Go Volunteer Africa

Visited: Nov. 2024 Reviewed: Dec. 18, 2024 Submitted in:

I wanted to travel, experience, and learn about a developing country through the eyes of a volunteer. I wanted to travel somewhere and have an experience abroad that was meaningful. I didn’t want to be a tourist, but be someone who could bring something to a community in need and gain something from the local community members as well.

I soon decided that Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, was where I needed to go as a volunteer. Go Volunteer Africa was the perfect organization to go with and it was indeed. My experience volunteering at the orphanage with Go Volunteer Africa was wonderful.

On my first day as a volunteer I was taken to an orphanage which is part of the organization. As we pulled up to the orphanage, all the children ran out to greet me, fighting to hold my hand. I spent some time playing and interacting with the children and then spoke with the Director of the Orphanage.
I learned that most of the children were found on the street or in garbage dumps and brought to the orphanage. The woman who cares for all the orphans, is a wonderful woman and she has beautiful heart.

I am both happy and sad as I am about to leave the orphanage as I see both happiness and sadness in the eyes of the children when I tell them, I am about to go back home. My mind is flooded with a mix of emotions. I feeling nothing but pure happiness as I hope, I have contributed positively to their lives. Thanks Go Volunteer Africa for this great experience and can’t wait to see the children again.

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Visited: Oct. 2024 Reviewed: Nov. 18, 2024 Submitted in:

I loved my volunteering experience with go volunteer Africa, I only wish I had volunteered for longer than just 3 weeks! It's left me wanting more and I’m already hoping to return.

I stayed in Arusha, with 2 other volunteers (younger than me) and this children support care project made me realize how blessed I was and how great it was to make an impact in the lives of other children, after raising my 2 children. I came home knowing that I truly made a difference in the lives of the children I was involved with.

The group leaders did a great job of keeping us informed of what was going on and I didn't feel out of the loop as some people might feel when starting on a new project. I was very involved with everything and my group leaders were there every step of the way to help the volunteers out.
If you are looking for a volunteer experience that is legitimate, sustainable and enjoyable all whilst making a truly valuable impact then look no further, than this organization.

I spent half my time supporting teaching at a children’s centre in a local Arusha township and the other half - a truly incredible project that supports grandmothers to provide after-school care, fun and food to children.

I learnt more than I could have imagined, not just about the culture and lifestyles of the communities, but also about the nature of volunteering abroad itself. It's about offering support whilst remaining completely sustainable, less about the hand outs and more about enabling and empowering others. This means that your impact is truly lasting and unforgettable.

At the children’s centre you will meet some very special children who will fall in love with you as soon as you walk in through the front door! Their squeals of joy and the songs they will teach you will buzz around your head forever. I spent most mornings reading stories, teaching English and supporting their play.

I do have a lot to share and I don’t think this space will be enough, all I can say, I recommend this wonderful organization for connecting me to the perfect volunteering experience. Although I am 54 and most of the other volunteers were young people, I enjoyed my time with everyone.

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Visited: May. 2024 Reviewed: Sep. 16, 2024 Submitted in:

This past May I was fortunate enough to travel to Livingstone in Zambia to volunteer in a local hospital there for 4 weeks with GVA. It was one of the most amazing experiences, I learnt so much in the hospital and I feel like I have come away from this experience with skills that I couldn't have acquired any other way.

The doctors always wanted to help, they were happy when you had questions, and even happier when you asked if you could perform a simple procedure. When leaving the hospital I truly felt as if I would be missed, as I had made some strong relationships with some of the doctors and nurses at the hospital.

The host family that I lived with were beyond amazing, within a day of being there I already felt like their house was home, they were so welcoming and accommodating, more so than I ever had expected! The staff planned events for the volunteers at least twice a week, anything from volleyball to medical outreach to local languages lessons or trips to another city!

Whenever I had questions or concerns, I knew I was able to contact them and that they would gladly assist me. Their support definitely allowed me to feel more comfortable and explore a little more while I was there. I got sick for a small portion of the time that I was on my trip, and they came to take me to and from the doctors, and continued to check in on me until they knew I was healthy again.

