Volunteer Programs in Africa

I did an animal care project in Portugal with IVHQ and I'm glad to say it was smooth from start to finish. The application was simple and the team always answered any questions I had about the placement itself or any issues I had with documents etc. Before I left there was a group call with my coordinator and other volunteers I'd be working with which made leaving home alone for the first time less daunting. At the placement I would feed the dogs, clean cages and have loads of cuddles and play time with them! The local team were very friendly and easy to approach as well. I had a great time and really felt like I actually made an impact. I would recommend IVHQ to anyone who would like to volunteer abroad

My experience with the Marine Conservation Volunteer Project in Kilifi was both educational and rewarding. As someone passionate about the marine environment, I appreciated the opportunity to take part in practical conservation activities and learn more about the challenges facing coastal ecosystems. The local team was welcoming, supportive, and knowledgeable, and I enjoyed learning from their experience. I also loved interacting with the local community and experiencing the beautiful Kenyan coast. The program gave me a deeper appreciation for marine conservation and showed me how volunteering can contribute to protecting the environment while creating meaningful cultural connections. It was an experience I will always remember.

My time volunteer teaching in Zambia was unbelievably fantastic. I met such lovely fellow volunteers, staff at my volunteer house, teachers and of course kids at my school. The program was really well organised from pre departure to arrival home with plenty of time for sight seeing. I felt so safe in Zambia and received a warm welcome. I felt relaxed at all times and really did not want to come back. I plan to do it all again next year and hopefully catch up with the children a year on in their studies. I'm missing everyone in Zambia!

I had a really great experience volunteering with the Colobus Monkey Conservation Project in Diani. The team was friendly, welcoming, and very supportive throughout my stay. I enjoyed learning about the colobus monkeys, taking part in conservation activities, and seeing firsthand the work being done to protect them and their habitat. What I loved most was that it wasn’t just about volunteering; I also got to interact with the local community and learn more about conservation in Kenya. The experience was simple, hands-on, and very rewarding. I would definitely recommend this project to anyone interested in wildlife and conservation. It was a memorable experience, and I left feeling like I had made a small but meaningful contribution.

I Took my first trip alone with IVHQ as a 17 year old last month. It was an amazing first trip where I was supported the whole way and made many friends from all over the world. I loved the volunteering and I learnt so much about the culture. I am already planning my next trip!

Volunteering in Zanzibar was an amazing and unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from different countries, discover the local culture, and take part in meaningful activities that made every day special. The staff and coordinators were always welcoming, supportive, and friendly, which made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I also created strong friendships with the other volunteers and shared many great moments with them. This experience taught me a lot, both personally and culturally, and helped me grow as a person. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, rewarding, and meaningful experience abroad.

My experience with IVHQ in Tanzania was truly unforgettable! 🇹🇿🤍 From the application process to arriving in Tanzania, I felt like I had clear information and guidance throughout the process. The application was straightforward, and having the details about accommodation, transportation, volunteering, and what to expect before arriving made preparing for the trip much easier. The coordination once I arrived was also very helpful. I appreciated having people available to help with the transition into the program and being able to connect with other volunteers from around the world. The highlight, of course, was my time volunteering at a daycare in Sakina. The children and staff welcomed me with so much love and made me feel like part of their family. It was such a meaningful experience, and I left Tanzania with memories and connections I’ll carry with me forever. I’m so grateful to IVHQ for making this experience possible and giving me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, give back, and experience Tanzania in such a meaningful way. I would definitely consider volunteering with IVHQ again! 🌍❤️

