Go Volunteer Africa

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Brian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very Legit Company, I enjoyed my Project

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the childcare and welfare project in Nakuru, Kenya. Everyone, volunteers and locals alike, were highly friendly and many locals would attempt to stop on the street to chat with you.

The accommodation was basic but suitable. Everyone had their own bed and the food each night was delicious! The tap water was not suitable to drink, which meant that you spend some money on bottled water.

The project itself was enlightening, and very worthwhile. Sometimes the work could be hard with the little children, as you would see issues that would be very unlikely to arise in the Germany, but the people /staff made everything worthwhile.

The weekends were packed full of tourist-safari trips, and it was very interesting to see the difference between "Locals-Kenya" and "Tourist-Kenya".

The project was an amazing and rewarding time of my life, and I made friends with people whom I hope I stay in touch with. The project felt well organized but also was relaxed and enjoyable.

Overall, I enjoyed my project and would volunteer with Go Volunteer Africa again in a heartbeat. The staff at GVA, especially Paul was very helpful in making the arrangements.

Pros
  • Meaningful Projects
  • Working directly with locals
  • Good professional staff
Cons
  • Basic accommodation
  • Basic Food
  • Limited resources
Default avatar
Louise Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I would recommend Tanzania to anyone

Go Volunteer Africa offers a fantastic opportunity to both people who are looking to make a difference in their own way, but also to people who want to progress further into their chosen fields of study and to have the opportunity to practically implement this in the field.

I was in Tanzania with Go Volunteer Africa for two months and working within the rural education development program there has been an absolute eye opener and one which has allowed me to experience many new things.

From the moment I arrived in Tanzania I was taken away by the beauty of our surroundings- the green forest surrounding the back of the home and our views out over the mountain and the surrounding areas.

Living within a local community has also been a real eye opener, seeing their way of life and how they have adapted to live in this paradise has been amazing- specially the way that they have allowed us to fit into their village and are willing to help us with anything we may need.

I have genuinely enjoyed every day of my stay there. The school staff are also extremely fun to work with and the mixture of people means that there is plenty to learn and never a boring moment.

I would recommend Tanzania to anyone, but be prepared for basic living standards! This is genuinely not a problem and I believe it has added to my experience there- but maybe bring a few luxuries from home with you!! Enjoy!

Default avatar
Chloe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best program and best value for money

For the record, I went to Tanzania recently and loved it. The program was everything I expected. The orphanage I worked at was amazing and I would highly recommend this program to anyone.

Tanzania is a beautiful country full of wonderful people. I learned a lot about myself as well as about another culture. The work was full of challenges, but was incredibly rewarding. Overall Go Volunteer Africa offered great support and is connected with a very good organization. If you are considering, just go!

I volunteered with two other companies in the past but Go Volunteer Africa was by far the best. Best program and best value for money - DO IT! Best experience of my life. I'm guessing the other volunteers rubbishing GVA probably didn't even volunteer with them.

The orphanage and the kids have been my highlight. Before I got to Tanzania, I was worried there would be no other volunteers but I have met a lot of really nice people from around the world. GVA having a big program (lots of volunteers and placements) is another big benefit of going with them.

Although they were some glitches here and there, overall, I had a great experience and would recommend the program 100%!
Chloe

Default avatar
Scarlett
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

it was an unforgettable experience

I spent three weeks volunteering with Go Volunteer Africa in Rwanda after hearing about the organization from a previous participant in Botswana. Cindy had spent two months with Go Volunteer Africa and was full of great stories and enthusiasm for the project. I had wanted to visit Rwanda since 2018 and after returning home from Botswana, Cindy's tales stayed with me. As a keen photographer of wildlife, I also wanted the opportunity to photograph Gorillas in the wild and see them roaming freely.

I was met in Kigali by the very friendly John and Agatha and immediately felt at ease in their company. We set off on the 2-hour journey to Musanze, where I worked with the women training them about financial literacy and computer skills.

