The Great Projects Omdömen 120

Just returned from 2 projects in Africa booked through The Great Projects!

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary: Namibia is truly a hidden treasure in plain sight! The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful organization with great people and an ambitious mission to help wildlife and preserve the various natural landscapes of Namibia. I was fortunate enough to see so many incredible animals including: lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, oryx, eland, springbok, and the list goes on. Equally as rewarding, I met dozens of amazing people during my six weeks with the organization - both other volunteers from around the world, and the staff members who are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I would like to mention Romeo, Sima, Dawid, and LeeAnn specifically for their continued help and hospitality. I would highly recommend spending at least 3-4 weeks at this program so that you can include one or more of the "extra" weeks away from the main sanctuary. I did the Neuras, Kanaan, and TimBila projects in addition to 3 weeks at the sanctuary, and it was a great way to feel at home and comfortable at the program while still getting to explore different regions of the country. Neuras and Kanaan offer incredible landscapes, and peaceful, quiet weeks in the sparsely-populated desert regions of the country. Sunrises and sunsets here are amongst the best I've ever seen in my life. Note that these areas are not as abundant in wildlife as some of the other areas (specifically large wildlife) given the aridness of the desert. TimBila is an absolute gem of a wildlife reserve. Here is where you will feel like you're sharing a home with elephants, lions, zebras, etc. TimBila is a must in my opinion. I will be forever grateful to this project for the incredible memories and the new friends I made. 5 stars

Amakhala Conservation Project: This project was a fun experience - I got to see many incredible animals including: elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. Socially, the program was very nice. During my two weeks, we had 14-16 volunteers, and it was nice to meet people from different parts of the world. While the ages of the volunteers will obviously vary from week-to-week, the age demographic of this program tends to be quite young (16 - early 20s). Additionally, the two volunteer coordinators we were with daily were also 24. This may be something to keep in mind if you're an older volunteer. A few things that I think are helpful to note when researching projects. This project is at least 50-50 in terms of a split between wildlife volunteering and community volunteering. You can expect to be on the reserve 2, maybe 3, days of the week. Other days will be spent volunteering with the local children or having free time (weekends). Also, you do not stay on the reserve. The volunteer house is located ~30-45 minute drive from the reserve. This means that you do have access to stores and such daily, but it is unlikely that you will see wildlife unless it is a day which you are scheduled to be in the reserve. There are other programs where you stay in the reserve or adjacent to it therefore you have a higher likelihood of seeing wildlife more frequently. I would recommend this project mainly to younger volunteers who want a mix of community-based volunteering and wildlife viewing. There is not as much hands-on work with the animals as you would find at an animal sanctuary project (which makes sense as the animals on the reserve at Amakhala are wild animals so there shouldn't be much hands-on work with them). All in all a fun time. 4 stars

Life-Changing Experience Volunteering in Namibia – Highly Recommend The Great Projects!

Volunteering at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary through The Great Projects was one of the most meaningful, exciting, and unforgettable experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people, and the incredible dedication of everyone involved in wildlife conservation there.

The Project: The sanctuary itself is a haven for a wide range of animals—cheetahs, baboons, leopards, caracals, lions, and more. Many have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, farming conflicts, or other dangerous circumstances. What stood out most was how deeply the staff care for the animals—not just their physical needs, but also their emotional wellbeing. As a volunteer, you truly become a valued part of that mission.

Your Role as a Volunteer: Volunteers are actively involved in feeding, cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment for the animals, and observing behaviors. It’s hands-on, and at times physically demanding, but extremely rewarding. Each day is different—you might be preparing food for lions in the morning and building a climbing structure for monkeys in the afternoon. There are also opportunities to assist in the vet clinic or go on anti-poaching patrols, depending on current needs.

The People: The team—both local and international—is phenomenal. Knowledgeable, passionate, and always supportive, they made sure we felt safe, informed, and inspired. I made lifelong friends with fellow volunteers from around the world, and the sense of community at the camp is something truly special.