I planned a trip to Arusha, Tanzania through Medi Trip primarily for my son, who is a Pre Med student at university. Medi Trip and Pearl, in particular, did a wonderful job making the arrangements and sending excellent and relevant information relating to the volunteer assignments. My volunteer assignment was with WEHAF--Women's Encouragement HIV-AIDS Foundation. The accommodations were great. The staff at the hostel was friendly and very helpful--everything was kept very clean and orderly. Careen with Medi Trip was available and extremely helpful in showing us how to travel to our assignments from the hostel and how to get around Arusha. When I was seeking recommendations for a safari, Pearl placed me in contact with a local safari operator, and we enjoyed an amazing three day/two night safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. I also sought recommendations for a hiking trip to Mount Kilimanjaro with a locally-owned guiding service. Pearl placed me in contact with Nyange Adventures, and they took very good care of my son and I as we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route. Praise Nyange is an amazing guide and environmentalist. His farm and tree planting operations were outstanding, and his team of guides and porters second to none. My son's volunteer assignment went extremely well. He was able to work with the anesthesiologists and anesthesia techs at the hospital in the general and OBGYN operating rooms. He witnessed and assisted in numerous operations and procedures over the course of the two weeks we volunteered in Arusha. He logged over 60 volunteer hours in just 8 work days! My experience with WEHAF was equally rewarding. I assisted Thedy Lengoje, and her team at WEHAF, with providing sorely needed assistance to widows (the majority of whom are HIV positive) from the community with food supplies, mattresses, beds, gas stoves, and other items needed to alleviate their difficult circumstances. I also helped complete the parking lot and perimeter wall painting at the "Mama Center", where women in the program go to learn how to sew and obtain other skills to be able to start their own small businesses. I did not think I would be doing manual labor during my assignment, but I saw a need and was given the freedom to complete those projects while I was in Arusha. The Medi Trip staff were professional and responsive to all my inquires leading up to our assignments. Travel and housing accommodations were both timely and comfortable. I cannot recommend Medi Trip enough. I am so pleased with the time my son and I spent in Tanzania and we will remember all the people with whom we came in contact (Pearl, Careen, Kombo, etc.) fondly and forever. Jambo!