John was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions about the country and the projects. The project was a new experience. A lot of hard work but I think it's something that builds character. I'm happy I did it, I feel a lot more world wise. After this I can do anything and eat anything!

Sitting down with women and talk about women-matters was by far the most enjoyable activity of my stay. Visiting the local schools was also a great highlight. The kids were so gorgeous, with friendly, open and curious smiles.

John showed them some nature videos as well as one about the work that Go Volunteer Africa does. The headmaster seemed very pleased the whole exercise and was also keen to have the children exposed to things outside of their daily lives.

He became very interested in my practice of yoga and so we decided I would teach about 50 of the students a thirty-minute yoga practice. Agatha and I put together a short video presentation about yoga, its history etc., to show them before the practice.

On the day the kids were great, although the girls remained in their skirts which meant a quick rethink of poses! But they were very enthusiastic, and eager to please, and did really well. It was great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to give something to the school.

Everyone on the project was so accommodating and friendly and I felt very well taken care of. The food was absolutely delicious and I don't think there was a single dish that I didn't love. And our trips into the lovely national park provided lots of great wildlife photography and viewing.

All in all, it was an unforgettable experience and I left feeling that I have contributed just a little to the great work that Go Volunteer Africa does. I will definitely be back.

Default avatar
Lawrence
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loving the trip and love Go Volunteer Africa

I have been in Kenya with Go Volunteer Africa for 2 months now and love it. It is truly a unique place to visit, in terms of culture and wildlife. The location of projects is beautiful; situated on a white sandy beach and clear waters of Indian Ocean.

The project is within a small village where all the locals are very friendly. They have a strong sense of community, inviting us to parties, celebrations and even a carnival! Out here you get sun, sea, sand and life! Perfect combination!

The group of other volunteers and the local team have been great, after just 2 months I feel like I've known them for years and everyone really pulls in and helps each other out. The accommodation is basic, but it’s also so much more interesting than staying in a standard hotel.

There is quite a large group of us here at the moment, it is a very busy period and everyone tends to be all over the place. Although I strangely miss home already, the time is going quickly, especially when I am teaching and I have made many friends here. Everyone is so friendly....Can't recommend it enough!

Default avatar
Barbara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Organizers of Family Volunteering Experiences in Africa

My family and I want to thank you all at Go Volunteer Africa for the most wonderful experience in Kenya. We will recommend your organization to anyone interested in volunteering and will also consider working with you in the future. You did an excellent job in every aspect and my children loved every bit of the experience.

We had some concerns and reservations because of the little children and weren’t sure if they would fit in and love the experience. We really enjoyed working alongside other volunteer families we met. My family will cherish all memories of the people we met and the experiences we had. It was one of the best decisions I ever made for my family.

Kenya was amazing, the culture, landscapes, and great hikes all in one trip, and, on top of that, we made several wonderful friends! The local team is doing some amazing work in Nairobi. Thank you so much Paul, for organizing this family trip. You were very responsive to our many questions and gave us useful information.

Default avatar
Eadgar
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

We had an amazing family experience as volunteers with Go Volunteer Africa in Kenya

We had an amazing family experience as volunteers with Go Volunteer Africa in Kenya. We loved the whole experience and we miss the time with the local kids. My wife and I decided to travel with Go Volunteer Africa after reading so many positive reviews from past volunteers.

Of course we had a few reservations since this was our first time to travel abroad with our little children 5 & 9. We wanted to visit and explore Kenya but did not want to go as just tourists. While visiting, we wanted to experience the culture and give back if we could.

Go Volunteer Africa’s Paul organized everything we were looking for as a family. Cultural immersion, a chance to meet new people and make friends, a great place to stay, and affordable safari deals. This trip was worth every penny!

Herbert (the head of in-country staff) is such a wonderful guy and we promised him to leave a positive review because of the fabulous work he does. He was helpful, always a pleasure to be around and he has an amazing touch towards children.

