I spent hours reading through the website, project pages, and testimonials, each one more inspiring than the last. Even so, nothing could have prepared me for just how life-changing the next six weeks would be. From the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana to the wildlife rehabilitation centres and research projects of South Africa, every single stop on my journey was unforgettable!
I really enjoyed both the educational and the social aspects. I made lifelong friends and learned so much.
From our very first call with the team, it was obvious that this wasn’t going to be anything like a typical safari experience. ACE offers something much deeper - the chance to actively take part in genuine, impactful wildlife conservation work alongside professionals in the field.
My first trip with African Conservation Experience (ACE) was only two and a half months ago and I knew I needed to go back, but this time was completely different
Visiting all three projects was an extremely worthwhile experience. I got to understand the differences between all three settings on a deeper level, from Phinda’s well-managed and fenced reserve, to the vastness of the Greater Kruger, to the remote expanses of the Okavango.
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.
It truly was the trip of a lifetime – and maybe just the start!
I can't wait to come back. I already have an idea of which projects I would like to visit next… but Phinda will be the first project I come back to. I cannot recommend travelling to Africa enough!
I was born in South Africa, and we emigrated when I was very young. I wanted to come home, and this was one of the ways that I could do it. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then this is what you do.
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.
As an avid photographer, I loved being able to take so many incredible photos and fitting so many animals in one frame! The most unbelievable sighting of this project was a herd of over 100 elephants walking towards us as they were grazing.
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!
This was a trip of a lifetime and I am so thankful I made the decision to do this. If you are unsure about travelling - don't be. Just do it. You will be so glad you did!
The whole experience was amazing, everything from the people to the experience itself, to the jobs we were doing. If I had to use one word… it would be life-changing!
If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation in Southern Africa and want to be part of a project that has a genuine, lasting impact, reach out to ACE.
I was able to get up close and personal with the animals. I stepped off the beaten track and was exposed to the work the rangers do.
There's something for everyone at Phinda - whether you love birds, mammals, plants or ecosystems, you won’t be disappointed!
I left South Africa with a real sense of fulfilment, knowing that my efforts contributed to an important cause. For those with an interest in conservation and a readiness to get involved, I highly recommend ACE!
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!
ACE are a remarkable organisation in finding ways of supporting conservation while matching the desires of those who would like to enjoy the experience of working within a game reserve.
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 highly recommend volunteering with both Phinda and ACE! I am looking forward to returning in the future.
I would not hesitate to travel through the African Conservation Experience again. We hold ACE’s recommendations in high regard, and any chance to replicate our wonderful time at Phinda would be perfect!
I gained a first-hand understanding of the amount of effort and time that goes into monitoring different species to ensure they remain healthy and genetically viable.
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!
My boyfriend and I went on a two-month experience with African Conservation Experience (ACE) and we had such an amazing trip! ACE were super easy to get in contact with during our experience and the team did such a good job at planning our trip and making us feel welcome throughout.
It was truly a privilege to work with the amazing team at Phinda. They were so inspiring, dedicated and willing to share their knowledge with volunteers.
Everything impacted me whilst I was there and I have grown as a person.
There are plenty of opportunities to learn, get an understanding of how things work, meet incredible people, get in touch with nature, and have breathtaking moments with the wildlife.
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.
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!
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.
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 recommend volunteering with ACE, as it was valuable to be able to speak with the staff on the phone before booking, to hone in on which projects I would be most interested in. From this, they tailor your trip to what you're looking for and what your needs are.
Remembering our fantastic hands-on experiences, how well we were looked after by ACE, and knowing that our donations have gone to worthwhile projects just keeps us coming back.
Combining both projects into one trip, was the perfect choice for me. I had the chance to witness my dream wildlife and actively contribute to their protection at Phinda, and at Golola, I felt like I made a meaningful difference in the lives of baby rhinos.
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!
I’ve always found it difficult to pinpoint a favourite part of anything, and with an experience like this I find it even harder. I truly loved every part of the trip as it offered such a wide variety of experiences.
