Justin Francis - founder of The Virgin Holiday's Responsible Tourism Awards

"Voluntours has demonstrated what a small family run business can contribute to the development of a marginalised and economically poor Ndebele community at Mapoch.  By carefully harnessing the enthusiasm and skills of volunteers they have enabled the community to develop their nursery and school, and a bicycle project to improve their lives".

Viviane, 60, Belgium/SA: Marnie and Jeremy were always accessible. You never felt abandoned. They realy want that you enjoy your stay.

Tom, 22, UK: Perfect. Excellent and very welcoming orientation. I liked the way that you were involved, but not too much and left me to my own devices after introducing me to the village and key individuals.

Kristian, 21, Wales: You can do voluntary work in a voluntary organisation; or you can do voluntary work in a voluntary family.  Above and beyond expected service. Treated like family.

Sheila, 48, UK: Transfers, excursions and accommodation were excellent.

Lucy, 34, UK: Fantastic - I was amazed by the warmth and trouble gone to through our stay. The orientation pack was great and I really appreciated the SA SIM card. The personal touch. The knowledge shared was invaluable and the hospitality at weekends was incredible.

Nigel, 48, UK: Fantastic, apart from Jeremy's driving!

Michael, 49, USA: Your involvement in Mapoch and the goodwill you have built made our experience a great one...... You are doing tremendously valuable work in connecting people to one another from different countries, cultures and socio-economic status. This is so important in a world where bridges need to be built so we don't become isolated within our own lives.  I really applaud what you are doing -bravo!

Tonia, 48, USA: We liked ..... Marnie's exuhuberance and passion for the people and Jeremy's steadiness and patience.

Karina, 15, USA: They care about the volunteers.

Mason, 13, USA: Voluntours service was great and I enjoyed everything about dealing with them.

Linda, USA: What a treat to meet you three!  Thank you so much for all you did for Priscilla and me in teaching us about Voluntours. We both were very impressed with Voluntours and how it is very well organized, well thought out and well done. The trip to the African village was a highlight and the teamwork of painting the school was terrific.  And what a nice finished product!  We also enjoyed the visit to the orphanage and the zoo. You have obviously put a lot of thought into Voluntours and the forms, the thorough individualized orientation and the "one stop shop" with the accommodations, meals and volunteer opportunities already developed make it easy for the volunteers who want to learn more about Africa and its people and wildlife. Our Aussie friends kept repeating that the volunteer work they did with Voluntours was the highlight of their then two weeks in Africa.

Frances, USA: Marnie, I would have come all the way to Africa if only to meet you. I am so deeply, deeply appreciative for the time and energy you expended on my visit.   I am enriched to have been able to experience all that you and Chris showed me.  Even more, however, is the richness of seeing you interact with people all through the community. Your affection and respect is so evident, and obviously noted by each person you meet.   And let's see, was it "boundless energy" that I said you demonstrated?  .... Beyond that, I am honored too have met you, learned about your perspective regarding upliftment in very targeted, respectful, and as you point out, sustainable ways in places where you have found needs.

Bill & Sally , 60, UK:  EXCELLENT. Marnie and Jeremy looked after us very well indeed. Nothing was too much trouble (even when I was throwing up ) and it was lovely to be accepted into their home as if we were old friends ... the fact that it is not a big organisation but a family affair so that there is a real hands-on feel to it all. It was also good to be able to talk to Jeremy or Marnie on the phone whenever necessary.

Dian, 39, Netherlands: Exceeding expectations! Excellent! Marnie and Jeremy are very helpful, have a philosophy that I believe are extremely hospitable and above all fun!

Suzanne, 27, UK: Marnie and Jeremy are very kind and hospitable.

Alexis, 18, USA: Very friendly.

Jenny, 55, UK: Excellent. Enjoyed meeting Marnie, Jeremy, Ayron and Gail

Hannah, 25, UK: easy to deal with.

Lucy, 29, UK: Great - kept in touch by phone. Very friendly, helpful and informative.

Ellie, 37, UK: excellent - you really put yourselves out. Always on call. So friendly. Felt like one of the family. Very helpful in suggestions for project/ leisure.

Susan, 60+, UK: the dedication of Marnie and Jeremy to the project and their hospitality.

Antonia, 29, UK: Excellent, especially considering Marnie's health. Friendliness and openness. Also great to see the enthusiasm of both Marnie and Jeremy.

Joanna, 20, Northern Ireland: Brilliant! Took great care of us and made sure we had everything we needed. They were really friendly and happy people who made us feel welcome and ensured we had everything we needed.