The phone call with ACE to determine what my experience would involve was incredibly insightful. The consultant I spoke with did a wonderful job understanding my personality and what I was looking for. They recommended various projects, and we collectively decided that the Golola Rhino Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre would be the project which was best suited to my needs and interests. They thoroughly explained every aspect of the project and underlined the things I would contribute to at the orphanage. In addition, they made all logistical and financial arrangements for the project clear, which undoubtedly made it much easier on my side! The in-country support with ACE was also incredible. After landing in Johannesburg following a 12-hour flight, I had an almost dead phone and was stuck in a two-and-a-half-hour queue at passport control. I was stressed that my transfer was going to leave without me. I had emailed my ACE consultant to inform them of my situation, and they responded almost instantly after communicating with the transfer team. Additionally, the ACE team member who was waiting to meet me at the airport was fantastic at checking in throughout my experience. They were very helpful and even assisted me in updating the transfer of my flight change! Without these ACE team members, I don’t know if I would’ve made it there and back. No two days were the same at Golola! Although we worked on a daily routine covering tasks that had to be done, such as feeding the camp animals (rhinos, horses, goats, and pigs), feeding the baby rhino, and cleaning out the enclosures, we also did plenty of other activities in between. During my one-week stay at Golola, we visited a nearby waterfall and creek for lunch, went on a night drive to see various wildlife species we wouldn’t usually see in the daytime, and even went out for lunch in the bush once or twice! There were loads of activities the staff had offered us. Other than working, volunteers and staff would often hang out in the evenings at dinner time, play games and just chat about our lives outside of the orphanage, and it was really nice to get to know the project staff more personally! Our regular morning rounds consisted of putting out hay and pellets for the rhinos in the larger camp. They were often accompanied by the hundreds of warthogs, which would try, sometimes successfully, to steal their food. We would then pack the pickup truck with pellets and hay to feed the rhinos on the reserve. This was particularly exciting as they would often try to closely follow the truck! A good chunk of time each day was spent feeding the youngest rhino, as they needed feeding four times a day. As there were four volunteers on the project during my stay, we each had a turn feeding the baby every day. I would make the milk following the correct measurements of formula and other ingredients, and then bottle-feed the baby myself! She was a very, very greedy baby. Every day, we cleaned the animal enclosures of the goats, pigs, owls and the baby rhino. This consisted of sweeping up hay from the day before and scrubbing the floors with clean water to get rid of any lingering dirt, as well as scrubbing the owl’s perches with disinfectant water. Despite the whole experience at the orphanage being completely life-changing and memorable, the memory I’ll think about the most is probably seeing a baby rhino for the first time. The baby in the surrounding reserve was around a week old when I arrived at Golola, and there were only two or three sightings by a few members of staff at this point. One day, we were doing the afternoon feed out in the bush, and we had spotted a lone rhino who we figured was the mother of this baby. We were very excited and hoped to see her baby, and then he popped out from the bush running beside her! It was such a surreal experience being able to see a mother and her child roam freely in the reserve. After watching countless documentaries about poaching and the devastating effects of the rhino horn trade, it was incredible and quite emotional to see the continuity and persistence of such an amazing species. What was also really special about this moment was the sheer excitement and awe from the two staff members who came on the drive. From this point on, the mother and her baby boy made an appearance every day, excited and running over to us on the back of the truck! I don’t think I can even put into words how much this experience has impacted me. I often felt desensitised yet frustrated at the sight of continuous poaching awareness documentaries and adverts on the TV, confused as to what I was meant to do about the crisis. I had done thorough research about the poaching catastrophe in South Africa but often felt lost, wondering what I could personally do to provide the slightest bit of help to such a beautiful species. I then found ACE after researching different volunteering programs focusing on rhinos. As soon as I got to the orphanage and met the staff and listened to their stories and reasons for working here, I was instantly inspired by their courage and selflessness towards the protection of the rhinos. To be up close with the rhinos, separated by only a few inches, I was hit with the harsh realisation of the severity of the poaching crisis. To see these animals up close in their natural habitat, not through a murky zoo window, and to look into their eyes, I wondered how some humans could be so heartless and cruel. To think that rhinos have lived for over 50 million years but are nearly extinct solely due to the greed of humans has really affected me. As well as this, the staff shared each rhino’s story so passionately and intricately, which further embedded the sadness and horror of the rhino horn trade. I learned about how one of the rhinos at the orphanage was injured by the bullet that killed her mum, and how she has permanent blindness due to a tight blindfold. To understand the psychological and emotional effect it has on the rhinos, the PTSD, depression and heartbreak they feel at such loss was truly devastating. The staff really had a way with their words when explaining these stories; I would have never known how deeply these animals feel if it weren’t for them. The act of knowing, alone, has changed me forever. To develop a brief bond with each and every rhino and to see their individual personalities and playful characteristics on a daily basis also deeply impacted me. But most of all, the motherly instinct of the rhinos with their babies really stuck with me. Despite only being at the orphanage for a week, the experience, the lessons I have learnt, and the little bit of help I put into fighting the war against rhino poaching will last a lifetime. My experience at the orphanage exposed me not only to the beautiful parts of seeing the rhinos in the wild, but also to the ongoing devastation they face that is ever so prominent today. To understand that I have helped feed mothers and their babies in the wild, as well as feeding the camp rhinos and the baby orphan, is a feeling that I will cherish forever. I would tell anyone remotely interested in volunteering to jump at the chance to do this project because they won’t regret it. I’d explain how life-changing the overall experience was and how surreal it was to work with such a beautiful species every day. I’m already planning to come back here next year!

Loved this experience, 100% recommend for everyone to do a Meditrip. The first experience gave me the chance to develop my love of medicine and return to Africa to experience the amazing culture of Tanzania.

I had a wonderful experience with the Marine Conservation Volunteer Project in Kilifi, Kenya. The entire program was very well organized, and everything was clearly planned from the beginning. The team was welcoming, professional, and supportive throughout the experience. I particularly enjoyed being involved in marine conservation activities and learning more about the local environment and the importance of protecting our oceans. The project offered a great balance between meaningful conservation work and experiencing the beautiful Kenyan coast and local community. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a well-organized, impactful, and rewarding volunteering experience

