Pod Volunteer Reviews

Name: Pod Volunteer
Address: 5, Noverton Lane, Cheltenham, Prestbury
Rating: 4.74

4.7 Rating 429 Reviews

96 %

of reviewers recommend Pod Volunteer

Company Reviews

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4.7

Based on 429 reviews


Customer Service
Communication Channels	Email, Telephone
Queries Resolved In	Under An Hour

About Pod Volunteer:

Pod Volunteer is an award winning non-profit organisation arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world since 2001

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Email:

info@podvolunteer.org

Location:

5, Noverton Lane, Cheltenham
Prestbury
GL52 5BA

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"Pod Volunteer were so helpful and definitely made my family feel content with my solo travels as a young person. Volunteering at the Elephant care and wildlife projects in Thailand was the best thing I've ever done and I could not recommend more! I cannot wait to return."

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 30th January 2024

Cassia Z

"We loved our time as a family at the Reef Conservation project in Belize. \r\nWe learnt so much about reef conservation in the Caribbean with informative presentations and very knowledgeable and passionate staff. We felt like we were making a real difference with our diving lionfish hunts and beach clean up. \r\nWe got to stay on an idyllic Caribbean island with a great group of volunteers. The diving, boat and island staff were all brilliant. We were thoroughly spoilt with fantastic food!\r\nPod Volunteer are so supportive in every step of the decision and booking process. We would highly recommend a trip with them. In fact our daughter has already booked another one for next summer. "

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 27th September 2023

Colette G

199

Anonymous

Anonymous // 01/01/2019

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Cassia Z

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“Pod Volunteer were so helpful and definitely made my family feel content with my solo travels as a young person. Volunteering at the Elephant care and wildlife projects in Thailand was the best thing I've ever done and I could not recommend more! I cannot wait to return.”

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Posted 2 months ago

Hi Cassia, thanks so much for your lovely review of your time in Thailand and the amazing picture of you at work with the ellies! Hope you have a chance to travel and volunteer again soon. Thanks again for the difference you made to caring for Asian elephants and the many other rescued animals at the centre! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 2 months ago

Colette G

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“We loved our time as a family at the Reef Conservation project in Belize. We learnt so much about reef conservation in the Caribbean with informative presentations and very knowledgeable and passionate staff. We felt like we were making a real difference with our diving lionfish hunts and beach clean up. We got to stay on an idyllic Caribbean island with a great group of volunteers. The diving, boat and island staff were all brilliant. We were thoroughly spoilt with fantastic food! Pod Volunteer are so supportive in every step of the decision and booking process. We would highly recommend a trip with them. In fact our daughter has already booked another one for next summer.”

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Posted 6 months ago

Hi Colette, thanks very much for your review of your time in Belize this summer on the Reef Conservation project. It's great you were able to make a difference there by helping with the lionfish removal and cleanups. We are really looking forward with helping your daughter with a trip to Greece next summer! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 6 months ago

Aden C

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“An amazing experience volunteering on a wildlife reserve in Costa Rica! I was kept informed on all information I needed before arriving and felt very organized and secure with the POD team as well as the local team at Reserva Playa Tortuga, particularly as I am under the 18.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 22nd September 2023

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Posted 7 months ago

Hi Aden, thanks so much for the feedback on your time at the Costa Rica Turtle and Wildlife conservation project, a great way to get your DofE Residential too! Love the photos, so atmospheric and makes me want to go zip lining again too, loved that when i last visited! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 7 months ago

Tiffany D

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“We loved every moment of family turtle conservation project! We've learned so much, met great people, feel like we've genuinely made a difference and contributed to an important project and made memories for life. The team were all amazing and every step from the team back home supporting our trip planning, to the communication and the project itself have been brilliant. We felt completely respected as volunteers even though we were only there for a week. The whole experience has been very inpisiring. We hope you love it as much as our family did!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 18th August 2023

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Posted 8 months ago

Hi Tiffany, brilliant to hear about you and your family's experience in Greece on the Turtle and Marine Conservation family trip. You really have all made a genuine difference to the important conservation work there on Kefalonia and I'm sure will be an inspiration for other families too. Love the photos of your family in action and the beautiful shot of the turtle hatchling - makes it all worth it! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 8 months ago

Sophie C

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“It was the best experience ever”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 14th August 2023

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Posted 8 months ago

Hi Sophie, so great to hear about your time on the Greece family Turtle and Marine Conservation trip this summer. Love the photo of the turtle at night in your red light head torch! Have a lovely rest of the summer. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 8 months ago

