Conservation Volunteering in South Africa

I have had great experiences working with IVHQ for four straight years. The representatives are always friendly, professional and easy to work with. They have helped me to not just enjoy my time in other countries, but feel like I've made a valuable contribution. The variety of experiences that they offer and contribute to makes it easy for me to continue working with them year after to eat, and if it wasn't for IVHQ I might not be volunteering year after year like I have been. Looking forward to many more years of working with them.

This was the experience of a lifetime. IvHQ made it so easy to plan a volunteer vacation to a foreign location. Staff was always very supportive which made the entire process so easy and also made me feel very safe.

Program was very organized and well coordinated. Felt very prepared prior to leaving for Thailand. Felt very safe and comfortable once we arrived. Always felt that we had a contact to reach out to with any concerns.

My experience at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage in South Africa was truly unforgettable. During my stay, I had the opportunity to take care of animals, discover the local wildlife and help educate children about the importance of protecting the environment. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience was interacting with the children, helping them learn English and sharing meaningful moments with them. I also loved participating in animal care and learning more about South African wildlife. DAKTARI is much more than a volunteering program: it is a place where people, animals and nature come together. This experience helped me become more independent, adaptable and open-minded. I met wonderful people, discovered a different way of life and created memories that I will cherish for a long time. I would highly recommend DAKTARI to anyone who wants to make a positive impact while discovering South Africa and its incredible wildlife.

