African Conservation Experience

If I had to sum up my experience at the Okavango Wilderness Project in one word it would be “monate”, which, coincidentally, is one of the only two words in Setswana I managed to learn in my two weeks there. It roughly translates to “good” in English, which might sound a bit anticlimactic, but the kind of “good” you'd use for a good day, a good meal or a good life. And I find that quite fitting. Botswana had been on my bucket list for quite a long time, especially after my time in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, which made me fall more in love with Africa and its breathtaking nature each time. The Okavango Delta, specifically, was one of those destinations I had kept in my list of “places to visit before I die”. I didn’t want to see it from an outsider’s perspective however, I wanted to experience it from an active conservation perspective and see it through the eyes of the people who call it their home. Finding a project which ticked all my boxes seemed like quite a difficult search, but African Conservation Experience offered me exactly that. They took the time to answer each and every one of my questions (before, during and after my trip) with patience, and believe me, it took a lot of kindness and care. They ensured my experience was smooth and hassle-free each step of the way, from my first enquiry to my check-in at Johannesburg airport after my experience, when I was feeling absolutely miserable because I was going back home. Whoever knows me also knows that two weeks in a bush camp with minimal facilities would be a challenge, but I was up for it. It actually made the experience even more memorable. The hecticness and chaos of ordinary life was shut down, and we were free to enjoy and truly experience our surroundings. And if I survived it (and loved it), believe me, anyone can. The transect we went on each day actually fed data to a government database, as Dr. Christiaan Winterbach, in charge of the research project, took the time to explain to us. With so many variables simultaneously interacting and impacting the wellbeing of the Delta, of its wildlife and of its people, this monitoring becomes a vital activity. Knowing that by participating, you actively support such an endeavour gives you peace of mind. You get to enjoy the beauty of the Delta while also giving something back. While we were going on daily game drives, each one with new, marvellous sightings, we knew we were actively contributing to wildlife management in the Delta. I’ll forever remember the sunsets, the sense of freedom and complete contentment as the jeep drove on the bumpy roads of Botswana, the sense of awe and surprise each sighting brought. From the majestic elephants trumpeting at us to the colourful and graceful lilac-breasted roller, from a lioness nursing her four cubs to a leopard crouched down in the shrubs waiting to hunt a group of impalas. This, in and of itself, would have already made the experience absolutely priceless. But what really made this experience exceptional for me was the people who shared these two weeks with me and the sense of community we managed to create, even over a short period of time. I’ll always be grateful to Okavango project staff, for their kindness and experience, and for making us feel like we were truly part of a team. The same goes for the volunteers who shared this experience with me. I’ll remember the endless laughter and the banter around the dinner table after a day of beautiful sightings. I’ll also remember the Setswana lessons, one of my fellow volunteer’s snoring covering the roars of lions and the hyenas’ calls at night, and our guides asking us to identify plants and trees while already knowing they would be met by general confusion. It really feels like I’ve just dreamt all of this. There was too much beauty and happiness contained over the course of two weeks for it to feel real. I can’t wait to go back, it’ll be a way of pinching myself, to make sure it wasn’t just a dream. In the meantime, all I can do is cherish all of the memories and nostalgically go through my photos from a wonderful two weeks at the Okavango Wilderness Project.

My volunteering experience with African Conservation Experience involved spending a month at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre as an intern on the Wildlife Rehabilitation Placement. As soon as I arrived, it was clear that Moholoholo is an amazing place filled with passionate staff who are all dedicated to helping wildlife. During my time on the project, I was able to learn new skills and techniques for animal care and husbandry. I had such a variety of experiences, not only through conversations with the staff, but also in the hands-on experience I was able to do as well. Whether it was how to hold an owl during routine medical examinations, proper procedures for quarantine and animal releases, or new and interesting enrichment activities for animals. Beyond the volunteering, I was lucky enough to have amazing experiences like watching a giraffe be released, vulture feedings, as well as making great memories with the staff and my fellow volunteers. The sanctuary is also located beneath a beautiful mountain that is never tiring to wake up to, in addition to being near a small town with plenty of shops. The time I spent volunteering at Moholoholo is one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences of my life. The work can be tiring, but for anyone and everyone who is interested in learning the correct and modern methods for wildlife conservation and care (or simply wishes to do work that directly helps wildlife), Moholoholo, with its knowledgeable and dedicated staff, is absolutely the best place to visit and volunteer.

My time with African Conservation Experience (ACE) has been an amazing three-week journey, spent alongside a very welcoming and highly skilled team who were always eager to share their knowledge of wildlife, conservation, and their beautiful country. Words are hard to find to describe such a unique experience. During my time at the Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience, I learned so much about wildlife veterinary medicine in the field. I also discovered what conservation truly means and involves. Some of the most thrilling moments were spent deep in the bush, taking part in wildlife captures and interventions. I will never forget the adrenaline of tracking and managing different species, from sables and kudus to rhinos and agile impalas, often working in tandem with a helicopter to herd and dart them across challenging terrain safely. The adventure didn't stop in the field. The weekends offered an incredible escape into some of the most magnificent, timeless landscapes I have ever seen. Spending time amongst the breathtaking, mystical cliffs of the Leshiba Wilderness and exploring the vast, untamed expanses of the Kruger National Park were absolute highlights that left me in complete awe of South Africa's natural beauty. I came home with new perspectives, valuable skills, and beautiful memories to last a lifetime. I am so grateful to the Shimongwe team and ACE for this unforgettable adventure, one that has been deeply enriching on both a professional and personal level. I already miss it, and I truly hope I will be able to go back soon!