African Impact

Program Reviews

Sander
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best experiences in my life

I was a bit nervous when before I came, since I was traveling alone. But the moment I got picked up at the airport, it went away.
I'm so thankful of all the amazing people I got to meet, and all the kids I got to know.
Everybody there was great, the drivers, cooks, guards, cleaning ladies, everybody was so nice and genuine.
Being in a classroom and teaching the kids something new, or when they finally understand how to solve a math piece, I reaction and feelings is priceless!

Response from African Impact

Hey Sander,

Thank you for putting those fears aside and for joining us in Livingstone. You were an amazing team member! Keep in touch!

The African Impact team

Kristie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zambia - building project

I had never been to third world country. I loved the experience and would love to come back and work in the same project I really felt I made a positive impact. I have sponsored a child since returning home. The team were amazing and I felt very comfortable throughout my stay. Changing of money could have been explained better as I was told credit card were widely accepted and I had to withdraw more than expected. Prearranged taxi costs is a good tip for people so they don't get ripped off.

What would you improve about this program?
Need more tools and equipment.
Response from African Impact

Hey Kristie,

Thank you for this feedback - we'll be sure to chat to our team about it. We're so glad that you took the plunge and had the experience that you did. Thank you for continuing the good work from back home and going #beyondvolunteering. Please keep in touch with us!

The African Impact team

Kira
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zambia stole my heart

Going over to Zambia was my first trip to Africa, and I feel it embodies the spirit of the continent. From the joy that the people had, to the beautiful savannahs we walked through going from home to home on the medical team it was everything I could have dreamed of. The staff on the project were warm and welcoming, the community liaisons were helpful and willing to show us their lives outside of the volunteer house adding a rich context to the entire experience. The friendships I made in Livingstone will last a life time. The country of Zambia and its people stole my heart, and it is safe to say that I will be back again one day.

Response from African Impact

Hey, Kira

Your photos attached are beautiful! We're so happy to read this feedback and that you had a lovely time. Keep us in the loop, and we hope to see you in the near future.

The African Impact team

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inne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A lovely experience

The staff in Zambia are really amazing. As soon as you arrive they are there to help you. They make sure you are comfortable from day one. Every time I think back about my time in Zambia I get a smile on my face.
The connections you make with the locals and especially with the children you work with are so special and amazing. There different afternoon projects where you switch in, what is really nice. And the best part is that I you really like a afternoon project, you can ask to do it more often. I had that with the math club. I really love the math club

Response from African Impact

Hey Inne,

It's so lovely to hear this feedback. Thank you for joining us in Livingstone, and for putting so much effort into math club. Keep up to date with our achievements from math club on our website so you can see your impact.

Keep in touch.

The African Impact team

Carolyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

I adored my time in Zambia and would love to go back! It was a lovely experience and I learned so much. It is a little costly however, you do get a good experience so it’s worth saving up for. Lots of amazing activities to do in the local area and the staff are lovely. They do lots to support you and make sure you have a good time. The accommodation is basic but still good and I would definitely recommend.

What would you improve about this program?
Slightly lower cost.
Response from African Impact

Hey Carolyn,

Thank you so much for joining us in Livingstone! We do have a slightly higher cost than our competitors but we know that this is reflected in the quality of our projects and the experience provided to volunteers. We're really glad to hear you had a great experience and hope to see you again with us soon!

The African Impact team

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Ian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

African Impact, Livingstone, Sports programme

Being on the sports programme run by African Impact in Livingstone has been a trully incredible experience, and I have loved every minute of it. It has been special because I have seen the children we have been teaching really improve in their sporting ability, whilst also seeing the attitude and enthusiasm of the children really develop. When I first arrived the PE programme we were teaching was being changed so that there was much more of a focus on skill improvement rather than just playing games. This was a bit challenging to start with as it was different to what the children were used to, but seeing where the kids are now and how keen they are to learn new sports has made it all worth while.
It has been great volunteering for African Impact because they really play to your strengths and put you on projects you want to be on and the ones where you can do the most to help. For example, rugby is my favourite sport so I was placed on the tag rugby sessions for the Grade 6 girls from Linda. I loved this project as it was great fun every week and I saw an incredible improvement in the girls rugby over my 3 months there. What also made this project my favourite was the enthusiasm from the girls, every session would be at least 2 hours long, yet they would always want to carry on and do more. From a personal standpoint this really motivated me to make the sessions as good as possible.
Whilst the sports projects were my favourite, I still loved the many other projects available at Livingstone. On days when I did not have any sport on I was able to help out on building projects where we were building a wall at the school made out of eco-bricks. This was really nice to do because you could see the benefit of the hard work being done. There was also educational projects such as reading club, which was great fun and very rewarding. On reading club we would assist a small section of certain classes whose English skills were behind their classmates. This was a great project as the kids were so enthusaistic and it was awesome to see their English skills improve so much.
The accomodation with African Impact was fantastic, the backpackers we were based at had everything you could want. There was a bar, which was great for socializing with the other volunteers, a pool, and very good rooms. We were also located in Livingstone, so we were only 10 miniutes away from Victoria Falls and unbelivable weekend activities such as white water rafting, safaris and going to Devil's pool.
I cannot reccomend African Impacts Livingstone project highly enough as it was 3 of the best months of my life.

