WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERING: THE RED FLAGS MOST PEOPLE MISS
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The call I had with a conservation consultant from African Conservation Experience (ACE) was really helpful and made the process feel much more comfortable. It meant that I knew I was signing up for an experience I wanted, and every question I had was answered. The ACE team member I spoke with offered some great insights into the different projects and directed me to the projects which were providing exactly what I was hoping for. I spent one week on the Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience, followed by one week on the Phinda Wildlife Research Project.
Learning how to track the various animals at Vikela was fascinating!
From analysing the various animal droppings to knowing each and every footprint, the lead guide had incredible knowledge and was a very good teacher. He showed us the key things to look for when tracking certain animals, and managed to locate a black rhino, so we knew he wasn't making it up as he went along!
My favourite memory of my entire trip was on the Vikela project, where we were helping the vet in treating an injured rhino calf in the field. It was simply surreal and an experience I never imagined, but definitely something that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
My favourite work was definitely at Phinda, where we were conducting a pitfall trapping survey, basically analysing the potential food sources for pangolin in the area.
The science behind it was fascinating, and it felt great to actually be helping the lead researcher.
The in-country support was incredible. Any and all questions I had were answered immediately, and I always felt safe, which was important to me given that I was travelling alone for the first time. When I asked about potentially adding on additional projects and altering my travel plans after finishing my time on the arranged projects, ACE were very accommodating, patient and quickly informed me of the options! They honestly couldn't have been more helpful and made the trip far more relaxing.
I would tell anyone who is nervous that they should just do it. I had never done anything remotely like this before and am so glad I just went for it. Any troubles, no matter how small, were quickly dealt with, and all the staff were extremely friendly.
This was the best trip of my life and I can't wait to go back!
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