Jean-loup F

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“Amazing team, incredible landscapes, very interesting activities, I truly recommend Pod Volunteer for a safe, rewarding and unforgettable life changing experience !”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 24th July 2023

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Posted 8 months ago

Hi Jean-Loup, fantastic to hear about your and Adele's volunteering in Costa Rica with the turtles! Amazing pictures and love the waterfall, great way to cool off! Hope all good on your return to France. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 8 months ago

Julie C

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“It was an experience of a lifetime. Working on a sea turtle sanctuary was the best vacation ever. Reserva Playa Tortuga in Costa Rica was amazing. Highly recommend.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 21st July 2023

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Posted 9 months ago

Hi Julie and Cordelia, so great to hear about your time in Costa Rica! Love the photo of you two and also an all important turtle nest! Hope you have enjoyed the rest of your travels around Costa Rica. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 9 months ago

Charlotte P

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“I volunteered at a wildlife rescue centre in Thailand through Pod volunteer and had an incredible time. Pod volunteer were extremely organised and very accessible via email to answer any queries. The process of booking the project was straight forward and simple. The description and information I was provided with matched the project perfectly. I would highly recommend Pod volunteer to anyone looking for a volunteer project!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 23rd June 2023

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Posted 10 months ago

Hi Charlotte, so great to hear about your experience in Thailand on the Wildlife Rescue project for your Gold DofE Residential! I'm really glad everything came together so you could fit the trip in around your work. At least the weather is warm to welcome you back to the UK! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 10 months ago

Matthew R

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“No words, photos, videos will ever do the Horse Rehabilitation project in South Africa justice. Thanks Alex from Podvolunteer for helping set this up with how crazy things were on my end. Thank you to Georgie, Penny, and the entire family at the Rehabilitation and Rescue. Truly truly felt loved and part of the family. I will surely be coming back soon.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 20th June 2023

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Posted 10 months ago

Hi Matthew, I'm so thrilled that it all worked out so well. I love the photos, especially you and your horse with tongues out! And the video of riding down to the beach is so evocative of my recent visit there, really miss it and the fun family atmosphere. Hope you make it back soon to see Georgie and Penny again! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 10 months ago

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Anonymous

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“pod have been amazing- very quick in responses and answered any questions o had really well. All i would say is that in the info booklet a lot of the info i was given about the sea turtle conservation i did in greece was outdated/incorrect. For example the 'no wifi' etc. Otherwise, pod have been great, and i had an amazing time!!”

Pod Volunteer 4 star review on 12th June 2023

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Posted 10 months ago

Thanks so much for your comments and amazing pictures, looks like you had an incredible experience and really makes me want to go back to Greece! I'm sorry there were a few bits of information that weren't up to date, I'll message you privately to check on those so we can change them. With Wifi, we hadn't wanted to say it was always available, as in previous years it had been rather unreliable but hopefully it's better now! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 10 months ago

Abigail R

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“This was an incredible and unforgettable experience that has impacted me in so many ways… not only were the horses amazing, but the people and the friendships we made were amazing too 💗”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 2nd June 2023

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Posted 10 months ago

Hi Abigail, thanks so much for your feedback on your time at the Horse Rehabilitation project in South Africa. I know how much Georgie and Penny loved having you there and all the hard work you did! Love the beuatiful pictures! Hope you are settling back in at home well. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 10 months ago

Kristin J

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“Our service trip was to Namibia for Desert Elephant conservation. I had the pleasure of coordinating with Pod Volunteer for almost 5 years, as our trip was delayed several times over 3 years due to Covid/pandemic. I was so grateful to be working with Alex and the other Pod Volunteer team members who made a potentially stressful situation very easy and manageable. Their communications were timely and helpful, answered all of our seemingly endless list of questions, and their partner organization in Namibia who we ultimately volunteered with (EHRA) was top notch. Everything about our experience was 5 stars and we would highly recommend working and coordinating with Pod Volunteer again for a future service trip. Thank you!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 8th May 2023

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Posted 11 months ago

Thanks Kristin, so delighted that this trip to Namibia finally came together after the Covid delays. Love the picture of your group out in the desert tracking elephants, what a place and what an experience. Hope you are settling in back at home ok. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 11 months ago

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Anonymous

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“I spent a week with the elephants in Thailand and it was such a life changing experience to see how the elephants were rescued and to see the progression of quality of living since they’ve been within the sanctuary. it was an amazing experience”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 29th April 2023

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Posted 11 months ago

Molly C

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“Had a great experience doing early learning in Ghana. Pod has been supportive from the start, had no issues organising the trip and everything went smoothly. The charity I volunteered with was friendly and opened up a variety of opportunities beyond early learning, including construction and tech teaching.”