Response from African Impact

Hey Ian,

We're so glad to hear you had a wonderful time and that you could share your love for rugby. Please keep in touch and we hope to see you soon!

The African Impact team

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Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

African Impact - Photography Course

I had an amazing time on the photography course African Impact offer in summer 2017. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime - we saw so many amazing animals, were given the best advice for getting the best photos possible, and all around had an amazing month in South Africa. The extra trips offered on weekends were great too, as there was a big variety of things to do. I'd love to go back, and hopefully will do soon!

What would you improve about this program?
Continue to offer everything I was offered; maintaining the level of care I got will ensure that all new volunteers feel as comfortable as possible.
Response from African Impact

Hi Anna,

Thank you for this feedback and for this heartwarming suggestion. Hopefully you still look back at your photos and remember your time with us. We hope to see you soon!

The African Impact team

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Darrell
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Cape Town

Volunteering in African Impact in Cape Town was such a good experience that I decided to volunteer with them twice, one time last year and one time this year and I plan to go again. While I was in Cape Town there was many things to do on the weekend and while we worded on project you would really feel like your making an impact doing something not just for yourself but for others who need it. It is also a great way to travel as well if that is what your interested in doing.

What would you improve about this program?
Including more weekend activities.
Response from African Impact

Hey Darrell,

Thanks for this awesome review. We agree, it is a great way to travel! We hope you're keeping well and we hope to see you soon!

The African Impact team

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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome Time Working In Cape Town

When I came to volunteer with African Impact in Cape Town, I originally planned to only stay 4 weeks, but I ended up staying 3 months! I absolutely loved my experience from day one. The staff was so friendly and welcoming, the kids that I worked with managed to impact me even more than I impacted them, and I made friends here in Cape Town I know will last a life time. I specifically worked on the Teaching and Early Childhood Development projects. It's so amazing to work in Cape Town because you get the opportunity to learn about all of the different cultures and work in the communities during the week and then explore the beautiful city of Cape Town on the weekend. There is honestly so much to do - you will never get bored. The staff will even help you plan everything from skydiving to safaris for the weekend so you can make the most of your time here! I would recommend this life changing experience to everyone!

Response from African Impact

Hey Emily,

Thank you for spending 3 whole months out in Cape Town with us. We loved having you here and feeling the impact you were making at GAPA, Kuyasa and Fiks. You'll have to come back and check out our new digs! Keep in touch!

The African Impact team

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Beatrice
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable

This experience has been amazing!! African impact offers a beautiful lodge, where you can find everything you need. The room was big, and the bathroom was perfectly furnished. The housekeeping changed our towels and sheets once a week, and they also made our laundry. At the lodge there is also a big pool, and an huge garden.
The staff was incredible, everyone is always available. They were really professional but at the same time so friendly and funny. They always tried to help everyone, and satisfied our request in the best way they can.

During my stay I was in the photographers team for one month. We had the chance to improve our skills thanks for all the activities that were organized. We practiced almost everyday. The game drives were amazing, the guides were really prepared, they answered to all our questions. In addition we had the chance to get so close to the wild life, and it was incredible. One of the best moment of the week was camping in klaserie. Klaserie is a private natural reserve where we had three game drives in different time of the day, afternoon, night and early morning. We spent the night in a camp around a fire, where we cooked our meal. During the night drive we looked for predators as leopards, hyenas or lions. And we also had the chance to try astrophotography.
We also did community projects. We went to a school for helping children with English. This project was absolutely one of my favourite. It was well organized and the kids are lovely, they were so happy every time we were there. Another community project is farmers of the future, we helped local people to arrange a quiete large garden.

Response from African Impact

Hey Beatrice,

Judging by your photographs, it looks like you had an amazing time! Thank you for joining us at Dumela. We hope that we'll be seeing you soon! Keep in touch.

The African Impact team