What inspired you to go abroad?
I have an affinity with Africa, after visiting for the first time in 2014, I keep coming back! I'm from Australia and always wanted to travel the world. After my first big Euro to Africa trip, I wanted to travel again in a meaningful way.
Me in my element.
Why did you choose Conservation Travel Africa?
I had never had the chance to volunteer with primates before. I knew very little of them, other than the animal-human conflict that exists. I have a deep trust in Conservation Travel Africa and knew that any project with them would be ethical and genuine. It was the perfect combination.
What was your favorite part about Zimbabwe?
I love Zimbabwe, and had never been to Bulawayo before. It was so different to Harare or Wedza. I really enjoyed the Ndebele people and the new scenery! I took the bus from Harare to Bulawayo and LOVED seeing more of Zimbabwe.
Little vervet monkey.
What made your experience abroad unique?
The hands-on aspect of this project made it unique. I'm a little skeptical of hands-on experiences and the word conservation being combined. BUT, you can see the benefit of your time with these animals.
You see their personalities develop, their confidence soars, and they start to need you less and less. It's an incredible thing. These animals need you to nurture them and help their healing process begin. And once they recover, it's time for them to be wild again.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff was exceptional. The management was passionate beyond words. Their hearts were in the right place and deeply invested in their long term goals.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I stayed longer!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Up at 6:30 a.m., quick coffee while watching the baby monkeys play, and the bushbuck and ostrich eat. Then food preparation for all of the animals. Back for breakfast - toast and yogurt. Out for maintenance and cleaning up. Back for lunch. Bush walk in the afternoon with the young group of baboons, watching the sunset. Back for a hot shower and dinner. Falling asleep listening to the baboons playing.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoyed relaxing with a book in the house while watching the house animals enjoy their wonderful life.
They stole my heart
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
Wonderful. It was a full brick structure with tent sides. I loved how in touch with nature you felt. You could roll up the back wall and be completely immersed in the African bush. I loved the house animals. It was a functional house that felt so welcoming and homely.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Be prepared for the primates to take your hearts!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I feel like I understand the word conservation more—it's not just endangered and priority species, it's biodiversity and all wildlife that needs our help and protection.
Would you recommend Conservation Travel Africa to others? Why?
YES 110%. It's remarkable. It's hard to put the joy into words.
