WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERING: THE RED FLAGS MOST PEOPLE MISS
Get the free guide
My overall experience with African Conservation Experience (ACE) was smooth and straightforward, with clear and friendly communication right from the start of the trip-planning process.
After sending my original interest email, I was contacted by an ACE consultant almost immediately afterwards. The detailed talk I had with my consultant was informative and, overall, was just a fun, enjoyable conversation with someone else who also enjoys wildlife.
Once everything was planned and my trip was ready to go, I couldn’t speak highly enough about ACE. The information provided to me about the project I had chosen was really straightforward and accurate. In no way did I feel like the wool was being pulled over my eyes.
ACE handle pretty much everything for you! The only things you have to manage yourself are packing your own bag and getting yourself to Johannesburg, South Africa.
The major thing that I want to mention is that during my stay at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, I had a medical emergency (unrelated to the volunteer work). The volunteer coordinator for Moholoholo had to take me to the emergency room, where I stayed for two nights and had minor surgery. While I was staying in the hospital, the communication between ACE and Moholoholo made my life endlessly easier.
The in-country ACE team were in touch with me throughout my hospital stay, going over the potential future options I had, as well as keeping Moholoholo's team in the loop. One staff member from Moholoholo was back the next morning after dropping me off, and he had returned with a full bag of my stuff so I could be comfortable with my belongings (phone charger/headphones, etc.) while I was in hospital. I had nothing to worry about regarding my trip.
I was able to focus completely on my health while the doctors handled my medical issue. It’s also worth saying that the hospital near Moholoholo is amazing. It's a brand new private hospital, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about if something happens and you need to visit.
Despite my medical emergency, I ended up going back to the conservation project to complete my incredible trip, which was only possible because of the support I received in-country.
The only advice I would have for future volunteers is to take out some South African Rand at the international airport when you arrive so you always have enough cash to do the fun excursions available on Sundays.
Feeling inspired by Lucas Sutton's experience?
Learn more about our Sabbaticals & Career Breaks or Wildlife Travel Experiences
Stories, tips, recommendations – they’re the glue that binds our community together. So if you’re planning your trip, why not hear what previous travellers have to say?