I immersed myself completely in the culture of Zambia and it changed the way I look at life, I came home a different person and I am so glad for it. If anyone has the opportunity to do a trip like this then they 100% should do it, because they won’t regret it.

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Visited: Jul. 2024 Reviewed: Aug. 28, 2024 Submitted in:

I really did have such an amazing trip in Tanzania with Go Volunteer Africa and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. I chose them primarily as they were the cheapest organization I found, but honestly they cut no corners.

Go Volunteer Africa were very helpful with my questions beforehand and managed to get me sorted even though I only enquired 3 weeks before my departure date! Everything needed was given to me in writing which was a comfort and was very accurate information.

The pre-departure support from Paul and his local team was so useful. Arrival was very easy on my part and the volunteer house in Dar-es-Salaam is perfect! I settled in so quickly as all the in-country Go Volunteer Africa staff were so lovely and helpful as well as the other volunteers being amazing.

I spent 4 weeks in Tanzania and I wish I had gone earlier and stayed longer as the experience just gets more enjoyable as you get to know the other volunteers and the staff. The accommodation is relatively basic - there was no Wi-Fi while I was there (not always the case) and the showers aren't consistently warm - but it was extremely social, comfortable and I wouldn't change anything major.

The staff in-country are fantastic and there is always someone available to chat to and ask any questions or reports any concerns. I did a Childcare and Urban Farming placements and a member of local staff escorted us on the first day to show us the journey and introduce us to projects staff.

I made some great friends in the time I was there, as we spent loads of time together in the house and on the weekend trips. All I can say is the more you put in, the more you get out of your experience.

I would definitely recommend this experience if you're willing to be spontaneous and settle into the 'pole pole' lifestyle in Tanzania :) I also think that going in June/July time is perfect as there are always other volunteers around and the weather isn't too hot.

It's difficult to describe how it's so enjoyable but it is definitely worth doing through Go Volunteer Africa. Go Volunteer Africa will totally look after you, so go with a totally open mind and you'll have a trip you will not forget.

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Visited: Jan. 2019 Reviewed: Jun. 04, 2024 Submitted in:

Great organization supporting community development all across africa, we have worked with them and we are proud of their support. go on and keep the good work gva team.

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Visited: Mar. 2024 Reviewed: Apr. 15, 2024 Submitted in:

I've been checking out Go Volunteer Africa for a few years now before I finally decided to take the leap. Simply reflecting back on my time volunteering here in Uganda makes me tear up. I had the most amazing life changing experience I could have ever asked for.

I had a genuinely meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable time on my first trip. The youth support project is based here in Mukono, east of Kampala the capital and largest city in this nation.

I connected well with both fellow international travellers and the rich local community, too. This was the deepest, most profound educational experience is the hands-on volunteering.

The placement was ideal for me, as it allowed me to deploy my love for / experience with young children and enabled me to help the promotion of education for young women from disadvantaged communities.

Overall, I developed a deep connection with the country and community, while also diversifying my interactions and experiences with a unique, cosmopolitan group of travellers staying in the hostel.

It beyond exceeded my expectations. The support of the Kenyan and Ugandan team had me at ease, the local team is very amazing, and the accommodation and food is incredible.

Mukono is an incredible place – the nightlife is wonderful – I will miss it a lot. I can't say enough good things about Go Volunteer Africa and the experience I had volunteering. I can't wait for my next adventure!

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Visited: Dec. 2023 Reviewed: Mar. 19, 2024 Submitted in:

I volunteered with Go Volunteer Africa in Uganda for two months and had the most amazing experience of my life (so far). I decided to travel with GVA for personal reasons. I was born in Uganda, adopted by American family and brought up in the States.

I wanted to visit my birth country but did not want to go back as just a tourist. While visiting, I wanted to experience the culture and give back if I could. Go Volunteer Africa offered everything I was looking for; cultural immersion, a chance to meet new people and friends, a great place to stay, and opportunities to volunteer.

I met amazing people and went to incredible places. Furthermore, words cannot explain just how amazing the in-country GVA staff is! They were helpful, always a pleasure to be around and became a second family to me.

