Jennie Johansson

Visiting Africa, and in particular South Africa, has been a lifelong dream of mine. I love rhinos, and I came to African Conservation Experience (ACE) wanting to learn more about their conservation and how we can help them. 

I had a really helpful call with one of the ACE consultants, and I was recommended the Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience and Golola Rhino Orphanage, which were a perfect fit for me. 

This was my first-ever solo trip abroad, and I was very thankful for all of the support from the ACE team. When I arrived at the airport in Johannesburg, I received a warm welcome and got to meet some of the other volunteers as we sat down for breakfast in the Mugg and Bean cafe. We were given a very interesting introductory conservation talk, and then I was on my way to my first project! 

I spent my first week at the Vikela Kruger project, where I learned so much about South Africa’s ecology and natural environment. I was extremely impressed by our guide and tracker’s knowledge and tracking abilities. 

Once, he even spotted a tiny chameleon in a tree nearby, which was super impressive. I was fascinated by the tracking and had so many questions to ask, which he was very happy to answer. It was a real educational experience. 

Whilst in the Greater Kruger, we also got to take part in a sleepout in the bush! This was the first time I had ever slept outside so close to wild animals. We heard a few hyenas walk close by to the camp that night, but nothing bigger, and I felt very safe and actually slept quite well! It was a truly magical experience. 

After Vikela, I spent three weeks at Golola Rhino Orphanage. My time here was very moving, and I was so impressed with the level of care provided to the orphaned rhinos being rehabilitated at the centre. 

I really enjoyed helping to clean the rhinos’ bomas, and it reminded me a lot of my work back home with my horses. I quickly fell into a good routine and became comfortable with my role and responsibilities as a volunteer. It was also great to build a relationship with the staff, who were so friendly and kind; they were always asking me if there was anything I needed and making sure I was comfortable. 

The staff gave some great educational lectures and videos on the rhino poaching crisis and why the orphanage was set up. The content was very sad, but provided valuable insight into the project and wider conservation efforts across Africa. One day, we also had a vet come to treat one of the rhinos, and he invited us along to observe his work and ask questions. 

I also really enjoyed being able to cook my own food, and was surprised by how well-equipped the kitchen was.  

Overall, my time volunteering with ACE was amazing. Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat brought a totally new perspective to my love for animals. We naturally tend to focus on the bigger species like rhinos and elephants. Both projects taught me the importance of looking closer: every animal plays a vital role in its environment. It was wonderful how my understanding of conservation developed during my time volunteering.