I participated in IVHQ's South Korea program in October 2026, including Culture Week and the Teaching volunteer project. While I genuinely enjoyed several things, I was disappointed with the overall organization, communication, and lack of guidance throughout the program. Before sharing my experience in South Korea, I want to mention that my interactions with IVHQ have been very positive. I originally planned to volunteer in Costa Rica in April 2026, but unfortunately had to cancel following the unexpected death of a coworker a week prior to my travel date. I work as a 911 dispatcher, and the circumstances surrounding her death were particularly difficult for me. Although I initially tried to continue with my travel plans, I ultimately couldn't go. IVHQ was incredibly kind and understanding throughout the process and credited me with most of what I had paid toward a future program. I genuinely appreciated how they handled the situation. South Korea was already somewhere I had been interested in visiting, so having that credit available was a big part of what motivated me to book this program. Unfortunately, while my interactions with IVHQ directly have been very positive, the organization and support provided during the South Korea program didn't meet my expectations. My biggest disappointment was Culture Week, which cost $660. Several activities advertised as included on IVHQ's website, such as Korean stamp carving, a calligraphy lesson, a War Memorial tour, a Blue House hike, and a visit to HiKR Ground, either didn't take place or weren't provided as advertised. For example, the calligraphy lesson was a brief children's activity in a museum hallway where we spent about five minutes writing our names with a brush and ink, with no real instruction. I understood before booking that the schedule could vary, and I had no issue with activities being moved to different days or times. However, I didn't expect the actual activities to differ so much, especially those explicitly listed as “included” on IVHQ's website. To make things more confusing, the itinerary advertised on IVHQ's website, the separate itinerary the local team sent on their Zoom in Seoul website before I arrived in Korea, and the activities we actually participated in were all different. Given the cost and the fact that Culture Week was advertised as an opportunity to experience and learn about Korean culture, I expected something more structured and educational for adult participants. Instead, much of the week felt like sightseeing, with limited explanations about the places we visited and some activities that seemed more appropriate for children. For reference, here's what we actually did during Culture Week: - Monday, October 5: A one-hour guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, approximately 20 minutes at the National Folk Museum, and about an hour of free time in Myeongdong. We were given meal vouchers to use at three restaurants within a few minutes' walk of the accommodation for lunch that day. - Tuesday, October 6: A Korean language lesson, lunch at a hot pot restaurant, a visit to Jingwansa Temple, and about 20 minutes at Eunpyeong Hanok Village to walk around and take pictures. - Wednesday, October 7: A stop at Jogyesa Temple, a walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, lunch at a traditional Korean buffet-style restaurant, and walks through Insadong and Ikseondong with little time to stop or explore. We also briefly stopped at a craft museum for a stamp scavenger hunt, which seemed to influence most of our walking route. We also participated in a kimchi cooking class, which was my favorite part of the day. - Thursday, October 8: Approximately an hour-long guided tour at the National Museum of Korea. There were so many people on the tour that we often couldn't see the exhibits the guide was discussing before the museum guide moved on. We then took a short walk around Hangang River Park, had a buffet lunch at Ashley on the river, and spent about an hour at the Hyundai Department Store. - Friday, October 9: Visit to Namsan Tower, lunch at Namdaemun Market, and a brief stop at the King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Museum specifically to complete what seemed to be children's craft activities, including writing our names with a brush and ink (which I think was supposed to be the “calligraphy lesson”), coloring a lucky bag, and making a keychain. We were seated alongside young children completing these activities, and the three adults in my tour group were the only participants without children. We weren’t given the option to explore the museum further. We finished with approximately five minutes on the rooftop of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. We visited some interesting places, but our guides often provided little historical or cultural information, and sometimes couldn't answer questions about the locations. Some historical sites and museums were limited to very short visits, while we spent considerably longer in shopping areas. We also had to pay for our own transportation each day, which I hadn't expected given the $660 cost. Unlike the volunteer program page, which specifically states that volunteers are responsible for their own transportation, the Culture Week description made no mention of this additional expense. Since many attractions were free or inexpensive, I struggled to see how the experience justified the cost, even with accommodation included. That being said, I really enjoyed the Korean language lesson, the guided tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace, visiting several temples and markets, and participating in a kimchi cooking class. The week definitely had some worthwhile experiences. I experienced similar organizational issues during the volunteering portion of my trip. I had signed up for the Teaching project, hoping to gain practical experience working with children. However, I received no placement-specific orientation or meaningful guidance about what I would be teaching, the English proficiency of the particular students I'd be working with, or what was expected of me. On my first day, I was given materials to make vocabulary flashcards and then taken to a location where I was essentially left to figure out how to work with the children. Thankfully, another volunteer who had already been there showed me what she had been doing. I have a TEFL certification but limited practical teaching experience, so I had hoped to learn from a local teacher or coordinator while contributing to the project. I wasn't expecting someone to do everything for me, but I would have appreciated some basic direction about the students and their learning goals. What made the lack of guidance particularly disappointing was that IVHQ's website specifically stated that volunteers would work closely with teaching staff and receive support from local teachers. The program guide also described preparing classes with a local coordinator. IVHQ even advertises the program as suitable for people without teaching experience. I understand that volunteering requires flexibility and initiative, but I think there's a difference between expecting volunteers to take initiative and leaving them to figure out how a teaching placement operates without basic direction. Based on how the program was advertised, I expected at least some opportunity to collaborate with or learn from experienced staff. I also spent a day volunteering at a dog shelter, which I enjoyed. It was a nice surprise to learn that we could try other programs while we were there, although there was similarly little direction about what volunteers should be doing. Unfortunately, I became ill during the week and later had to return home early due to a family emergency, so my volunteering experience was shorter than originally planned. Because of that, I can't speak to what the remainder of the teaching experience would have been like. I do want to emphasize that everyone I interacted with on the local team was polite and friendly. I never felt unwelcome or uncomfortable, and my criticisms are about how the program was organized and the level of communication and guidance provided, rather than how I was treated personally. If you're looking for a highly informative, well-organized cultural experience with knowledgeable guides and opportunities to really learn about the places you're visiting, I honestly think you could put together a more personalized and cost-effective itinerary on your own. Many of the places we visited were free or inexpensive, and I would have preferred spending more time at the locations that interested me rather than rushing through some of them to go shopping. Similarly, if you're looking for a structured volunteer placement with clear expectations, guidance, and opportunities to learn from experienced staff, this particular program might not be the best fit. Based on my experience in South Korea, I wouldn't personally choose to volunteer with IVHQ again. However, I recognize that different countries, local teams, and volunteer projects may operate very differently, and I wouldn't necessarily discourage someone from considering IVHQ altogether. For anyone interested in volunteering with IVHQ, I'd strongly recommend asking detailed questions about the specific placement, the activities actually included, daily schedules, additional expenses, accommodation arrangements, and the level of support provided before booking. One other thing I'd mention for LGBTQIA+ travelers to South Korea, particularly those who are trans or nonbinary, is the accommodation situation. I'm nonbinary and have a male gender marker on my identification, but I appear more feminine. I stayed in a private room at the temple, but the bathrooms were shared and separated by gender. Although the individual toilet and shower stalls were private, I sometimes felt uncomfortable using the men's facilities. I knew before traveling that attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ identities might be different from what I'm used to, so I wasn't necessarily expecting the accommodations to account for my particular situation. I also want to emphasize that nobody at the temple ever made me feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. However, looking back, I wish I'd booked a private hotel room with my own bathroom, especially since I believe the cost would have been similar. It's just something I'd encourage other trans and nonbinary travelers to consider when choosing their accommodation.

I had the best experience volunteering with IVHQ. It gave me the opportunity to gain more confidence and a new perspective about so many things. I met the most amazing group of people, and I would recommend this program to anyone considering it. I participated in the healthcare program, which was such a great learning opportunity. I loved getting to immerse myself in a new culture while also giving back to the local community.