Accommodation & Food: Rustic but comfortable. You stay in shared volunteer housing or tents, and meals are hearty and home-cooked. Dietary needs were catered for without issue. You’re in the middle of nature, which is part of the charm—don’t expect luxury, but expect authenticity and connection.

The Great Projects Support: From booking to departure, The Great Projects were incredibly professional and communicative. They provided detailed pre-departure info, helped arrange travel logistics, and checked in regularly during the project. Their commitment to ethical travel and responsible wildlife tourism really shows.

Final Thoughts: If you're passionate about animals, interested in conservation, or simply looking for a meaningful adventure, this project will exceed your expectations. I left Namibia with a greater understanding of wildlife conservation, a renewed sense of purpose, and unforgettable memories. It’s not just a trip—it’s a transformative experience.

Thank you to The Great Projects and everyone at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary for making this journey so extraordinary. I can’t wait for the next volunteering adventure

This is the first time that I participated in a volunteer project with an animal sanctuary and I did not know what to expect. My experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary was wonderful so much so that I am already considering my volunteering project for next year! To anyone who is interested in responsible travel, or if you are an animal lover, I would highly recommend this project. It's an unique, rich and varied experience and I learned a great deal about the orangutans. P.S. for those who might be concerned about the heat/humidity in the tropics, yes, it's very hot and humid there, but the mornings and evenings are quite pleasant. For me, when I saw the practical impact my small contribution as a volunteer has made for the orangutans at the sanctuary, it makes all the heat/humidity in Borneo bearable! : )

Review: A most amazing experience with wonderful people. Kate the co-ordinator and Wiki the "Boss" and her team made every day interesting, varied and worthwhile. Helping to care for these wonderful animals while learning about them was something we will never forget. The Lodge was great with 3 hot meals a day and comfortable beds. The lodge staff kept everything spick and span and were always smiling. Samboja Lestari is right on the equator so be prepared to work hard in the heat & sweat a lot but we would not change a thing!

Every part of my experience with The Great Projects was incredible, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Better than five-stars.

Pre-trip planning and communication was excellent, and very clear.

After arriving in Borneo, our volunteer coordinator (Kate) made us all feel extremely safe and welcome, and made every day exciting, fun, and inspiring.

The balance of ‘work’ and ‘fun’ on our project was perfect, and we achieved so much in our two weeks in Borneo. Kate did an amazing job to make every person feel their contributions were valued and important.

The accommodation was fantastic; the lodge is stunning, and the staff were welcoming and gracious.

This organisation is extremely well run, and very supportive of their customers.

Wow just wow!!! It is so hard to put into words just how amazing this experience was. I have always loved orangutans and wanted to go to Borneo to see them. I looked at various touring holidays around Borneo but you only got to spend 2 half days on the orangutan sanctuaries. I then stumbled upon The Great Projects website and discovered I could volunteer at a sanctuary. I just had to book it. I wanted to be involved and make a difference. I also liked the fact that the experience I was paying for was providing money directly to the sanctuary. Kate the volunteer coordinator was so helpful and supportive to all the volunteers. We worked hard but we also got to experience some of the highlights of Borneo such as the night market and river boat trip. The best part of the trip for me was giving out the enrichment activities to both the sunbears and the orangutans. The joy on their faces as they hunted for their treats was so rewarding. I will definitely be doing more voluntary experiences in the future, I just wish I had known about Great Projects sooner.

My wife and I volunteered for 2 weeks in Samboja Lestari Orangutan & Sun Bear sanctuary with The Great Projects in Balikpapan and it was as one of the best experiences we have ever had. We are in our 60’s and have travelled extensively and have been attracted to projects involving animals and this has been one of the best.

Volunteers are taken care of very well by Kate who is the volunteer co ordinater on-site. She is passionate about what she does and this translates into how she involves the volunteers with the orangutans and Sun Bears. Our group bonded and we became friends, this was an extremely satisfying part of our experience.

The lodge was ambient, the food was great and the lodgings were comfortable. I could continue with my accolades but I think you get the gist. If you are considering this kind of experience, want to connect with the Orangutans, the other volunteers and your own desire to contribute to our planet, consider this programme seriously.