I cannot thank them enough for such an incredible time. Choosing to travel with Go Volunteer Africa was and still is the best decision that I have ever made. I 100% recommend this program! I learned a lot about myself and the world outside my world. I bet you will too! I enjoyed every second of my trip and plan to volunteer with GVA again.

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Visited: Feb. 2024 Reviewed: Mar. 12, 2024 Submitted in:

I have had the best four weeks of my life. The Go Volunteer Africa staff made me feel so welcome from the start. I enjoyed staying in the volunteer house in Mukono and felt like part of the team. On my project I got to meet some inspirational people, travel to the rural most community of Uganda and improve my communication skills.

I would recommend Go Volunteer Africa in Uganda to all my friends and am thinking of doing another project next year. I have not got a negative thing to say about my experience and I am sad to be leaving. The project exceeded all my expectations. At the weekends we got to travel to many different places and I have made memories I will never forget.

I was expecting much more basic accommodation, but it was a nice surprise. A small beautiful lovely house with showers, big comfortable beds (no bunkers).

It's a fun project in a great location with lots to do outside the project activities if you want to. I had wanted to visit Uganda since my teenage years. As a keen photographer of the elephants I also wanted the opportunity to photograph them in the wild and see them roaming freely, I did that during the safari experience to Queen Elizabeth Safari Park.

In the morning, I helped out the local team with their fundraising drives but by far the most enjoyable activity was afternoon visits to the local school. The kids were so gorgeous, with friendly, open and curious smiles.

Everyone on the project was so accommodating and friendly and I felt very well taken care of. Mercy’s food was absolutely delicious and I don't think there was a single dish that I didn't love. Peter provided ample entertainment! Isaac and Beatrice were also kind enough to take me on an excursion to safari.

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

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Visited: Dec. 2023 Reviewed: Feb. 12, 2024 Submitted in:

I have been in Madagascar for 2 months now and love it. It is truly a unique place to visit, in terms of culture and wildlife. On my first day we went on a snorkel on home reef, saw loads of anemone fish, a giant puffer and a hawksbill turtle.

We then went for a walk to a local village, on the way spotting a family of black lemurs and a Chameleon. Not too bad for the first day! Since then, I have been able to explore further afield through science work and seen even more wonderful creatures. The local village that we live next to have a strong sense of community, inviting us to parties, celebrations and even a carnival! Out here you get sun, sea, sand and science! Perfect combination!

Working within the marine staff here has been an absolute eye opener and one which has allowed me to experience many new things. From the moment I arrived on camp I was taken away by the beauty of our surroundings- the green forest surrounding the back of the camp and our views out over the ocean and the surrounding areas.

The diving is not the most amazing in the world but there is a wide variety of extremely colorful fish, rays and occasional turtles. I have genuinely enjoyed every dive I have done here and some of the dives have amazing coral formations so I would not overlook Madagascar as a diving location.
Being able to carry out science whilst on the dives is also a really enjoyable experience and has allowed me to learn more about the reef fauna and flora in the area. The marine crew are also extremely fun to work with and the mixture of people on camp means that there is plenty to learn and never a boring moment.

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

Thank you, Paul, Herbert and the entire Go Volunteer Africa for making this happen!

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Visited: Jan. 2024 Reviewed: Feb. 06, 2024 Submitted in:

We have just come back from our amazing trip to Tanzania. Leaving on the ferry to our first stop, then a bus ride to the fantastic village of --- it was right by the beach and the kids went to get us coconuts while we watched the local rugby game at the school.

We went to church, all dressed up in our kitenge on the Sunday, we all introduced ourselves and sang with the choir. After the kids took us around the beach and showed us the fish, we came back to a feast!

Tanzania has been an eye-opening experience for us. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time there and made some amazing friends with the other volunteers and staff alike. The medical camp is right on the beach which means we have amazing views of the sunset. All the staff are very welcoming and the locals are friendly and always willing to teach you some swahili.

Joanna & I had one of the most enjoyable and exciting times of our lives. We have learnt a lot about the healthcare in Africa and doing rounds at the hospital which was very useful to us. Overall Tanzania is an amazing place to be a Go Volunteer Africa volunteer and we have had a brilliant time here. Traveling with Go Volunteer Africa was the best choice and its best and most affordable volunteer company

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