The Great Projects

Getting married or know someone who is? Check out The Great Projects snippet in the You & Your Wedding magazine! 💍
With over 40 volunteering projects to choose from, you (or your loved ones) could honeymoon with a difference across Asia, Africa, Europe or the Americas, conserving endangered wildlife along the way.
Take a look at our website: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/ and filter by destination or animal focus!

ORANGUTAN TRICK OR TREAT
https://www.thegreatprojects.com/b…/ora ngutan-trick-or-treat
The orangutans at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project were in for a sweet treat this week... 🎃
... Volunteers joined in the Autumn festivities by carving pumpkins and filling them with goodies, including vegetarian jelly. Check out this blog on the enrichment experience written by volunteer Debbie Griffiths and find out what orangutans Papa, Fani, Merin and baby Marlon thought of their seasonal snacks!
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Check out these incredible pictures taken by volunteer Nova during a cheetah walk at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary. Sadly, these cheetahs were orphaned at a very young age and have lost their fear of humans, meaning they cannot be released. So, they are taken out on daily enrichment walks with staff and volunteers, where they are free to roam the bush for a few hours a day - just like they would in the wild!
Want to take a walk on the wild side yourself? Visit: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/…/nami bia-wildlife-sanctua… and don't forget, you can save 20% if you book by October 31st!

Happy International Sloth Day!
Feeling philo-sloth-ical? Check out this short video for more information on why these incredibly sweet animals are becoming increasingly threatened.
And don't forget! You can become part of the sloth squad for 20% off if you book to volunteer in November and December of this year. Take a look at the Sloth Conservation and Wildlife Experience here: ... https://www.thegreatprojects.com/…/slot h-conservation-and-w…
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Take one minute...
One minute is all you need to fall head over heels for the orphaned baboons at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary... 🐒
If you want more than just a minute with this charming troop, check out the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary here: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/…/nami bia-wildlife-sanctua… and don't forget! You can save 20% if you book before October 31st!

Take a moment to read Shrinky's story!
This one-of-a-kind baboon living with special needs at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary is sure to warm your heart and win you over, just as she has done with everyone who meets her...
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Do you want to meet and help the adorable animals at the Sloth Conservation and Wildlife Experience? Well, now is a perfect time!
Currently, when you book to travel in November or December this year, you will receive 20% off the price of this project! Unfortunately, the project is low on volunteer numbers, so it's all hands on deck for the staff who are caring for more than 77 incredible species here. If you have a helping hand to spare, get yourself to Costa Rica and start creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Take a look at the project page here: https://bit.ly/2rYgq2C

Check out this incredible video taken by volunteer Joanne Dutton whilst at The Great Gorilla Project. Watch as they trek through Mgahinga National Park only to cross paths with a huge silverback gorilla. This is one heart-stopping experience she will never forget!
Visit our blog to read all about Joanne's trip: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/…/the- great-gorilla-projec…

Check out this cool slow-mo video of volunteer Jemma on a carnivore feed at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! These gorgeous wild dogs are Lady and Gift, one of the three wild dog packs found here. If you would like to come and help feed these girls for yourself, don’t forget the project is available with 20% off until 31st October!
Check out the project by following this link: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/…/nami bia-wildlife-sanctua…

Team members Ellie and Georgia had some great assistants while filming some exciting new content for you guys to enjoy out at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary!

This Monday, why not check out what the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary team have been up to?
Last week, a local person brought his pet (a crested serpent eagle) to the sanctuary as he could not take care of her anymore. Unfortunately, this eagle had been kept in the same size cage for 2 years, which was just far too small for her. Crested serpent eagles are recognised for the impressive crest of feathers on the top of their heads, however, due to being kept in such a small-sized ca...ge, this individual had no such feathers. As birds are quite susceptible to stress, the sanctuary team knew to act fast. They quickly moved her to a quarantined area where she could enjoy her time in a larger and quieter environment. Thankfully, the team have already found this beautiful eagle a new enclosure for when her quarantine period is complete. Here she will be able to relax in a more natural habitat and spread her wings for the first time in her life.
Just like this incredible eagle, the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary help rescue many different wildlife species - in fact, there are over 500 animals that call this sanctuary home! Would you like to assist the team at the Laos Wildlife Sanctuary? Find out how here: https://bit.ly/2PmJEzR
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How’s your Saturday night looking? Team members Ellie and Georgia are currently out in Africa visiting the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary, and as you can see, the volunteers are very excited to eat a traditional Braai tonight! An activity which happens every Saturday, volunteers get a chance to enjoy a few drinks and some great food at the lapa before having a chilled out day off tomorrow!

