The Great Projects Recenzje 

Definitely a must do. So rewarding to be able to work with the technician team, provide enrichment materials for the orangutans and see how much they enjoy them. A real feel-good to help create the man-made islands for non-releasable orangutans and to plant trees that will support their future too. I highly recommend a 26 day stay if you are able to as you get more in-depth time with the orangutans plus 2 sessions watching the cheeky, energetic babies on their return from jungle school. Nyaru Menteng is a totally authentic, charming place to be and Matt and Niamh are dedicated, hard working hosts that make it all so amazing. If you're happy to work hard and sweat lots you'll have an unforgettable experience.

We had a fantastic trip to Samboja lodge volunteering. Our volunteer coordinator Kate was amazing , she was very knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm. we did lots of activities from filling in a huge hole on a pre release island for orangutans to making food platforms, cutting down ginger leaves in the forest and making enrichments for the orangutans that were unable to be released due to lack of survival skills as lots were taken from their mothers for the pet trade. The technicians at the lodge that worked alongside us were friendly and encouraging a real team ethos. The trips that Kate organised for the group ranged from a local night market to a forest hike and a river cruise to Proboscus monkeys. I cannot recommend her or this experience highly enough.

Well what can I say?.....Volunteering with The Great Projects at Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Centre was one of the best experiences of my life. It exceeded all my expectations. The two weeks spent there was very well organised and we took part in various activities ranging from making stimulating food enrichment items for both the orangutans and sun bears, cleaning of the enclosures, preparing food and lending our hands to maintenance and construction projects. It was great to see some projects finished, like the food platform on one of the islands, and the other project, banking up an erosion area on another of the orangutan's island, which will be completed soon. Although it was hard work at times, I felt rewarded, humbled and privileged working with the great orangutans and the cute sun bears. I came away feeling I had made a difference securing a future for the orangutans and helping to restore their habitat. If you are thinking about going, stop thinking, just do it!

I thoroughly enjoyed my fortnight at Samboja. Everybody was very friendly. Kate and the team looked after us really well. The lodge was comfortable and the food was good.
Working with the Orangutans and Sun Bears was a real privilege. I ended each day tried but with a real sense of achievement. We did a verity of tasks, from filling sand bags to reinforce a river bank to making jam sandwiches with leaves as part of enrichment. We also got to see a little of the local area visiting the Black River and a night market. It was a great way to see a little of Borneo and do some good. My only regret is that I only went for 2 weeks rather than 4.

Exhausting and challenging.
At times, thought-provoking.
Often surprising in so many ways.
But also exhilarating, exciting and rewarding!

Our recent visit to the Greenview Lodge at Sukau on the Kinabatangan River opened our eyes and hearts to the people, culture, environment and animals of Borneo, and left us with memories we'll treasure forever.
The work was hard, the accommodation was basic, the people were lovely and the whole experience was beyond our expectations.
We learned about the palm oil and the local culture; we cleared, planted and tracked new wildlife corridors; we cooked and ate with local families; we enjoyed local crafting, music and dances.

Just some of the wildlife we saw: endless macaques and hornbills; kingfishers and eagles, orang utans and elephants; civet and crocodiles; owls and water monitor lizards, green keelback and bronze back snakes, flying lizards, gibbons, silver langer and red leaf monkeys, beautiful songbirds, millipedes, a giant squirrel and lots of proboscis monkeys.

Every day was an adventure, with nothing guaranteed, but always something astonishing.

My sister and I travelled together to NYARU MENTENG ORANGUTAN SANCTUARY. We are in our mid-fifties and had one of the most wonderful and exciting experiences of our lives. We will never forget the orangutans, who behaved so gently and individually, the wonderful group and the excellent support from Matt and Melda! The program is very well thought out and competently organized. We had a motivating sense of achievement and the feeling of doing meaningful work in a great team, while also having plenty of time to relax. Big thanks to our supervisors and our new friends. This type of vacation made us want more, and we can warmly recommend this adventure to everyone!

