Fantastic time!! We are planning another trip. Met some great people, all got on great and had a laugh!!  I could talk about it all day!! Loads of photos. (I've put them on facebook). Thanks for all your help and patience.

Ian and The Rocket, Route 66

When I first arrived in South Africa, I had no idea what to expect. I had never travelled outside of Europe so to say that I was scared is a huge understatement. However, it didn't take me long to settle into life at Rocky Road and I will remember the 4 weeks I spent there for the rest of my life.

During my time in South Africa, I learnt so much about myself and others and although I was shocked by the level of disparity between the rich and poor, this made me appreciate many of the things I had previously taken for granted. I did things that I never thought I would do, such as the world's highest bungy and jumping out of a plane from 10,000 feet. Other highlights include walking with cheetah and riding an elephant.

I spent most of my time working at the creche in Kurland village and overall I found it to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I would definately recommend the Kids In Africa programme to anyone who wants to make a difference to the lives of kids in the local community.

Helen Crocker, Kids In Africa Volunteer

For most of us, it is a rare experience to see animals like cheetahs outside of a zoo, except perhaps on television. My first impression towards them was fascination.

Life in the Karoo starts with a beautiful sunrise every morning, sometimes pink, sometimes yellow. Our first job of the day is to prepare and feed the animals - mainly cats such as cheetah and serval. Feeding them directly may be a challenge at first, but you are secure with the professionals beside you.

After feeding, the cheetah walk is waiting for you!. Every day, there are many new discoveries during this adventure out in the bush. If you look around carefully, you can find kudus, steenboks, vervet monkeys and impala in the hills. Being beside the cheetah when they are approaching their prey makes you so excited, it makes you want to shout "Go for it cheetahs!" However, you must of course be patient and very quiet. I cannot think of anything else more powerful than actually being with the cheetah and watching them hunt with my own eyes.

Besides the tasks already mentioned, there are many jobs waiting for you. In the management restoration activities, you will help maintain the wild animals' watering holes, planting indigenous plants, increasing the food for the animals to eat in the future. In your free time, you can go on game drives and see giraffe and zebra too. It's also fun to track animals hiding in the hills.

The volunteer work may not always be easy. However, our small efforts through these jobs we do lead to a better environment for these precious animals to live in. Don't worry, you'll forget how tired you are at the end of the day when you see the animals living in peace in the wild.

Alisa Iehara, Japan Conservation & Animal Rehabilitation Volunteer

We cant believe our time here is over, it only feels like 2-3 weeks and not a single day repeated! Here are some of our highlights:

• Slowly learning all the different types of animals and how they and the environment interact and depend on eachother.
• Learning to appreciate birds more, Jacques thaught us that safari is about the experience and not just about the finding the Big 5
• First sighting of elephants.......fantastic
• Playing chicken with Cape Buffalo!
• Lions killing baby warthog
• Lions roaring at night - very intimidating!
• Harvestvale - what a fantastic place
• Night camping and star watching
• Beach trek
• The partial eclipse
• Our vehicle breaking down on a night drive with lions on the hunt not more than about 500 metres away...then getting out to push!
• The beauty of watching our biggest enemy, the alien Black Wattle, fall after you hit it about 1000 times with a slab of metal.

Words cant describe how much this unique experience is due to Jacques (our co-ordinator). He is polite, professional and nothing is too much trouble for him. His knowedge of his profession is huge and he is always happy to share what he knows with others. He is always calm and whatever situation, you are safe with him. Both Sarah and I want to say thank you so much for for all the effort on our behalf.

Mark & Sarah Wildlife and Conservation Volunteer, Big 5 Experience 

Jan/Feb 2009

I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thank you for all the support your gave me before my holiday.  I was so nervous about going I almost didn't.

I had the most amazing time of my life, it all felt so perfect for me and at the right time in my life when I needed something special.

I was nearly in tears when I left and have not stopped smiling since, all my friends have noticed a change in me, one that I hope will stay. To be able to get so close to the cats was almost mind blowing and for them to choose to be affectionate to me also reduced me to tears. The people who worked there were so friendly and made me feel so at home.

I am treasuring every moment. Thank you


Jo, Conservation and Animal Rehabilitation Volunteer Feb 2009

It's definately a shock to the system coming back. My time in Mkhuze was amazing, that would be the only way to describe it. What else can be said about spending  weeks in the beautiful surroundings of Mkhuze. I know that everyone always says that volunteering on projects like this one would be the best experiences of anyones life, but I didnt really believe that, in fact I was a little unsure about whether the project would be right for me. So, I spoke to Tracy from Vivisto about the project and Jenny, my friend who I went on the project with, and after a good long talk with them both I decided that it was going to be the right choice.

