Volunteer at a Rhino Orphanage in UNESCO World Heritage Site

I grew up in a family that loved animals, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to the natural world. I’ve always found rhinos adorable, but to actually see them up close, to work with them and play a part in their recovery… it was beyond anything I had ever imagined. One of my fondest memories was bottle-feeding milk to a younger rhino at the orphanage. To know that I was making a difference to her life was incredibly moving. What I loved the most was how I was made to feel like such a valuable member of the team. Before arriving, I worried that we would be treated like tourists, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. The staff were warm, welcoming, and treated us as part of the team. Whatever they did, we helped too. It was totally different from visiting a zoo or going on a safari. As a volunteer, you get really involved, not only in the fun stuff like feeding rhinos, but in all of the real, behind-the-scenes work that is necessary to care for orphaned rhinos. There was a lot of hard work, from cleaning up after the rhinos to unloading gigantic grass bales. There was only one day when I was physically unable to help with lifting the grass bales as they were too heavy for me, and I have had some back problems in the past, but the staff were extremely understanding and accommodating; they really could not have been any kinder. We learned so much during our stay, and even had some fascinating talks from the orphanage’s founder. It was great learning about every aspect of rhino rehabilitation, from how precise you have to be when preparing milk formula for the babies, to all of the extensive measures taken to reduce the risk of poaching. One day, the staff took us for a three-hour hike through the reserve surrounding the orphanage. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We spotted incredible wildlife, including a baby giraffe and, my favourite sighting, a baby rhino calf, only one month old, with its mum! This experience changed me. Working alongside such dedicated staff and being so close to the rhinos reinforced my connection to nature and deepened my respect for the remarkable people fighting to protect it. I really can’t thank the staff at the orphanage enough for everything that they do!

When I signed up with African Conservation Experience (ACE), I didn’t realise how profoundly my time spent volunteering would affect me. Leaving behind the scorching summer of the Midwest and a heatwave in France, I arrived in South Africa’s winter, dry, yellowed, and harsh. It’s exactly during this season that wildlife is most vulnerable, and that’s when I truly understood how important the work of the orphanage is. ACE placed me at the Golola Rhino Orphanage, a discreet but vital haven for orphaned rhinos. My days quickly filled with meaningful tasks: preparing food, feeding orphaned rhinos, and helping with their daily care. One of the most unforgettable moments was bottle-feeding a baby rhino for the first time! The bottle itself was nearly the length of my forearm, and it required patience, gentleness, and precision. That simple act carried a profound sense of connection and responsibility. I also witnessed the rescue of a baby rhino who arrived dehydrated and with a fractured leg. Watching the veterinary team, led by Dr. Pierre Webster, act so swiftly and skillfully was both humbling and inspiring. It showed me the dedication and expertise required to give these animals a second chance. What struck me most was how much rhinos matter to the entire ecosystem. They’re not just majestic creatures - they’re gardeners of the savanna, dispersing seeds, creating paths, and shaping habitats for countless other species. Protecting them means protecting biodiversity itself. Volunteering through ACE gave me the opportunity to not only care for these incredible animals but also to understand the bigger picture of conservation. The experience was challenging, moving, and deeply rewarding. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and admiration for everyone who works tirelessly to ensure rhinos have a future. I would wholeheartedly recommend ACE to anyone considering conservation volunteering. It is life-changing to know that, in some small way, you’ve been part of protecting a species and preserving an ecosystem.

The first time I saw a baby rhino at the Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre approach the boma gate, her eyes locked straight onto the milk bottle I was holding, one I’d just helped freshly prepare. She stomped gently towards me, her small feet thudding softly against the dusty ground. It was a moment I’ll never forget - because in that instant, I knew I was part of a team working tirelessly to give her a future. What struck me most was the level of care and precision that goes into every detail to help these little rhinos survive, and I contributed to that. From preparing the right milk formula to monitoring the animals’ progress day by day, every action matters. Being able to meet people on the ground who live and breathe this work was inspiring. I spoke with team members who’ve collaborated with scientists, conservationists, even nuclear physicists on anti-poaching technology, but what stood out most was their humility; they weren’t in it for recognition. They were in it for the rhinos. Every action was based on research and compassion... this isn’t just a job - it’s a mission. One of my most memorable moments at the project was observing the vet team as they carefully fitted a new custom cast for one of the rhinos recovering from a leg injury due to a lion attack. They explained each step with such patience and knowledge, making me realise that conservation isn’t always glamorous, but it is deeply meaningful. It was a rare privilege, something I had quietly hoped for but didn’t expect. That moment made everything feel more impactful. It went beyond your daily tasks like prepping pellets, which are, of course, important, but seeing the bigger picture made everything click. It makes you realise that the money that I spent on this trip is actually going towards helping, and that’s the kind of transparency and purpose you hope for. When you support a project like this, you want to know it’s making a difference - and here, you can see it with your own eyes. When at the project, one of the things that surprised me most was the scale of the work. You think of an orphanage and imagine tiny babies, but you start your morning feeding rhinos that are like towering creatures that feel more like something out of a dream. Even after a long-haul flight, I felt lucky just to be there. To stand that close, in their presence, doing something that actually matters. That’s a kind of joy that’s hard to explain. Even when you have to wake up at 6:00am in the morning… you don't care because it's another day that you get to feed a rhino. And sure, some moments are uncomfortable. You’re down in the dirt, sweeping up leaves, cleaning enclosures, sweating in the sun, but every single task contributes to their wellbeing. These animals have already lost so much and they deserve a safe, clean, quiet place to recover. It’s not about selfies or cuddles. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. This trip really opened my eyes to conservation. If I had to tell people about what I had learned during my trip, I would say ethics is so important. Look past the glossy photos and ask questions, and do your research. The focus should always be on the animals and their welfare. At Golola, they approach it in the right way. They are very clear, they want these little orphans to have a future in the wild, which means there are rules to follow. That is how I knew they were a genuine conservation project. This is what real conservation looks like. It’s measured, it’s careful, and it’s deeply respectful. One of the biggest things I learned is how important it is to choose a project that truly aligns with your values. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, everything just feels easier and so much more rewarding, too. African Conservation Experience (ACE) really helped me figure that out. During my consultation, I initially thought I’d go for an experience focused on big cats - but after talking about my background fostering kittens and my natural nurturing instinct, they suggested something more hands-on with vulnerable animals, one where I could really make a difference. They listened and guided me toward a project that truly matched who I am. I feel lucky, I feel happy, I feel like this is what I'm meant to be doing and where I'm meant to be at the right place at the right time in my life. This trip meant everything to me. It didn’t just teach me about rhinos; it taught me about myself, about what really matters. These animals are facing extinction. That’s the real urgency needed. In witnessing that, I’ve realised there’s so much more to life - and that each of us really can make a difference.