Safari to Coast Conservation Volunteer Project

This is my third time on the Build A Future programme run by All Out Africa. Each time I go I meet fabulous people and make new friends. What makes All Out Africa stand out is that the projects do actually make a difference and there is an on-going review process to ensure that this remains the case. The building projects are supervised by Michael who is a very competent builder, a great teacher and a thoroughly decent man. The projects are hard work as everything is done by hand, but this does mean that you are safe and that people from the community can, and do, help where they can. The more involvement from the local community the better as this means that they buy into the project more which, in turn, can help in its success. At every step of the way you have the full support of the All Out Africa staff whose head office is at Lidwala Lodge where all volunteers stay for the duration of their time in Swaziland.
Lidwala is a backpacker’s lodge in a beautiful part of Swaziland called Ezulwini. The staff have always been very helpful, friendly and it’s a pleasure to be there. I would say that the quality of the food can be improved – when you are out working on site all day, the options for packed lunch are limited and basic. But that aside, the atmosphere in the lodge is great and it is lovely to sit on the veranda or by the pool after a long day building and either read, catch up with all the other volunteers or meet the travellers who pass through.

My volunteer program was the best thing I have ever decided on doing. I was just 18, and never been abroad by myself. I was welcomed in the All Out Africa family do warm and loved. I insteanly felt like I belonged there. The staff was so good and organized. The program was 6 weeks. 1 week kruger park in South Africa. What an experience this was. Together with my group (which is also an amazing experience because you get to be in a group of people who are from all over the world) and with the tourguides you drive through the park to spot the amazingly beautiful wildlife. The tourguides were sooo excited and the took you with them in their excitement. Never a doll moment. The accomodation and food were perfectly arranged.
Then it was two weeks of volunteerwork at one of the NCP's (nursery care point) in Swaziland. This has changed me completely, and no i am not making it better than it was. I became so aware of what I had and what was so unneccerary in life. The kids made me see and feel the value of life. Knowing how little they had and still such joy and brightness in their eyes.
After the two weeks we went to Mozambique. A week of partying, chilling at the most beautiful beach of Praia do Tofo! Ocean safari, fun markets to go to, delicious food.
Then back to swaziland to do another two weeks working at the ncp. Realizing how much you missed your kids at the ncp.
The All aput Africa team is a team that feels like a family. Whenever something is wrong or you had a question or anything you wanted to know or do, All Out Office was always open and there for you. Which made you have no time to feel home sick to your home country.
My 6 weeks in swaziland have been so life changing and i made friends for life. I enjoyed it so much, i have been back for 4 more times to help All Out Africa and work for the company because their work is truly inspiring. It became my home away from home.

My family & I travelled to Swazi in January 2015 to take part in a building project with AOA. It was a wonderful way to immerse yourself into Swazi life & culture. Each day we grew not individually but as a whole.

Dorming with my partner & 2 teenage sons was a fun way to hear their inner thoughts on what they were experiencing. Every day they happily got out of bed ready for their next challenge, whatever it might be. Not in anyway did they seem intimidated. Instead they confidently engaged with the locals, especially the little children. I saw sides to my sons that I didn't know existed. I think this is largely to do with the wonderful in country team support provided by AOA. There was always someone available if you needed any assistance. Travel & adventure with a purpose is so incredibly gratifying.

Swaziland is as beautiful as is it's people but they do need help....visit the hospital or visit the orphanage to see that we need not apologise for what we have but we do owe it to ourselves to help make a difference! Mum's, Dad's, go with your kids...I've had some of the proudest parental moments ever to date. My only regret was... we didn't stay longer!

I went to All Out Africa-Swaziland through an organization called Interantional Student Volunteers. I went to work with endangered species and wildlife conservation, but ended up doing so much more than that. I learned about the culture and lifestyle, got interact with the people and children, and travel all over the country. At the end of each day I felt like I actually accomplished something. Whether it was weighing baby marabou storks, playing with the village kids, or just sitting with hippos at the water hole, every day made an impact and was an adventure.

As a 58 year old, my month long November period with All Out Africa and their adventure/volunteer "Kruger to Mozambique" program was simply life-changing! Upon arriving, we were met with an enthusiastic team of coordinators and soon teamed up with an equally spirited group of volunteers at their backpacker Lidwala Lodge in Swaziland.

We began right away with a 4 day trip to Kruger National Park to see all the wildlife and ended our time with a 5 day journey to Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. In between these trips we spent two weeks volunteering in various planned activities in Swaziland.

I really liked this format as you were given a taste of volunteering as opposed to being fully immersed into it for a month. I had never volunteered overseas before so I found "All out Africa's" Kruger to Mozambique trip to be a great introduction to voluneering without being overwhelmed.

For me, one of the greatest moments was meeting so many different people from around the world. Especially the young adventurers who travelled through Lidwala and Bamboozi Lodge in Mozambique! Their stories and adventures were truly inspiring.I was so impressed with their spirit and zest to travel the world.

After returning home to Canada, I was approached by my supervisor who found my trip to be quite interesting. Different from a regular vacation. She thought it would be interesting if I shared my experience in our company's magazine which I eventually agreed to. The article was published last spring and I was humbled with the attention received by co workers. They found my trip to be quite unique and some thought they might even consider a vacation like this themselves.

So to conclude, All Out Africa's "Kruger to Mozambique" month long trip will provide you with a lifetime of memories and experiences you will never forget. You'll be hooked on "voluntourism" and will likely never plan a regular vacation again!

I loved my experience with AllOut Africa - meeting the kids, doing maths classes, visiting the hospital in the afternoons, helping with building a new Care Point (school) and hanging out with other volunteers. The travel was amazing too - Kruger and Moz are amazing!!! Plus, the location of the accommodation in the Ezulwini Valley is great. No complaints!!!

I volunteered long term in Swaziland with All Out Africa. It was the most amazing experience and I cherish memories that will last forever. I was working on a building project, building a new N.C.P. in the local community. We got to know so many people in the area and got a real feel for the Swazi was of life.
All Out Africa provided incredible support for us during our volunteering time. The project staff, office ataff and accomodation staff were always at hand to help out. I cannot thank them all enough.
We went on a few tours and trips with All Out Africa and each one was brilliant, with top of the range guides, who show you the natural, cultural and social side to life in Africa!
Once again, a big thank you to all at All Out Africa.