Want to master the ancient art of bushcraft? Or learn to handle state-of-the-art wildlife tracking technology? How about discovering what it takes to be a game ranger in the rugged African wilderness?
Exclusive to African Conservation Experience, our Conservation Courses mix hands-on learning with real conservation. They’ll take you behind the scenes and into the thick of the action - giving you the chance to pick up new skills and make a real difference.
The top reasons travellers love these conservation courses.
Small group size
Get more 1-2-1 time with experts and gain genuine insights.
Learn the ropes
Master the foundations of wildlife conservation in one adventure.
Don’t just observe, get involved
Join a specialist team and contribute to real conservation.
Travel untamed
Experience the real Africa, far from the tourist crowds.
Authentic Africa
Discover her iconic nature and connect with local cultures.
Support global goals
Join leading projects aligned with WWF, EWT and UN SDGs.
Traveller Stories
Kai Odhner
I travelled with African Conservation Experience (ACE) for my school studies, and to see whether a career in conservation could be right for me. I feel like I’ve made a real positive impact, and helped to conserve the wildlife and the land here.
ACE gives students the eye-opening opportunity to gain on the ground perspectives about conservation issues, such as the rhino poaching crisis, that can be difficult to understand and appreciate fully from a distance.
There have been a lot of highlights during my trip. One of the most memorable would be getting to observe elephants drinking water out of a pool near our camp.
This trip has confirmed my desire to pursue conservation as a career and has shown me that I want to support real wildlife projects and learn directly from those who work in conservation.
I've volunteered with African Conservation Experience (ACE) twice now, and it's been an amazing experience both times. It feels like a second home to me. Everything about the program is perfect, from the incredible locations to the volunteer work.
The most important thing I have learnt from this experience is to slow down and take everything around you. Volunteering at The Game Ranger Experience and having time away from social media and my phone has helped me as a person. It has also made me realise a lot about myself.
If you’ve ever longed to get closer to nature - and we mean, really closer - then Africa is the place to do it. Our conservation short courses take you beyond the tourist trails and straight into the heart of wild spaces, where you’ll learn bushcraft, tracking, and gain genuine insights from the people who live and breathe conservation. This isn’t just about watching wildlife from a vehicle - it’s about understanding the land, the animals, and the delicate balance that enables them to thrive.
Working alongside expert guides and conservation teams, you’ll pick up practical skills you’ll carry for life. Whether you’re learning how to read animal tracks, identifying plant species, setting up camera traps, or cooking on the coals under the African night sky, every day is filled with discovery, and it's the kind of learning that stays with you because it's real.
From curiosity to confidence
You don’t need any experience to start a wildlife conservation course, just a sense of adventure. Our conservation short courses are designed for people who want to do something different. They’re ideal if you’ve never studied conservation but always wanted to understand how it works, or if you're curious about doing something more meaningful with your travel.
You’ll be welcomed as part of a team, not a tourist, and given the chance to get your hands dirty with practical conservation tasks that actually matter - like monitoring wildlife populations, assisting with reserve maintenance, or supporting anti-poaching efforts. It’s a short step out of your normal life, but it could spark a whole new direction, or simply give you a powerful new perspective on the planet.
Know the land, know the people, know the purpose
This isn’t something you do alone. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be guided by local conservation professionals, expert trackers, and seasoned wildlife guides who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting Africa’s iconic landscapes and species. They don’t just teach you. They mentor, share stories, and help you feel part of something bigger.
You’ll also be supported by our own in-country team, who make sure every detail is taken care of. Whether you're a solo traveller or with a friend, you'll quickly become part of a small, tight-knit group. Many people leave our conservation short courses with new friendships and a renewed sense of purpose, not to mention memories that stay with them forever.
FAQs
Do I need any prior experience or qualifications to join a conservation course?
Not at all! Our courses are designed to be accessible for anyone with a passion for wildlife and a willingness to get stuck in. Many of our participants are complete beginners with no formal background in conservation. You’ll be taught everything you need to know on the ground, by experienced professionals who love to share their knowledge. Whether you're 18 or 68, this is your chance to get involved in real conservation work - no prerequisites required.
How long are the courses?
You can join a project for as little as 1 week, or stay for up to 12 weeks or more. There’s flexibility to make the most of your practical conservation journey, at a Single project or a Combined experience.
Is this more of a holiday or a working trip?
It’s definitely not your average holiday. While there are moments of awe and adventure, this is a hands-on experience where you’ll be actively contributing to conservation initiatives. You’ll still have downtime to relax and enjoy your surroundings, but you’ll be learning and working alongside professionals every day. Think of it as purposeful travel, with dirt under your fingernails and stories worth telling.
Where do the courses take place?
Our programs are based in carefully selected conservation areas across southern Africa. These are some of the most biodiverse and ecologically significant regions on the continent, home to iconic species like elephants, rhinos, leopards, and wild dogs.
What kind of people join these courses?
A wide mix of people join our conservation courses. From solo travellers in their 20s, 30s and 40s to people taking a career break or fulfilling a lifelong dream. Many have never done anything like this before but want to experience Africa in a deeper, more meaningful way. What they all share is a curiosity about wildlife, a respect for nature, and a desire to learn by doing.
How do I join a popular wildlife conservation course?
Take the first step on your adventure by simply submitting an enquiry form. We offer a variety of programs in southern Africa. You can visit a Single project or even combine multiple projects to create an exciting Combined experience. You can find out more about how we take time to create a customised African Conservation Experience that’s just right for you here.
We can't wait to speak with you about the best conservation courses in Africa!
