Lydia Cartwright

I have always dreamed of coming to Africa and working with animals since I was very little. I came across African Conservation Experience (ACE) last year when I had just finished my final year at school and knew that this was my next step. After booking a call and then proceeding to talk the ACE consultant’s ear off about what I wanted to do and how much this trip means for me, they put together the perfect five-week itinerary. 

The ACE team were incredible at making this trip go so smoothly. As a first-time solo traveller, my nerves were through the roof, but as soon as I met with the team in the airport, every worry I had went away!

I first volunteered at Golola Rhino Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre where I did more than just care for rhinos. From feeding to cleaning to monitoring and also assisting in vet work, the whole experience was magical. By the end of it, I knew all the rhinos by name and loved keeping a close eye on their behavioural changes.

Seeing how hard and determined the team were to care for these animals was amazing. The project staff worked so well together and instantly made me feel comfortable and part of the team. From early mornings to late nights, their constant love for the rhinos was clear to see.

I was also present when a new calf arrived at the centre, which showed me that to the project staff it isn’t just a job, they have so much love to give these animals to help them and ensure they can live a full life. 

Hearing the stories from the owner on how the orphanage first began and the work he has put into the process of caring for these animals was inspiring. Since I have left, I have been sent updates on the rhinos, which has been so special.

The second place I volunteered at was Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Again, I was instantly made comfortable by the volunteer coordinator who greeted me at the gate and built amazing connections with the rest of the team and other volunteers. 

The team worked closely and carefully with animals going through the rehabilitation process to ensure they could get them back to good health and ready for re-release into the wild. Getting to have a tour around Moholoholo with the manager while they explained each of the animals’ stories and journeys was lovely, and you could really see their love for all of them. Also, getting shown the clinic animals by the staff who work closely with them highlighted the time and effort they put into them to ensure they can be released and continue their life in their natural habitat. 

Moholoholo was filled with amazing opportunities, from cleaning and feeding the birds, doing enrichment activities to keep the animals’ brains stimulated, feeding the big cats, to watching a vulture restaurant happen right in front of me. It was also incredible seeing the passion the staff had for the birds and getting to watch and take part in the care of the rehabilitation animals.

Speaking to other staff members about their roles was fascinating. Seeing the amount of behind-the-scenes roles it takes to run a rehabilitation centre was fascinating. For instance, even being able to help with the cutting of meat and feeding of the resident vultures was a great experience. The passion this team had for the animals was immense and so lovely to see.

Then finally, the last place I volunteered at was Phinda Wildlife Research Project. Here I learnt completely new skills, as this was all revolved around wildlife monitoring and management work. You could see the careful ways they monitored their wildlife to ensure they were healthy and safe but still living in their natural way. The research team worked so well together to keep track of the animals on the reserve. 

I learnt the different ways they identify the animals, getting the constant opportunity to do it myself with the help of the team. From the first day, I was instantly made comfortable by my ecological monitors, who I spent my time with. I got to learn about their important role in the reserve, and just by speaking to them and spending the days with them, you could see how much they cared for all animals. They were able to notice the smallest of differences in the wildlife to know if something was wrong. 

I got to help out with bird ringing, which was incredible to see the amount of different species of birds they have on the reserve. I learnt how to track pangolins, monitor their behaviour and was even lucky enough to see two. I also helped out with anti-poaching work, by getting involved in two rhino horn trims! Hearing about the knowledge and research the team have put into keeping the rhinos as safe as possible, while getting to watch and take part in the carefully organised process, was incredible.

I could go on and on about my time in South Africa working with these incredible projects. A lifelong dream turned into reality and became so much more. The responsibility I was given at each project, being able to work up close and learn new things about the animals, was amazing. Seeing the big five from babies to adults and many other animals was everything I could have hoped to see!

By day two of my trip, I knew that this was more than just volunteering for me. This was the start of an incredible career. I fell totally in love with the country, the animals, the people and the work. I never wanted my trip to end, but for me this is just the beginning! 

Thank you to the South African ACE team who saw me through my journey in South Africa and all the projects, for giving me such a wonderful, life-changing experience. Seeing the amount of effort put into the care for wildlife was such an incredible thing. I couldn’t recommend ACE enough; they were totally incredible and found the perfect projects for me. Even though it was hard work, with some days harder than others, early mornings, late nights, and having to be ready for unexpected changes to plans, it was so rewarding, and I cannot wait to be back. My heart is full!