Volunteer Testimonials: March 2025 - August 2025

01Oct

Volunteer Testimonials, Community Updates, Conservation Updates

community, conservation, volunteers

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Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.” – William J. Clinton

Our volunteers in 2025 have come from 11 countries all over the world and we are grateful to each one for stepping up and making a difference. With diverse backgrounds, unique skillsets, coming together to make a remarkable impact on both conservation and communities. Thank you for committing to creating a brighter future, for going the extra mile to make this world a better place and for choosing the Kariega Volunteering Programme to walk this road with you.

Here are some very special testimonials from volunteers who joined us between March to August 2025. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Your enthusiasm and passion for nature is remarkable. It’s great that you make such an effort to bring the volunteers closer to nature. A big thank you to Jo for the background organisation regarding the weekend activities. Mali, you’re a lot of fun to be with. I believe that you can have a big impact on the surrounding communities with your commitment. I think the volunteering programme gives you a much better experience than a normal tourist, especially in the combination of conservation and community. We may even have had a helpful impact. Thank you for making this possible for us. - Vincent from Germany, 17 March 2025 – 21 April 2025 (5 weeks)

We have had the most incredible 2 weeks here at KCC! A huge thank you to Jaco, Mali and Jo. We have seen so many stunning landscapes and animals. The reserve is beautiful and a peaceful place to be. Being so involved, especially with the cheetahs was incredible. We have loved meeting the local children and helping with Mama G’s fantastic work, she is truly inspiring. Ollie and I hope to be back next year. - Izzy, Jessica, Ollie, from UK, 14 April 2025 – 27 April 2025 (2 weeks)

Thank you KCC team. There are many highlights! I think the ‘looking for Colin the rhino’ and helping with the procedure will always remain with me. Jaco, Mali and Thomas are all inspirational – we need more people like this in the world. The reserve is a special place and a haven for these wonderful relatives of ours. We loved the community projects. On a whole the experience leads us to wanting to do more volunteering with our precious animal friends. Volunteering is a gift we give ourselves and our planet. - Gunnel & Joe Watkins from Australia, 21 April 2025 – 05 May 2025 (2 weeks)

Just completed my ninth visit and I’m already looking forward to coming back in November. - Graham Harvey, Isle of Man, 21 April 2025 – 05 May 2025 (2 weeks)

This has truly been the best thing I have ever done. KCC is a piece of paradise, and I have loved every second of my time here. Jaco was amazing to go out into the reserve with. His knowledge is second to none and I learnt more than I ever thought possible – especially about mushrooms. The community projects led by Mali are incredible and is amazing to see firsthand the differences our work is making. My highlight has to be the sunrise trip and also being involved in Colin the rhino’s procedure. The elephants were pretty special too. I am honoured to have spent time here and thank you all for the work you do. It is truly inspiring. I really hope I can be back again soon. - Hannah Burke, from the UK, 21 April 2025 – 05 May 2025 (2 weeks)

I have always regretted that I just stayed for 2 weeks. Thank you so much for this well-made programme. I still recall the word Mali taught me on the first day – Ubuntu (I am because we are). I think this is a good word to conclude my feelings of this programme. I observed a lot during the community projects, it’s a precious experience to have deeply interacted with the local community. Mali, I really like your energy and positivity! The conservation experience is super unique. I like how we are not rushing for the animals but to closely observe their behaviour. Jaco, you are a very good guide! Thank you for being so sincere to us! - Lydia, from Hong Kong, 12 May 2025 – 26 May 2025 (2 weeks)

Thanks so much for the incredible experience. My heart is full. I am taking it all with me, but I hope to be back in not too long. It’s been magical, the nature, the wilderness, this place, with its energy and people. – Carolina from Span, 26 May 2025 – 02 June 2025 (1 week)

Since this is my 4th time back, I think it is safe to say you are doing something right! Kariega has become my second home and all of my friends there have a special place in my heart. Thank you for all that you do for us to make each visit a unique experience! Until next time...- Sally from the USA, 26 May 2025 – 02 June 2025 (1 week)

Five weeks and endless memories later. Thank you so much for your dedication, it truly made my experience here unforgettable. The cheetah release, the game counts and the afternoons at Mama G’s are just some of the great memories I will never forget. I hope that I can come back soon, to see the friends I made again. All the best. – Lara from Switzerland, 07 July 2025 – 11 August 2025 (4 weeks)

Thank you Kariega for the experience of a lifetime! Jaco and Mali both care so deeply for their work and go out of their way to make volunteers’ dreams come true. I’ve gotten the rare opportunities to participate in game counts, game capture, as well as contribute to the local communities. I will miss everyone and this experience so deeply, and I’ll cherish the memories and friends I’ve made along the way. - Donna from the USA, 28 July 2025 – 25 August 2025 (4 weeks)

If you would like to join the Kariega Volunteer Programme and experience your own amazing experience while doing conservation and community work, please contact us by email on volunteer@kariega.co.za or fill in our Volunteer enquiry form. We are looking forward to welcoming you as a volunteer at the Kariega Volunteer Programme soon!