Sam Ahmad

Most of the reviews and traveller stories you'll find on this page are written by the volunteers and travellers themselves. But occasionally we receive a message that reminds us just how much an African Conservation Experience (ACE) experience means to the families waiting at home.

This is one of those messages. Written by Sam, the mother of ACE volunteer, Tristan Bogler, it offers what it feels like to watch your child take their first solo trip, far from home, for five weeks, across three African projects. Below Sam writes of the reassurance she felt knowing the ACE team were looking out for him throughout his entire experience.

Dear ACE Team,

I have been following how thoughtfully and regularly you have been checking in on Tristan by email during his time with ACE. I am so grateful for that. I had asked the consultant in the UK if ACE could contact him because of his age and that this was his first solo trip away from home - and such a long one. But these days not everyone does what they say they will and it was lovely and very reassuring for us that you kept an eye on him - and I know your messages meant a lot to Tristan. Thank you. 

We have talked to him almost daily on WhatsApp and he has sent videos and photographs of the marvellous experiences he has had with the animals and with the staff and guides. While I don't want the experience to end for him knowing how much he is getting from it - and I feel rather sad that the time has flown we are very excited to have him home to hear all about it.

Thank you for all the guidance and the care you and all at ACE have shown Tristan - and for the opportunities given to him. We are truly grateful and are already telling others about your organisation. I have a strong feeling he will be back with you in the near future.

Kind regards,

Sam