairs decisions, secured renewals of vital documents, and assisted with applications for asylum. I was also involved in client consultations, where I interviewed clients, gathered evidence, and prepared case files. This gave me a real insight into how important it is to build trust and listen carefully to people’s stories. Alongside this, I prepared case summaries, legal reports, and policy documents, and I also contributed to a project looking into corruption in South Africa’s immigration system. These experiences gave me the chance to use my legal research and drafting skills in a practical way, and to see first-hand the difference that this kind of work can make for vulnerable communities. I was able to contribute to casework and client submissions that directly affected people’s lives. Knowing that the work I did helped clients secure documents or strengthen their asylum cases gave me a real sense that I was supporting the team and the wider mission. The placement allowed me to grow personally and professionally, to build relationships with people I will never forget, and to experience South Africa in a way that was both meaningful and authentic.

After departing from Italy and arriving in Gweru—a journey that involved two flights and a five-hour car ride—I received a warm welcome that immediately put me at ease. The first day was dedicated to orientation: the projects, activities, and rules to be followed were introduced. Above all, it was an opportunity to meet the coordinators of the individual projects—professionally qualified individuals who are deeply passionate about their respective fields of expertise. The weekly schedule of activities is presented every Sunday evening, and each day the group gathers around a fire pit to review the plans and share the highlights of the day—a moment for coming together (much like during mealtimes). Programs includes ie for Wildlife : Elephant Boma cleaning, Bird identification, Rhinos observation, Hyena Enrichment activities or Lions feed. For Community program : teaching assistance, Soup kitchen or Orphanage visit. Safari Stables : horses feed and groom, Fence checks, Safari ride, Horse Swim , Overnight ( optional ) , Polocrosse . I took part in the project for two weeks; the group of volunteers was diverse in terms of age and nationality. The accommodations are comfortable, the location is surrounded by greenery, and the food is wonderful (I don’t eat meat or dairy, and the staff and the cook were always attentive to my needs, offering a varied selection of dishes rich in vegetables from the park’s own garden!). Should any needs, questions, or requests for assistance arise, the volunteer coordinator manager is always available to help 7/24 . I had the opportunity to be of use, to learn, to meet people from different cultures, and to immerse myself in this environment—an experience that has left me with images I will carry with me forever.

What a special place this is . I did a working holiday for 2 weeks and will definitively be back . Everyone is so welcoming . The staff are absolutely amazing and the animals so loved and well cared for . It was also great to spend time with other volunteers. Most of all I will never forget spending time with the beautiful animals and learning about them . Thank you to everyone at Cheetah Experience ♥️

My first visit to Cheetah Experience changed my life. Since then, I've been coming back here at least twice a year. It's a wonderful place where people from all walks of life—of different backgrounds, ages, and nationalities—share the same goal and work together for the animals' well-being. Simply wonderful.

I did the working holiday, but worked with the volunteers. The staff are fantastic with the animals and people. The whole experience is one not to be missed. Everyone works together as a team Accommodation very good. Transport to the farm also very good. Food provided is great. Social events are good to The dedication shown by the staff is truly amazing.

As a veterinarian, it was very important for me to find a place where animals are kept ethically—with respect for their natural needs and interests—and where, as a volunteer, one can both learn a lot about them and give something back to Mother Nature. After my first visit in 2022, I returned two more times... I closed the animals at CE deeply into my heart, and deep international friendships were forged too during the weeks I spent there. CE is the best place for a great adventure and a profound inner journey too—one you will never forget! The spirit, that will change your entire life....

The experience at Cheeta Experience is something I would recommend everyone to do. You get to work with the most passionate employees, that all have the animals wellbeing at top priority. Besides that, thet really make you feel welcome and part of the team. In my case, I had a special requirement, because I brought my cat with me. Riana and the team did everything necessary to accommodate me and him. We had our own unit, when staff was needed for maintenance or anything, is was strictly in consultation with me. They really made this experience the best for me so far. And if you put in the effort for them (animals and staff!) you’ll receive what you put in <3

I have been going to Cheetah Experience for 15 years. I first went in 2011 and the experience left me with a yearning to go back every year. It will always be the best thing I have ever done. I have done things I would never in my wildest dreams think I would ever do and I love every minute of being there. Ive made so many friends over the years from other countries and kept in touch

I gave been traveling to this project quite a few times so if am not too wrong this is like my 16th ti.d and every time you get some new and interesting knowledge and this is pretty much my home away from home

My two visits to CE have been nothing short of magical. Interacting with cheetahs, learning about them and many other big cats, carrying out husbandry, feeding and seeing these magnificent animals close up is an experience I'll never forget. Throw in dedicated and hilarious staff, social events and a hugely diverse group of volunteers and you will want to return again and again.

This is a fantastic program been there for 2 years and gets better every time learning something new and more responsibility as a working holiday staff are so friendly and welcoming you couldn’t ask for more

Cheetah experience is a amazing place to be every animal no matter how big or small are loved and well cared for i extremely enjoyed my time at cheetah experience getting to all the animals and staff everyone was friendly I will be back next year can’t wait already missing the animals

Such a special place for me ♥️ I volunteered there for 2 weeks and fell in love with all the animals! They are truly fascinating and so well taken care of by the kind and knowledgeable staff that works incredibly hard to make sure that the animals are healthy and happy. If you get a chance to visit or to volunteer, definitely do so. It will be a true enrichment and a fun time getting to know each animal. Being so close to them is magical. I can't wait to go back!

Cheetah Experience truly is my second home. The animals always come first, which is also my Moto. There is a very special, unique love here, for the animals, sming the staff and for us volunteers and working holiday clients. This was a my second family. A truly works class conservation and animal rescue centre. Thankyou to everyone involved in helping me dreams come true. I've found my home, no need to go elsewhere Cathy x

I honestly love everything about this place. From the overall atmosphere to the daily routine here, it has been an amazing and truly unforgettable experience. Everything feels just right, making it a place I genuinely enjoy spending time in. I hope I can go there at least once a year from now on.

Firstly, I was surprised by the comfort of the volunteer accommodations, Food and Social Events were also great. I was amazed by the possibilities of interactions I got with Cheetahs, Caracals, Servals etc., it felt a bit unreal. A very important point is that they got really large enclosures for their animals. Also I must give large credits to Riana and her staff for their work who are full of love and dedication for the animals.