Go Behind the Scenes at a Big 5 Wildlife Reserve

I booked this trip as a graduation gift for my daughter, Megan. She had never been to Africa before, and I wanted her first experience to be something meaningful. We wanted the chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat, get involved in hands-on work, and most importantly, give back to a worthwhile cause. The African Conservation Experience team organised for us to join the team at Phinda Wildlife Research Project, and it turned out to be everything that we hoped for and more. What really stood out about ACE was the variety of projects that we could join and the focus on real conservation work. From our very first call with the team, it was obvious that this wasn’t going to be anything like a typical safari experience. ACE offers something much deeper - the chance to actively take part in genuine, impactful wildlife conservation work alongside professionals in the field. We also felt reassured by what ACE doesn’t offer. Whilst we were planning our trip, we came across other organisations promoting experiences like lion or cheetah cub petting. Megan did some research and discovered how unethical those activities are. It was a relief to find out that ACE not only refuses to support these unethical practices, but also helps travellers understand why they’re harmful. On our first day at the Phinda reserve, we were lucky enough to assist with a rhino horn trimming. Watching the wildlife vet dart the rhino from a helicopter and then seeing the procedure up close was an incredible experience. A pretty good first day! We also had the pleasure of seeing lots of big cats. Cheetahs have always been Megan’s favourite animal, and she was thrilled when we got to see a coalition of three males, three days in a row! We also got to see a mum and her cub, another exciting moment. Another day, we were driving through a forested part of the reserve, and as we rounded a corner on the dirt path, we came across a pride of lions, sitting just metres away! I was surprised at how much wildlife we got to see; it was constant. Every day brought something new… From spotted hyena cubs coming to sniff our car to waking up early in the morning to search for pangolins and finding one! One of the most interesting things for me was seeing how technology is used to help track wildlife. Our ecological monitor showed us how to use an infrared drone to track down rhinos - we found several white rhinos, but the black rhinos proved more elusive! We also got to learn more about the history of Phinda and all of the research being carried out at the reserve. It was a very informative experience. Travelling like this opens your eyes. It gives you a new perspective on the world and the challenges faced by conservationists every day. We could have stayed in a lodge and done a traditional safari, but this was something entirely different. To get hands-on, to see behind the scenes, and understand the struggles and successes of conservation work is invaluable. I would absolutely come back to help again.

There are some trips you just can't explain. There's a pull from your roots. An emotional cord that is being played. I had to go home. Back home to Africa. I was born in South Africa, we emigrated when I was very young. Despite this, I never lost my connection to home. Memories of the deep orange sunsets and the cry of the hadida reminded me of the life I once had. I decided to book a trip to Phinda Wildlife Research Project for three weeks. And it changed my life. Getting into the nitty gritty of conservation and hearing different perspectives and opinions - you realise just how challenging conservation is. There is no roadmap that has all the answers. It's trial and error and grit and determination. I wanted to come home and this was one of the ways that I could do it. If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then this is what you do. It doesn't involve fancy hotels and lodges, but you will be driving around in a beautiful reserve, and you will get your hands dirty and feel what it feels like to be in the presence of these animals that are in their own habitat. The moment that changed everything for me was meeting one specific elephant at Phinda. He's quite unique in his behaviour, and I just fell in love with him straight away. It was amazing to be on the same path that he’s walked on for 40 years. His majestic walk and the way he moves within his surroundings was mesmerising. This is a wild animal in its prime. It was amazing that I could share his environment and contribute to keeping him safe. Each day has brought a routine and a sense of peace but is different in its activities and sightings. I've seen and experienced so much - it's hard to put into words so others can understand what it's like. I’ve watched how amazing drones can be in day-to-day conservation, and I've seen rhino horn trimming and translocations of rhinos. I've witnessed a cheetah being treated. The list goes on! I feel inspired and empowered. I feel connected to the project and everything they do. I feel the need to do more, learn more. Maybe this is the start of a new direction for me. I really don't know. What I do know is I am so thankful I signed up for this trip. The African Conservation Experience team has been amazing. Who knows, maybe I will find myself wearing the ACE volunteer shirt again in the future!

I can't explain it; there is just something magical about the Phinda Wildlife Research Project. I arrived and connected with the landscape immediately. It was a busy 2 weeks at Phinda - each day brought something different and interesting. Given my veterinary background, I could see the impact their efforts were having. There is a strong ethos of concern for animal welfare, and it meant a great deal to be witness to that. During my stay, the work was particularly rhino-focused. From x-raying a rhino toe, to rhino horn trimming and rhino translocations - I really got to see and understand these charismatic creatures. Having the privilege of witnessing all these procedures and activities, you come to appreciate the individuality of each animal. Their own personalities and responses are reflected in their reaction to events unfolding around them. I particularly connected to the sand forest at Phinda. Its beauty and uniqueness captivated my interest as soon as we arrived. I connected with something bigger than myself. No matter how one describes a project and its landscapes, you cannot prepare yourself for your reactions and responses. My connection was instantaneous. A particularly memorable moment was watching a battle between a skink and a snake. It just highlighted the rawness of nature. It went on for ages - we moved on before we could identify the winner. But that fight for life will stay with me for ages to come. As a seasoned traveller, I appreciated that African Conservation Experience (ACE) could handle all the logistics for me. I had been to South Africa before and wished I had this level of assistance then! From the prompt responses to my emails to the logistical update emails and just the friendly check-in emails, at each step, ACE had a professional team member at the helm. Africa holds a special place in my heart. I can't wait to come back. I already have an idea of which projects I would like to visit next… but Phinda will be the first project I come back to. I cannot recommend travelling to Africa enough. Pick up the phone and take the leap. You will find yourself on an adventure of a lifetime!