Wonderful experience where I felt like I made a real contribution whilst learning a great deal about all aspects of conservation and having a great time whilst doing it. Would absolutely recommend this project to anyone.

This experience changed me in ways I never expected. From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be life-changing, but looking back, I can say it was the best experience of my life, and I'm only 22. The local team was truly incredible. They supported me 24/7, and whenever I struggled or faced a difficulty, they were 100% there to help. I couldn't have asked for better people to work with, and I'm so glad to have met them and built real friendships along the way. The same goes for the other volunteers. Living and sharing spaces with them made the experience special and unforgettable, and I came away with countless memories and a lot of laughs. The accommodation was very different from what I'm used to in Western culture, and sharing space means giving up some privacy, but that was part of the charm and I wouldn't change it. The children and the locals touched my heart so deeply that, after my volunteering hours ended, I decided to sponsor some of the children I spent time with from a distance. This experience opened my eyes to how much exists beyond my own borders, both the beautiful and the difficult. The people I met taught me how to smile, how to truly live, and above all, how to be grateful for what I have. Thanks to them, I now know what I want to devote my life to: helping others and making people feel seen and valued. Before leaving, I was nervous about being in a foreign country, far from home, surrounded by people I didn't know, and I worried about whether I would be able to adjust. But that fear faded far more quickly than I imagined. The people I once considered strangers became an essential part of my journey and, most importantly, became my friends.

My time with oceans was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget. The wildlife we witnessed and the fieldwork were inspiring and grew a deep passion for the South African marine ecosystem in all of us. The friendships I made will last a lifetime and I will definitely be drawn back to the South African waters.

I had the time of my life! The activities were organized down to the last detail, and everyone was friendly and ready to help or offer input. The knowledge possessed by the guides and rangers clearly reflects their passion and love for the work they do everyday! But above all, working with the animals was an experience I will cherish forever—words cannot describe how amazing it was!

From the beginning the whole process was seamless and very supportive. Airport pickup, transportation, accommodation, staff, food were first class. They couldn’t have been more helpful. I participated in a teaching program in Kandy, also turtle conservation. Both programs far exceeded my expectations and I left feeling that I had made a difference. Wonderful connections and friendships made with fellow volunteers from all over the world. Life changing in many ways.

I gave administration a value of 3 because I think you could do a better job of explaining the experience in advance. Nowhere did you explain the project was with Kruger Conservation. I didn't learn that until I arrived and received an orientation by the team at Kruger Conservation. "Kruger Project" is too vague of a description for the actual experience. Also, the Volunteer Encounter description of the project mentioned it was in Ndzalama Game Reserve when we actually stayed in a neighboring property called Worsboom Lodge. It was very confusing upon arrival to learn this, and to get my bearings of where I was located. Having some background/historical information about Kruger Conservation ahead of time would have been helpful. I feel Volunteer Encounter was misleading/misrepresenting Kruger Conservation.

Volunteer Encounter responded to this reviewOctober 05, 2026

Hi Barbara, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback with us. We really appreciate your honesty and are so pleased to hear that you loved the overall experience! We completely understand your comments regarding the information provided before arrival. We are currently looking at how we can better explain the relationship between Volunteer Encounter and our South African Partner team, as well as provide more background about the organisation and the work volunteers will be involved in. Volunteer Encounter works in partnership with this project whose team leads the conservation activities and provides the orientation on arrival. Regarding the accommodation, this can vary depending on availability, with volunteers sometimes staying at Worsboom Lodge rather than directly at Ndzalama Game Reserve. Both are part of the same project area, but we appreciate that this could have been made much clearer before your arrival. Thank you again for your feedback, it really helps us improve how we communicate the experience to future volunteers. Most importantly, we’re delighted that you enjoyed your time on the project and hope you took away some fantastic memories!

I’d like to start off by expressing my utmost gratitude to African Conservation Experience (ACE) and the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for allowing me the opportunity to work with such amazing creatures and people and for giving me encouragement to pursue a career in wildlife medicine and rehabilitation. I’ve yet to see a more driving force in the never-ending battle of environmental conservation. The level of compassion and effort they put into the welfare of the wildlife under their care left me awe-struck, to say the least. It’s no secret that environmentalism is an important cause that’s seldom prioritised in this world. Until you’ve put boots on the ground, it’s impossible to fully comprehend just how deeply rooted these issues lie and how much effort it takes to make short and long-term progress. During my time at Moholoholo, I was blessed to get elbow-deep in the dirty work of wildlife care and maintenance; everything from food prep to cleaning to enrichment required such a calculated approach to maximise the quality of life for those to be released and those who remain inhabitants at the sanctuary. I was able to see the full circle of life take place during my time there, seeing neonatal care, health maintenance of adult inhabitants, successful rehabilitation and release, and even the process and aftercare of the wildlife who passed on after succumbing to injuries too severe. I received an education like no other, learning about how all aspects of the local ecosystem interact with each other, and how we can help preserve and heal the areas that are in decline. Also, I was able to get an understanding of how the sociopolitical climates of the area affect everything from individual animals down to the quality of the soil that they tread upon. The people I met at ACE and Moholoholo are some of the most professional, wise, and compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. I am so grateful to have worked with them, and I’m incredibly excited to return in the future!