Laura, 20, Northern Ireland: fantastic, we really felt well looked after! Very friendly, down to earth people that went out of their way to help us.

Andrea, 32, UK: very good -meeting me at the airport (whilst in transit to the wildlife experience project) on my arrival in SA was a lovely touch. ..... the enthusiasm for the project and the country.

Clare,21, Australia: it was very personal.

Rebekah, 23, USA: great communication .... thank you for taking us out and being so readily available.

Khadija, 32, France: the warmth of Jeremy and Marnie !! (and availability).

Orphanage Volunteer Tutoring

Rebecca, 22, USA: My life has been forever-changed. I gained a better understanding for people in developing countries, children who are parentless, and the knowledge and culture of another country. I couldn't have dreamed to have such a wonderful experience. Now that I have, I want to move to South Africa or at least travel multiple times a year.

Elyce, 18, Alaska: What an excellent and amazing experience-words can't even do it justice!  I formed many new friendships with some of the best people I've ever met.  Marnie, Jeremy, and Ayron-you took great care of me, I could not have asked for more.  So rub-a-dub-dub thanks for the grubs!

Christine, 25, Belgium: My volunteer experience was fantastic! Would definately do it again and recommend to all who are interested.

Shark Volunteer Experience

Saskia, 20, UK: thank you so much for your time and patience

Manuel, student, Germany: No feedback received, but, he is in direct contact with the project to help with his studies and course work.

Wildlife Volunteer Experience

Beth, 18, UK: I had a brilliant time. I learnt about the different species within the reserve, from birds to lions to plants. I had amazing fun doing so. Brilliant co-ordinator. I had fun the whole time. Weather permitting we went out every day onto the reserve. I’ve learnt so much from him, and cannot wait to go back!

Natalie, 35, Canada. Thank you for the introduction to Jennifer. I feel so happy about it! I am very thankful that you have kept in touch with me, keeping me updated on the whole deal. It’s too bad we couldn’t connect in Joburg. Thanks again for the great folks at Voluntours!! Truly thankful. Natalie.

Viviane, 60, Belguim/SA: Volunteer experience give you the chance to do things you would never have done, to meet people you would never have met and to discover a way of life you would never know.

Lucy, 29, UK:I really enjoyed it. I feel like I learnt a lot in my short time there, and would definitely do it again. I have recommended these types of experiences to friends of mine who are considering it having seen all my photos!

Andrea, 32, UK: the people were wonderful and the surroundings were amazing. I did so much that I could never dream of doing.

Bicycle Volunteer Project

John, 20, Sweden: I helped build a pit latrine, made a floor, installed rain gutters and made three bicycle trailers.

Emma, 29, UK: I am so pleased I came. I learnt so much about he country and the cultures and the locals as well as feeling in a small way I have given something back. Be prepared for real emotional highs and lows but know you'll almost certainly remember the highs in the end. If you really want to know a little about the country and the people you visit, this is a great way to do it.

Charles, 70, UK: In addition to building 5 trailers, copying a cycle hitch and repairing a few bikes I hope I have achieved the main objective of the visit teaching young men to make something, but to be adaptable in solving all sorts of problems. The good traveller leaves only his footprints, but I hope I have left some simple skills to make a poor part of Africa more prosperous.

Nigel, 48, UK: Great learning experience.  A feeling of doing something worthwhile that could enrich peoples lives.

Eco-Build Volunteering

John, 20, Sweden: I helped build a pit latrine, made a floor, installed rain gutters and made three bicycle trailers.

Kevin USA: Overall my volunteer experience was very rewarding.  My initial desires were to have an active role in managing a project and to develop and utilize skills that would be applicable to my business career and / or applying to business school. At the end of the day my project was immersive and challenging and fully met these expectations. It was especially rewarding because I had the opportunity to live with and learn from the people I was working with and helping. It was also nice to be able to meet the person who would be living in the house I was building. I enjoyed being in charge of a project rather than just being one of many volunteers helping out on someone else's project. The day to day frustrations and challenges - communicating with workers who didn't speak English, having to ride 30 minutes by bike to obtain supplies due to the lack of access to cars, learning how to wash and go to the toilet without indoor plumbing - where what made the project an eye opening experience.

Scott, 57, USA: My experience with Voluntours was terrific. They set me up to do a project in a wonderful little Ndebele Village. A wonderful peaceful place where children still play together in the village center and everything is calm. I worked with an individual from the village and one from the surrounding area to build a playground for the children. I cannot tell you how terrific it felt to watch the children enjoy the playground for the first time. .