I got to witness some amazing events, including the collaring of cheetah, wild dog and the branding of lions! And these experiences will stay with me for life and have helped me to make decisions on what I would like to do in the future.

Annie, Endangered Species Monitoring Volunteer

I had a fantastic time. Absolutely. I miss the interaction with the cheetahs so much. It really is a wonderful place, exactly as you told me. Conclusion: This is not the last time I am doing volunteer work in SA. Couldn't have had a better start!

Carina, Italy Conservation & Animal Rehabilitation Volunteer

As soon as I landed, I wanted to be back in the bush! It's so strange being back in reality and not  having baboons raiding the kitchen or having elephants between you and the loo!

Chris was great, he looked after us and we were all especially grateful to have him with us when a white rhino charged at us whilst we were setting up camera traps one day!

Our first day was certainly an experience! On the way to the reserve two wilddog were wandering on the highway, one of them in the neighbouring reserve and the other not! It was all drama.

The first few days we were just settling in. We started off in a new camp at an old rangers outpost near Etheleni Picnic site, the accommodation was good, we had all the basic we needed. The first week we spent adapting and getting used to the bush and learning about tracking and species etc.

The second week, we went to St Lucia for 3 nights, we stayed at a backpackers there, we went to the local crocodile centre, went whale watching, saw some Zulu dancing and just chilled on the beach.

The third week, we went with Chris to help do some Wild dog and rhino monitoring in Hhluhuwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. That week was definately one of the best bits of the trip(despite the very lumpy floor in the tent!) While we were there we did a couple of lion call ups, darted and collared a wilddog and walked for several wild dog dens.

I saw so much wildlife and on a personal note it really clarified for me the direction I want my life and career to go in the future. Along with getting charged by the rhino, two of my best memories for me was watching  the mother cheetah feed with her four cubs less than 10 metres from the road and seeing a whole herd of 40 elephants playing in the mud at Kumasingha watering hole.

Thank you very much for all your assistance! I really couldnt recommend anything I would have changed except for staying longer than a month! Thanks again.

Harriet, Endangered Species Monitoring Volunteer

I decided I wanted a life changing experience. I wanted to put myself to the test. I wanted to make the most of an opportunity to travel and be a part of something different before University. I was rewarded with not only an experience of a lifetime but also friendships, memories and knowledge that I'll have forever.

Volunteering on a game reserve was fantastic. Not only having the chance to go on game drives, but also to be a part of something that was making a difference. Learning and developing skills was a large part of the experience. As a group we put to challenges both physically and mentally.

We did a range of activities including bush packing, game counts and attempting to control invasive vegetation such as prickly pear. We also went on hikes through the reserve and enjoyed braai's at our volunteer house. Meeting elephants, watching lions take giraffe and searching for Hyenas were definately the most memorable.

It was the best thing I have ever done. Unfortunately I was only there for two weeks and would recommend a much longer stay. After this I moved on to backpack along the coast to Cape Town. Vivisto provided information and advise relating to that too.

I'd like to thank everyone who made this opportunity for me. The people at Vivisto who helped me organise it, the people at the reserve who taught me and made it an experience never to forget, but also to the volunteers, who without, there would not be an opportunity to get involved.

Emily, Hampshire  - Conservation & Game Reserve Management Volunteer

My trip to South Africa was truly amazing, life changing!!! When I thought about booking my trip, I am 36 years old and had been in the same job for 12 years! I was so nervous about doing this trip on my own, however, Tracy at Vivisto reassured me and prepared me for the trip. Thank you for all your help and I am so glad I found your website that helped inspire me to make it happen. My trip has given me new found confidence not only travelling but in everyday life.

I have met people that will remain friends forever, in just four weeks we became very close due to the experience we shared. The best part of the trip was meeting like minded people, who loved animals as much as I do!

The staff at Kariega are fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. The time at Kariega was both educational and fun. The highlight of my trip was definately helping capture a 2 1/2 tonne Rhino Bull and skydiving out of an aeroplane at 10,000 feet. I am proud that I was able to contribute to the conservation at Kariega. Memories I have brough back will stay with me for life.

Thanks again. I strongly recommend a trip to Kariega. South Africa will always remain in my heart.

Becky, Cornwall - Conservation & Game Reserve Management Volunteer

AWESOME doesn't start to describe it. Everything I dreamed of and more. Have a permanent grin from ear to ear. Next time on the Heritage I think!! Thanks for everything.

