Allison Hao-Wen Teng

Before I set off on my African Conservation Experience (ACE) adventure, 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 knew from the start that I wanted to experience a variety of conservation work, both wildlife monitoring and hands-on animal care. ACE helped me plan the perfect itinerary: Okavango Wilderness Project, Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Golola Rhino Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre, and finally, two incredible weeks at Phinda Wildlife Research Project. Each project offered something completely different, and together they provided a unique perspective on what conservation truly means on the ground.

My adventure began deep in the Okavango, camping right beside the Khwai River. 

The team there was phenomenal, they were so open to share their incredible knowledge. I learned to track animals, record data, and understand the rhythms of the bush. Seeing painted dogs not once, but twice, was the cherry on top!

From there, I moved on to Vikela, where the pace shifted but the magic continued. The landscape was stunning, and the team’s passion for conservation was contagious. Our guide made every day a joy. Their knowledge and genuine love for the bush reminded me why conservation work matters so much. Whilst alongside this, we had unforgettable wildlife moments, with what seemed like never-ending sightings of lions and hyenas!

Then on to Moholoholo, where I got my first true taste of hands-on wildlife care. It was hard work, cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and creating enrichment, yet oh so rewarding. I really enjoyed daily life at the project, and it was fantastic to get stuck in with the work and to learn the different behaviours of the wildlife at the centre. Getting to know the resident wildlife, especially the honey badgers (including the famous Stoffel!), was a highlight of my trip. 

Then came Golola Rhino Orphanage, which also had a good amount of hands-on work but offered a completely different and moving experience. I learned more about the rhino poaching crisis in one week than I had in my entire life before that. Chats with the incredible staff, the many tear-jerking documentaries I watched, and getting to see in person just how incredible rhinos are were all so enlightening. It's hard to choose a favorite aspect of the experience, but the daily rounds of feeding the rhinos were definitely a highlight, especially seeing the baby rhinos come out was so special!

I ended my journey with two weeks at Phinda Wildlife Research Project, and I couldn’t have imagined a better finale. Every day was a bit different. 

We helped with projects for the pangolin researcher, monitored specific animals for health and behavior, observed animal behaviour, and even helped with rhino horn trimming and rewilding initiatives. Working alongside such knowledgeable and dedicated conservationists at Phinda was inspiring, and I left with a whole new appreciation for how interconnected conservation efforts truly are.

This journey changed me in more ways than I can describe. I came away with a broader understanding of conservation, not just the science, but the heart and complexity behind every decision. I also learned that there isn’t always one ‘right’ answer when it comes to protecting wildlife. Whether it’s horn trimming, anti-poaching patrols, or rehabilitation, every effort plays an important role in maintaining balance. It was incredibly inspiring to see so many efforts being made!

The whole experience was incredibly fulfilling and opened my eyes so much. When I think back, the memories that stick with me the most are the ones where I got to be hands-on during the trip. Boots on the ground tracking animals, working at the rehab centers, and assisting with the rhinos, all while being surrounded by like-minded individuals, was unlike any trip I've experienced before!

Traveling with ACE made everything seamless, from logistics to on-the-ground support, which meant I could focus on learning and contributing. I always felt cared for and supported, even when traveling between countries.