GoEco Reviews 

422
TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 93 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently mention that the local staff and coordinators are exceptionally welcoming, supportive, and deeply knowledgeable throughout the entire journey. Travelers also deeply love the exceptionally well-organized volunteer programs, meaningful wildlife conservation projects, and the fantastic, authentic overseas locations. People feel completely safe and well-prepared thanks to the continuous assistance provided before and during the trip. Some reviewers were not happy with receiving limited advance information regarding specific hotel accommodations or unexpected daily tasks. A few participants also felt that better preparation details regarding local routines would have improved their overall planning experience.

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have traveled extensively in Africa and mostly arranged everything myself. For someone who isn't very well-traveled, GoEco is a fantastic organization to help you plan your trip. No matter... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I might just be GoEco’s biggest fan. I travelled a lot the past few years (>20 countries) and my favorite trips ever have all been volunteering projects I have done. My latest ones were the Bali and L... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The initial onboarding meetings, along with the digital checklist reminders, were really helpful leading up to the trip to ensure we had everything we needed. Steni Val was truly a magical little... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical at first because it almost sounded too good to be true, but they completely blew my expectations out of the water! My 9-year-old son and I had an incredible tim... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Volunteer Organization
  2. Animal Shelter
  3. Tour Agency
  4. Tour Operator
  5. Travel Agency
  6. Wildlife Refuge

Information provided by various external sources

GoEco is an eco-tourism company with over 170 wildlife conservation, education and medical volunteering programs worldwide. GoEco also offers TEFL certification courses and international internship opportunities abroad. Since launching in 2006, GoEco has sent thousands of individuals to participate in projects around the globe.


Contact info

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

422 reviews

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4.8

All reviews

(422)

91 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Environmental Conservation…not just for young people

During the Environmental Conservation project, various activities useful and fun are carried out. These are all activities that take place in groups with a coordinator always present.
The environment is all around us and the degradation is on the soil, in the air and in the water, so the activities are very varied and in the space of a month I had the opportunity to collaborate in the restoration of a small piece of the coral reef, the reconstraction and planting of mangroves, the cleaning of canoe rivers and beaches.
For me it was a period of new experiences during which I learned various techniques and met many young people who enthusiastically came to Sri Lanka to improve the environment. It also happened that the monk of the Japanese Pagoda asked for our intervention to paint the temple white. We were very proud to contribute to the improvement of a Buddhist worship building as well as the fact that we had a lot of fun. Aasha House is 50 m from the beach so you can spend your free time in the beautiful sea of ​​the island. The house is clean, the organization is punctual and efficient. Considering that the jobs are not heavy and difficult, it is an experience that I recommend even to those who are no longer very young, in fact I am retired, however I settled in immediately without difficulty.

January 20, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Edhi,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It is amazing to hear about your involvement in the diverse environmental activities, from coral reef restoration to temple painting. We're delighted you found the accommodations comfortable and the organization efficient.

Looking forward to assisting you in your next adventure!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing ethical sanctuary

Everything was great , from Carla who I delt with at GoEco to the project itself what an amazing soulful experience. The people, the community, the elephants , what they are doing, the care, compassion, love for these animals and the people.. don’t get me started it was heartwarming truly. I can’t say enough good, but I could do without the spiders lol but truly amazing place. I would go over and over and plan to, just to see the elephants and the people again. What an amazing experience, I plan to run a charity event for them to help back home my experience was that amazing

February 16, 2024
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Valerie,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
Happy to hear that we could assist you and that you had an unforgettable time in Cambodia with our Elephant Sanctuary and Forest Conservation program.

Looking forward to assisting you with your next volunteer program!

- Carla & GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Volunteering at African Wildlife Ranch

This is my 2nd trip with GoEco. I can honestly say this organization has changed my life. GoEco Operations Team is always just one email away. Answering even the silliest of questions that I have, like do I take a checked bag vs only a carry-on but also help with the most important questions like how to get my visa, where the taxi will pick me up etc... No question too big or too small. I also feel so safe, as if someone is right here with me even if they are half way across the world.
My trip to South Africa was absolutely amazing. We worked mostly with big cats; cheetahs, lions and tigers as well as some lemurs, otters, hippos, crocs and many more. This place is a safe haven for these animals who have all had a very difficult life prior to being rescued. The fact I could play a small role in their care means the world to me. Ever since my first trip in 2021 to South Africa I feel like my eyes have been opened in both positive and negative ways. I can never unknown the hurt that injured animals go through but in the same breath I see how many people are trying to help these animals and give them a better life.
GoEco has truly changed lives for the better and I can't wait to volunteer again.

January 8, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Vanja,

Welcome back to the GoEco Family!

