Our Team on a Field Project
Go Volunteer Africa
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2009)
- Tour Types:
- Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $30 to $599 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Sebastian Tomlinson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Powerfully direct volunteering experience
My volunteering experience organised with GVA, exceeded my expectations.
I was hosted by a wonderful couple called Samuel and Miriam based in Nakuru.
I formed enriching memories with a number of different organisations that of which included an orphanage, a school for the deaf and community support of the local prison.
Paul of GVA ensured of a smooth transition with organising my experience from the point of my initial contact to completion.
There were details of my itinerary of which could be considered inaccurate, however this in no way reduced my experience.
CA
Email Barbara Craig | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great Organizers of Family Volunteering Experiences in Africa
My family and I want to thank you all at Go Volunteer Africa for the most wonderful experience in Kenya. We will recommend your organization to anyone interested in volunteering and will also consider working with you in the future. You did an excellent job in every aspect and my children loved every bit of the experience.
We had some concerns and reservations because of the little children and weren’t sure if they would fit in and love the experience. We really enjoyed working alongside other volunteer families we met. My family will cherish all memories of the people we met and the experiences we had. It was one of the best decisions I ever made for my family.
Kenya was amazing, the culture, landscapes, and great hikes all in one trip, and, on top of that, we made several wonderful friends! The local team is doing some amazing work in Nairobi. Thank you so much Paul, for organizing this family trip. You were very responsive to our many questions and gave us useful information.
US
Email Kylie ST | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I experienced something life-changing in Kenya
I was nervous before I came to Kenya. I am now excited to say that I experienced something life-changing in Kenya. I joined Go Volunteer Africa’s Mombasa Program and I loved every bit of my trip.
Working in the kindergarten and hospital allowed me glimpses into the education and medical systems and gave me an opportunity to learn. I learned that sometimes to be most helpful, I had to be brave and ask where I’d be most useful.
Sometimes doing the little things meant the most to those around me - like calming a crying child to allow the nurses to be able to finish pressing work, or having the patience with a child to sit and help them finish their food for the first time.
I was in the public hospital emergency room, where I was also able to see a C-section as well as a live birth. This experience was crucial to my decision to continue studying medicine. I am 20 years old and have just started the pre-med track.
In Kenya, I found incredible kindness everywhere I went. An incredible experience, and one that I will never forget. Thank you Paul and Herbert at Go Volunteer Africa for organizing my trip to Kenya.
SE
Email Charlotte Lasster | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The arrangement was above and beyond my expectations.
My flight was delayed which meant I would have missed my pick up with the staff and I arrived late at night. But when I got in contact with Emmanuel, he was very helpful in making sure I got a driver for the night and he made sure I make it to the volunteer house that night.
When I arrived, I was immediately welcomed by Emmanuel, the Go Volunteer Africa, Country Coordinator of the Rwanda projects. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The work we did with the women was very important and educating. We have learned a lot during our stay, and would definitely love to come back to this project.
The arrangement was above and beyond my expectations. I felt very welcomed to the group, didn’t take long to get settled. There is a very good mix of professional work and having fun. The staff clearly care about the project, are passionate and were happy to help with any of our needs.
I felt like I really contributed to the local projects which is very fulfilling. We all felt like one big family after a week or so which not only made the program life fun and enjoyable but also made everyone look out for each other and push each other to do better in the projects. It was a nice mix of work and fun.
I had an amazing time and really enjoyed this project it was a culture shock when we first arrived however we were very well informed of what to do and where to go. I recommend future volunteers make sure that you really discuss with the local teams to understand what you are going to do, to get the best out of the program.
Email Paul Olsson Kateregga | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
I was afforded the best experience of my lifetime
I didn't know anything about the Go Volunteer Africa before I decided to apply to volunteer in Uganda, and I chose them because it was the best option that I found through researching many different options. I wanted to do something hands one. Go Volunteer Africa was the best value for time and money.
The team that runs Go Volunteer Africa are extremely passionate about their work in the rural communities and share the little they have with others. I highly recommend this organization to other volunteers.
During my 8 weeks volunteering at Go Volunteer Africa, I was afforded the best experience of my lifetime, I got involved in a number of projects and visited many different locations within Uganda, and I got a rich experience of what life is really like. Looking forward to visit the team again.
