Program Reviews

I went as part of my gap year and the other participants were brilliant - a real mix of people. You get to live with the locals and experience local life and see some of Tanzania that's off the beaten track. Also weekends are free so if you're adventurous you can plan safaris. mountain climbs or rest and relaxation.

I had a fantastic time in South Africa. One of the main things that I took away with me was not only some amazing memories and friendships, but a new found confidence. Further, the daily activities were so enjoyable; especially the days in which we visited the orphanage- the children literally held on to everyone the entire time and we played with them for hours.

Every day was a new adventure! seeing waterfalls, surfing, milking cows, living with locals and saving turtles, hot weather, rainforests, exotic animals, friendly team members were the highlights for me!

I went on this trip almost 6 years ago and I still think about it often and I am still wearing the beaded bracelet of the flag on my wrist! It has never come off! Perhaps not the trip of a life time as these opportunities are more and more frequent - but was definitely the trip of my lifetime!! (So far - nothing has beaten it in 6 years) Exciting, scary, exhilarating, challenging, engaging, emotional and so much fun fun fun! Such a variety on offer and such a safe and welcoming environment to experience it in whilst still taking you out of your comfort zone and into other peoples lives and cultures.

In general, the programme is a very well rounded experience where you can go with your group on adventure weekend breaks during or in between volunteer segments.

The communities that we stayed with seemed appreciative of the work we were doing and we fostered good relations with them.

The UK staff are very professional and always there to help. My group leader at the time was very knowledgeable and knew how to travel in Ecuador.

The work itself may be harder to you if you come from a first world city where rural living conditions may be more difficult for you and you have to do hands-on work.

For specific examples of day to day experiences: In the Andes we readied a patch of land for seeding so that the local school could feed the kids.The community was wonderful, made us great food and had good living conditions.

With the specific Tsachila community we stayed with: living conditions were sufficient and the people were friendly. The only significant downside was that the food they provided was typically insufficient, though im sure much of the issue can be attributed simply to lifestyle difference rather than anything else.

In the Galapagos: The boss was friendly and the work was tough at times but very rewarding. You get to meet many more volunteers here because the Hacienda you work at accepts volunteers from all over the world all year round. You get to be next to all of the endemic species and experience the life of the islanders.

Fantastic opportunity to immerse one's self into a completely new culture. It was hard work, particularly getting to grips with using tools I had never used before and carrying heavy pieces of lumber but seeing the faces on the residents of the tribal communities made it all worth it. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

One of my highlights from SA would be when we were able to really get involved with the animals on the reserve, assisting the vets with the treatment of one of the Rhinos. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to such amazing animal. I learnt a huge amount during my stay at Bush House not just about the animals, but about the South African Culture and traditions. I managed to visit Kruger National Park 4 times during my 10 week stay and it was beyond anything you could ever imagine every time. From having a lion a metre away from our vehicle, to seeing a Cheetah with her three baby cubs, spotted in the bushes by our ranger. I have experienced memories with friends which will both last a lifetime.

My son spent 6 months in South Africa with the leap it was a 100% success on every level.. He loved every moment. As a parent the leap were fantastic in keeping me informed at every stage. He returned full of confidence and having learnt and gained in every way.

An amazing and extraordinary trip to South Africa, to my opinion. Horse riding is in the daily program and entertainment is taken care of. The staff make sure nobody gets bored. The highlights for me were the "outdoor" trips to Kruger National Park and Sabie. Plenty of variation in the program, and every week a discussion is planned to see if everyone is still happy and comfortable with the program. Yes, it is expensive, but it is worth the price. It's South Africa - be amazed!

I can't recommend this program enough!

The time in the Andean community was incredible. It was hard work, but the people there are so welcoming and kind and, most importantly, inspiring - they don't have much money or anything, but they are so skilled in their craft and so hardworking. Plus the food they gave us was delicious!!!!!!
The jungle was also a very interesting experience, as we saw how a very different indigenous community lived in a very different manner. They have a rather odd blend of modern and traditional, which was very unexpected.
Then came the gem - The Galapagos!! Nothing can prepare you for the sheer beauty you witness out there; sea lions everywhere, idyllic beaches and incredible snorkelling!! The work we did there was harder than anywhere else, with full days in hot hot weather but it was really worthwhile. We did stuff like cutting down invasive species as well as building a nursery to grow endemic species.

In between voluntary placements we have time off to travel around Ecuador and do more traditionally "touristy" things. We're visited several adventure towns, where we whitewater rafted,zip lined and jumped off bridges!!! Plus we had he opportunity to visit some historic attractions in Quito and Guayaquil.

The only things I'd warn you about is there are some pretty basic living conditions, some of the food is pretty substandard (ie gross) and the altitude can be a bitch!!

Have fun!!!