Volunteer Abroad

I just concluded my second volunteer trip at Askari, and this place never ever gets old. My first time I spent 3 months, and most recently I stayed for 2 months, and my life was changed, enlightened and inspired both trips. We are involved in so many aspects of the reserve management, learning about the bush every day and making amazing friends along the way. Askari is special. I get choked up just thinking about how much its impacted my life and my passion for wildlife management and conservation. You will leave this place feeling inspired and proud of what you took part in, I guarantee it.
If youre wondering if you should come to Askari, do it! Your outlook on life will be changed for the better, and your breath will be taken away at least once a day...thank you Askari, I hope be back for trip #3!

More than a volunteer program it's a real friendly experiment. With a dedicated and passionate staff, we learn so much about animals and birds. I really enjoy discovering the bush like this, with no tourists around, only us and the wilderness. Working on the reserve was like a treasure hunt everyday. We had no idea what could happen but it was always such amazing things. I trully recommend to join Askari if you want to discover the Big Five in a different way.

This volunteering has been the best experience of my life! This was the first time that I travelled alone for my vet studies and I was just amazed day by day by the animals we discovered. I have got so many great moments that I will always remember, from seeing the lions up close, to seeing such young hyaena pups on our trip to Kruger (so curious and cute!) to having an elephant herd surround us, it was so beautiful! In the final week, we had an unexpected visit from a wildlife vet to assist with an injured cheetah, I am so grateful for that! I made new friends, we had lots of hilarious moments. The braai rendez-vous around the fire each Friday night was just perfect and memorable. Thank you Katie, Stuart, Bronwyn and all the staff for their kindness and their passion. They made me live my childhood dream! 

I've been checking out IVHQ for a few years now before I finally decided to take the leap. Simply reflecting back on my time volunteering makes me tear up. I had the most amazing life changing experience I could have ever asked for. It beyond exceeded my expectations. The support of the IVHQ team had me at ease, the local team was also amazing, the accommodation and food was incredible. I made friends and family for life with the other volunteers and local team. Teaching the children felt so rewarding and getting to explore and learn about another culture was eye-opening and magical. Bali is an incredible place. I can't say enough good things about IVHQ and the experience I had volunteering. I can't wait for my next adventure!

Askari is my first volunteer mission and what a joy it was! These four weeks have passed at high speed as I loved all these moments spent along true enthusiasts – Andrew, Katie, Bronwyn and Stuart. The discovery of this beautiful reserve, the search for the wildlife that composes it… I learnt a lot during my stay and leave with my head, eyes and heart full.

Thank you again for your kindness, your teaching and all the good times spent together. Hope to see you again one day!

I always thought it was a cliché when I heard people talk about overseas trips changing their lives – but that is exactly how I feel! My month at Askari has truly been the best month of my life. This trip has solidified my passion for conservation and animals. Immersing myself in the South African bush has been the ultimate escape from city life. I am looking forward to continuing my conservation work back home in New Zealand and also bringing back a new found love of birds! Katie, Bron and Stuart are a wealth of knowledge. Their passion for conservation is infectious and they’re a whole lot of fun too!

We looked for an ethical and respectful reserve and Askari manages wildlife in that sense. Every day was a discovery, every day could be a surprise, you never know what can be seen while out on the reserve. It’s such an adventure!

Katie, Bronwyn, Stuart and Andrew are an amazing team. Passionate and passing on that passion to all the volunteers. I learnt a lot from them about mammals, birds, plants, trees but also about poaching etc. These four weeks at Askari will be unforgettable!

I had a genuinely meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable time on my first IVHQ trip. The youth support volunteer trip was based in Lisbon, Portugal, and it was my first time being in the country. What a great way to explore a new place! You connect with both fellow international travellers, but the rich local community, too. Likewise, you have the opportunity to stay in safe, private hostels/rooms, while still being central to the action (i.e. town/city centers, transportation, nature, etc). But perhaps the deepest, most profound educational experience is the hands-on volunteering. What better way to connect to a community than to help their most vulnerable demographics? My particular placement worked with young mothers enrolled in school (14yo-24yo) and their infants in need of day-care (1mo-1yo). 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.

when i decided to do this i went with no expectations and an open mind. what i did not expect tho, was to meet so many amazing people. it was truly an experience i will never forget. Bali has become my second home and i can't wait to return to the people there. the program itself is very well constructed and you'll never be bored. there is always something to do and to see. if you need anything the local staff is there to help you 24/7. teaching at a school is just amazing. with all the kids, playing and learning. you really don't want to miss out on this!

The whole trip carries and injects positive energies to help and love people.
It ranges from IVHQ regional team's comprehensive arrangement, to local team - The Green Lion's hospitality in support plus food outreach station team's devoted contribution to needing people.
And of course there are the volunteers and their golden hearts, whom have travelled from different parts of planet, just to offer their helping hands from single week to several months.
Every second I can feel my fast pulses of excitement plus positive desire to do my contribution and do more. Every moment I am well confident my safety and well being in foreign land are properly taken care of by local team.
On my last 2 service days I was given opportunity to company disabled kids at hospital in afternoon, after food outreach event. This is broke my beliefs on the limited contribution I can offer. It opens me to new heights to understand there are actually more I am capable of to offer.
During the 5 days, priceless vitality and passion emit from everyone's eyes regardless of individual's status and wealth. There is no asking for any return or compensation. All there is are just unlimited flows of love and care to whoever need help.
As a corporate worker for years, this volunteering has woke me up to realize the 3 essentials to achieve harmony and peace in humanity. They are help, love and care.
I praised and salute to every single soul I met in this journey. You all are beautiful and handsome.
There are lot more for me to improve on volunteering but I am committed to join you all to make a better world, for many years ahead.
Thank you so much.