Program Reviews

Avoid the Maasai Mara African Impact program. I signed up for a 4 week conservation and research trip in the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The trip promised contributions to vital research with Big Cat and Elephant programs. When I arrived it was clear that there was no serious research going on, no one with research experience in charge of the project, dysfunctional administration and serious communication issues with staff who were leading the volunteers. The location where volunteers were housed and fed was located an hour or more on a rough road to the "research areas" where 1 km game drives (approx 20 minutes) collected data maybe four times a week. Lots of wasted fuel for little data. Additionally, longer drives made to a neighboring conservancy were basically 12 hour game drives with a little time out to pull weeds. It was never made clear to me how any data that was collected was used with the larger programs. I saw no definite communication between the Mara Elephant Project nor the Mara Predator Conservation project and left with a very small understanding of their mission and what they do. The research equipment consisted of one phone with Earth Ranger app installed, three camera traps with only one functioning unit. As a veteran of similar genuine research studies in the region it was clear to me that the program lacked a lead scientist to design a process that would provide infomation to serve Pardamat conservancies long range conservation plans.

The weekly school visits and trips to nearby Aitong during market day were basically diversions. The school visits were disorganzied -and with no plan, they mostly served as a disruptive experience and a big missed opportunity. When all else failed we pulled invasive weeds.

A strong warning if you are thinking of joining this program. The food is very basic -fried dough, cabbage, ugali, potatoes, rice, spaghetti without sauce -next to no fresh vegetables, and most vegetables were overcooked in the meat sauce. Rice crackers for gluten-free dieters. Fruit only if you ask for it. Not a healthy diet for volunteers.

I decided to depart the program early, as more than a few previous volunteers have done, and was met only with "thank you for your suggestions on how to improve our program". This was a lot of money wasted and I left with a very negative opinion of African Impact. If you want a real volunteer conservation experience I recommend Biosphere Expeditions and Imire Rhino Conservation (Imire resells Imire but I recommend you book direct so more money goes to conservation and not marketing).

Unique experience: beautiful people, lovely place, one in a life experience
I have loved Everything
You can do a lot of different things: Victoria falls, chobe, booze cruise, zipline
A lot of different project: teaching, environment, medical.
Not just person but family, new sister and brother: Very kind people.
There is no I in a team!!!!!!! It was beautiful to have the opportunities to partecipate in a lot of project.
We always Wake early but with a big smile: love for ever the African Impact family

I expected this to be a great experience but the reality surpassed my expectations, I loved the children, the people, the staff, everything. I called this place home for 3 weeks, and these people family.
If you’ll come here just don’t overthink, be open to changes and enjoy. You come here thinking to help others, but you also help yourself growing. I have really had the time of my life, the greatest experiences and I made true friendships. I will miss this place so much. If you can, come here!!!

I had the best time in Livingstone on the teaching project. You can connect with the students and really see them get better. Also the connection with the community is cool. The house and the staff is amazing. Love these people! They will make you feel at home and the after project activities are amazing. Together you will make a difference in the community. Together you can make a amazing experience for everyone. If your are doubting just do it, it’s gonna be amazing and you will have the time of your life!

This experience is one of a kind. The people, the placement and the projects! I was volunteering in Livingstone with AI a year ago, but had the chance to come back here once more and I absolutely loved it. I truly am grateful for every moment spent here. Everyone is super welcoming, so encouraging and full of warmth. The projects are well organized and you'll get all support needed to be in your comfort zone. Being able to teach the kids, for the small amount of time I could, at the teaching project has given me so much more in return than I could ever imagine. The time just flies by here with projects during the days, social gatherings in the evenings and weekends full of opportunities for different activities. I made memories that will last me a lifetime and that I dearly will hold on to. Thank you<3

Really great experience, I only have positive things to say and really recommend it!

It was really interesting to teach the children as they were very happy and eager to learn. I got great support from school staff and African Impact staff as well.

Accomodation and food was really good and above my expectations.

The staff at the accomodation helped arrange trips and activities that me and the other volonteers did on the weekend such as safari, bungee, and flying over the Victoria Falls.

In sum, a great experience!

This experience was incredible! Getting to know such amazing children and to get the opportunity to be a part in their life for a short time was incredible to me. I will forever cherish everything that they taught me and be grateful for this time! The work-days were perfectly put together with teaching, breaks, other activities and social happenings in the evenings! And being in such a beautiful town, it was easy to find something fun and cool to do on the weekdays! I did Angels pool, The Elephant Cafe, Rhino Walk and overnight safari in Chobe, Botswana!

Compared to my expectations it was very safe, clean and comfortable stay at the Backpackers and the city itself!

I had a lot of fun and made awesome memories that I will cherish forever. I would recommend doing a project ant African Impact in Livingstone to absolutely everyone!

The experience was life changing, the people made the trip special, and the location is breathtaking. The trip as a whole was amazing but I felt that at times my specific project failed to reach its potential. It felt lacking at times due to the limitations we were dealing with. These limitations included time we spent actually building, the tools we had available to us while building, and the building methods that we were using. I understand that improvements cost money and effort, but I feel that with a small amount of change a large impact could be created.

I had the best time during my two week volunteering in Zambia. First of all the backpackers hostel felt like coming home after going on project. There’s enough space to chill with the other volunteers and to unwind. The staff is extremly welcoming and kind, they make you feel comfortable. There’s an atmosphere of positivity only. Going on project is a plaisure. I felt safe every moment. You are encouraged but not forced to do things out of your comfort zone. Everyone you help is grateful and you get a lot of satisfaction from even the smallest things you do. This was an amazing experience that has encouraged me to go further with this.

I spent four weeks in Zambia with African Impact and I loved every second of it. I made friends from all over the world and experienced the incredible Zambian culture. I did the NGO Internship where I saw to completing the weekly reports, data collection, lesson planning and teaching/presenting. It has really given me an insight into the behind-the-scenes work done at a non-profit organisation. On the weekends, we had free time and I did filled it with activities such as: a night trip in Chobe National Safari Park in Botsawana, bungee jumping in Victoria Falls, white water rafting and seeing the lunar rainbow at the Falls. I would highly recommend African Impact to everyone!!