About Us
Real projects. Real support. Real impact.
We connect volunteers with established conservation and community projects across Africa, and stay with you from first enquiry to your flight home.
Meet the Founder
The person behind your placement
Hi, I'm Vivienne van Zyl
I'm the founder of Impact Volunteers Africa. IVA was created from my own experience working and living internationally in conservation and volunteer environments.
Over the years, I have seen just how meaningful the right volunteer experience can be — but I have also seen how important it is for participants to know exactly where they are going, who they will be working with and what they can realistically expect. That is one of the main reasons I started Impact Volunteers Africa.
IVA connects participants with established conservation organisations across Southern Africa and helps make the process of finding, confirming and preparing for a placement clearer and more personal.
As a new organisation, building trust is extremely important to me. I want participants to feel comfortable asking questions, understanding the costs involved and knowing what will happen at every stage of the process.
- 16+ years working internationally
- Marine conservation programs
- Volunteer coordination & program management
- Master's Degree in Education Management
- Qualified PADI Dive Instructor
Vivienne van Zyl
Founder, Impact Volunteers Africa
You are always welcome to contact me directly before making a decision.
Meaningful Volunteer Experiences Across Africa
We organise verified volunteer programs across Africa focused on marine conservation, wildlife protection, education, and community development. Each placement is structured to be safe, supported, and impactful.
Volunteers join established projects with full guidance from arrival to completion, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful conservation and social work initiatives.
Costs, Explained
Why do participants pay to volunteer?
This is one of the most important questions to ask before joining any conservation program.
IVA placements are self-funded conservation experiences, not paid employment.
Hosting volunteers has real costs. Depending on the program, participant fees may contribute towards accommodation, meals, local transport, training, field activities, equipment, supervision and the day-to-day operational costs involved in running conservation projects.
The exact inclusions differ between programs, which is why we clearly explain what is and is not included before you make a booking.
Your contribution allows the host organisation to provide the infrastructure, staff, accommodation and field support necessary for participants to safely take part in the program.
What the IVA registration fee covers
In addition to the individual program fee, IVA charges a once-off registration fee. It supports the work involved in helping you arrange and prepare for your placement:
- Reviewing your application and helping identify a suitable program
- Communicating directly with the host organisation
- Checking availability for your preferred dates
- Coordinating and confirming your placement
- Providing pre-departure information and documentation
- Helping you prepare for your arrival
- Remaining available for support before and during your placement
Applying to IVA is free.
We do not ask you to pay the registration fee simply to find out whether your dates are available. We first contact the host organisation and confirm that your requested placement can be accommodated. Throughout your placement we stay in contact with you and your host organisation. We believe you should know that your placement is available before being asked to make a financial commitment.
The Process
What happens after you apply
We want the process to be straightforward and transparent. Here is every step, start to finish.
Start your applicationFree to apply · no payment now
You submit your application
There is no charge to apply. We review your preferred program, dates, experience and any information relevant to your placement.
IVA contacts the host organisation
We check availability directly with the conservation organisation and confirm whether your preferred dates can be accommodated.
We come back to you
Once we receive confirmation, we let you know that your placement is available and provide the next steps, costs and relevant program information.
You decide whether you would like to continue
You are not required to pay simply because you submitted an application or asked us to check availability.
Your placement is confirmed
Once you choose to proceed and the required registration and program payments are completed according to the booking schedule, we coordinate the remaining arrangements with the host organisation.
We help you prepare
Before departure, you receive the information you need to prepare for your placement, including arrival details, what to bring, relevant documentation and practical program information.
You travel to your conservation program
IVA remains available as a point of contact and support throughout the placement process.
Our Approach
Ethical, structured and transparent conservation experiences
We do not believe responsible wildlife conservation should be based on unnecessary animal handling or staged wildlife encounters. Our focus is on programs where participants can learn, contribute and experience conservation responsibly.
We also believe you should be able to ask questions before committing. If you would like to know more about a program, understand the fees, verify a placement or simply speak to someone before applying, please contact us. There is no pressure to book. Ask questions, understand the experience and decide whether it is right for you.
Travel with purpose. Learn. Contribute. Make an impact.
The numbers behind the impact
From the reserves and centres our volunteers support every year.
0
animals rescued in Malawi last year
0+
camera trap images analysed
0.5t
of pollution collected on coastlines
0
camera traps installed across 19 farms
Why Travel With Us
Volunteer with confidence, travel with peace of mind
Trusted & Verified Projects
Every placement is carefully selected with established conservation and development partners across Africa.
Hands-On Conservation Work
Get directly involved in marine, wildlife, and environmental projects that make a real difference.
Full Support Throughout
From arrival to departure, you're guided and supported every step of the way on the ground.
Meaningful Travel Experience
Combine travel with purpose through immersive programs that create lasting impact for both volunteers and local ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel
Who can apply to volunteer?
Most programs require a minimum age of 18, basic English communication skills, and no formal qualifications. Each destination page lists its specific requirements.
How do I apply?
Complete the application form on our Apply page — it takes a few minutes. Submission does not guarantee acceptance; every application is reviewed by Impact Volunteers Africa and the host organisation before confirmation.
What is included in the program fee?
Inclusions vary by program but typically cover accommodation, most meals, airport transfers, orientation and training, and daily project supervision. Flights, visas, vaccinations and personal expenses are not included.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is required before arrival at every placement.
Do I need vaccinations or medical checks?
Some programs have mandatory requirements — for example a TB test, rabies vaccination and malaria prophylaxis for the Malawi placement. We confirm the exact requirements for your program during the application process.
Can I choose my start date and how long I stay?
Each program has its own start days and duration options — from 1 week up to 13 weeks depending on the project. You choose your preferred start date and stay length in your application.
Is a deposit or application fee required?
Applying is free. We check availability with the host organisation first and come back to you before any payment is discussed. Once you choose to go ahead, a once-off IVA registration fee applies alongside the program fee, and full payment details and terms are provided with your acceptance. Our Terms & Conditions are available to read before you apply.