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that GoEco has had such a positive impact on your life. Our Operations Team is always available to support you, and we're glad you felt safe and cared for during your trip to South Africa. Your contribution and work with big cats and other animals is truly inspiring, and we appreciate your commitment!

We look forward to welcoming you back for another volunteer experience!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Culture week was amazing

Culture week was amazing. Excellent local staff and coordinators. All very attentive.

February 1, 2024
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Nanette,

We're happy you enjoyed culture week in Bali. The local staff and coordinators strive to provide an excellent service. We looking forward to welcoming you back for more experiences!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Experience of a lifetime

My 2 weeks experience at the Care for Wild rhino sanctuary was truly an experience of a lifetime. Being so close to these majestic animals was both surreal and exhilarating.
The staff was super friendly and accommodating and included us volunteers in everything, and explained why things were done and how.
The sanctuary is doing incredible work and it was a great feeling to be able to be a part of it.
I booked through GoEco and from the very start, it was easy and informative. I felt taken care of and was at ease.

December 27, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Alex,

We are so happy to hear that you had a memorable 2-week experience at the Rhino Sanctuary! We're grateful for your positive feedback on the ease and informativeness of booking with us.
Looking forward to assisting you on your next adventure!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Sea turtle volunteer; cute, enjoyable and fun.

I had a wonderful experience with amazing people and a fabulous experience as a whole. The seat turtles were so cute, despite the work being exhausting. I loved being able to volunteer with this group in Sri Lanka and definitely recommend for people who are looking to volunteer but explore at the same time. Plus the village and beach is super close and is very nice to just hang around for a day exploring.

January 12, 2024
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Maya,

Thank you for your positive feedback!
It's fantastic to hear you enjoyed working with the adorable sea turtles and found the overall experience fabulous. We appreciate your recommendation for those looking to volunteer and explore simultaneously. Feel free to reach out if you ever decide to join us again!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Volunteering at the turtle…

Volunteering at the turtle rehabilitation center in Naifaru was an incredible experience, amplified by the chance to collaborate with dedicated individuals from around the world. The camaraderie formed with fellow volunteers created a dynamic and supportive community that transcended cultural boundaries.

The hands-on involvement in turtle species identification and awareness of their threats was not only educational but also underscored the crucial conservation work being done. The excursions and snorkeling expeditions opened a window to the breathtaking marine life, from vibrant corals to the graceful sea turtles navigating their underwater realm. Obtaining my PADI open water certification marked a personal milestone, offering a deeper connection to the ocean's wonders.

However, one lingering wish is for the experience to be more accessible to a broader range of people. Affordability could open the doors for more passionate individuals to contribute to the organization's vital conservation efforts. Imagine the positive impact if a more diverse array of volunteers could partake in this enriching journey. It's a thought that lingers, hoping to see the day when financial constraints no longer limit the potential of those eager to make a difference in marine conservation.

December 19, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Ira,

Thank you for your review, dedication and valuable feedback!

Exploring the marine life through excursions and obtaining your PADI open water certification sounds like an unforgettable journey!
So amazing to hear to hear about the camaraderie and hands-on involvement in conservation efforts at the Maldives Marine & Turtle Conservation program.

We looking forward to assisting you with your next adventure!

- GoEco Team 🐢

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best decision ever!

My trip was absolutely amazing! Go eco gave me all the support I needed both before departure as well as during my stay. The program itself was really intresting and the staff at the camp were all wonderful people.

December 11, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Gabriela,

We are so happy to hear that your trip was amazing, and that you enjoyed the program! Providing support before departure and during your stay is our priority.

Excited about the opportunity to help you again soon!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A slick operation!

Go Eco were the perfect company as a solo traveller to Costa Rica. Their communication before, during and after was attentive, personalised and helpful. They provided thorough information and the combination of language school, host family and volunteering all worked smoothly. Overall it was a very slick operation that made me feel safe travelling to a new country solo.

October 22, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Morwenna,

We are so happy to hear that our team made your solo trip to Costa Rica smooth and safe!
Can't wait to assist you again in your future travel adventures.

~ GoEco Team 🍃



Rated 5 out of 5 stars

GoEco was a great help to me in my volunteer experience

GoEco was a great help to me in the long process of becoming a volunteer at the tortoise breeding center on Isabela Island in the Galapagos. The GoEco operations team walked me through the application steps, reminding me of a few things I'd left undone (such a medical clearance letter from my physician) and then, once I was accepted, gave me a good preparation for the journey with the comprehensive packet "Final Trip Summary." All the travel information I would need was there (in great detail), which gave me the confidence I would need.

