African Conservation Experience

Vikela, is ideal if you want to see animals in the wild and feel the adrenaline of tracking and observing them in their natural habitat. Both places offer unique and unforgettable experiences. If you’re thinking about it, don’t hesitate, it’s worth it! I visited the Vikela project first and everything about that place was incredible! Some people might imagine that coming to South Africa is all about going on a safari, however, the Vikela project offers you something so much deeper than that. We were driving around a national park whilst being actively involved in conservation. We tracked animals, monitored key species like rhinos, lions, elephants, and wild dogs, and recorded important details about their behaviour! One of the highlights of this project for me was seeing lions feeding on my birthday - what an unforgettable experience! We also saw baboons, wild dogs, rhinos grazing, and even lions on a hunt. It was incredible! Our days started early, at around 5:30am, with some breakfast and a meeting to discuss the day's tasks. Most mornings would begin with a game drive, to track and monitor rhinos and other wildlife. We would note down important details about them, such as whether they were male or female, adults or juveniles, their distance from us, and their behaviour. After returning to camp for some lunch, we would get involved in some more physical activities such as clearing invasive plants, fixing water points, or assisting other sections of the reserve. In the evenings we would often go on night drives to see nocturnal species. Another unforgettable experience was our bush sleepout! The project staff guided us to our location and I was expecting to feel a little uneasy as we were camping in the wild, but I didn’t feel this at all. They have so much knowledge and made the camp so safe. And all night long we listened to the sounds of lions, hyenas, and buffalo in the bush!

I knew the situation was bad for white rhinos but I didn't know how bad! My week at Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre taught me so much and I feel like I am leaving South Africa with so much knowledge to share. My daughter Manuela had been at Golola for a week before I joined her. After I arrived, we watched two documentaries and had several talks about the realities of rhino poaching. I cried - I was so emotional and I really love animals so it was hard to watch but I knew it was important to learn more. Each day we got up early and it was hard work. The staff at Golola work tirelessly every day, but always with a smile. The amount of love they have for the animals is unbelievable and I admire them. I made sure to tell the staff that I find it really important what they are doing. I even told them if I was younger and I didn't have kids or a husband, I would come and help for a year! Seeing the baby rhinos with their mum in the wild and then seeing the orphans alone hurt me as a mother. But seeing the orphans being loved and cared for by the staff was heartwarming. That is why I believe in the work Golola does. I want to go home and tell everyone about the work happening there, tell them to help and to come volunteer. You can see how much work it takes to take care of these animals and every person volunteering knew they were appreciated. The team always made sure we were okay and checked up on us. We had so many laughs - I made friends here and was so sad to leave! Golola is a real project - it isn't fake. It isn't a pet and pay place. Real work is happening. I am very connected to this project. As a mother, I have watched my daughter grow up to do incredible things. On this trip I got to work alongside her. We cleaned out the enclosures and dug mud baths. We prepared the milk and fed the baby rhinos. These are our special memories. My daughter grew up asking friends and family to donate money to worthy charities instead of buying her gifts. She works so hard to help injured animals at the animal clinic back home and now I got to do this with her. I was proud to be there with her. I was very nervous about travelling to South Africa. I was worried about small things like having time to eat before we travelled or where to meet the African Conservation Experience (ACE) person at the airport. But we got regular emails and updates from ACE and easy instructions on where to meet. Even at the end of our trip, we were met at the airport, taken for something to eat and talked about our experience. We then got help checking in for the flight home. The trip was well-planned and ACE was very helpful. I want to go back. I want to do another project with Golola next time. I want my family and friends to experience what we have experienced.

I was feeling disconnected and unmotivated… but after a quick online search and phone call I found myself spending a week at Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre. It was a life changing experience! It was also my first solo trip and impacted me in ways I was not expecting. The moment we arrived I saw a family of warthogs and that’s when it hit me - I really am in Africa! Throughout my stay, the staff's attention to small details meant so much. I was expecting a very simple, basic but functional room with the bare minimum… when in reality my room was beautiful. I found myself in accommodation that could rival a really nice hotel! The room had small thoughtful touches like flowers - it was such a warm welcome after such a long trip. I was worried that I would be a bit tired from the physical labour but the staff were incredible. Throughout the day they check in on you to make sure that you are okay and if you need anything. The staff were always, always, always, very adamant about me not overworking myself. They were super vocal about anything that you don't feel comfortable with, you just have to communicate with them. So never did I ever feel pressured. They made it so much fun. They work so hard without complaint - it inspires you. I woke up every morning with excitement, not wanting to miss a single second of the day! The work also helps you feel grounded. You can see just how much they appreciate you being there. Each day your efforts are making a difference. From the feeding and cleaning - all of it. You can see it, feel it. I never felt anything outside of just awe and wonder and happiness. I was hoping I would have a chance to really be in the moment and enjoy the fact that I was in this beautiful place surrounded by wildlife. I have always wanted to experience wildlife in its natural environment, being able to display natural behavior. And I could. For me, the memory that really pulls at my soul is feeding little Binti (an orphaned critically endangered black rhino). If you had said to me that I would have been able to make this memory, I wouldn't have believed you. When I read the project description and services African Conservation Experience (ACE) advertised on the website I was skeptical. All of this? Really? You made me eat my words. You ticked every box. From helping me choose the right project, to the logistics and just supporting me… the quality of the ACE service was beyond what I expected. You answered all my emails promptly. I was met at the airport and made sure I had everything I needed. ACE kept in touch with me whilst I was at the project. I was never alone. I knew I was safe. This trip was incredible. So not only was I able to see so many animals, but to see all the natural landscape and the beauty of everything and rocks that are older than anything that you know, is just such a mind blowing experience. And it really has just ignited a new passion. Who knows what the future holds… I am inspired and excited about my future! I am in just a different place and mindset going home - and there is no price tag on this feeling.