An Unforgettable Experience in Namibia ! I spent three weeks in Namibia as part of a wildlife conservation volunteer program: two weeks at the Wildlife Sanctuary and one week at the TimBila Reserve. TimBila is a separate project focused on reintroducing wild animals into their natural habitat, and I highly recommend it. One of the most powerful moments of my stay was witnessing the reintroduction of an elephant into the reserve. Watching this majestic animal return to the wild in a protected environment was deeply moving and something I’ll never forget. I also appreciated a lot spending time feeding animals or walking with them. The team on site was incredibly welcoming and kind. When my return flight was unexpectedly canceled, they generously allowed me to stay two extra nights, which was a huge help. Their flexibility and support made my experience even more reassuring. I also want to highlight how helpful the contact person at The Great Projects was before my departure. They were always available, patient, and clear in answering all my questions. This volunteer experience allowed me to contribute to a cause I truly care about, while discovering the raw beauty of Namibia. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone passionate about animal protection and looking for a meaningful and enriching adventure.

Have volunteered through this organisation in South Africa, but this time went on their ultimate wildlife tour in Uganda.
It was exceptional. As three older women going we discussed in the reception of the first hotel how we would try and see if we could get single rooms in the next hotels. It wasn't a huge issue and it was a quiet discussion but reception must have overheard, told the tour guide who contacted the UK Office and before we knew anything they had arranged single rooms for the whole 12 day tour at an exceptionally excellent rate.
Nothing was too much trouble, we were encouraged to inform the guide daily if there was something we wanted to do in that area and they tried their upmost to accommodate every single need or thought.
I cannot recommend the great projects enough as a travel organisation, nor their partners in Uganda.

Pasamos dos semanas de voluntariado en Harnas y una semana en el santuario de vida silvestre. Ojalá nos hubiéramos quedado las tres semanas completas en Harnas porque nos encantó y nos sentimos como en casa. Hay menos voluntarios, todo está más organizado, más enfocado en brindar ayuda real, la comida es deliciosa y la experiencia en general es increíble. El santuario es un lugar agradable, pero hay muchos voluntarios (unos 70), y todo es menos personalizado, más desorganizado y, creo, un poco más centrado en actividades que atraen voluntarios que en la ayuda en sí. Repetiría mi experiencia en Harnas mil veces. El contacto con los animales salvajes es bueno, sabiendo que son animales salvajes. También se ven muchos animales en libertad, como rinocerontes. La vida en Harnas es más familiar, más hermosa.

Just returned from 2 projects in Africa booked through The Great Projects!

Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary: Namibia is truly a hidden treasure in plain sight! The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful organization with great people and an ambitious mission to help wildlife and preserve the various natural landscapes of Namibia. I was fortunate enough to see so many incredible animals including: lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, oryx, eland, springbok, and the list goes on. Equally as rewarding, I met dozens of amazing people during my six weeks with the organization - both other volunteers from around the world, and the staff members who are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I would like to mention Romeo, Sima, Dawid, and LeeAnn specifically for their continued help and hospitality. I would highly recommend spending at least 3-4 weeks at this program so that you can include one or more of the "extra" weeks away from the main sanctuary. I did the Neuras, Kanaan, and TimBila projects in addition to 3 weeks at the sanctuary, and it was a great way to feel at home and comfortable at the program while still getting to explore different regions of the country. Neuras and Kanaan offer incredible landscapes, and peaceful, quiet weeks in the sparsely-populated desert regions of the country. Sunrises and sunsets here are amongst the best I've ever seen in my life. Note that these areas are not as abundant in wildlife as some of the other areas (specifically large wildlife) given the aridness of the desert. TimBila is an absolute gem of a wildlife reserve. Here is where you will feel like you're sharing a home with elephants, lions, zebras, etc. TimBila is a must in my opinion. I will be forever grateful to this project for the incredible memories and the new friends I made. 5 stars

Amakhala Conservation Project: This project was a fun experience - I got to see many incredible animals including: elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras. Socially, the program was very nice. During my two weeks, we had 14-16 volunteers, and it was nice to meet people from different parts of the world. While the ages of the volunteers will obviously vary from week-to-week, the age demographic of this program tends to be quite young (16 - early 20s). Additionally, the two volunteer coordinators we were with daily were also 24. This may be something to keep in mind if you're an older volunteer. A few things that I think are helpful to note when researching projects. This project is at least 50-50 in terms of a split between wildlife volunteering and community volunteering. You can expect to be on the reserve 2, maybe 3, days of the week. Other days will be spent volunteering with the local children or having free time (weekends). Also, you do not stay on the reserve. The volunteer house is located ~30-45 minute drive from the reserve. This means that you do have access to stores and such daily, but it is unlikely that you will see wildlife unless it is a day which you are scheduled to be in the reserve. There are other programs where you stay in the reserve or adjacent to it therefore you have a higher likelihood of seeing wildlife more frequently. I would recommend this project mainly to younger volunteers who want a mix of community-based volunteering and wildlife viewing. There is not as much hands-on work with the animals as you would find at an animal sanctuary project (which makes sense as the animals on the reserve at Amakhala are wild animals so there shouldn't be much hands-on work with them). All in all a fun time. 4 stars

