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.
Truly, a trip of a lifetime. So here’s my advice: don’t let fear stop you. Book the ticket. Get on the plane. Let it change your life!
It truly was the trip of a lifetime – and maybe just the start!
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.
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!
Moholoholo and the Kruger offer unique and unforgettable experiences. If you’re thinking about volunteering with ACE, don’t hesitate, it’s worth it!
We completed monitoring drives and recorded various animal sightings. I really appreciated how much effort went into answering my questions.
From the first time I got in contact with them, to the time our party arrived in Johannesburg, ACE went above and beyond to support us. The adventure was nothing but perfect!
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!
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.
Getting to see animals in the wild is incredible, but observing them while on foot and being face-to-face with them is just a completely different experience to being in a vehicle
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!
At The Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience, I had a wonderful trip filled with various activities such as wildlife research, bush clearing, and wildfire protection. It was hard work, but also very educational!
My advice is to volunteer if you can! You never know how long these environments and wildlife will be around. By volunteering, you not only get to see them but you can also help with their conservation.
If you are interested in conservation, this project is perfect for you! You can see the difference it's making for wildlife and the ecosystem you are working 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.
I have gained a huge amount of knowledge about tracking, wildlife, and the bush, thanks to the amazing guides I've had.
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!
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.
We highly recommend African Conservation Experience to travel with for wildlife volunteer projects because they offer great learning opportunities; whether it’s for someone looking to go into the vet field, or someone just interested in wildlife in general.
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.
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!
I would recommend visiting a couple of projects because they are all different experiences that challenge and educate you in different ways.
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.
It was like National Geographic coming to life. The knowledge that was shared with us was incredible and it made everything more understandable, relatable, and engaging. The expertise delivered to us gave us an appreciation for the whole natural journey.
I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to experience a slice of life for a ranger sprinkled with lots of learning opportunities and seeing animals in their natural habitats!