Wow! Check out this impressive photo taken by the anti-poaching team at the Shamwari Conservation Experience during their night patrol! Night patrols on the reserve are extremely important as it involves monitoring and safeguarding the animals on the reserve. So, every once in a while, when volunteers join the APU team on their night patrols, they sometimes get the chance to see incredible sightings just like this one!

Today is World Animal Day and this time, our focus has been on South Africa - one of the most conflicted countries in terms of animal protection, conservation and trading. But why is this? Take a look at our blog to discover the truth and whether there is still hope of survival for some of South Africa's most endangered species: https://bit.ly/2O0U6k8

20% OFF THE NAMIBIA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY!
October is here and Halloween is on the horizon, but here at The Great Projects, we don't have any tricks, just treats! Secure your place to volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary or one of our Carnivore Conservation and Research Projects by October 31st for 20% off! The only thing you've got to fear this month is missing out on a major discount.
Discover the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary:https://www.thegreatprojects.co m/…/namibia-wi...ldlife-sanctua… Discover the Carnivore Conservation and Research Project:https://www.thegreatprojects.com/ …/carnivore-conservation-a… Discover the Carnivore Conservation and Research Project in Kanaan: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/…/carn ivore-conservation-a…
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Happy Hump Day! Are you feeling that mid-week slump?
We've got something that is sure to lift your spirits...Meet El Bandito, the adorable racoon resident at the Sloth Conservation and Wildlife Experience. El Bandito was brought in as a young baby by the team here after being involved with a possible machete incident. Sadly, he had to have most of his tail amputated and received a number of treatments for a broken leg and a bad wound on his side. Thankfully, this little fella' has been working to get big and strong and it's fair to say, his hard work has finally paid off... El Bandito has just graduated from nursery and has moved into a pre-release enclosure! Great job, little buddy!

This Monday, why not take a moment to personally get to know the animals at The Great Orangutan Project a little better? Take a look at our blog below to learn more about these charming animal residents and find out just how they found their way to their happy sanctuary home!
Read our blog here: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/…/anim als-at-great-orangut…

This World Rhino Day, learn about the plight of one of Africa's (and Asia's) most famous and at-risk species by checking out our infographic. Find out about the threats that endangered rhinos such as the Javan rhino are facing and how you can assist in their protection.
Take a look at our blog here to discover more: https://www.thegreatprojects.com/blog/wor ld-rhino-day-2018

thanks ladies for the feedback ! it is good to know your positive experiences !

i have been thinking about a possible trip to namibia ! best wishes - waltraud

The thought of this world without Orangutans fills me with insurmountable sadness. Orangutans are now listed as endangered but it’s sanctuaries like Samboja Lestari in beautiful East Kalimantan Borneo- Indonesia who are working around the clock to rehabilitate all Orangs that are brought into the centre, maimed or orphaned. They are then sent to forest school to learn how to cope again in the wild and released into protected forests or placed onto one of their man-made islands to live a free life.

How do I know this? Because I have just returned from the most life changing volunteering experience at Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary, where I was able to see the bigger picture. The volunteers worked tirelessly to build recreational features and cement platforms on the islands for the Orangs. We cleaned their cages, fed them enrichment, chopped, pushed and pulled branches of ginger from the forests for their nourishment and nesting, all the while feeling so blessed to be able to really help. The volunteers are valued at the sanctuary. Our work is so rewarding because we soon realise that we are contributing towards the eternal existence of these oh-so-human Orangutans.