The pre-departure support given was very adequate and I felt very reassured despite me traveling by myself for the first time. Sign up was easy and I definitely recommend volunteering with IVHQ. Staff were very helpful too.

I volunteered at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for two weeks in July, and it was an experience I will never forget. I never knew conservation opportunities like this existed until a former staff member referred me during my stay in South Africa the previous year. Initially, choosing which project I wanted to do seemed difficult, as they all approach conservation slightly differently, and I was restricted to two weeks. African Conservation Experience (ACE) provided detailed information and advice based on what I wanted from the experience, and any questions or concerns I had were answered. This all led to me picking Moholoholo, which was definitely the right choice for me, so I am very grateful for the discussions we had about this. As my first time travelling solo, ACE made this a very relaxed and stress-free process. We were met at the airport by two members of the South African ACE team, who helped volunteers get anything they needed from the airport, such as SIM cards. They gave us a free meal upon arrival and also made sure we made it to the next part of our travels, whether that was another flight or a car journey. This was very helpful and saved a lot of time! My experience at Moholoholo was very eye-opening to the efforts that go into conservation. From tending to the animals permanently in the sanctuary daily (due to a variety of reasons, meaning they were unable to be released) to learning about and helping animals that were being rehabilitated to eventually be released in the wild, each scenario was different and very interesting. Hearing the stories of the individual animals and the history of the rehab showcased the dedication this place has to wildlife conservation, and it was great to be a part of that. The staff at the centre were also really kind and welcoming. During my time on the project, ACE also contacted me to check how I was getting on whilst there and if I had any problems, which was really appreciated. ACE overall made this experience very easy and stress-free, and I will be using them again. I can’t wait to be back soon!

It has been a few weeks since I came home from my incredible experience at the Golola Rhino Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre. I think about my experience every day, and feel my heart warm at all the memories and experiences I have gained. One of the biggest dreams of my life has been to volunteer with animals; it’s something I’ve longed for as long as I can remember. I finally decided to go, and I was a bit scared at first. What if it isn’t what I have dreamed of? Have I built too many expectations over the years that they will be impossible to reach? Little did I know, it would be everything I had dreamed of and more. I researched a few organisations before I found African Conservation Experience (ACE) and immediately felt like this was the real deal. For me, the most important part was to find an organisation that values the welfare and care of the animals. After speaking with ACE, I felt safe and secure in their intentions. ACE recommended and told me about Golola, and I was sold. I had never thought of volunteering specifically with rhinos, but I am so, so glad that I did. The team at Golola was incredible. I truly admire the time, love, and care they give to these wonderful animals. I will never forget my first morning there, walking around some sheds and boom, there are rhinos in the sunrise grazing for food. It felt like magic. Like this was something out of a fantasy, something that wasn’t real. The quiet, the sunrise, the rhinos. How is it that I am actually here and experiencing this? Every morning thereafter I just took a minute or so, looked at the rhinos in the sunrise and felt incredibly lucky. It really was magic. Golola takes care of other animals in need as well. When I was at the centre, they had some tortoises, an owl and a sable calf. During my stay, there was a rhino calf that I got to bottle-feed and see grow, which was truly amazing. Feeding the camp animals and the rhinos on the reserve was an incredible experience. Driving out in the reserve was idyllic. Seeing rhinos, both adults and calves, including a one-week-old newborn, living their lives, free across the plains surrounded by wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and (a lot of) warthogs is an image that I never want to forget. As a volunteer, we got to learn about rhinos, in the sense of how they are as animals, their behaviours and personalities. However, we also learned about the gruelling reality of these animals disappearing one by one, just because of a horn that is made of the same material as a human's hair or nails. These educational talks and videos were shattering and difficult to digest, but necessary to understand the importance of the work there. It breaks your heart to learn what some rhinos, including many of the rhinos at Golola, have had to witness. The sadness is overwhelming and heavy, but so is the anger and frustration. It lights a fire in you to try and protect these animals. But in the heaviness there is also hope. There is a fire in every single person at Golola, and they do everything they can to make sure the rhinos are safe and living their best life. That gives me hope. Going on this journey was one of the best things I have ever done. My dream was fulfilled and my life altered. I hope and wish to come back and experience the magic once again.

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 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 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.