Pod Volunteer 4 star review on 27th April 2023

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Posted 11 months ago

Hi Molly, thanks so much of your review of your time volunteering in Ghana and all the different roles you were able to get involved in with the community there. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 11 months ago

Jacob F

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“Pod volunteer has quite simply helped me accomplish my dreams. Through them I organised a trip to South Africa for marine conservation and has given the best experience of my life. Throughout the planning process they were nothing but helpful always responding to my questions with clear and clear answers. Alex and the team made the whole process simple and fun. And I will not hesitate to use pod volunteer again”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 22nd April 2023

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Jacob, so great to hear from you after your time at the marine conservation project in South Africa. I really hope we can help you with another trip in the future! Hope you get to use your dive qualifications again soon! Alex

Posted 11 months ago

Alice L

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“Pod Volunteer was very helpful with planning my trip to Thailand. Alex was very quick with responding to emails and helping us solve any problems that occurred. 100% recommend”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 14th March 2023

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Posted 1 year ago

Thanks Alice, so great to hear about your time at the Elephant Care and Wildlife Rescue project in Thailand and I love the photo of you walking with Boon Ma. Have an amazing time travelling in Thailand and Vietnam!

Posted 1 year ago

Teegan P

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“Pod volunteer was super helpful when booking my volunteering holiday and i loved it so much that i am going back to the same sanctuary in 6 weeks to do it all over again 😊”

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Posted 1 year ago

Thanks so much Teegan, sounds like an incredible 6 weeks and that's brilliant you are going to volunteer again! Enjoy your Thailand and Vietnam travels in the meantime! Love the photo too. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Megan R

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“I spent 2 weeks at Elephant Valley Project in Cambodia. Pod Volunteer were superb and providing me with all information I might need (down to a packing list) allowing me to really be comfortable and confident on a fairly daunting trip. Excellent communication including when my trip was moved due to Covid. The project itself was also wonderful. Thank you so much! I'm sure I'll be back on another project before I know it.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 1st February 2023

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Megan, so glad you were finally able to get to Cambodia after having to reschedule due to Covid. It's great to hear about your experience and what a beautiful photo of the mother with baby elephant in the jungle, so heart warming! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Emma I

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“We had the absolute time of our lives on our Desert Elephant Conservation trip to Namibia. As a family of five with the youngest being only eight, we were delighted to find a conservation project that we could all take part in. Pod were excellent at helping us organise everything, work out what we needed, deciphering the ever-changing Covid travel regulations and answering our many questions! This was a holiday with a difference, all of us, kids included, had the most incredible time working with the charity. The project was a real eye-opener for us all but we loved having the opportunity to do some good and make a difference. At many points leading up to the trip I did question if we were crazy, doing a trip like this with children in tow but I know we would all say now it was one of the best things we’ve ever done, a life-changing experience and very special to do it as a family. Someone asked me recently what we’re planning for our next trip and I honestly can’t think of anything that would beat it! We met inspirational people, made friends, learnt more than we ever imagined and had the most incredible time. Watching the elephants from the platform in base camp, sleeping under the stars and waking to the sound of the crackling wood as the fire was lit for the kettle in the morning were the highlights - truly unforgettable! Thank-you, we would never have stumbled across this trip without Pod!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 26th January 2023

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Emma, thank you so much for sharing these incredible highlights of your trip to Namibia with your family this summer. It sounds like it was an experience that will stay with you all for a long time. I hope I may take my family there in the next couple of years as something I would love to do with my children. Love the photos of all the work you were doing in the school, the camping out and especially the desert elephants! Wishing you all a wonderful 2023. Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Ann P

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“I would highly recommend Pod Volunteer. Alex was extremely helpful making sure that my travels and experience went smoothly. Loved my experience in Thailand!!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 24th January 2023

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Ann, thanks so much for your review of your time volunteering at the elephant care and wildlife rescue project in Thailand. I love the photo of you with other volunteers, and one of the dogs of course! It brings back alot of memories of my last visit there as my room was just behind that area, really miss it! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Emily W

