Olivia Ralton

When I decided to travel solo to South Africa, I was very nervous at first. Travelling by myself was a completely foreign concept to me, and the idea of going to a country I had never been to before was pretty frightening. However, what made me feel ready for my experience was knowing I was in good hands. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was greeted with a warm welcome by African Conservation Experience (ACE). 

To say that Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre exceeded my expectations is an understatement. Not only were the staff and other volunteers easy to get along with, but I also felt supported in everything I did! Whether that was volunteer work at the project or just giving me advice on what they would recommend I do during my studies to be able to work with wildlife as a career in the future. For example, during my stay, every staff member and intern was kind enough to give up some of their time to let me ask them how they got to the position they are in today. 

On the first day at Moholoholo, I was assigned to a group with other volunteers. Each group focused on a range of animals that you got to care for by feeding and cleaning their enclosures. 

They were also very considerate in making sure to include us on every opportunity where we volunteers could observe and learn! For example, whether that was pulling us aside individually to watch them feed bushbabies or letting us observe a procedure on a vulture in the vet clinic. Moholoholo also prioritised educating us volunteers on what the project's purpose is and why we are there. 

This program has made me feel even more motivated to go into the conservation field than ever before. 

After the first few moments in Moholoholo, I was certain that it was the perfect project to volunteer at! While they still make sure that each volunteer gets to participate with up close and hands-on experiences with the wildlife, they focus on making sure it is done ethically and prioritise the animals' needs above anything else. 

As I learned more about the project and each animal, I found myself growing more fond of the species I would have otherwise paid little attention to. It was the daily hands-on work with such a wide variety of animals that helped me feel a real connection with every one of them at the centre.

I loved it so much, and after a week, I found myself needing to come back! When I returned to Moholoholo, I was greeted with another warm welcome and even more opportunities to work with other wildlife! I cannot thank Moholoholo enough for the opportunity to do what I love.

After having such an amazing experience at Moholoholo, I thought that my expectations for any other new project would be hard to match. However, Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience did just that! 

The project leader truly was one of a kind. Every volunteer there would agree that the staff’s passion to conserve Kruger Park through anti-poaching really made our small group of volunteers feel valued and important through this mission. You can truly tell that they love what they do by always cracking up lighthearted jokes while taking the time to make sure we get to experience as much of South Africa’s wildlife in the bush as possible. 

Everyone at the project could see the guide’s love for animals, especially from the connection between him and his dog. This K9 was specially trained to track down poachers, which made this experience feel so much more authentic. 

While many times tourists encounter wildlife, it’s often through unethical situations, such as in small fenced reserves. Whereas for us, the wildlife we got so lucky to see felt so much more special knowing it was in this big open ecosystem where we were! Even some of them were found by the guide’s anti-poaching dog and partner in crime.

Getting to have these experiences is truly what I was hoping for when coming to South Africa! Also, what made the experience was sharing these experiences during dinner. The guide really made us all bond by having us all have meals in a homey setting and having us do the volunteer work collectively. For example, when we were going on our daily drive through the bush, we came across a tree in the middle of the trail. We then all worked as a group to cut the tree and move it aside. These volunteer experiences felt less like work and more like activities in themselves! 

I was excited to wake up every day to a beautiful view, smiling faces, and the certainty of knowing we would have numerous amazing wildlife encounters. The Vikela team not only made sure we felt safe in every encounter. The project not only made sure we felt safe in every encounter, but also took the time to explain each new animal sighting and behaviour, so we left feeling educated and with a deeper appreciation for the work the project does.

Therefore, if you’re planning on travelling to South Africa, going to Vikela is an experience you won’t want to miss!