My passion has now become my purpose. That's what this experience has done for me....

They need our help before it's too late.

My first project and certainly NOT my last

What a fun and educational time in Borneo

Thank u to Warrior princess "Kate" u r amazing ��

Last summer I had one of the greatest times of my life on the orang and tribes tour. Two of the most exciting weeks of my life. Met some fantastic people and made some incredible memories.

I was so impressed with the support and experience I had through The Great Projects. I'm going to Kosgoda, Sri Lanka in a weeks time for two weeks on The Great Sea Turtle Conservation Project. I have only great things to say about The Great Projects and memories they have given me so far. I can't wait for my next adventure next week and am already looking forward to another in the future. If you're looking for an experience with a difference then you won't go wrong with any of the adventures The Great Projects provide.

Just returned from two weeks on the Tribes and Orangutans Tour with Alvin, Valentine and Christine observing and searching for Orangutans and the myriad other species of the Sarawak Rainforest. While we saw neither Skulls of the Indigenous People nor wild Orangutans, the journey of discovery through the jungle and on the rivers was a unique and unforgettable adventure culminating in an intimate evening of celebration with the Chief of the village and his extended family with dancing, libations, games, magic and giving of gifts to show our appreciation for the warm hospitality of the community!

Just returned from 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project. It was incredible and I would totally recommend this project to anyone and everyone. The project staff in Kosgoda were brilliant, really looked after us whilst we were there, the turtles are lovely to work with and Sri Lanka is a beautiful country.



I would also recommend The Great Projects to anyone thinking of booking a volunteering holiday as there work and customer service is excellent. From talking to other volunteers who booked with other operators you get more for your money and a better service from The Great Projects.

In July this year I went on the Orangutan and tribes tour and I really could not recommend it more highly! It was such a unique and unforgettable adventure and truly felt like a once in a lifetime kind of experience! Personal highlights include watching baby turtles hatch and releasing them onto the beach, drinking (far too much) moonshine with the bidayuh community in Padawan (sorry dennis!). Bamboo rafting, snorkelling in those gorgeous waters. Interacting with the children at the school in Padawan and also the tribes children in Batang ai. Even dealing with snakes and scorpions in our accommodation and getting away from wild sun bears in the jungle made it all part of the most perfect trip. But mostly, of course those wonderful orangutans - I will never ever forgot the sound they make up in those trees!! The food and hospitality was amazing throughout. I was particularly warmed by how welcoming our hosts were at telok. The whole thing was absolute magic and I wish we could of done more than little gifts and tips to show our appreciation for the warm hospitality of all the communities. I was very impressed with how helpful the staff have been at the great projects throughout but special thanks to Alvin and Christina and Valentine for their time and knowledge, they are doing amazing things out there and deserve much more acknowledgment for it! Could not recommend the whole thing any more and am about to book my next adventure with the great projects!

I've just booked my 4th trip with The Great Projects! I am heading back to Samboja Lestari Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo next April for a month after having been twice already. I also visited the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary this year which was an amazing experience. I personally have fallen in love with the project at Samboja Lestari and cannot recommend this enough to anyone who wants to get their hands dirty and see first hand the real change you're making to these orangutans lives! The Great Projects are on hand each step of the way from pre-booking to post-trip. I deal with Natalie in the UK for my bookings who assists with my (numerous!) queries before and after heading out to a project and is a pleasure to deal with! Nothing is ever too much of an ask for them and they are equipped with all the knowledge you could possibly need before booking or heading out on your trip. As for the project itself at Samboja Lestari, I cannot speak more highly of the work they are doing there and the dedication of their onsite Volunteer Coordinator Kate. You can see the real difference the work of the volunteers is making in assisting with the day to day running of Samboja Lestari, it's truly a rewarding experience. I will be heading back to Samboja time and time again for years to come and am excited to try more of the other amazing projects The Great Projects offer!

I'll be going to Namibia wildlife sanctuary in June and was wondering if anyone else will be going? And if anyone had any tips if they have gone before. I wanted to get in contact with any other volunteers who will be going as well.

