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We had a fantastic trip to Samboja lodge volunteering. Our volunteer coordinator Kate was amazing , she was very knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm. we did lots of activities from filling in a huge hole on a pre release island for orangutans to making food platforms, cutting down ginger leaves in the forest and making enrichments for the orangutans that were unable to be released due to lack of survival skills as lots were taken from their mothers for the pet trade. The technicians at the lodge that worked alongside us were friendly and encouraging a real team ethos. The trips that Kate organised for the group ranged from a local night market to a forest hike and a river cruise to Proboscus monkeys. I cannot recommend her or this experience highly enough.
This adventure taught me an incredible amount, especially about data collection to help animals in the wildlife sanctuary and how to resolve the human elephant conflict. The guide, Ravina, was knowledgeable, patient and empathetic. Her excitement about observing elephants never waned. She explained every step of our mission and answered all questions thoroughly and with a smile. The food that was served at the volunteer house was abundant and delicious, the other volunteers amiable and the location was truly in the wilderness and exemplified the lifestyle of a typical farmer in Sri Lanka. I opted to stay in the hotel nearby for an extra sum and was truly satisfied with the decision because I come from a cooler climate and the scorching days left me dizzy, so going to a hotel with AC made for a truly comfortable experience. Sri Lanka and the project will remain a positive and eye opening experience for me and I recommend the trip to anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of how to preserve wildlife conservation and resolve the human elephant conflict.
Well what can I say?.....Volunteering with The Great Projects at Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre was one of the best experiences of my life. It exceeded all my expectations. The two weeks spent there was very well organised and we took part in various activities ranging from making stimulating food enrichment items for both the orangutans and sun bears, cleaning of the enclosures, preparing food and lending our hands to maintenance and construction projects. It was great to see some projects finished, like the food platform on one of the islands, and the other project, banking up an erosion area on another of the orangutan's island, which will be completed soon. Although it was hard work at times, I felt rewarded, humbled and privileged working with the great orangutans and the cute sun bears. I came away feeling I had made a difference securing a future for the orangutans and helping to restore their habitat. If you are thinking about going, stop thinking, just do it!
Exhausting and challenging. At times, thought-provoking. Often surprising in so many ways. But also exhilarating, exciting and rewarding! Our recent visit to the Greenview Lodge at Sukau on the Kinabatangan River opened our eyes and hearts to the people, culture, environment and animals of Borneo, and left us with memories we'll treasure forever. The work was hard, the accommodation was basic, the people were lovely and the whole experience was beyond our expectations. We learned about the palm oil and the local culture; we cleared, planted and tracked new wildlife corridors; we cooked and ate with local families; we enjoyed local crafting, music and dances. Just some of the wildlife we saw: endless macaques and hornbills; kingfishers and eagles, orang utans and elephants; civet and crocodiles; owls and water monitor lizards, green keelback and bronze back snakes, flying lizards, gibbons, silver langer and red leaf monkeys, beautiful songbirds, millipedes, a giant squirrel and lots of proboscis monkeys. Every day was an adventure, with nothing guaranteed, but always something astonishing.
My sister and I travelled together to NYARU MENTENG ORANGUTAN SANCTUARY. We are in our mid-fifties and had one of the most wonderful and exciting experiences of our lives. We will never forget the orangutans, who behaved so gently and individually, the wonderful group and the excellent support from Matt and Melda! The program is very well thought out and competently organized. We had a motivating sense of achievement and the feeling of doing meaningful work in a great team, while also having plenty of time to relax. Big thanks to our supervisors and our new friends. This type of vacation made us want more, and we can warmly recommend this adventure to everyone!
I thoroughly enjoyed my fortnight at Samboja. Everybody was very friendly. Kate and the team looked after us really well. The lodge was comfortable and the food was good.Working with the Orangutans and Sun Bears was a real privilege. I ended each day tried but with a real sense of achievement. We did a verity of tasks, from filling sand bags to reinforce a river bank to making jam sandwiches with leaves as part of enrichment. We also got to see a little of the local area visiting the Black River and a night market. It was a great way to see a little of Borneo and do some good. My only regret is that I only went for 2 weeks rather than 4.
I recently volunteered at Jane Goodall's Institute for Chimps-Chimp Eden in South Africa. It was life-changing. I loved working with the staff and volunteers. There are 33 chimps age 8yo to 81 yo !We made a lot of enrichment for the Chimps like swings, ladders and many other things for them to explore. We also helped clean the night dens. The cook was fabulous. Our accommodations were nice. On our day off we went on a safari to Kruger National Park. It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend.
Have volunteered through this organisation in South Africa, but this time went on their ultimate wildlife tour in Uganda.It was exceptional. As three older women going we discussed in the reception of the first hotel how we would try and see if we could get single rooms in the next hotels. It wasn't a huge issue and it was a quiet discussion but reception must have overheard, told the tour guide who contacted the UK Office and before we knew anything they had arranged single rooms for the whole 12 day tour at an exceptionally excellent rate.Nothing was too much trouble, we were encouraged to inform the guide daily if there was something we wanted to do in that area and they tried their upmost to accommodate every single need or thought.I cannot recommend the great projects enough as a travel organisation, nor their partners in Uganda.
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! : )
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The Great Projects is an expert provider of safe and ethical volunteer holidays abroad for solo travellers, families, and groups. Founded in 2006, we offer a selection of unique and exclusive projects across Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America. Specialising in wildlife conservation, our projects are perfect for anyone looking to go behind the scenes and work with some of the planet's most endangered species.
As members of ATOL and ABTOT, we are fully committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who travels with us. Plus, with flights, tailor-made travel insurance, and a passionate, dedicated, and friendly team available 24/7, we make booking easy, offering peace of mind to all our volunteers throughout their journey. So what are you waiting for? Find your next adventure today, with The Great Projects.See more
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