Program Reviews

I've been in Tanzania for five weeks (Kilimanjaro). Before I came, I didn't have a lot of expectations. It sounds a bit cliché, but I had the time of my life. You should be curious why I had the time of my life. First it is because of the different types of projects so I saw the African life trough different eyes (older people, children, adults). I had a lot of freedom which projects I wanted to do and also during the lessons you have a lot of freedom how to full in the lesson. For example: I had for 5 weeks the same classes and saw the progression of the students, what gave me a lot of motivation! Also, it was amazing because I had a lot of contact with the locals and learned a lot of them. I recommend Tanzania, Kilimanjaro also because of the possibilities to do during the weekend and discover the rest of the country. My highlights were: I've been on safari to the Seregeti and Ngrorogoro crater, did a homestay during the weekend at someone's house around Moshi, had diner with the locals and last but not least I climbed the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimajaro (...still have to do it next week;)). All together, I had a real African experience and enough reasons to come back!

During the 4 weeks I've been in Livingstone, I encountered and lived many experiences. Had the opportunity to meet different cultures, meet new people and get to live in the same way they do. Humbling experience to say the least. A massive learning curve which ignites in you different moral values, which you will be grateful for during your entire life. Every human being should do such experience at least once in their lifetime.

My experience with AI exceeded all expectations. There were over 20 volunteers from different countries I got to share my time with in Livingstone and we all brought our own skill/knowledge. AI gave us flexibility in what projects we could do each day so although I signed up for the sports program, I spent time teaching maths and reading, going on medical and visiting the old peoples home because I asked to.
I went during school holidays so I loved being trusted with other volunteers to plan and run each lesson as we liked. The kids were fabulous and all so wonderfully cute. They were always ready for a game of soccer but were also quick learners when you tried something new.
Outside of projects we would chill out around the pool, have movie or trivia nights and go see the sunset. On the weekends most volunteers went out on a Friday night and got up the next day to see/do touristy activities (local markets, Victoria Falls, walking safaris, white water rafting etc). This was such a great project because of how organised and passionate the team of lead volunteers were. Would highly recommend!!!

The three weeks that I have spent in Livingstone have been some of the best of my life. It was a really incredible experience that I will never forget. Everyone at the project and all the people that I met in the community were so kind and welcoming, and I always felt supported and looked after. I really enjoyed the fact that the days were so full of activity and we had lots of opportunity to work closely with the local people. We had the choice to either try lots of different afternoon projects or to work on the same ones over the period of a few weeks, and I really felt like I was given the chance to get to know the students that I worked with and to try new things with them. I also really enjoyed events like the village tour, the cultural afternoon and the Walk to School fundraiser, which allowed us to see how the people we were working with live and to learn some of their customs. The atmosphere in the house was great and it was very easy to meet people and make friends. Livingstone is a very special place and the people there are very inspirational. Their positivity and openness is amazing and has stayed with me now that I’m back home. Can’t wait to go back!

Africa was amazing, and what more do you need to experience real Africa? Volunteering with african impact was the best desicion I have made in my life. Apart from immersing myself in a different culture and getting out of my comfort zone and speak publicly to 300 young adults,I have made great friends, both locals,volunteers and staff, which I will cherish in my heart wherever I will go. One nation, one people, one Zambia...all in my heart!

I think this adventure is the greatest experience I’ve never had.
I met amazing people (staff, volunteers,..)
The staff helps you to feel good.
That project is very enriching.
Zambia is a very beautiful country with its landscapes and animals.
There are a lot of activities like safari’s, zipline, bundy jump, microlight, helicopter, walk with lions.
I went to the church and I liked it so much, I met local people, they sing and dance. I really can recommand you to try the church,

I’ll be back for sure

I had an amazing 4 weeks at the beautiful Dumela Lodge and was able to improve my (wildlife) photography, had superb animal sightings and loads of fun with the other volunteers and staff members (e.g. on one of the many provided weekend activities).
The schedule is well balanced and interesting throughout the weeks.
Local staff is very professional (as is the whole organization African Impact) and helpful.
The lodge we stayed in is great and very luxurious, especially for a volunteering location (pool, fireplace, little garden, lounge with projector...).

Overall from my experiences I can definitely recommend this program and would also recommend other projects that are run by African Impact without having experienced them myself.
Especially if you are a wildlife and photography enthusiast, this is the best pick for you!

I can only recommend the Photography Project in the Greater Kruger Area, it was perfect for me in every way. It was amazing to spend so much time on Game drives either in the near Buffaloland or in Klaserie, where you will actually spend the night camping in tents after a tasty dinner and campfire talks. At both day- and nighttime we have gotten many chances to put the things we learned in the classes to practical use. For me, especially the Macro Photography Bushwalks in the early mornings let me have a look into a world I have never really looked into before. Thanks to the honest, constructive and frequent critique sessions we had many chances to improve our photos.
It was so nice meeting so many different people from all over the world, volunteers and staff, which made my stay in the Dumela Lodge unforgettable. We spent so much time together, both on the project as well as in weekend activities. During the week, asides from the Game Drives, Bushwalks, classes, critiques, and presentations, we gave one to one English classes in a school nearby, played with the kids, removed invasive plants in the bush and worked in a garden designed to teach young African's how to grow and harvest plants. On the weekends, there are many options you can choose from, as long as enough other volunteers want to go as well. Going on hikes, taking a trip to Swaziland, more Game Drives in the Kruger Park, taking a microlight flight and a town trip to Hoedspruit are some of the numerous options.
I can't wait to go back to South Africa and hope to see you there :)

I decided join the Dumela family at Kruger for my sabbatical and had several goals in mind:
- do somethng comletely different than what I do professionally
- work on a sustainable / environmental issue
- find like minded people
-discover the beauty and culture of the country
-don't get stressed
-enhance my skills as photographer
The Photography Programm from African Impact at Dumela turned out to be the perfect choice to achieve all that. From day one you felt like home, still in an professional environment where volunteering doesn't mean partying but real work; 8 hours a day, five days a week. At the weekends they offer a great variety of trips and tours where you can discover the surrounding area and get to know your volunteer friends in a more relaxed atmosphere. What I liked most about the whole program is that by all the explanations the staff gives you, you can enlarge your knowledge, get aware of the real environmental challenges the country faces, you find loads of spectacular facts and "wonders" of nature and at the same time understand that your daily work adds up to a massive impact. As they have research, community and photography projects in one place you'll also learn a lot about the other's work and the schedule offers plenty of opportunities to collaborate and at the same time document their doing by taking pictures.
It's in every regard a very special time you'll definitely enjoy!!!

I had such an amazing time with African Impact, spending a month working on the Wildlife Photography and Conservation Program. I met like minded people who were interested in volunteering, photography and conservation. The staff were fantastic at making us feel welcomed, ensuring we were well fed and looked after. It was a home away from home. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and were always keen to share information during drives, which made taking photographs even more interesting and exciting. During the program, staff were able to take on feedback and make alterations to better suit the needs of the group. I have come away with new friends, improved photography skills and a greater understanding of conservation and the risks animals like the rhino face. It was an unforgettable month and an experience I would recommend to anyone interested in making an impact.