Commit. Protect. Act.
GO TO HELP.
COME BACK CHANGED.
Real, unfiltered stories of volunteering, travel, challenges, and emotion.
Get inspired by those who took action with Vaya Planet.
" This volunteer mission brought me a great deal, both professionally and personally.
Professionally, it allowed me to work with new primate species and to deepen my knowledge of their social structures, as well as their physical and mental needs. I learned how to observe them more carefully, adapt to each individual, and better understand the full complexity of their rehabilitation process. This mission also pushed me out of my comfort zone, teaching me how to adapt to a new environment and to living conditions very different from those I was used to.
On a human level, this volunteer experience was just as enriching. I met incredible people and discovered a new culture. During the mission, we were only a small group, which quickly made us feel like a close-knit family. The bonds created on site are an essential part of the experience.
To anyone who is hesitating, I would say: don’t be afraid to take the leap. It is a unique experience that brings so much, both personally and professionally. However, I believe it is essential to carefully research the organizations you choose to engage with, in order to avoid “voluntourism” structures whose impact is not always positive for animals or local projects. This is precisely why going through trusted people or platforms (such as Vaya Planet), which carefully select ethical and genuinely committed missions, is so reassuring. It allows you to leave knowing that your involvement will have a responsible and positive impact. "
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- Héloise E. 22 years old
Africa Mission 2024
"My experience in South Africa taught me so much. I gained maturity and wisdom. It’s an incredible experience that pushes you beyond your limits and helps you realize many things.
It truly changes you and stays with you for life.
Even today, I feel nostalgic about this journey and I’m already thinking about going back very soon to learn even more about others, but also about myself.
If you ever have the opportunity, don’t hesitate. Yes, it can be scary to leave far from home and step into the unknown, but you will have absolutely no regrets in the end.”
- Sébastien B. 27 years old
South Africa Mission 2021
"I committed to a five-month volunteer mission in the heart of the forest.
Personally, it was a real challenge for me to travel alone to a country I had never been to before. Living in basic conditions within a culture different from my own turned out to be an incredible human experience.
Professionally, I have always wanted to support organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation. I was happy to put my skills and knowledge to good use, and deeply grateful for everything I learned once I was there.
It was largely thanks to Alexia that I took the leap and committed to this experience. She listened carefully to my expectations and gave me excellent advice in preparing for my departure. She was there from start to finish. Honest and transparent about the living conditions on site, she is someone you can truly trust.
With the right support, there’s no reason to hesitate. It’s a wonderful experience, one that supports a meaningful cause and is marked by unforgettable encounters."
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- Koundoudji D. 23 years old
Africa Mission 2025
“This volunteering mission brought me so much, both personally and professionally. It helped me grow in maturity and independence, and confirmed even more my desire to work with animals.
Being in the field, in a demanding environment, taught me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt quickly and take responsibility.
The biggest challenge was the pace and intensity of the mission, both physically and mentally. But in hindsight, that’s exactly what made the experience so enriching: you learn to push yourself, persevere and trust yourself.
Your support was a real plus for me. From the recruitment stage, I felt listened to, reassured and well prepared. Your availability, follow-up and presence throughout the mission allowed me to live this experience more calmly and fully focus on my commitment.
To anyone hesitating, I would say: go for it.
This type of mission brings far more than you can imagine humanly, professionally and even spiritually. It’s a life-changing experience.”
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- Bilal O. 21 years old
Africa Mission 2025
“Life in the forest isn’t easy: living with very little, sleeping in a tent, showering with a bucket. It feels like going back in time, but it allows you to push your limits and realize how little you actually need.
On a personal level, it helps you grow and discover just how strong you can be, both mentally and physically.
Professionally, it allowed me to truly learn more about the species I work with, and especially about how they live in their natural environment.
Alexia, who knows the field and the realities on the ground, provided invaluable support. She gave her time, responded quickly, found the right words to motivate or comfort me, and gave me practical advice on how to handle my role and interact with local communities.
Living on the other side of the world isn’t easy, but it helps you grow, develop knowledge and discover an incredible culture. So yes go for it. Especially with Vaya Planet, who will support and guide you from the beginning to the very end of your volunteering journey.
Don’t hesitate. Go for it. You only live once, regrets last much longer.”
- Rafael C. 25 years old
Africa Mission 2025
" This volunteer mission first and foremost brought me a profound sense of awareness. It reinforced my belief that we must take much greater care of the world and the living beings around us. As human beings, we sometimes tend to see ourselves as the central or even dominant species, when in reality we are only one link among many in a much larger, interconnected system.
Living and working so closely with certain species was particularly impactful. It truly reflected our own condition back to us: we too are a species shaped by a long evolutionary history, with shared origins and a specific place within the balance of life. This proximity acted like a mirror, inviting greater humility and respect toward nature.
On a personal level, this experience also taught me to slow down and to live fully in the present moment. Isolated deep in the forest, without network coverage or outside distractions, I was able to reconnect with what truly matters. This simplicity of daily life allowed me to reconnect with myself, listen more closely to my inner needs, and discover new facets of my personality. "
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- Kathelijne V. 25 years old
Africa Mission 2025