As you can tell, we highly recommend it. We leave our time with Kate, the other volunteers and the Orangutans & Sun Bears not the same people.

What a brilliant experience! Samboja Lestari 2-week volunteering experience (Borneo) was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! The staff were fantastic and supportive all the way. The engagement with the sun bears and orangutans was brilliant! The volunteer group was warm open to these new experiences. A huge thank you to Kate (our coordinator) who made the experience so memorable and taught us so much! Thank you to the Great Projects. I am already planning my next Great Projects trip. Cheers Nina

In brief an incredible eye opening experience... heart wrenching yet so rewarding.. highlights: giving the Orangs their enrichments, the boat trips.. jungle school of course.. and having the privilege of watching some Orangs start their journey to be released into the wild..

The group was great.. we all bonded do well and have already planned our first reunion.

Matt was incredible-so driven and passionate and made us want to go the extra mile even in the extreme heat and humidity.. what an asset.

Overall, just life-changing... I'll be back!!

Amazing experience at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, I loved every minute. Everyone was lovely , it was so interesting getting to meet fellow volunteers from all over the world. I was a bit worried that at age 56 everyone would be younger than me and most of them were but there were several other volunteers around my age which was nice and age didn't really matter. The staff couldn't have been more helpful, more accommodating or more welcoming. The accommodation is basic and I had no hot water for my 2 week stay and some of the nights were very cold (I went in May), I needed my sleeping bag plus the 2 blankets, that I brought with me to donate, as well as the duvet that was provided. I was also alone which suited me but may not suit everyone especially as it was a 10 to 15 minute walk away from the volunteer area and at times was a bit daunting to have to walk back alone in the dark. In order to make the most of this experience you do need to be prepared to get stuck in. I found the program a perfect mix of work, education and fun. 2 weeks was just enough time to experience most things and I did manage to have a weekend at the coast which was brilliant. I would have liked to have had time to experience some of the other projects so if possible I would recommend going for at least 4 weeks if you can. This was my first volunteering holiday and I am already looking into another for my next adventure. I highly recommend this holiday but also The Great Projects whose staff were also brilliant, giving me all the necessary info and answering my endless questions. If you are considering this holiday I'd say just go for it. You won't regret it!

Everyone´s friendliness once there.
The efficiency during the booking process.
The animals: being so close up,an amazing
experience! preparing their food,making toys for them,observing them and writing it down.
Can be used for university credits as a veterinary practical experience.
Communication is in English but volunteer leaders are bilingual Spanish/English.

Last April my two daughters and I spent 12 days volunteering at Samboja Lestari.
All three of us enjoyed it very much. It was a lovely combination of being on holiday, whilst at the same time doing something meaningful.
The BOS Foundation does an amazing job for the orangutans, most of whom have had a rather unfortunate start in life. By volunteering through The Great Projects Programme we could temporarily lend a hand.
Furthermore we had a nice group, comfy rooms and lovely food. In short: recommend!

I completed two weeks at Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary. This has been a lifelong dream of mine, a bucket list item, which was finally getting ticked off. My travel consultant was amazing, always available to answer any questions no matter how large or small. My team leaders at the sanctuary were welcoming and guided us every step of the way. Staff at the sanctuary itself were so grateful for the help and resources we provided on a daily basis. There were so many highlights from my two weeks it's hard to pinpoint. Seeing orangutan on the pre release islands was definitely a highlight, I could have went home after that 🦧

I organised this trip for my mom (75 years old) and my son (16 years old). I think she was the oldest person there, and my son, the youngest. They have both said it was such an amazing experience for them. I cannot recommend this experience enough. My son learned so much about the wildlife and really enjoyed helping out feeding the animals. Even my mom found this hands on experience amazing even at her age. They found the staff incredibly friendly and helpful. It was very well organised. This experience will forever remain in their memories. Thank you!