CA
Email Toddy Glem | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our home stay family was amazing!!
Hello, I am Todd and my partner Eve. We are both Dental Hygienists from Toronto, Canada. We volunteered in Uganda with Go Volunteer Africa from 15th- May – 2025, up to 30th – May– 2025.
Before leaving for Uganda, Anna at Go Volunteer Africa answered all questions in a very timely manner. We felt slightly un- prepared for what to expect when we arrived but I think it was mostly due to our last minute decision to go.
The airport pick up was excellent!! We arrived late as our flight was delayed but Jacob was still there waiting to great us!! We didn’t have to wait at all. The placement was fantastic. As dental hygienists from Canada we had the opportunity to take part in/see things we wouldn’t normally get to experience at home.
Tororo General Hospital is extremely busy at all times it is fast paced environment but all the dentists that were there are ecstatic to have the extra help! We wish we had had a better idea of what to bring supply wise. We brought gloves, masks, gauze, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
Toothbrushes and toothpaste was exactly what they needed. We also would recommend to future volunteers to bring floss, interdentally aides etc as they are nowhere in Tororo.
Our home stay family was amazing!! Living with a true African family forced us to learn the language, culture etc. that we most likely wouldn’t have done otherwise. Food is another experience all together, Eve is a very picky eater and she was pregnant when we arrived so she battled nausea, stomach problems and the wet foreign food was a challenge.
However there were plenty of “westernized” cafes in Tororo that helped us through our cravings and sick days. The highlights of our placement were the very diverse things we got to see at Tororo General Hospital.
As dental hygienists in Canada don’t have the opportunity to see jaws being wired shut or flap surgeries being done and we had the opportunity to assist here! We also got to extra teach the dentists how to properly clean teeth or sharpen instruments overall just being able to help those who needed help was our highlights!
Living with a family such as Winnie’s was amazing and unique. We also got a brief few minutes to go to an orphanage, which was unique in the sense that you timely get to see firsthand the poverty and seventy of some unfortunate situations.
Safari experience at Queen Elizabeth National Park was amazing. We got to see as many animals we wouldn’t see normally. It’s worth to get a 3-4 days experience!! We would also recommend to other volunteers going to the Murchison Falls as we heard amazing things about it and regret not doing it!
We would definitely recommend this volunteering experience at Go Volunteer Africa to others. It’s a great experience however you have to have an open mind and a” go with the flow” mentality. Winnie in Uganda was amazing. She was helpful and reliable.
Email Noreen Kharl | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
My experience was very authentic and valuable
I traveled to Uganda, to volunteer with Go Volunteer Africa for 2 weeks. So the first thing I can say is that always apply for more weeks, if you really want to experience the Ugandan culture, and also to enjoy what Uganda has to offer.
It was the best experience I have had in my life so far. My experience was very authentic and valuable to my profession as medical student.
I at some point stayed with other volunteers at the Volunteers’ house but most of the time stayed with a sweet host family in Mukono. The Country Manager, Isaac was so incredibly warm and welcoming. Although I didn’t see him often, but he was always available, when we needed him, he knows every bit of his culture and he is a good resource.
The truth is nobody is prepared to come to Uganda until you come but believe me, after you are ready for everything and you will never want to leave!
I am incredibly grateful to the entire Ugandan team and Go Volunteer Africa for making my experience so rich. Overall, this was a very humbling and realistic way to experience Uganda and the rural culture and healthcare system. Thank you!
US
Email DMoeller | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Volunteering in Uganda
Pre Departure: Anna always got back to our team very quickly and answered all our questions that were great and really comforting.
Arrival/Airport Pickup: Isaac in Uganda was there even though our flight was late and that was very good. Isaac was a great driver and stopped for us to get water.
Placement: I really enjoyed working 2 projects, they were both very different but all of the staff members were very welcoming and allowed us to work with the children in the best way possible.
Home stay/host family & meals: The group got to stay together under one roof so we felt really comfortable. The host family was wonderful. The Ugandan family were very friendly and welcoming.
Highlights of your placement: Getting to know the children and teaching my own class at Hope Children’s Academy was really interesting and rewarding. The kids at Mukono were always full of joy and Isaac was fun to be around.
