International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Reviews 

I have traveled extensively and participated in many different programs over the years, but this one completely takes the top spot! You give a little, but what you receive in return is beyond words.

From the moment we arrived, the staff was amazing and so deeply welcoming. We learned so much about conservation, local culture, and the country itself. Our daily routine included morning and afternoon work activities, ranging from helping out at the local school to clearing roads and removing invasive species. Age doesn't matter at all here—everyone pitches in and helps to the best of their ability! Everything is taught clearly, and you’ll learn how to use any tool needed with complete confidence.

The wildlife experience is unbelievable. While we went on official safaris, literally every single drive to work felt like a safari of its own! We saw zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, antelopes, tons of bird species, and so much more—we even learned how to track animals by their footprints! You get to camp out in bush once a week too!

Our group ranged from 18 to 70 years old, and the camaraderie was incredible. Everyone worked as a cohesive team, got along wonderfully, and had an absolute blast together!

Now, let's talk about the food: I never thought of Africa as a major food destination, but the chefs were FANTASTIC! As a vegetarian, I can honestly say I ate some of the best meals of my life here. They cater seamlessly to every single dietary need.

The accommodations exceeded all expectations:

* **Rooms:** Simple, private, clean rooms that are refreshed daily.
* **Bathrooms:** Convenient shared bathroom set up between adjacent rooms.
* **Amenities:** A great pool on-site to relax by during downtime!

You get a nice break every day between 10 AM and 2 PM, which is perfect for reading, playing games, or heading into town (the staff will happily help you arrange a taxi). On weekends, you have free time to explore! We took an unforgettable group trip to Victoria Falls, but you can also book extra excursions through the program or TripAdvisor. **Pro tip:** Do not miss Chobe or the Zambia side of Victoria Falls!

I truly cannot say enough good things about this program, the breathtaking location, and the incredible people. Do not hesitate for a second—book it! You are going to have the absolute time of your life!

Read More 
What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Seeing all the animals daily! From Giraffes to Vultures!
Pros
Amazing Staff and learned so much!
Fantastic Wildlife and all you will see and experience
The beautiful and welcoming country and people
Cons
none, wish I could stay longer

It was a great experience. I learned so much in 2 weeks during my medical volounteering. I will never forget it and IVHQ was amazing.

I love that these guys connect you with local projects so that you know that your contributions (financial / physical / intellectual etc) are going to the right place. Excellent level of communication, clear instructions and advice. I felt fully prepared and supported. I went to Madagascar and was on the Forest Project and it was life changing. It is partially responsible for my starting a PhD to somehow be a part of this community of humans dedicating their lives to hope and change. Do not hesitate. I cannot recommend IVHQ or the Madagascar project enough.

Hi, I am Matteo and I just completed my volunteering in Zanzibar. I had an amazing experience with IVHQ during the Coastal and Marine Conservation programm. From the application process to the end of my stay, everything was well organised and I always felt supported as after the application you receive a guide where everything is explained very clearly.

The application process was simple and straightforward, and the IVHQ team provided all the information I needed before travelling. Communication was clear and any questions I had were answered quickly. The pre-departure information was especially useful because it helped me understand what to expect and prepare properly for the experience.

Once I arrived in Zanzibar, the local team was welcoming, friendly and helpful. The orientation was well organised and gave me a good introduction to the local culture, the area and the programme. I always felt that there was someone I could rely on if I needed help.

The Coastal and Marine Conservation project was definitely the highlight of my experience. I had the opportunity to take part in activities focused on marine conservation and learn more about the importance of protecting Zanzibar’s coastal ecosystems. It was very rewarding to see how our activities could contribute, even in a small way, to the local environment. The experience was not only educational but also practical, allowing me to get involved rather than simply learning about conservation from a theoretical perspective.

The accommodation was comfortable and suitable for a volunteer programme. I liked the fact that it was completely immersed in the nature. Living together with other international volunteers was also a great part of the experience. I met people from different countries and backgrounds, and many of them became good friends. Sharing everyday life, activities and free time with other volunteers made the experience even more memorable.

The meals were another positive aspect. The food was generally tasty, fresh and varied, with a good opportunity to experience local flavours and dishes. The staff were also very attentive and accommodating.