Life-Changing Experience Volunteering in Namibia – Highly Recommend The Great Projects!

Volunteering at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary through The Great Projects was one of the most meaningful, exciting, and unforgettable experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people, and the incredible dedication of everyone involved in wildlife conservation there.

The Project: The sanctuary itself is a haven for a wide range of animals—cheetahs, baboons, leopards, caracals, lions, and more. Many have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, farming conflicts, or other dangerous circumstances. What stood out most was how deeply the staff care for the animals—not just their physical needs, but also their emotional wellbeing. As a volunteer, you truly become a valued part of that mission.

Your Role as a Volunteer: Volunteers are actively involved in feeding, cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment for the animals, and observing behaviors. It’s hands-on, and at times physically demanding, but extremely rewarding. Each day is different—you might be preparing food for lions in the morning and building a climbing structure for monkeys in the afternoon. There are also opportunities to assist in the vet clinic or go on anti-poaching patrols, depending on current needs.

The People: The team—both local and international—is phenomenal. Knowledgeable, passionate, and always supportive, they made sure we felt safe, informed, and inspired. I made lifelong friends with fellow volunteers from around the world, and the sense of community at the camp is something truly special.

Accommodation & Food: Rustic but comfortable. You stay in shared volunteer housing or tents, and meals are hearty and home-cooked. Dietary needs were catered for without issue. You’re in the middle of nature, which is part of the charm—don’t expect luxury, but expect authenticity and connection.

The Great Projects Support: From booking to departure, The Great Projects were incredibly professional and communicative. They provided detailed pre-departure info, helped arrange travel logistics, and checked in regularly during the project. Their commitment to ethical travel and responsible wildlife tourism really shows.

Final Thoughts: If you're passionate about animals, interested in conservation, or simply looking for a meaningful adventure, this project will exceed your expectations. I left Namibia with a greater understanding of wildlife conservation, a renewed sense of purpose, and unforgettable memories. It’s not just a trip—it’s a transformative experience.

Thank you to The Great Projects and everyone at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary for making this journey so extraordinary. I can’t wait for the next volunteering adventure

This is the first time that I participated in a volunteer project with an animal sanctuary and I did not know what to expect. My experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary was wonderful so much so that I am already considering my volunteering project for next year! To anyone who is interested in responsible travel, or if you are an animal lover, I would highly recommend this project. It's an unique, rich and varied experience and I learned a great deal about the orangutans. P.S. for those who might be concerned about the heat/humidity in the tropics, yes, it's very hot and humid there, but the mornings and evenings are quite pleasant. For me, when I saw the practical impact my small contribution as a volunteer has made for the orangutans at the sanctuary, it makes all the heat/humidity in Borneo bearable! : )

Review: A most amazing experience with wonderful people. Kate the co-ordinator and Wiki the "Boss" and her team made every day interesting, varied and worthwhile. Helping to care for these wonderful animals while learning about them was something we will never forget. The Lodge was great with 3 hot meals a day and comfortable beds. The lodge staff kept everything spick and span and were always smiling. Samboja Lestari is right on the equator so be prepared to work hard in the heat & sweat a lot but we would not change a thing!

Every part of my experience with The Great Projects was incredible, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Better than five-stars.

Pre-trip planning and communication was excellent, and very clear.

After arriving in Borneo, our volunteer coordinator (Kate) made us all feel extremely safe and welcome, and made every day exciting, fun, and inspiring.

The balance of ‘work’ and ‘fun’ on our project was perfect, and we achieved so much in our two weeks in Borneo. Kate did an amazing job to make every person feel their contributions were valued and important.

