General Information

Our placements run for between 2 and 12 weeks giving students the opportunity to become involved in a wide diversity of conservation and research projects; from game capture and tagging, to erecting and checking of game fences and everyday reserve maintenance and management. There are start dates throughout the year, and so we can usually arrange a placement at a time convenient to you. We try to keep to keep to a maximum of 8 ACE students on any one reserve, to ensure co-ordinators are able to focus a lot of attention on each student, whilst still allowing students to work as a team.

Costs

The exact costs vary depending on which project you choose, but most students can expect to pay about £2,000 for 2 weeks up to some £4,900 for a 12 week placement. This includes international flights from London to Johannebsurg, transfers, all meals and accommodation. We ask for a £250 deposit to secure the placement, and the balance is due 8 weeks before departure.

The 2-week Game Ranger Guide Course costs from £895*/£995** and a £100 deposit is needed to secure your place on the course. (Please note that prices are subject to change but are fixed once the deposit has been paid). Travel insurance is compulsory. We can arrange this for you or you can take out your own, provided that it gives you an adequate level of protection.

You can find out more about where the money goes here.

*2007 prices, **2008 prices 

Safety and Organisation

Experienced co-ordinators are responsible for each student during their time on the Reserve - from the time of arrival until departure. The Co-ordinator is the point of contact on the Reserve, allocates work projects, acts as guide and tutor/mentor, and generally looks after the student's welfare. Most reserves take around eight students at a time, allowing co-ordinators to focus a lot of attention on each student, whilst still allowing students to work as a team.

Martin is our representative in Africa and is available to respond to any queries or problems the students may have while on placement. Additionally, all volunteers are met at the airport and transported directly to the game reserves.

For advice on malaria tablets and inoculations, it is best to visit your GP who will be able to tell you which ones are necessary. Additionally, helpful advice and medical supplies can be found at www.travelpharm.co.uk

African Conservation Experience is part of The Year Out Group and is ATOL bonded.

African Conservation Experience Health and Safety Policy

• ACE carries out risk assessments on all its projects, which are updated regularly.
• We conduct an initial health and safety talk on arrival which covers crime, HIV/AIDS and personal hygiene and safety
• All students are fully supported by highly qualified staff at all times.
• ACE keep group sizes small to ensure a high degree of personal attention is given to each student, and also to ensure safety when in the bush.
• On arrival at the projects, students are made aware of safety issues relating to big game areas and to the risks of snakebite.
• All project supervisors are qualified in the respective fields and assessed on a regular basis.
• Accommodation and food provided to volunteers is regularly assessed for the welfare of volunteers.

Help With Fundraising

Most students are in the situation where fund-raising will be required to finance the trip. Fund-raising should be seen as part of the challenge in getting to Southern Africa and can be great fun. Once you have booked your placement you can request our booklet “The A.C.E. Guide to Fun(d)-Raising” which will show you just how much fun it can be. It gives you some great ideas and the basic information to get you started. The Guide will also tell you where we can give you direct support and assistance.