Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Going on a Gap Year Placement with African Conservation Experience

African Conservation Experience: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Going on a Gap Year Placement with African Conservation Experience - Work with the Wildlife

Frequently Asked Questions

Molemane Conservation ProjectWhite Rhino, Buffalo and predator research on a protected game reserve
Tambotie Wildlife Care CentreLook after young animals and carry out veterinary work on injured wildlife
Tuli Conservation ProjectElephant and Leopard monitoring in Botswana's remote, wild, Tuli block
Phinda Wildlife Research ProjectWork with research scientists, monitoring large mammals, including big cats and rare antelopes
Wildlife Tracking CourseThe Wildlife Tracking Course is an opportunity for you to experience the thrill of tracking Africa's big game while living in a raw and wild environment!
Shimongwe Veterinary ProjectAssist a wildlife vet with treatment, game darting and other vet procedures
Game CaptureAssist the team, using helicopters and nets to relocate wildlife
Moholoholo Rehabilitation CentreCare of injured and orphaned animals such as servals, cheetah, bushbabies and hippo
Game Ranger Guide CourseA great way to introduce you to, and broaden your knowledge of, Southern African wildlife
Hanchi Horse ProjectAn eco-friendly way of monitoring game and carrying out fence patrols - on horseback!
Nholwasi Community ProjectAssist with teaching and other activities in a rural school
Dolphin and Whale Research CentreMonitor whales, dolphins and seals in the Indian Ocean

Do I need to be a student?: No, we sometimes refer to our volunteers as students because when you are on placement you will be a “student of conservation”.
What is the age range?: Our volunteers are aged from 17 - 70 something!
What injections do I need?: As we are not medically qualified to give medical advice, please contact your GP or MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Traveller Abroad). You may be recommended to have a rabies injection, which is optional.
Can people from outside the UK join?: Yes! We accept volunteers from all over the world - you can either arrange your own flights direct from your home country, or you can fly to London to meet up with our flights. If you choose to arrange your own flight, we can deduct £450 from the placement cost.
How much will it cost?: Placements cost from about £2900 for 4 weeks. Once you have an idea about which project you are interested in and how long you want to go for, contact us and we can give you an exact cost. You can also find more information here.
Can I go with a friend?: Yes, definitely! You will be placed together on the projects and will also be able to fly out together.
Can I split my time between two projects?: Yes, you can! Ideally you need to spend a minimum of 4 weeks on each project, so in a 12 week placement, you can do 3 different projects! However, some projects you can do for two weeks.
What are the dates?: Most projects run throughout the year and don't have set start dates, so its pretty flexible. The dates for the Game Ranger Guide Course can be found here.
How long can I go for?: Anything between 2 and 12 weeks!
What is the accommodation like?: The accommodation varies from project to project, but is usually shared twin rooms with separate shared ablutions and a living/eating area. There is always an outside space where you can sit by the fire under the stars! Have a look at the gallery for photos of each project's accommodation.
Can the projects cater for vegetarians?: Yes of course! We can cater for most special dietary requirements. Please let us know in your application form.