I always had this idea of what conservation looks like and how it should be done. After this trip, I walked away knowing that there is no singular right way to do it. There are many people doing different things, and combined, they all work together towards a better life for the natural world.
Vet work in the African bush is a completely different experience to work in a European clinic. I have come home with new skills, incredible memories, and friends for life.
This trip has left me even more motivated to pursue a future in zoo-based conservation. This was more than just a volunteer trip; it was a real turning point for me, both personally and professionally. I’m so grateful to ACE for making it happen.
I was constantly amazed by the wildlife encounters that we had, and also surprised myself by how quickly I adapted to being out in the bush.
As a travel and hotel professional I have high standards. I know how important planning and logistics are and ACE are true professionals. Booking is so easy, and the call with the consultant was so helpful. This was a dream come true - and I loved every minute!
You are included from the moment you arrive. The staff really appreciated the help and made you feel so welcome and this trip opened my eyes so much!
Moholoholo and the Kruger offer unique and unforgettable experiences. If you’re thinking about volunteering with ACE, don’t hesitate, it’s worth it!
It was an experience I will never forget. We loved every minute of it!
I can't recommend ACE enough to anyone who is interested in travelling with purpose and wants to contribute while being hands-on with wildlife conservation.
There was someone to support me at every step of the journey and I knew that if I had any issues ACE were always on hand to answer queries on a call, or over an email. The team was exceptional!
I wouldn’t change anything from my experience at these projects because they are such a powerful thing to be a part of.
If anyone is looking at doing these projects and wondering if ACE is the right organisation to go through, I can’t recommend it enough. When you are planning a trip like this it can be daunting, but the reviews for ACE are great for a reason!
The person that I was before coming here, is the same person that I’m leaving behind. Everything that came with me is going back magnified.
If you’re considering a project like this, go for it! Approach it with an open mind and a can-do attitude. I loved every minute of my time in South Africa and am already planning to return for more projects!
I had an amazing experience volunteering with ACE and would do it again in a heartbeat. They were incredibly organised, and there was always someone available to assist me at every step.
I was able to compare the clinic in South Africa to the one in America where I work every day. It was awesome to see the different products they used, and the different procedures they did on small animals.
I thoroughly recommend African Conservation Experience whether you are a 13-year-old or a 70-year-old grandparent! If you are considering volunteering with ACE - just do it!
As a volunteer, you felt like you were having a real impact on those animals' lives.
There is always so much to learn and maybe some people think travelling solo at 78 is brave, but age is just a number! If you still feel young at heart volunteering is for you. Mind over matter. I do not think I came across a single activity while volunteering that I did not feel comfortable joining in!
It felt like ACE knew Africa and really cared about projects that it worked with, which definitely turned out to be the case!
It was clear that the money that was being spent was going to the right places, so it gave me the confidence that the experience would be something that I was looking for.
By volunteering with ACE, I’ve been able to build my confidence so much, and it’s given me a huge amount of knowledge to help me with my university studies.
I felt safe at every project and made friendships with staff members and other volunteers that have lasted until this day. I would highly recommend volunteering through ACE at these projects!
It was an adventure that taught me so much, not just about the African wildlife but also about myself. This is an experience that will stay with me forever.
There was never a moment in my entire experience where I felt unsafe or unsure of what to do, I constantly had a guiding hand supporting me and helping me contribute to conservation.
I decided to go with ACE because they were so detailed and helpful during the very personalised phone conversations I had with them, telling me about all of my options and following up with more information by email.
The whole experience with ACE has made me realise that I want to go into wildlife conservation whether it's based in the UK or internationally.
You know your time, effort, and money is going to the right places, and you have had an actual hand in helping conservation.
I would highly recommend ACE and Moholoholo to people who really want to work to help animals. From fantastic communication, which gave us peace of mind while travelling to a foreign country, to information about credit cards, safety, and transport - it was phenomenal!
ACE definitely exceeded my expectations, I knew it would be well organised but I didn't realise just how organised they really were - everything was perfect!
I would definitely travel with ACE again, and I’d love to volunteer at the variety of projects that they work with in the future! I feel like I could return time and time again and never stop learning.
African Conservation Experience is the company to travel with for wildlife volunteering because they are so organised and professional. They are wonderful!
I would recommend this volunteer experience to anyone who would be interested in giving back while having a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. ACE was so great!
The level of support I received from ACE was great. I went to four different projects and I was completely looked after. The whole ACE team is always there for you!
My experience was amazing and I would book with ACE again without a second thought. They were really understanding and supportive throughout the whole booking process.
I can’t believe my two weeks at Moholoholo is over already! My experience at Moholoholo is going to be unforgettable.
Everything at ACE was very well organised and they took care of all the travel arrangements within the areas to the smallest details.
This experience was a great choice, the staff at Moholoholo was absolutely wonderful, helpful and kind.
I work with animals on a day to day basis, but it has always been a dream to work with and interact closely with African species and to use my qualification and skills to make a difference. I chose ACE as I wanted to go somewhere ETHICAL – as this is very important to me – and I definitely found an ethical company!
You won’t quickly forget a bushbaby landing on your shoulder on your way back from dinner, a fearsome honey badger lying on its back without a care in the world or falling asleep at night to the sound of lions roaring and hyenas laughing outside your window.
On my first day at Moholoholo I was involved in a rhino walk, which is as incredible as it sounds. We chaperoned a young rhino on a walk through the bush, providing him with exercise, mental stimulation and a bit of fun. This is just one of many unbelievable things that I was able to take part in.
I could talk for hours and hours about the many adventures I was lucky enough to undertake during my placements with ACE, I still haven’t finished telling my friends and family everything! The amazing sense of accomplishment and pride I feel whenever I look back at what I’ve learnt and been privileged to be a part of is unfathomable.