OMG, where to start with my time in the orangutan sanctuary, and Mulu. Matang was wonderful. Dom and the team are so passionate about the work they do in rehabilitation supporting all the animals, and sharing the challenges they face with us by giving us an honest insight was incredibly humbling as well as informative. The orangutans have always been a fascination of mine especially on a mental plane as their DNA is so similar to humans. Watching these incredible great apes communicate, and learning more about their habitat was so interesting, as well as all the other wildlife looked after at Matang and I came to develop a special affection for the sunbears too. And then there was Mulu, a mystical magical place that totally captivated me. The caves are spectacular and need to be seen to be believed so awe inspiring is the landscape. Nelson, my guide was patient and generous with his time and knowledge, and the bat exodus was the icing on the cake, the bats were dancing for us for almost 15 minutes. Memories to be shared and never forgotten, this has been a truly special experience.

Had an amazing experience at the Kosgoda Sea Turtles Conservation Project in Sri Lanka. The team, led by Dudley Perrera, do an outstanding job in conserving sea turtles for future generations, but also go to great lengths to ensure that the volunteers have an amazing experience. Hot work in the sun is rewarding by daily sunset releases of one-day old hatchlings 😄

I spended one month in Africa volunteering with whale sharks and I had an amazing time! Would definitely recommend anyone to join some of projects if you get the chance too! I had some questions before booking my stay there and I got really good answers and service all the way through! The team from the great projects were so kind and fast at answering and I got a lot of useful help. My stay in Africa was also amazing! It was even more amazing than I could had imagined before arriving! We swam with the whale sharks and learned so much about them. The people at the place were so nice and kind. Everything was really good quality and we enjoyed our stay so much! I’m already interested in joining more of the great projects and I would definitely recommend to others!

My two weeks stay as a volunteer at Shamwari was absolutely fantastic and hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. Not my first trip to South Africa, but my first ever safari adventure and as a passionate lover of wildlife, seeing close up the big cats, rhino, elephant and the many wonderful species found there was truly amazing. The rangers at Shamwari were so friendly, great fun and knowledgeable. We learned a huge amount about the reserve and the animals which live there, we saw the vets in action and were lucky to have so many opportunities to watch and learn. Highlights for me were coming upon two male lions and watching at close range as they sauntered off in front our jeep, finding the cheetahs after searching fir a while, and watching the vets at work with elephant and black rhino. I also loved working with the rangers, clearing vegetation and participating in the vulture health clinic, quite something! This trip was an immersion in the beauty of South Africa and its wildlife and I will be back.
Our lodge was very comfortable and food delicious. Everyone so friendly and kind. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone, young or old. You will have an experience that you will cherish all your life.

Seeing the wildlife up close was amazing. Interesting people of all ages and nationalities. You are put in mixed age teams for getting jobs done, which helps with mixing and socialising. A different holiday- I haven’t done a volunteer holiday before- but I definitely would again.

My wife and I spent 3 weeks on SanWild and had an amazing experience. From the word go we were immersed in the day to day running of the sanctuary, and were literally hands on with food preparation and distribution, cleaning and repair/maintenance tasks on the reserve. On top of that we assisted with the treatment of an injured rhino and on three occasions with the moving of lions into enclosures and associated medical treatment. Before we came we didn't necessarily expect to be cleaning wounds on a rhino's back or rubbing ointment into a (tranquillised!) lion's eyes, but that's what we did! Our other work was varied - we assisted with the release of one serval into the wild, cut back fallen trees that were blocking paths and repaired damage to enclosures, water pumps etc caused by elephant damage. And there was always time for informal game drives to witness the amazing wildlife on site. It was clear that the sanctuary staff have to react on a day to day basis to the urgent tasks that need addressed. That meant that concrete plans for the following day weren't always possible and some days felt like we could have done more than we did - for example lower priority work on the reserve such as clearing paths or repairing fence damage etc. We found this to be a little frustrating, but we understood the pressures that drove this. The staff were all very knowledgeable and supportive and gave us experiences that we'll never forget. I'd recommend SanWild for anyone who wants to experience first hand how a wild animal sanctuary runs and is prepared to get their hands dirty and get involved. You will see and contribute to the incredible work that is done to give these poor animals a new home, and with luck, experience some of them being released back into the wild.