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“We had the most incredible week at Reserva Playa Tortuga in Costa Rica. Pod Volunteer were unbelievably helpful all the way through the booking process. We cannot recommend the reserve enough, all the staff were so knowledgeable and we learnt so much not just about turtles but wildlife in Costa Rica. The project is amazing. You must go!!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 18th January 2023

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Emily, thanks so much for your kind words and we just love the photo of the turtles on the beach there, incredible! I hope you and George have an amazing time for the rest of your stay in Costa Rica. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Tilly H

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“They were very helpful with all the questions I had before going to South Africa! With replies within an 24 hour period. After being there for a week they helped me to extend my trip within a day.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 2nd January 2023

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Tilly, thanks so much for your comments on our service. And so pleased you were able to stay for an extra 2 weeks to make the most of South Africa and the amazing diving. Love the photos, really makes me miss the ocean! Best wishes, Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Lou D

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“I went to South Africa for the Big 5 project, with the help of Alex from Pod Volunteer. It was the most beautiful experience of my life, I stayed 2 and a half months and I didn't see the time pass. Taking part in the conservation and protection of wildlife was incredible. I recommend this volunteering project to everyone. Thanks so much to Pod volunteers !”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 7th December 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Lou, thanks so much for your lovely review of your time at the Big 5 Conservation project in South Africa and the incredible elephant photo - that's a close up! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone and hope you are settling in back at home well. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Pamela C

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“Pod Volunteer were great; right from my first contact with them, they were friendly, reassuring, knowledgeable and helpful. They did a lot to answer my original concerns. Before I left for my volunteering, they sent me a detailed and very useful guide. When I had a small issue with my visa application, they were quick to respond. I had no problems while I was away so I didn't need to reach out for help but I was confident that, if I had needed it, Pod Volunteer would have been there to support me.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 9th November 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Hi Pamela, thanks so much for your lovely review about your time in Ghana! I also enjoyed reading your feedback on Responsible Travel and all the amazing activities you were involved in while supporting the charity there, it sounds like the work you did will really help them in promoting their vital work. Best wishes, Alex

Posted 1 year ago

Izabella D

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“Don’t doubt it, just book it! I choose to do turtle conservation as part of my DofE gold award but I will certainly do it again for fun! You make the most amazing friends in one of the most beautiful places ever! It was the perfect balance of turtle conservation and free time to explore Kefalonia.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 3rd October 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Chloe L

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“As a minor travelling alone I had amazing support, any questions answered very quickly and plenty of guidance in planning everything. Didn’t have to worry about anything and had the most incredible time away in South Africa with Cintsa horses!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 30th September 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Lucy E

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“I went volunteering in Greece at the turtle conservation and it was the best thing I have done! Pod volunteer were very helpful with all the documents and lists they sent over before going and were there if I had any questions before and after going. Whilst I was there I had the best time and met some great people! Everyone was super friendly and the team were very helpful. It was hard work however it was all worth it! The days were early starts however when finished in the morning you had lots of free time in the day until you’re next shift. I would definitely recommend and wish I had stayed for longer!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 26th August 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Amy S

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“I had the most incredible experience in Costa Rica, Reserva Playa Torguga, where I found a turtle nest and relocated the eggs; released the first hatch of the season and came so close to wildlife such as capuchins outside my room, iguanas, tree frogs, etc. I met some incredible people who I really believe I will know for a long time. I would recommend POD to anyone who’s looking to volunteer abroad safely and they help all throughout your experience with them. Miss it already!”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 17th August 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Mark D

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“I had an amazing time in the Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa where I came within less than metre from animals such as lions, elephants and giraffes. I got to meet and work with such nice friendly other volunteers and was so simple and easy to organise thanks to Pod Volunteer, who were very quick to respond to my queries and continually kept me updated with all information about my travel and restrictions.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 16th August 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Kamil M

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“We looked for faint tracks in the mud, observed the elegant pace of giraffes, watched hippos in silence, witnessed an elephant's herd feeding and playfighting at sunset, and followed a lion marking his territory under the distinct lights of the Milky Way. Emotions may be lost in translation, but the memory of those moments and the people I met will last for a long time. We contributed by identifying species caught on camera trap, removing invasive plants, giving kids a lesson, and doing construction work in a school. We also had the rare luck to assist in relocation game capture. Holding those majestic creatures in the back of a pickup while it rushes to the trailer was incredible. The knowledge transmitted by our guide Jaco was invaluable, and the support from pod volunteer helped to realize this experience.”

Pod Volunteer 5 star review on 11th August 2022

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Posted 1 year ago

Pod Volunteer is rated 4.7 based on 429 reviews