Sam Ratnage

My love for Africa began at a young age. My mother made a conscious effort to teach my brother and I about different cultures, and Africa, particularly its wildlife and conservation, I found most inspiring.

Although my adult life followed a corporate path, when I had the opportunity to take a sabbatical, there was no question that I would spend it in Africa. I wanted to do something different, not just visit a safari park and take photographs, but contribute my time and effort, even in a small way, to preserve it for future generations. That’s when I came across African Conservation Experience (ACE). 

After speaking with one of their consultants about a possible four-week volunteering itinerary across three different locations, I jumped at the opportunity, as my questions were all answered to a great level of detail.

My first destination was Botswana, joining the Okavango Wilderness Project. This is where I spent a week with the research team surveying transects in the raw, uncommercialised wilderness. The project aims to monitor wildlife activity and record the animals present in specific areas. Regular monitoring over time helps biologists understand what is happening in the Delta, particularly outside national park boundaries, and how human and geographical factors affect wildlife. 

Two highlights stood out: wild camping for two nights in a remote area, where we could hear lions in the nearby distance during the night, both thrilling and unique. Then also having the opportunity to travel by mokoro (a traditional canoe trip), which offered a unique perspective of the birdlife and aquatic species in the Delta.

Next, I spent two weeks on the Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience located in the Greater Kruger area. This was a more hands-on experience, assisting the team with whatever was needed each day. Tasks ranged from bush clearing and repairing electric fences to helping retrieve a runaway buffalo that had crossed a cattle grid and was heading towards nearby communities. 

Finally, I spent a week at the Phinda Wildlife Research Project, which is carrying out vital conservation and management work to protect critically endangered species, including rhino and cheetah, directly in the field. We also assisted a vet with a cheetah suffering from mange (a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that strip away the insulating coat of the cheetah, leaving it more exposed) and helped set up camera traps around the reserve to monitor activity at night and in remote areas.

Overall, it was a fantastic month with ACE. I was grateful for the opportunity to contribute my time to support their impactful conservation projects across Africa. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to do more with their trip to Africa and assist with some great projects!