The accommodation was fantastic; the lodge is stunning, and the staff were welcoming and gracious.

This organisation is extremely well run, and very supportive of their customers.

Wow just wow!!! It is so hard to put into words just how amazing this experience was. I have always loved orangutans and wanted to go to Borneo to see them. I looked at various touring holidays around Borneo but you only got to spend 2 half days on the orangutan sanctuaries. I then stumbled upon The Great Projects website and discovered I could volunteer at a sanctuary. I just had to book it. I wanted to be involved and make a difference. I also liked the fact that the experience I was paying for was providing money directly to the sanctuary. Kate the volunteer coordinator was so helpful and supportive to all the volunteers. We worked hard but we also got to experience some of the highlights of Borneo such as the night market and river boat trip. The best part of the trip for me was giving out the enrichment activities to both the sunbears and the orangutans. The joy on their faces as they hunted for their treats was so rewarding. I will definitely be doing more voluntary experiences in the future, I just wish I had known about Great Projects sooner.

My wife and I volunteered for 2 weeks in Samboja Lestari Orangutan & Sun Bear sanctuary with The Great Projects in Balikpapan and it was as one of the best experiences we have ever had. We are in our 60’s and have travelled extensively and have been attracted to projects involving animals and this has been one of the best.

Volunteers are taken care of very well by Kate who is the volunteer co ordinater on-site. She is passionate about what she does and this translates into how she involves the volunteers with the orangutans and Sun Bears. Our group bonded and we became friends, this was an extremely satisfying part of our experience.

The lodge was ambient, the food was great and the lodgings were comfortable. I could continue with my accolades but I think you get the gist. If you are considering this kind of experience, want to connect with the Orangutans, the other volunteers and your own desire to contribute to our planet, consider this programme seriously.

As you can tell, we highly recommend it. We leave our time with Kate, the other volunteers and the Orangutans & Sun Bears not the same people.

What a brilliant experience! Samboja Lestari 2-week volunteering experience (Borneo) was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! The staff were fantastic and supportive all the way. The engagement with the sun bears and orangutans was brilliant! The volunteer group was warm open to these new experiences. A huge thank you to Kate (our coordinator) who made the experience so memorable and taught us so much! Thank you to the Great Projects. I am already planning my next Great Projects trip. Cheers Nina

In brief an incredible eye opening experience... heart wrenching yet so rewarding.. highlights: giving the Orangs their enrichments, the boat trips.. jungle school of course.. and having the privilege of watching some Orangs start their journey to be released into the wild..

The group was great.. we all bonded do well and have already planned our first reunion.

Matt was incredible-so driven and passionate and made us want to go the extra mile even in the extreme heat and humidity.. what an asset.

Overall, just life-changing... I'll be back!!

Amazing experience at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, I loved every minute. Everyone was lovely , it was so interesting getting to meet fellow volunteers from all over the world. I was a bit worried that at age 56 everyone would be younger than me and most of them were but there were several other volunteers around my age which was nice and age didn't really matter. The staff couldn't have been more helpful, more accommodating or more welcoming. The accommodation is basic and I had no hot water for my 2 week stay and some of the nights were very cold (I went in May), I needed my sleeping bag plus the 2 blankets, that I brought with me to donate, as well as the duvet that was provided. I was also alone which suited me but may not suit everyone especially as it was a 10 to 15 minute walk away from the volunteer area and at times was a bit daunting to have to walk back alone in the dark. In order to make the most of this experience you do need to be prepared to get stuck in. I found the program a perfect mix of work, education and fun. 2 weeks was just enough time to experience most things and I did manage to have a weekend at the coast which was brilliant. I would have liked to have had time to experience some of the other projects so if possible I would recommend going for at least 4 weeks if you can. This was my first volunteering holiday and I am already looking into another for my next adventure. I highly recommend this holiday but also The Great Projects whose staff were also brilliant, giving me all the necessary info and answering my endless questions. If you are considering this holiday I'd say just go for it. You won't regret it!

Everyone´s friendliness once there.
The efficiency during the booking process.
The animals: being so close up,an amazing
experience! preparing their food,making toys for them,observing them and writing it down.
Can be used for university credits as a veterinary practical experience.
Communication is in English but volunteer leaders are bilingual Spanish/English.