My experience volunteering in Tanzania with IVHQ has been absolutely incredible and has exceeded my expectations in many ways. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, which made the whole experience much easier and more enjoyable. The staff were always available to help, answer our questions, and make sure that we felt comfortable and supported throughout our stay. Their organization and dedication made a big difference and allowed us to focus on the most important part of the experience: helping and connecting with the local community. One of the things I enjoyed the most was meeting so many amazing people. Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming, kind, and friendly, and they made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Being able to interact with local people and learn about their culture, traditions, and daily lives was one of the most valuable parts of the trip. It was a great opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, experience a completely different environment, and see things from a new perspective. During our volunteering experience, we were able to do a lot of meaningful work. It was very rewarding to see that our time, effort, and energy could contribute in a positive way. Even though some tasks were challenging, they were always worthwhile because we could see the importance of what we were doing. Working together with other volunteers also made the experience even better. We supported each other, shared responsibilities, and created great memories along the way. Another aspect that made this experience so special was the feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Volunteering gave me the opportunity not only to help others but also to learn from them. I realized that even small actions can make a difference, and that sometimes the most important thing we can offer is our time, enthusiasm, and willingness to help. The experience also taught me to appreciate things that I sometimes take for granted in everyday life. Overall, my time volunteering in Tanzania with IVHQ has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet incredible people, experience a new culture, and take part in work that felt meaningful and impactful. I have learned a lot, grown as a person, and created memories that I will never forget. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for an opportunity to make a difference while also challenging themselves, discovering a new place, and creating genuine connections with people from different backgrounds. I am leaving Tanzania with a very full heart, a greater appreciation for the world around me, and many unforgettable memories that I will carry with me for a long time.

My volunteering experience in Sri Lanka with International Volunteer was truly one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. From the very first moment I expressed interest in the program, the organization supported me step by step until my departure, making the entire process smooth, clear, and stress-free. The team was always available to answer my questions, provide guidance, and ensure that I felt fully prepared for my journey. Their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout the whole preparation phase. The teaching project I participated in was absolutely wonderful. It was an incredible opportunity to work with enthusiastic students, immerse myself in the local culture, and make a meaningful contribution to the community. Every day was filled with learning, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I am extremely grateful to International Volunteer for creating such a well-organized and impactful experience. I highly recommend this organization to anyone looking for a volunteer program abroad. Their support, commitment, and the quality of the projects they offer make them an outstanding choice for volunteers. Thank you, International Volunteer, for helping me live such an amazing adventure and for making a real difference in the lives of others while also changing my own life for the better.

I have traveled extensively and participated in many different programs over the years, but this one completely takes the top spot! You give a little, but what you receive in return is beyond words. From the moment we arrived, the staff was amazing and so deeply welcoming. We learned so much about conservation, local culture, and the country itself. Our daily routine included morning and afternoon work activities, ranging from helping out at the local school to clearing roads and removing invasive species. Age doesn't matter at all here—everyone pitches in and helps to the best of their ability! Everything is taught clearly, and you’ll learn how to use any tool needed with complete confidence. The wildlife experience is unbelievable. While we went on official safaris, literally every single drive to work felt like a safari of its own! We saw zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, antelopes, tons of bird species, and so much more—we even learned how to track animals by their footprints! Our group ranged from 18 to 70 years old, and the camaraderie was incredible. Everyone worked as a cohesive team, got along wonderfully, and had an absolute blast together! Now, let's talk about the food: I never thought of Africa as a major food destination, but the chefs were FANTASTIC! As a vegetarian, I can honestly say I ate some of the best meals of my life here. They cater seamlessly to every single dietary need. The accommodations exceeded all expectations: * **Rooms:** Simple, private, clean rooms that are refreshed daily. * **Bathrooms:** Convenient shared bathroom set up between adjacent rooms. * **Amenities:** A great pool on-site to relax by during downtime! You get a nice break every day between 10 AM and 2 PM, which is perfect for reading, playing games, or heading into town (the staff will happily help you arrange a taxi). On weekends, you have free time to explore! We took an unforgettable group trip to Victoria Falls, but you can also book extra excursions through the program or TripAdvisor. **Pro tip:** Do not miss Chobe or the Zambia side of Victoria Falls! I truly cannot say enough good things about this program, the breathtaking location, and the incredible people. Do not hesitate for a second—book it! You are going to have the absolute time of your life!

