Backpacking Tours: Volunteer Programs

My Zanzibar journey was unforgettable, discovering a paradise with white sands and azure waters. Yet, the heart of my experience was the people—unparalleled in kindness, always with a smile, singing ""Hakuna Matata,"" and dancing, embodying pure joy. Quickly, I felt part of their vibrant life.

Highly recommend this experience! It's not just the scenic beauty but the genuine warmth of the locals that makes it special. You're welcomed into a community where life's pleasures are celebrated daily, truly living ""Hakuna Matata."" A visit to Zanzibar is a deep dive into a culture of happiness and hospitality.

This trip stands out as an incredibly amazing experience in my life! I'm deeply thankful to the organisation for their careful and responsible planning of this journey. Every tour was exceptionally well organised, filled with enjoyment, and the staff were unfailingly supportive and amiable. Quickly forming friendships within our excellent group proved crucial during our leisure days! Surprisingly, there were very few volunteering days, something I hadn't anticipated. My desire was for more time to be spent at the elephant camp, alongside their remarkable team who show profound care for the elephants. I wholeheartedly suggest this adventure to all young explorers keen on adventure and a bit of volunteering, urging them to inquire extensively and scrutinise the itinerary to grasp fully the activities planned. Overall, a truly amazing and transformative experience!!

It may appear daunting at first, but the chance to encounter numerous incredible and new folks is something you wouldn't want to skip. The team on the ground, genuinely amazing and the most helpful, were always there, ready to assist with absolutely anything you might need. So many aspects of my perspective have been broadened through volunteering. It's an experience I'm eager to dive into once more. Truly, it's a journey that's transformed me, showing me the kindness and support of the local community, making it a memorable adventure I'd jump at the chance to relive.

I've just returned from my travels across Asia, and the experience at the Turtle Conservation Centre will stay with me forever. Collaborating with such wonderful people at the Centre, who became friends I looked forward to seeing and talking to every day, has left an indelible mark on my heart. Each person there has made a lasting impression. Being in close contact with the turtles, understanding their behaviors and what we can do in our daily lives to help and protect them, witnessing baby turtles hatch and aiding them out of the sand, and sharing the knowledge I gained with other visitors was profoundly impactful. Meeting new people, witnessing the stunning landscapes and places during my journey - all these elements have etched a permanent place in my mind, heart, and soul. A heartfelt thanks to Bali and everyone there; it was an absolute pleasure working with all of you. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. ❤️

My trip to Madagascar was absolutely fantastic. The children at the school were incredibly engaged in their learning. This time, I realized the importance of bringing along a lot more picture books, something I hadn't focused on enough during my previous trips. We had a routine where, after working on English spelling and writing words, we would read a picture book each day. I would read a page in English, and then Gabriel, one of the local workers, would explain it in Malagasy/French. It was wonderful to be able to show the students the artwork in these books, as their usual lessons mostly involve chalkboard exercises. In all the schools I've taught at, I've observed a challenge with imaginative tasks and drawing. A large number of students seem unsure or surprised when I encourage them to 'write a good sentence and then draw a picture to accompany it'. Therefore, my intention with the picture books was to introduce them to art and inspire their creativity.