Michael, 49, USA: Voluntours gave our family a tremendous learning experience in Africa. We came away with a better understanding of the value of community and inter-dependence. We came with the expectation of giving and instead gained far greater insight, love and self-awareness in return.

Tonia, 48, USA: Custom tailored volunteer experience in a friendly tribal village.

Karina, 15, USA: My experience here was amazing. I live now in the present. I feel. Life seems back to  a simpler state which is a nice change when we get caught up in a virtual world.

Bill & Sally, 60, UK: THIS is the best thing we have ever done. Not only did we ‘build' the classroom that will be there for generations of children, we also met some wonderful people who shared their lives with us and who have become very special friends. We really did make a difference and doing the project made a difference to us.

Community Pre-school Voluntering

Annalese, 19, Australia: Living in a homestay and working at the pre-primary was a big eye opener to what I’ use to in Australia. There were times I just wanted to leave, but once you are over the initial challenge of a lifestyle change, you learn to appreciate the basics in life like running water and flushing toilet. I recommend the experience to anyone, you will return home with a new perspective on life.

Alexandra, 23, Australia: Voluntours is an incredible eye-opening experience. I met some amazing people & just became a part of a community so poor, but at times so rich in spirit. It was simply amazing. I was well taken care of, by Voluntours & the community. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. It's hard to articulate just how amazing my volunteering was!

Kira, 21, USA: The village itself is an amazing experience completely unlike anything else.

Claire-Marie, 32, Germany: It was a great experience staying in the Ndebele Village and getting to know its people. The children of the pre-school are very lovely and cute and you have the chance to become part of the daily life of an African Village. Getting to know its problems and its nice things.

Chezzie, 19, UK: I gained a sense of how small I am in comparison the world, a trust in myself and a greater self confidence, and memories of friends and kindness I will never forget. I'd love to come back again, the atmosphere was very open, everybody said hello to each other, everyone was so helpful and made me feel part of the community, instead of the odd one out. It was great to see that westernisation had not tampered too much with their traditions and it was fascinating to learn about the Ndebele people. Highlight were seeing the children sitting on the chairs and around the tables I had supplied, enjoy the songs and activities arranged by me and when improvements in "schoolwork" were made as a result of my input. Coming in the mornings to a chant of "teacher Chezzie" was so cute!

Tom, 22, UK: After working on various projects throughout Africa, this was truly the most rewarding, productive and eye-opening project that I have been part of. I could actually see how my efforts created a seriously powerful and positive impact on all members of the community.

Lucy 34, UK: Thank you for such a fantastic experience. I loved working on the project and being a tourist at the weekends. Your help and support was amazing and helped us get so much more from the trip.

Michael, 49, USA: Voluntours gave our family a tremendous learning experience in Africa. We came away with a better understanding of the value of community and inter-dependence. We came with the expectation of giving and instead gained far greater insight, love and self-awareness in return.

Tonia, 48, USA: Custom tailored volunteer experience in a friendly tribal village.

Bill & sally, 60, UK: THIS is the best thing we have ever done. Not only did we ‘build' the classroom that will be there for generations of children, we also met some wonderful people who shared their lives with us and who have become very special friends. We really did make a difference and doing the project made a difference to us.

Dian, 39, Netherlands: I absolutely loved it! The people were very nice, the kids adorable and learning more about local culture was interesting. I also learned a lot about myself and re-valued my life, which was one of my objectives. Above all had loads of fun with marnie & Jeremy!

Suzanne, 27, UK: the experience pushed me to my limits and as a consequence I learned a lot about myself.

Hannah, 25, UK: good overall experience, everything ran smoothly and I enjoyed my time here.

Ellie, 37, UK: a fascinating and stimulating experience - a real insight into the lives of ordinary South Africans. Working in the schools was richly rewarding, but a month wasn't long enough to complete all that I wanted to do!

Life Skills Volunteering

Shelagh, 60, Scotland: The enthusiastic response to the training (reflexology) gave me a real high every day. It was so rewarding to see everyone that attended the training so interested in what we were doing.

Joe (31) and Shelly (33), USA. We found the project to be extremely rewarding in many ways. The kids were so excited and grateful to be doing arts and crafts. Often it was as simple as giving them a blank piece of paper and crayons and they did the rest with their imaginations and artistic talents (which many of them have).

Although working with the kids was a lot of fun and rewarding, it was also exhausting and draining. We found that it takes a lot of energy and encouragement to keep the kids engaged and interested. Joe found it physically exhausting as the older boys wanted to play baseball every day (once he taught it to them) or soccer. By the end of the day, all we wanted to do was eat, hang out with the Gogos, and drink a cold beer.