Any unique experiences?: Learning a bit of Luganda, waking up and seeing children waving Mzungu, waking up to roaster crowing, walking the streets by ourselves, and getting to know the wonderful town of Mukono. We saw a lot of animals and the trip was great.
Would you recommend this program to others? Yes, I will let others know about these programs and recommend they go to Mukono. It is beautiful there and the people are wonderful. Thank you so much for everything. I will cherish this experience always and I hope to return someday soon to work with the organization again.
Thank you.
Email Kaila Olgah | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
just go for it, you won't regret it
I decided to volunteer abroad as every now and then I like to do something that puts me out of my comfort zone, so I chose Uganda as I wanted to go somewhere that I had never been before and somewhere I didn't actually know much about, so I would be in a situation that was unfamiliar to me.
I decided to come here after leaving college as I believed the experience would help my confidence and independence for going to university – I figured that if I could go to a foreign country by myself and live with a family I had never met before, then moving out and studying for a degree shouldn't be a problem!
I decided to come with Go Volunteer Africa because of the support that was given. Even before I had made my mind up at to exactly where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do, they were on hand to answer any questions that I could think of.
I have been part of the 4 week special placement, which I have really enjoyed. My host family has some of the nicest people I have ever met. They have made me feel so welcome and comfortable and the food!
The first week I was here felt like a crash course in getting to know Kampala and its history, as it included visits to places such as the Mabira rainforest and source of the longest river in the world- the Nile.
I got to visit and work at the children’s center which many of the children attended. Those children displayed a tremendous amount of energy and love, attaching themselves to you at any opportunity! I definitely felt like a piece of my heart was left behind there.
I am already planning my next trip to Kenya now with Go Volunteer Africa, but it might be more wishful thinking seeing as I am about to become a student! But my advice to those thinking of volunteering is not to think about it too much, obviously planning for your trip is important but try not to get too caught up in what might or might not happen when you're here – just go for it, you won't regret it.
US
Email Aileen J Hall | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I was incredibly impressed with Go Volunteer Africa
Before leaving for Uganda, I was told by many friends and family that I was about to have the 'experience of a lifetime'. Truth be told, I thought this was an extremely cheesy expression and I didn't seem to share their enthusiasm because at that point I was beginning to question why I was about to put myself through this - at only 18 years old, I was VERY nervous to travel to another continent alone and speak in a different language.
My nerves were instantly put to rest upon arriving in Uganda. The Local Coordinators were there to pick me up and I was instantly greeted with the Ugandan atmosphere - welcoming and so much fun! I can say in all honesty that during this first trip with Go Volunteer Africa, I did not feel homesick for one moment of the two months that I spent. In fact, I was devastated to leave.
When I first met my host family I was keen to see where I would be staying and who with as I had no idea what to expect. I couldn't have imagined a better family and other volunteers to have stayed with during my trip. I found all the local people that I met to be so light hearted friendly and generous, and my host family were no different. I also had two other volunteers staying at the house with me, with whom I became and remain close friends!
I arrived at the house at dinner time, when I was introduced to both my house mates and the local food. Having never eaten a real “organic” meal in my life, it was difficult at first to get used to, but within a very short space of time I was an expert and loved the healthy dishes!!
My daily routine began soon after arrival which for me consisted of a morning at a local hospital and an afternoon spent at a children’s centre. This, I was able to combine two of the projects available and therefore share my time. I loved this as it was two completely different experiences and let me meet so many people.
At 18, I was hoping to go on to study medicine, so the time spent in the hospital was a valuable learning experience and something that was fantastic for my future CV. I was able to help in some tasks and saw many procedures carried out. The staff in the hospital were really friendly and so keen for me to try what I could. I also visited many different schools with the medical coordinator to tell the children about the importance of brushing their teeth etc. and to help if we could with any ailments they had.
This was a great experience as the coordinator was keen for me to learn and even provided me with details of some of the common diseases seen there. Overall, I think it's obvious that I was incredibly impressed with Go Volunteer Africa and I have since recommended them too many friends. I had a fantastic time in Uganda and in terms of my placements, my host family and the social aspect, they couldn't have been better.