Glen, Farnborough -  Tailored Bike Tour USA

Just wanted to say a big thank you.

I had a brilliant time in South Africa, every one was so lovely. Albert was the best host and we did everything I'd hoped for and more. I was sorry that I didnt get a chance to go Kayaking but we ran out of time but all the other activities were great, especially the elephants.

I hope that future volunteers continue with the good work and enjoy it as much as I have done.

Thank you for organising the trip and making it such a wonderful experience.

Catherine Head, Climate Change Volunteer

Everyone has a story. Mine was voluntary redundancy and wanting to give something back.  I wanted to work with children and my friend, Roz wanted to work with animals/conservation.  Vivisto organised it so we could both work in our specified area but still stay in the same place.  So off we went!

What an amazing 5 weeks! We lived on Hlosi Game Reserve in the eastern cape (which was a fantastic experience in itself!) and whilst Roz worked with the Cheetahs, I travelled to the local orphanage in Paterson. The project is called the Isipho HIV/Aids project, Isipho being the Xhosa word for gift. It really was a basic set up with few volunteers working on a shoestring budget to help the lives of those in crisis and serious need.  There were about 30-40 kids who came on a daily basis to play, meet other kids and basically be taken care of as there was no-one at home.

I spent most of the first day just playing with the children, it was tragic to see how neglected and starved for affection some of them are.  I have never seen kids so desperate for a hug. Thereafter we painted, we drew pictures, we sang, we danced, we learnt the ABC, colours and shapes in English but most importantly we laughed a lot and had some fun!  They just loved the Hokey Cokey!! To see their smiling faces knowing that I had made a difference was just priceless.  I know one day soon I will return.

Vivisto were on hand supporting both of us if we needed and made regular contact throughout the 5 weeks and then afterwards when we came back.

I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life and the memories will stay with me forever.  Thank you Vivisto for making it happen. Any to all those out there who have thought 'Should I?? All I can say is YES definitely, you won't regret it!

Conservation & Animal Rehabilitation Volunteer
   

Working with the game rangers in Africa was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, I had always wanted to work with animals but i never dreamed that i would see Rhinos, Elephants and Cheetahs as close as i did in their natural environment. I wanted my gap year to be a memorable and brand new experience...that it certainly was! Thank you so much for making my travels as exciting and stress free as it was.

We're still in New Zealand for a while but I must say I've never had so much fun in the space of two weeks as I've had in my life!!! The skydive in Taupo was amazing!!! Jeremy and I had an amazing time. Thanks again.

 Ultimate Adrenalin, New Zealand

What an amazing experience. There is always something to do. The worlds highest bungee, skydiving, scuba diving, surfing, kiteboarding and so much more. The beaches are beautiful and the views are stunning. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life and will visit another time.......

Learn to Surf, South Africa

Initially I just wanted an extended break and a chance to recharge. I handed in my notice, and arranged to spend my gardening leave looking after the Big 5 on a South African game reserve. I already had an offer of another marketing job for when I got back...

My ‘Vivisto’ moment came when I decided to take the plunge and jump 10,000' out of a plane over the beautiful South African countryside - attached to a parachute and instructor! It was one of those 'things to do before you're 30'. I really enjoyed taking the risk, and surviving! Now I'm working to live, not living to work.

Wow, Wow, wow, what more can I say than that? This has been the best four weeks of my life, having some of the warmest receptions and meeting some of the friendliest people I have had the pleasure of being introduced to.

I chose a wildlife experience as I have always been a fan of the big game that can be found in South Africa. The project that I decided to go with in the end was a conservation project that also had a rescue and rehabilitation centre, which included Leopards.

The whole point of doing this sort of experience is not just the fun of seeing and interacting with the wildlife, it is also about doing some hard work in helping to maintain the reserve.

Without a doubt Vivisto was definately the right choice. They were in touch almost every week to find out if everything was going well and to see if I was enjoying the experience. This is definately a company that I would deal with again. I sincerely believe they will treat each customer with the same friendliness and professionalism that they used with me. I just can't wait to get back to South Africa. 

Conservation and Animal Rehabilitation Volunteer

I was bored, fed up and hoping and praying there was more to life than being just a number at work, so I simply gave it all up. I took that big leap into the unknown and decided I wanted to do something else.

That step took me to South Africa with Vivisto, where I worked with children in a small township. These kids were happy, enjoying life, enjoying being children and living their life to the max, without any of the materialistic things that I was used to. It certainly put things back into perspective.

Back home, I’ve taken yet another chance, and am currently fulfilling another dream by starting my own business.

Kids in Africa Volunteer