Kai Odhner

I travelled with African Conservation Experience (ACE) for my school studies, and to see whether a career in conservation could be right for me. 

I had an incredible experience, living and volunteering on a nature reserve in South Africa! We got to see so much wildlife everyday, and work closely with real conservation professionals in the field.

This trip also helped me to fulfil my CAS learning outcomes. We got involved in lots of practical work to support conservation efforts on the ground. The reserve we stayed in used to be farmland, and so there are lots of wires and fences left over from this time which could seriously injure any of the animals passing through. As a group we worked together to locate and remove any old wires and fence posts from the ground.

Another highlight for me has been all of the wildlife encounters. There are so many elephants here! It’s amazing to see them, and it’s really inspired me to think about their conservation here in Africa. What’s also really nice about the camp that we’re staying in is that the trees are open and we can see and hear lots of birds flying overhead, it’s very captivating. 

Before coming to South Africa I did feel a bit nervous about being so far away from home and making sure I had packed all the right things. However, once I actually arrived all of my worries went away. 

The trip has been a great chance for me to connect with my peers on a deeper level. I even feel like my lifestyle has improved being out here! I've been waking up earlier, eating more healthily, and spending loads of time outside. I also feel very safe staying here in the camp. Overall it’s been a great experience. 

Working with conservationists has been incredibly inspiring, and my time in South Africa has given me a much clearer idea of what I want to do with my future career. I would say to anyone considering coming on a trip with ACE - it’s definitely worth it.