We felt a very strong connection to the kids after being with them for one week. On our “vacation” part of the trip we found ourselves wondering what the kids were up to. We’ve actually stayed in touch with Kabelo who has updated us on his life and others in the village.

Surprised how friendly, grateful and giving the all the villagers were towards Shelly and I. The kids were constantly thanking us for helping them and always willing to help us clean up. We think American kids could learn a thing or two from them. I didn’t expect the adults to be so friendly towards us. I expected them to be somewhat suspicious of us, but instead they went out of their way to introduce themselves to us and tell us how thankful they were for us helping out. Also being poor and limited in resources, it was unbelievable to see how some of the gogos gave us beaded gifts and Chief John offered a pumpkin from his garden and even sat us down for cookies and brandy one night

[We gained an] Understanding how important it is to conserve the most basic of resources. Most notable was conserving water. It’s amazing how quickly we adapted though, bathing out of tub (and feeling clean after!) and only using the smallest portions of water from our urn of water when we needed to wash our face or hands.

An understanding of South African village culture, both the good, bad, and very different. Most interesting and impactful for us is the emphasis on family. With both of us having very time consuming full-time jobs, we sometimes lose perspective and over look the importance of family life. Whenever this does happen, we now have a very powerful and real-life experience to draw on and re-focus us.

Aafke, 62, Netherlands: The point is that I did not feel as a volunteering just wanted to paint with the Ndebele women, so its their hearts and friendliness that I “gained”.

Scott, 57, USA: My experience with Voluntours was terrific. They set me up to do a project in a wonderful little Ndebele Village. A wonderful peaceful place where children still play together in the village center and everything is calm. I worked with an individual from the village and one from the surrounding area to build a playground for the children. I cannot tell you how terrific it felt to watch the children enjoy the playground for the first time. .

Susan, 62, USA: [highlights were] the wonderful, generous people we met, learning to bead. [However] there was not enough opportunity to be useful. There was too much "down time". [I gained an] understanding of the village, South Africa and its problems and strengths.

Marion, 64, USA: It helped me appreciate the social and political nuances, complexity, strengths and weaknesses of village life and volunteering. [Disliked the] downtime.

Monica, 30, USA: I don't think I could express in words my true thoughts and feelings. The fact that the people of Mapoch are so open and willing to share their lives to such transient visitors is amazing to me. These people have touched my life in such a way that I really don't think I'll be the same person and I was only there for a week. ... I've gained an appreciation for a culture/world that is so different and yet similar to my own. I have learned that although people may come from different backgrounds and circumstances, there really are commonalities that exits between different groups. On a more superficial level, I have gained an appreciation for the simple things that I take for granted in y daily activities at work - for instance, running water and medications that are readily available.

Colleen, 32, USA: Highlights were the people ... the children ... everyone who was there with whom we met and interacted. Learning to bead, the cultural experience sand exchange. I loved it !!!

Bruce,60, UK: ...I suppose coming out to a rural area from the suburbs of a town in England would feel strange enough, but to come out to the countryside of SA where there are small houses often built with tin roofs and sometimes tin walls initially takes some getting used to, so the first week was certainly a time for adjustment and felt strange, but after that the time has flown and getting involved with the people to build their family tree has been a great experience

Sabine, 38, Germany: To get in touch with the wonderful people at the village and exchange tasks and experiences with them was an overwhelming adventure. It was an intense experience. [Highlights were] the openness of the people in Mapoch, to be in intense contact with the people over 2 weeks, Sibongile's sister who told me "so you and me, we are the same", and the conversations with Peter.

Kristian, 21, Wales: You can do voluntary work in a voluntary organisation; or you can do voluntary work in a voluntary family.  Above any beyond expected service. Treated like family.

Lucy, 34, UK: I enjoyed the structure of school as it was good to draw comparisons with UK schools. The afternoons were great because they weren't structured.

Karina, 15, USA: My experience here was amazing. I live now in the present. I feel. Life seems back to  a simpler state which is a nice change when we get caught up in a virtual world.

Mason, 13,  USA: It was totally awesome. I was expecting so much from Voluntours and not only did they meet my expectations but exceeded them and I had a blast. At 2 thumbs up, 5 stars you get the point!

Jenny, 55, UK: I found the whole experience, from the beginning to now most amazing. I feel (fairly) proud of what I have achieved. Especially when the children came in to learn the computers.

Susan, 60+, UK: it was a great experience and volunteers have a great opportunity to learn and therefore extend their skills, as well as providing a service to the school and the village.