Maddie and I cannot thank you enough for such an incredible time. Choosing to travel with you was and still is the best decision that we made last summer and we shall do it again next summer.

We highly recommend this organization for family volunteer experiences due to our personal positive experiences with them! They are local, so they know where they need the help. Our kids learned a lot about themselves and the world outside.

Pros
  • We loved and enjoyed every minute with them
  • Very affordable
  • All members of the family got involved
Cons
  • Nothing really!
Default avatar
Charlotte
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The whole experience was brilliant for me

Kenya in general is an amazing country and my experience at orphanage and with Go Volunteer Africa was incredible. Paul my program agent is very professional and organized the trip just right from the moment I signed up.

I spent six weeks in Kenya working at the orphanage centre and enjoyed every moment of it!! I also accompanied a volunteer heading to Eldoret program site and I spent 5 days there. The activities were hands on, the wildlife during our safari was mind-boggling, the scenery was awe-inspiring and the staff were utterly fantastic.

The whole experience was brilliant for me. Simply living with the basics, cooking lunch and dinner for the children, organizing sports activities and enjoying a truly communal atmosphere was totally unique and wonderful.

I learnt so much from the endless knowledge of the staff members, and learnt even more about myself from simply going out there on my own and seeing how I coped. My favorite bit of my stay was vegetable gardens I set up with the children and my family also funded the knitting class.

I highly recommend the program in Kenya, the local team is just awesome. Thank you Go Volunteer Africa for giving me an opportunity to make a difference!

Default avatar
Kylie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I experienced something life-changing in Kenya

I was nervous before I came to Kenya. I am now excited to say that I experienced something life-changing in Kenya. I joined Go Volunteer Africa’s Mombasa Program and I loved every bit of my trip.

Working in the kindergarten and hospital allowed me glimpses into the education and medical systems and gave me an opportunity to learn. I learned that sometimes to be most helpful, I had to be brave and ask where I’d be most useful.

Sometimes doing the little things meant the most to those around me - like calming a crying child to allow the nurses to be able to finish pressing work, or having the patience with a child to sit and help them finish their food for the first time.

I was in the public hospital emergency room, where I was also able to see a C-section as well as a live birth. This experience was crucial to my decision to continue studying medicine. I am 20 years old and have just started the pre-med track.

In Kenya, I found incredible kindness everywhere I went. An incredible experience, and one that I will never forget. Thank you Paul and Herbert at Go Volunteer Africa for organizing my trip to Kenya.

Default avatar
Rich
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Volunteer Program in Kenya and Africa

Ever since I was really little, it has always been my dream to travel to Kenya because of its wildlife, and with Go Volunteer Africa I was given the perfect opportunity.

In July 2022, I spent three weeks at the conservation program in Mombasa in Kenya. I had the most incredible time of my life. The volunteer placement is located in a beautiful, very safe area of the island and was walking distance from beaches which all us volunteers loved.

Mombasa itself it is a lovely place. The locals are extremely friendly and after a day you feel like you've known the coordinators and other volunteers for your whole life. Participating in the wildlife conservation was a unique experience, especially releasing them back into the wild on my last day there.

My only regret is that I didn't stay longer. Paul my Program Supervisor at GVA did an amazing job organizing the trip and getting me in contact with the local team before I left. They answered all questions quickly and provided modules to prepare for the trip and make it easier. I was nervous since it was my first trip alone, but I loved it and plan to return next summer.

The accommodation is lovely and so is the food. The beach is just a five-minute walk away, and there's a medical centre right next to the accommodation in case of an emergency. Overall, GVA is an incredible and affordable option for people like me who love adventure and traveling with a purpose. Its indeed the best volunteer program in Kenya and Africa.

Everything was well-organized and I felt supported throughout. I felt that it was all worth the money and was by far the cheapest volunteer program out there! I would strongly advise anybody to travel with Go Volunteer Africa, especially on the Kenya wildlife project, its awesome!