November 22, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Hi James,

Thank you for your positive feedback! We happy to hear that the operations team assisted you in becoming a volunteer at the Galapagos program and that our final trip summary provided you with confidence and information needed for your trip!

We look forward to supporting you for your future adventures!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Nice experience

Nice experience. Nice team. They are available and answer very quick. I feel safe to know that I had a great team on my back

November 16, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Clara,

We are so happy to hear that you had a great experience and that we could be of assistance to you throughout your volunteer program in Sri Lanka!

Looking forward to assisting you again soon!

- GoEco Team 🍃🐢

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The experience in Kenya was EXTRAORDINARY!!

The experience in a Kenya was transformative. Living amongst the Maasai was truly an honor. Spending time conducting the transects each day and seeing all the animals while on safari was simply amazing. Spending the weekends in the Mara as well as Naboisho was so exciting. The staff and students were delightful and the accommodations were wonderful. If you are looking for an opportunity to live and work amongst the Maasai community while seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, etc. each day then this is for you! You cannot go wrong with this volunteer opportunity!

October 14, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Samantha,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
We are delighted to hear that the weekends in the Mara and Naboisho were exciting, and that the staff, students, and accommodations met your expectations. Your passion for the cultural immersion and wildlife encounters is sure to inspire others to embark on a similar journey.
We're already looking forward to assisting you in your next adventure!

~ GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Go Eco is an amazing association

Go Eco is an amazing association! I received amazing treatment from my first contact to them for volunteering in the women's empowerment program in Kathmandu, Nepal. Everything was handled with incredible professionalism and personal attention worthy of appreciation. I received all the exact details regarding my arrival and my stay in advance and in an orderly manner. And the participation itself in the program in Nepal was excellent. I stayed at a local house and was treated amazingly. The program itself went very well and I met amazing local women. I can say that I received from this experience even more than I gave! Highly recommend!

October 7, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Feigy, thank you for your lovely review of our team and the Nepal Women's program! We're thrilled that your experience volunteering in Kathmandu exceeded your expectations. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and your impact with the local women in Kathmandu is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back for another amazing adventure in the future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

GoEco and Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

Firstly GoEco made is possible to find Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and that in itself is enough for the 5 stars! Everyone I communicated with from GoEco were friendly, efficient and very helpful with any questions I had. I also really liked the organisation of documents and the checklist, as well as being able to pay for the trip right up until we actually left. They even communicated with us whilst we were away to see how we were going which I thought was great!

I volunteered at Chipangali Wildlife Orphange in Zimbabwe in Oct 2023 with my friend and we loved every second! We found that the orientation with Nicky the day after we arrived was especially helpful in learning each animals’ story and why they can/ cannot be released and about how Chipangali became what it is today. Typically you arrive on a Sunday and get to spend your day settling in and meeting the other volunteers. The Monday is then a day off where you can go into town and get a SIM card and any snacks you might need for the week, although the food is that good at Chipangali I doubt you’d need any! Tuesday- Saturday you work with your team on 1 of 4 sections that you rotate through each day of the week. It is definitely hard work but so valuable because it helps the people who work there and the animals and you can see that straight away. Your work days even include a whole hour of animal time which is an extra opportunity for you to just hang out with the animals. Sundays are a half day spent cleaning out the nursery. Everyday, including days off the nursery is the volunteer’s responsibility to ensure everyone is fed. Any animals in the nursery can vary at any point but is an exciting experience to look after a whole range of animals. Everyday the volunteers feed everyone in the nursery morning and afternoon, and during the working days this is rotated between teams. Sunday and Monday everyone helps feed but Sunday is also the big clean day.

You also get the opportunity to go to Victoria Falls and do a bunch of different things, as well as visit the Matopos National Park and experience the beautiful flora and fauna there.

Lastly, Thankyou to GoEco for helping us find Chipangali and Thankyou to the Wilson family for welcoming us and for all your work with the animals. It is very very clear to see how much they love the animals there and I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to stay at Chipangali.

I hope this helps anyone considering using GoEco or visiting Chipangali. Either way, you will not regret it!

October 1, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Shannon, We want to thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review of your volunteer adventure with the Wildlife Orphanage in Zimbabwe. Your kind words mean everything to us. Your comprehensive breakdown of the program schedule and your positive experiences with GoEco are super helpful for future volunteers. We're thrilled to see that you had a truly rewarding and enriching time working with the animals and supporting the local community. The Wilson family already misses you and is looking forward to your return in the future! 😊

It's our absolute pleasure here at GoEco to connect such a wonderful volunteer to our fantastic program in Zimbabwe.

~ GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great communication throughout the…

Great communication throughout the entire experience. GoEco was available to answer all questions prior to travel and assisted with issues that arose on-site too. They were in direct contact with the local team to share up-to-date information. My experience with the Dolphin Project in Ischia (9/18 - 9/24/23) was very memorable, not only due to the welcoming and accommodating crew onboard and fellow volunteers, but the behind-the-scenes staff at GoEco too. Also, although GoEco cannot promise Dolphin sightings, we were rewarded our 1st day out with dozens of these graceful and playful creatures. It was thrilling to see them up-close-and-personal in their natural habitat! Special Thanks to Carla and Barbara for all your support.

September 18, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Dear Sally,

Thank you for your positive review of the Dolphin Project experience with GoEco. We're delighted to hear that you had a memorable and exciting time.

We appreciate your recognition of our communication and support throughout your journey. Our team works hard to ensure our volunteers have the best experience possible. It's fantastic that you had a remarkable encounter with dolphins on your first day out, and we understand the unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings.

Thank you for being a part of the GoEco community. If you ever plan another adventure, please reach out. We'd love to assist you again.

~ Carla & the GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

best experience

best experience, best memories, best people, best actions, and best impact. I hope to come back another time.

September 19, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Hey Edouard, so happy we gave you such a great experience in Costa Rica! The sloths will be waiting for you when you return :)

Best,
GoEco Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was left overjoyed by my amazing time!

I was left overjoyed by my amazing time volunteering at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in Zimbabwe!
As soon as I arrived and heard the lions roaring, I knew I was in for a treat! Chipangali is the adventure of a lifetime for any true animal lover!
I was also lucky enough to meet Zoe and Carla from GoEco in person while I was there. They are both friendly and inspiring women and such a valuable part of GoEco!
The staff at Chipangali are very welcoming to volunteers. As a big cat lover, I am so grateful to Washington and Ahmad for their devotion to their carnivores! When they learned how excited I was to help with the big cats, they made sure that I got as much opportunity to interact with them as safely possible! I can’t thank them enough for their kindness!
The friendships made through volunteering at Chipangali are meant to last! The work was extremely satisfying, as you can immediately see the animals benefitting from your efforts. The whole atmosphere is wild and full of adventure. The excursions that we got to take to Matopos National Park and Victoria Falls were unforgettable!
I traveled a long way over four flights to volunteer at Chipangali, and it was absolutely worth it! I would happily volunteer at Chipangali again and recommend the experience to anyone considering it!

August 26, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Dear Marisa,

Meeting you and spending time with you and the fellow volunteers during the program was truly wonderful. Your enthusiasm for volunteering at the Wildlife Orphanage is evident in your review.

It's fantastic to hear about your unforgettable experiences with the lions and the appreciation of the dedication of the staff at the program. We are ecstatic to read that you had unforgettable excursions to Matopos National Park and Victoria Falls.

We value your recommendation and happy that you found the adventure and friendships so rewarding.
We're eagerly looking forward to supporting you on your next volunteering journey!

~ Zoe & Carla 🍃

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very nice experience

The experience was nice and it went without any problems. The goeco staff helped me through the process and they organized it very well, even booking the trip very near the date of start.

October 2, 2023
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Daniel,

It was our pleasure assisting you and making sure that your trip was successful and that you had a great experience!

- GoEco Team 🍃

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I spent a month in South Africa

I spent a month in South Africa. GoEco was incredibly responsive and organized during the preparation time. They never appeared tired or irritated with my endless questions. After arrival, their staff brought me warmer clothes and a towel because I was not prepared for the weather. None of the other volunteers had such personal help from their agencies!

My only stresses were that the initial experiences with the volunteer site were not what I was expecting. Other volunteers had the same frustrations but they were with other agencies besides GoEco. This indicates to me that there is a bigger systemic problem than GoEco.

Two staff sat down with me and listened to everything and appeared to be open to changing some of the communication to make the experiences match up more effectively. I appreciate that immensely.

Everyone seems to fall in love with South Africa and I am definitely no exception!

September 7, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from GoEco

Hi Darcy,

It's been just over a month since your departure from Cape Town. We truly appreciate your feedback and are delighted that you found our team responsive and well-organized during the preparation process. We're committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for our volunteers.

Cassandra and I were glad to assist you in settling in comfortably, and we understand the challenges of traveling to a new destination. Your honest feedback about your initial experiences is invaluable, as we continuously work to improve our programs.
South Africa is undeniably an enchanting destination, and it warms our hearts to hear that, like many others, you fell in love with the country during your time there. Your dedication and enthusiasm as a volunteer significantly contribute to the positive impact we aspire to create in the communities we serve.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable feedback. If you ever decide to embark on another adventure with GoEco in the future, ‌we'll be here to support you every step of the way.

~ Gail & Cassandra ❤

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