The news that GVI entered liquidation means many people who had booked volunteer placements with them are now without a project to join and are unsure what to do next. If you were planning a gap year, career break, or conservation travel experience with GVI, this news has likely drastically disrupted your travel plans.
Jump to:
- What does GVI liquidation mean?
- Can I still volunteer abroad in 2026?
- What if I already have flights booked?
- Finding a trusted GVI alternative
- Our most popular conservation projects:
- African wildlife (including the 'Big 5')
- Marine conservation
- Specialist wildlife projects
- What to do next
- Here to help
Here at The Great Projects, we are on hand to help you secure an alternative option if you want to continue your travel plans. If you are searching for a project after GVI's liquidation, the key thing to know is that conservation volunteering remains very much active and open, and the opportunity to travel, contribute to wildlife conservation, and gain meaningful experience remains.
We offer a variety of long-established projects worldwide, including long-running conservation projects available in July, August, and throughout 2026 and beyond. Get in touch with our dedicated travel team to find out more.
What does GVI liquidation mean?
GVI has ceased operations and entered liquidation, meaning it is no longer able to deliver its volunteer programmes, with all programmes cancelled with immediate effect.
This affects:
- Confirmed bookings
- Upcoming departures
- Paid bookings or balances
- Trips built around specific projects
If you are affected, the best advice is to follow official communication regarding refunds or claims through the appointed liquidators.
For many volunteers with flights booked and looking forward to their adventure, however, the immediate question is: What can I do instead?
Can I still volunteer abroad in 2026?
Yes. We have places available on our wildlife and marine conservation projects in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, supporting real conservation work, including:
- Wildlife monitoring and research
- Marine conservation and coral reef protection
- Animal rescue and rehabilitation
- Habitat restoration
- Community-based conservation
The opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation and embark on an incredible travel experience still stands; the key is choosing an organisation with active, well-supported programmes, which is something The Great Projects can help you with.
What if I already have flights booked?
If you already have your flights booked, it does not mean you need to miss out. The Great Projects offer a variety of projects across destinations that GVI offered, including South Africa, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Peru and more. We may be able to match existing travel plans with a fantastic conservation project in the same region so you won't need to change your travel plans and can keep your flights in place.
Our team of travel experts are on hand to discuss your travel dates, destination, and options with you.
Finding a trusted GVI alternative
When searching for GVI alternatives, trust matters as much as availability.
We offer peace of mind with:
- ABTOT (no. 11190) & ATOL (no. 5296) protection
- Active, long-term conservation partnerships
- Clearly confirmed availability
- Guaranteed departures
- Genuine conservation impact
- Structured volunteer roles
- Experienced pre-departure and travel support
- 24-hr support line
The Great Projects operate long-running conservation projects alongside renowned international charities and conservation organisations. This allows us to maintain oversight of quality, consistency and volunteer support.
Our most popular conservation projects:
African wildlife (including the 'Big 5')
Hands-on conservation in some of the world's most iconic wildlife regions, including South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, supporting wildlife monitoring and protection efforts.
If you have flights booked to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit in South Africa, we have a range of incredible projects with current availability in these areas.
You may have connecting flights through hubs such as Johannesburg, which opens the potential to more of our African conservation projects if you are able and willing to change flight routes.
SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve
Arrival airport: Hoedspruit | Availability: Last-minute availability for July & August and beyond | Start Date: Mondays
If you were looking forward to a 'Big 5' adventure, helping to care for and preserve some of Africa's most iconic wildlife, SanWild Sanctuary & Reserve is a great option.
Wildlife Orphanage in South Africa
Arrival airport: Hoedspruit | Availability: Last-minute availability for July & August and beyond | Start Date: Saturdays
Hoping to combine community impact with wildlife education and care? The Wildlife Orphanage in South Africa combines both for an eye-opening and meaningful experience.
Vervet Monkey Sanctuary
Arrival airport: Hoedspruit | Availability: Last-minute availability for July & August and beyond | Start Date: Any day
Help care for injured and orphaned vervet monkeys while aiding the rehabilitation of a widely misunderstood species at the Vervet Monkey Sanctuary.
Chimp Eden - The Jane Goodall Institute
Arrival airport: Nelspruit (transfers can be arranged if flying into Hoedspruit) | Availability: Limited availability for July & August | Start Date: Set start dates
Contribute to Dame Jane Goodall's legacy, enriching the lives of rescued chimpanzees at Chimp Eden!
Marine conservation
Work in coastal ecosystems in Costa Rica, Belize and Mozambique, supporting marine life protection, coral reef monitoring and marine research.
Perhentian Islands Marine Project
Arrival airport: Kuala Besut | Availability: Availability for July & August and beyond | Start Date: Mondays
If you were planning on deep diving marine conservation efforts with GVI, we have some amazing alternative options. Flying to Malaysia? The Perhentian Islands Marine Project welcomes anyone with a genuine interest in marine biology and conservation.
Specialist wildlife projects
Unique and exclusive experiences working with orangutans in Borneo, sloths in Costa Rica, multi-species in Peru, and lemurs in Madagascar's remaining natural habitats.
Lemur Research Project in Madagascar
Arrival airport: Antananarivo Ivato | Availability: Availability for July & August and beyond | Start Date: Set start dates
The Lemur Research Project in Madagascar is the perfect option for those heading that way and for anyone with a passion for primate conservation and unique experiences.
Sloths Conservation & Wildlife Experience
Arrival airport: San Jose | Availability: Availability for August and beyond | Start Date: Every Day
If you have flights booked to San Jose in Costa Rica, the Sloth Conservation & Wildlife Experience is a wonderful project to switch to, offering a combination of conservation and jungle adventure.
Peru Wildlife Sanctuary
Arrival airport: Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta | Availability: availability for July & August and beyond | Start Date: Mondays
Heading to Peru? We have partnered with respected conservation organisations to provide extraordinary conservation experiences in the depths of the Amazon, including the Peru Wildlife Sanctuary.
These are just some of the alternative options if you have flights to these areas; however, if you need help, we are on hand with a variety of impactful projects and a travel team with expertise in the field.
What to do next
If your plans have been affected by GVI's liquidation, the best next step is to follow the refund instructions and review your options early.
Contact us with:
- Your intended travel dates
- Your destination (or existing flights); and
- The type of conservation work you are interested in
From there, we can help match you with available projects that suit your plans, interests, timing, and needs.
Here to help
GVI's abrupt closure is understandably worrying for many, but it does not mean you cannot travel as planned. Wildlife and marine conservation projects are still operating and in need of help, and with the right support, you can still take part in a meaningful, well-structured experience in 2026 and beyond.
If you are searching for GVI alternatives, The Great Projects is here to help. Get in touch and continue your conservation journey with confidence.