I had an amazing experience with IVHQ during the Coastal and Marine Conservation programme in Zanzibar. From the application process to the end of my stay, everything was well organised and I always felt supported. The application process was simple and straightforward, and the IVHQ team provided all the information I needed before travelling. Communication was clear and any questions I had were answered quickly. The pre-departure information was especially useful because it helped me understand what to expect and prepare properly for the experience. Once I arrived in Zanzibar, the local team was welcoming, friendly and helpful. The orientation was well organised and gave me a good introduction to the local culture, the area and the programme. I always felt that there was someone I could rely on if I needed help. The Coastal and Marine Conservation project was definitely the highlight of my experience. I had the opportunity to take part in activities focused on marine conservation and learn more about the importance of protecting Zanzibar’s coastal ecosystems. It was very rewarding to see how our activities could contribute, even in a small way, to the local environment. The experience was not only educational but also practical, allowing me to get involved rather than simply learning about conservation from a theoretical perspective. The accommodation was comfortable and suitable for a volunteer programme. Living together with other international volunteers was also a great part of the experience. I met people from different countries and backgrounds, and many of them became good friends. Sharing everyday life, activities and free time with other volunteers made the experience even more memorable. The meals were another positive aspect. The food was generally tasty, fresh and varied, with a good opportunity to experience local flavours and dishes. The staff were also very attentive and accommodating. I also really appreciated the opportunity to experience Zanzibar beyond the project itself. The island has incredible beaches, landscapes and a unique culture, and having the opportunity to interact with local people made the experience much more meaningful. Overall, I would absolutely recommend IVHQ and the Coastal and Marine Conservation programme in Zanzibar. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to combine travelling, meeting people from all over the world and doing something meaningful for the environment. I came home with new knowledge, unforgettable memories and a much greater appreciation for marine conservation. Thank you to the entire IVHQ team and the local staff in Zanzibar for making this such a special experience. I would definitely consider doing another IVHQ programme in the future!

it was great! mostly because you have the chance to partecipate to more than the program you apply for and you get the chance to help even more people and do a lot more things! you also get the chance to participate to more than the program you apply for and you get the chance to help even more people!

Volunteered in Arusha, Tanzania with IVHQ and had a great experience from start to finish. Booking and pre-departure prep were clear and easy, so I knew exactly what to expect before I left. Arrival logistics were sorted, and the in-country team was responsive the whole time — any question I had got answered fast. Teaching English and math there was challenging in the best way and genuinely rewarding, and I left with a lot more than I expected to. Highly recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about it.

I had the time of my life. At first i was a really scared kid, afraid to even speak and then one night i sat with Sarah, my Coordinator and she let me feel that talking with other people is not that scary even if u have a thick accent. And i’ll never forget that night because it gave me the push to talk with people. Everybody were heartwarming, always listening. The day care was amazing, i cried so hard when i had to leave the school and also when i needed to leave the house it self. Best weeks of my life.

My experience with IVHQ was overall amazing, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in volunteering abroad. The accommodation was lovely, the local team was incredibly kind and helpful, and I felt safe and supported throughout my stay. The volunteering itself was a really cool and meaningful experience, and I loved getting to experience a new country and culture. My favorite part was getting to play local games with the kids that are commonly played in Zambia but that I had never seen or played in my own country. It was such a fun way to connect with them and allowed me to get to know the kids on a deeper level. Being able to spend time with them, make them laugh, and hopefully help them feel loved and cared for was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. I think two weeks was a great amount of time for the program I chose in Livingstone. After about two weeks, I felt like I had experienced most of what the area had to offer, so I think a longer stay could be difficult unless you enjoy a slower pace. I also wish the local team had given us a little more information about things to do during our downtime, such as local coffee shops, nail salons, affordable transportation options, and other things to do around town. I ended up figuring a lot of that out on my own, although I definitely could have asked more questions! Overall, I had a great experience and am very grateful I chose to volunteer with IVHQ. I left feeling like I had learned a lot, met some wonderful people, and had an experience I’ll remember for a long time.

I did sports education volunteering in Kenya for 7 weeks, and the program was everything I was looking for and more. The hostess at the apartment was super kind, the other volunteers were really friendly, and the volunteer placement was awesome. I really felt that I was able to immerse myself in the Kenyan culture, and I learned a ton. Go in with an internal locus of control, and you will have an amazing time!