I’ve seen so much, but I think the first moment of seeing that hyena on our second night, while eating in the camp, with it only being a few metres away from my tent, was really special.
Right at the beginning, there was someone waiting for us at the airport, which was really nice. All of the flights were organised, everything was really good with the transfers – we knew where and when we were going to get picked up. All easy, very easy, no stress at all!
The consultation and booking process was really personal and efficient and ACE made it easy for me to select the right projects. They are caring experts!
Everything at ACE was very well organised and they took care of all the travel arrangements within the areas to the smallest details.
ACE gave me a once in a lifetime experience and so many memories that I will never forget.
I would discuss my thoughts and plans with the ACE team and they helped to advise me on which projects would be best for a more comprehensive understanding of wildlife industries, which will go on to help me in the future. Whilst in South Africa, I was able to contact the ACE team 24/7.
If you are thinking about going, go! It is life-changing and it’s amazing to see how professional and dedicated everyone is on the project sites. To work with all kinds of people all around the world and to learn so much about the situation in Africa around the wildlife is fantastic.
We had some very exciting close encounters with animals too. We helped track a particular black rhino, checking on its location the previous two days and then on the third day a helicopter was brought in and the vet darted it so that new ear and leg trackers could be fitted.
Each morning, there was always a challenge: finding the elephant who had an infection on his leg, or another elephant who had teeth surgery.
Although I was only able to spend a short time at Phinda, I am so happy that I got to be a part of the incredible efforts and learn so much about Africa and its wildlife.
Coming back to camp from driving around the Okavango Delta logging animal and predator tracks only to find a whole herd of elephants grazing next to our camp was a highlight.
We were amazed at how many cheetahs were visible not far from the road going through the preserve. We were also fortunate to participate in a cheetah de-collaring.
You won’t regret going to Phinda Private Game Reserve, and you won’t regret going through ACE.
You can expect to see a huge range of wildlife on a regular basis and most drives are about tracking various species, notably the major predators, elephant and rhino!
We learn so much about ourselves and about the world when we travel. ACE ensured that my daughter’s first experience of travelling abroad on her own was amazing! I have no doubt that she will treasure the memories forever and the experience will give her the confidence to try new experiences in the future.
Would I say that the experience changed my life? Absolutely. You learn life skills and gain confidence you never thought you could in these experiences, and that is something I, personally, cannot thank the ACE team and the team I worked with in Phinda enough for.
I cannot put into words everything that I saw or did, for the trip seemed to pass in a blur of unforgettable experiences, each day better than the day before. The wildlife, the people, the place became home, and the hardest part of the trip was leaving.
Phinda was my third time with ACE and I am 77 years old! If you really want to be a volunteer with wild animals in Southern Africa, please contact ACE. They're great.
My experiences at Phinda were absolutely insane, I could never have imagined they would be as good as they were!
Being able to work so closely with rhinos was incredible at Care For Wild Africa, whilst Phinda was one of the best experiences of my life.
My experience at Phinda, in three words, was wonderful, unique, and enriching. The team from the researchers, ecologists, logistic, back-office, and our dear volunteers were all great people and supportive, and helped make my journey wonderful.
ACE's continuous support made me feel like I was in very safe hands, particularly as it was my first time venturing beyond Europe. My time with ACE surpassed all expectations, and I feel that I am really fortunate to have experienced this first-hand.
To truly get a feel for just how special a place Phinda is you must go and experience it for yourself - you won't regret it.
African Conservation Experience has given me the opportunity to be part of dedicated teams helping preserve wildlife and its habitat. It has been a wonderful experience and I will continue to volunteer my time to conservation programs.
The ACE team and the Phinda locals have provided me with memories that will last a lifetime and an endless amount of stories that I will forever treasure!
At Phinda our lives were enriched by the knowledge of our team leader in the many facets of wildlife management, whilst working with the wildlife veterinarians at Shimongwe was AWESOME. We were able to be a part of a team capturing wild animals for medical treatment, ID chip placement, and relocation.
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.