JB Alfaro

Looking over the projects that African Conservation Experience (ACE) offer, I wanted to experience a bit of everything. I ended up choosing Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience, and Phinda Wildlife Research Project, due to the variety of work each project entails. I had a rough idea of what interested me in those projects, and after speaking with one of the ACE consultants, the information they provided solidified my decision. 

Personally, I think that the call with an ACE consultant is a huge bonus because by talking to a person who understands much more, you get a clear understanding of what will go on during each project. Additionally, it makes everything seem much more real and gives more credibility to ACE.

I entered this experience with minimal expectations, as I believe that this approach allows me to be more open-minded and learn much more. I think that no amount of information can do justice to any of the projects, because once you are immersed in nature and working hands-on, you truly understand and experience real conservation work.

It is hard to choose only one favourite thing from the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. My first impression was amazement at all the animals and the work that goes on within this project. As the days went on and I got to know each individual who works there, I saw hardworking people with passion.

A highlight of my time at Moholoholo was when I had the opportunity to feed the lions. I was talking with one of the full-time staff at Moholoholo, and when I asked about the lions being fed, he told me I would be joining him to do this. I was so excited to be part of this!

Vikela Kruger was next, and it was such a unique experience. The people I worked with not only taught me a lot about what goes on in Africa and about each animal, but did so in a very fun way! Each day was a new adventure filled with knowledge and the joy of being part of this amazing project.

My highlight of this project was learning to track animals. It seems so simple, but when you start following an animal, you begin to understand how complex and how difficult tracking can be. Tracking allows you to step into the animal's life and to become part of something greater. It teaches you so many life lessons, which is why I love it so much. I am so thankful that I experienced firsthand what tracking is like, and it is one of the best memories I have of my time in Africa. I was also so impressed by our project leader and his exceptional ability to follow animals.

During my Phinda experience, it was really cool to see how a research team operates and how much work it takes to collect the data necessary to successfully manage the wildlife there. It was an amazing experience being surrounded by extremely knowledgeable scientists, and the conversations we had were really interesting. During my time, I learned how each person can have their own viewpoint on what conservation is and how it should be achieved. I was also taught how all the efforts that have been implemented to protect and enhance the quality of life for the animals; rhino horn trimming is a prime example of this. The Phinda staff even explained how elephant populations are being managed within the reserve - they are giving elephants contraceptives to ensure their populations don’t become so big that they start to destroy too much of the habitat. It is fascinating to see all the different techniques that humans use as part of their efforts for conservation.

Another highlight was being immersed in a new culture and learning so much from the people there has brought me countless memories. I’ll always remember the new friends I made and how they shaped my experience to make it so unique; the staff and the passion they bring every day; and all the ways this trip changed me and opened my eyes to what nature has to offer.

This trip taught me so much about myself and about the world that surrounds me. I obviously learned so much about my surroundings, the trees, the animals, and the culture, but apart from that, this trip opens your eyes and heart to a new reality. 

I pursue adventures for this very reason: to learn about myself and figure out how I can create a positive impact on my surroundings. ACE helped me do exactly that!

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. At first, I thought conservation was only dealing with animals, but after this experience, I realised that the biggest threat to conservation is people and how our wrongdoings affect nature. Now I understand this and appreciate much more all the efforts to keep wildlife wild.

I wish that people would not take animals for granted. It is sad to think that in some places this happens, and some tourism agencies focus on the person’s experience, often causing harm or disturbances to wildlife just so that the tourist can get a good experience. Sadly, this funnels money to these tourist companies rather than for the benefit of the animals they are there to see. It was amazing to truly understand and experience real conservation work through this trip.