Program Reviews

Missionvale is a very structured volunteer program that has an amazing impact in the community of Missionvale. All people within the organisation are extremely friendly and willing to help. I enjoyed working with the ladies of the sowing-club the most, and it gives me a smile on my face to chat to the little youngsters in Afrikaans.

As a volunteer within the orphanage I was feeling extremely welcomed by Mama Gladys and her staff. It feels like coming home in a sense. She is an amazing person and cares for all of her children.
During my volunteering experience I learned to see how these kids open up when you give them individual attention. It changed my view on life and how lucky I am compared to other less privileged people. It was a very humbling experience for me and Mama Gladys and the kids make me see the beauty in small things.

I went there one month ago, in june 2014, with 3 friends, and we can say that it was an amazing experience. The game reserve offers so much and we were delighted to participate in such an amazing program ! We are 4 vet students from France and we really wanted to be a part of a conservation program, especially when it's about big cats like cheetahs !
The contact with animals, the walks with the wild cats, the work in the reserve, all of this was part of the deal and we really loved it ! But there is sometimes a certain frustration : the fact that the cottage is away from the main house makes you feel that you're not really a part of the team, but more like a guest which we pick him up when we go take care of the animals. And we were quite often asking for work as we wanted to move things and be a part of all the improvment the team planed to do.
However let's remind all the good memories, and i write this post to recommend this amazing experience, cause i believe that Modgaji will become a greater and successfuller game reserve in the future !
Let's protect the cats !

Assisting in the rehabilitation of Cheetahs and helping with everyday work on the property was totally rewarding. The semi-desertic Karoo was a delight after the opening of the skies. A blessing with so many wildflowers, such as the spectacular Aloe Vera. This area is very isolated, which is also a blessing as there are no tourists around. Walking the Cheetahs going about to their prey was an absolute privilege. The landscape is rugged and fascinating. You have to let the noble cats approach you and stick to their rule. They are not house cats. One of the most precious aspect of the whole experience was the unique contact with the local tribe who worked with us side by side, and the joy of having a meal in an authentic African restaurant (I don't remember her name, but the lady is famous and is a delight not to miss !). The little town of Steytlerville offered a very friendly and safe atmosphere. A bonus, again, no tourists. I can't wait to renew the experience !

I had to do an internship for school and chose to do this programme. i had a great time and it was a great experience, honestly... better than i expected! Friendly people, and friendly co-volunteers. Would expect some more aspects on the rehabillitation part on the reserve, we didn't see much of the purpose, although we've heard stories of cheetahs being sold to other reserves and being released there. i really liked it, and i would maybe go back some time after i'm done with school.

Waking up early in the morning, ready for a cheetahwalk. As soon as you walk out of your cottage nature hits you, the sun is rising, a cheetah by your side. Both overlooking the view. It is incredible.

Been in South Africa for just over 4 months and I have to say my 5 weeks of voluntering was the best part of it. Work with kids from around 12 years old and teach them how to play football, tennis, netball, hockey, rugby or cricket. You can choose the sports that you want to teach. Next to that you have to teach them a lifeskill each week, with subjects about drug/alcohol abuse, hygiene, supporting each other and keep a healty balance. There is space to make some jokes with them and you'll get a band after a few weeks for sure!! In the weekends you have a lot of things that you can do aswell. Go to a club, bungyjump worlds highest bridge or go to Addo NP and it is arranged within no time. Make sure you try a project like this and I will promiss you...you want to do it again when finished!

If you love rough nature and big cats, Modgaji Cheetah Rehabilitation Project is the project you would want to go to.
The volunteer houses are basic, but the beds are good, so really, what else do you need? The surroundings are rough and beautiful, the cheetah, carachal, serval and hyena are amazing to take care of.
The owner and staff are dedicated to their animals and the breeding program of cheetah is very important, for there are so few of these wonderful animals left...
Walking with the cheetah is an experience you will never forget. It's nature at it's best.
I loved every minute of being at Modgaji and if I can get another opportunity to go back, I will.

the volunteer experience was misrepresented a the "family experience" was not what was promised (ie 9 volunteers in a home is a hostel experience not a family one).
The food provided was very poor usually stale bread and jam for 2 meals of the day. very basic with little variety or fresh fruit and vegetables for the other meal.
The security of belongings was poor with very little support and recourse when money was stolen from volunteers by house staff.
The support for activities outside of volunteering was poor and expensive (compared with what was available by organising things yourself).
The experience of being a volunteer teacher was more like child minding so that the teachers could have time out. to put a volunteer in charge of a class of 50 children whose english skills are very low with no language support is beyond disorganised.

generally I paid a lot of money with the positive intention of giving something to the country rather than just taking in a touristic fashion. I was very disapointed and would welcome the chance to give my feed back and suggestions to you in another form.

I really enjoyed my time at Lofdal centre, despite becoming rather ill on the projects as it was winter.
I was not informed that during my visit to Lofdal, I would be the only volunteer, meaning after 4pm the only thing I was able to do was sit in my room and read my book, having no other form of entertainment with me!