I would like to let everyone know that the Turtle Project at Ojochal in Costa Rica was wonderful. We met lots of lovely people, staff and volunteers, and did lots of interesting things. The weather was mixed (August) but generally expect rain though the beach patrols at night gave you fantastic skies and amazing storms in the distance over the Pacific. I suffer from a severely arthritic knee so although I was ok, I was not able to do as many beach patrols as I would have liked. Best to be fit and able. Food amazing but be prepared to cook for yourself (and others, as it is nicer to work with others and share food once cooked) For us, one week suited, as facilities are basic. It is not a fancy holiday. We were lucky to find turtles nesting laying on the beach and took the eggs to the hatchery. Friends we made then sent us photos of newly hatched turtles. Fantastic. So many more turtles survive because of this project and lots of locals are provided with work. Try out your Spanish too!

I went to the Mafia Island whale shark project and had the time of my life. Research the project that's right for you, but I found this company has a good structure for volunteer tourists and their projects are something special.

I spent this past holiday at the Namibia wildlife sanctuary which I booked through The Great Projects. This was my first time ever traveling alone, first time to Africa, first time out of the country for three weeks. Coming from corporate advertising in NYC, this was such a new experience for me and I was SO nervous! The team at TGP was so amazing, patiently answering my 8,000,000 questions. :-) I love how the site is set up once you book, it's the central hub for all your information, making it really easy to stay organized. When I had a flight issue, I emailed them and they handled the change with the airline and ensured the sanctuary knew my pick up time had changed. When I got off the plane in Namibia, the very first person I saw outside of baggage claim was my driver holding a sign with my name. That immediately made me feel taken care of and it continued from there, the trip was just perfection. I had so much hands on interaction with the animals, including babysitting a baby baboon for a night (bottle, diapers, shampooed her in the shower!). I spent both Christmas and New Years at the sanctuary and they made both days so fun. I added on the Etosha trip after volunteering, and that was perfect from beginning to end as well. I left my trip with ~ 40 new Facebook friends from all over the world, have continued chatting with so many of them, even planning to visit each other in the future. I loved my trip so much that I am currently in the process of booking a second trip through them for the holidays this year. I have been raving about my trip since I've been back, telling everyone I know that they should have a travel experience like this. In the wise words of Nike...just do it!! :-)

Hi! I have booked to go on the Orangutan and Tribes Tour at the beginning of April and can’t wait � is anyone else booked in for this tour? Also I was wondering if anyone who has been before would recommend getting a rabies jab? Or Japanese B Encephalitis?

Thanks �

Hi! I am going to be in Samboja Lestari from Sept. 24 for two weeks. Thought I'd see if anyone was going to be there at the same time? Also wondering if anyone might want to head to Tanjung Puting National Forest afterwards, and share a klotok for 3 days/ 2 nights to check out some more orangutans? Super excited for my time at Samboja Lestari– everyone's reviews I've read assure me that it's going to be a life-changing experience! :)

Hi myself and my partner are going on the orangutans and tribe tour in october. It will be our first time doing a volunteer package and back packing holiday, feeling nervous yet very excited! If anyone is also doing this trip on the 3rd I would love to hear from you to get an idea of who we will be joining and some tips on what to bring :)

Hi guys i am going to South Africa in October to do the great white shark conservation has anyone done it and can give me any advise or is anyone on the same trip ? �

Hi I'm going to the Costa Rica turtle sanctuary the first two weeks of October, is there anyone else going ? Also can anybody advise what vaccinations I may need and if there is anything in particular I should take with me? Thanks �

Hey everyone! I’m going to South Africa in July/August to do the Great White Shark Project. Is anyone also going in this timeframe? Or has anyone been beforehand and has any tips, tricks or advice? Anything would be useful! ���

Booked the Zululand conservation project from the end of July for three months this year, brilliant service so far and can’t wait for it to begin! Just wondering if anyone else has booked into the same project over a similar time as it would be nice to have a familiar face when I get there!