I also really appreciated the opportunity to experience Zanzibar beyond the project itself. The island has incredible beaches, landscapes and a unique culture, and having the opportunity to interact with local people made the experience much more meaningful.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend IVHQ and the Coastal and Marine Conservation programme in Zanzibar. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to combine travelling, meeting people from all over the world and doing something meaningful for the environment. I came home with new knowledge, unforgettable memories and a much greater appreciation for marine conservation.

Thank you to the entire IVHQ team and the local staff in Zanzibar for making this such a special experience. I would definitely consider doing another IVHQ programme in the future!

it was great! mostly because you have the chance to partecipate to more than the program you apply for and you get the chance to help even more people and do a lot more things!

Everything was perfect

Volunteered in Arusha, Tanzania with IVHQ and had a great experience. Booking and pre-departure prep were clear and easy, arrival logistics were sorted, and the in-country team was responsive the whole time. it was a very rewarding experience , Highly recommend.

This company honestly is the best. The people are heart warming, everybody is always there when u need and are right by their phone if u need anything.

My experience was amazing. Through IVHQ I got to meet people from all over the world. I left Portugal with friends from India, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and England. I felt true my immersed in the Portuguese culture and learned so much. The staff was also super kind and helpful.

Volunteering with IVHQ was a truly incredible experience. From the moment I signed up, I felt prepared and supported. IVHQ provided so much helpful information before my trip, including a detailed program guide, visa information, what to expect when arriving in a new country, and everything I needed to know to feel safe and comfortable.

But what made the experience so special was the people. I was surrounded by such kind, welcoming, and loving people who were genuinely grateful that I chose to volunteer with them. Their gratitude meant so much to me, but in reality, I am the one who feels grateful. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be welcomed into their community, learn from them, and be a small part of something meaningful.

I would absolutely recommend IVHQ to anyone considering volunteering abroad. It was an experience I will carry with me for a long time.

I had a fantastic experience. It was everything I was looking for and more! I learned so much and met so many cool people.

From the start of my volunteer experience International Volunteer HQ were incredibly supportive. They support myself and my daughter to book and plan the trip as part of her school work experience and so provided all the communication to my daughters school that was needed. They also supported us will all pre trip information and learning so when we started we were already feeling really prepared. The trip itself was wonderful and well organised and I am sure that was because of all the support from International Volunteers HQ. I’d definitely book with this company again and would recommend to others who are thinking about a volunteering experience.

Everyone was super nice! It was an easy experience once I got there, everything was explained well, and I learned a lot at the hospital.

IVHQ Staff welcomed me into a community and made me feel at home. They kept us safe, and went out of their way to make us smile. For example, my birthday was while I was on my trip, and the staff got me a cake and threw a surprise birthday party!

The team was responsive and helpful throughout the whole process. They answered all questions and helped me understand the program better.

I spent two weeks at Na'ankuse in Namibia as part of the IVHQ Volunteering program working closely with animals at the wildlife reserve. For the price of the program my expectations were well exceeded! The accomodation, food and staff services were great and the experiences with the animals during the volunteer work is unlike anything I have seen. Being able to be so close to the wildlife whilst doing activities that make a difference was truly an unforgettable experience. I hope to go back soon!

From the start the IVHQ team was very much involved and open to any request or question. My Team Manager was great and I found everything very well organised from the starting application till the arrive at the airport.

Helping turtles in ostional was such a great experience, I strongly recommend it if you'd like to have fun, find new friends and see wildlife !

The experience of volunteering overseas with a project of interest; was a unique and humbling experience. It was amazing that volunteers from different countries with different training backgrounds could work together to utilize the collective expertise to support the cause. It was a truly amazing learning experience!! In addition to this, the opportunity to travel and experience the culture in another country, was marvelous! Glad to have found the IVHQ platform. Grateful for the prompt support and facilitation from the IVHQ team at each and every step. An exciting opportunity worth considering with this platform, Thank you IVHQ.

Throughout my placement in Croatia, IVHQ provided me with the relevant help and support needed to make my stay as stress free as possible. I would highly recommend this company and encourage anyone contemplating a placement.