Volunteer Programs in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to complete one week at the Phinda Wildlife Research Project with African Conservation Experience (ACE). I took a sabbatical from work and I wanted to immerse myself in a completely new experience with the opportunity to help out in the conservation world. The primary reason I chose ACE out of the many other programs available was the focused nature of ACE on wildlife conservation and working directly with conservationists. From the moment I connected with ACE, I knew this was the right fit. Between the consultative nature of the team to help place me in the right project and the top-notch customer service that the team answered all my questions, I felt very comfortable. The pre-departure packet in particular, was extremely helpful. Having everything handled from arrival to departure allowed me to fully be part of the experience. Being on-site at Phinda was amazing. It was the perfect balance of being well programmed but open enough for any last-minute adventures too. I particularly loved the hands-on experience, it was amazing! It was nice to have a group of other volunteers in the house to compare notes with and spend time with too. Our staff at Phinda were phenomenal! I would absolutely recommend this to others and am considering doing another trip myself! This was a life-changing trip for me. From connecting with my housemates on the project, to doing something totally different. I've already started taking some classes in my spare time that focus on various aspects of conservation. I'm not sure where it will lead yet, but I know this will go down as an experience that left a true impact on my life. I hope that I was able to give Phinda just a fraction (at least) of what I got from this experience. Thank you to the whole team at Phinda and at ACE. I truly appreciate you!

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.

Cheetahs chasing down an impala, wild dogs feasting on a fresh kill, hundreds of elephants crossing a river… I really got to see it all! After four unforgettable, action-packed weeks and three amazing projects with African Conservation Experience (ACE), I’ve come home with incredible memories and a much deeper understanding of conservation in Southern Africa. My journey began at the Phinda Wildlife Research Project, where I had so many special experiences. The highlight for me was witnessing three cheetahs, two brothers and a male, take down an impala. We watched the whole thing unfold, from the moment they began to chase it to the kill and eating it afterwards. Phinda reserve is also home to a number of pangolins that have been rescued from the black market. During their first few weeks of release, the research team tracks their movement to make sure that they are doing well. During my time at the project, I was lucky enough to help locate one of these pangolins to replace a tracking device that had fallen off. Knowing that pangolins are one of the most trafficked animals in the world, it felt amazing to play a small part in their protection. Another unforgettable experience was taking part in a rhino horn trimming, a procedure that is done every few years to reduce the risk of poaching. In the morning, I got to speak with the wildlife veterinarian, and they explained how the horn trimming would go ahead. A group of us helped locate the rhino from the ground, whilst overhead, the vet sat in a helicopter ready to dart and immobilise the rhino. Standing beside the sedated rhino as the procedure took place was a deeply humbling experience and a once in a lifetime moment which I’ll never forget! I loved the team that I was with and we had a great ecological monitor working with us, but whilst I was sad to leave, I also felt very excited to go to my next project, the Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience. At Vikela, one of the highlights was tracking rhinos on foot through the bush. We also saw wild dogs, and got to see a cheetah hunt an impala again, but this time the impala was too fast and it got away! What struck me most was the difference between Phinda and Vikela. Phinda is a fenced reserve of around 30,000 hectares, which is already a massive area. But then you have Vikela which is situated in the Greater Kruger, adjacent to the Kruger National Park: together the Greater Kruger and the Kruger make up 20 million hectares of interconnected, unfenced, protected wildlife area. I felt that because of this, the wildlife at Vikela was less habituated to seeing humans, and this gave me a good sense of being off the beaten track. My third and final project was the Okavango Wilderness Project in Botswana. We did a lot of tracking and our guides were extremely knowledgeable, showing us how to read animal tracks and teaching us about the different wildlife and trees in the area. I also got to learn about how the data that we collect is passed onto the Botswanan government to help inform management decisions - this gave real meaning to the work that we carried out. My favourite part of this project was definitely the weekends of remote camping near the Kwai River, which was such a cool and unique experience. On our way to the remote campsite, we came across some wild dogs eating a fresh impala, only to see a hyena rush in moments later and steal the meal! A few hours later, we reached the Kwai River and saw hundreds of elephants crossing. It was a crazy day that I will never forget! Visiting all three projects was an extremely worthwhile experience. I got to understand the differences between all three settings on a deeper level, from Phinda’s well-managed and fenced reserve, to the vastness of the Greater Kruger, to the remote expanses of the Okavango. The whole experience was extremely educational, and I gained a much better understanding of the roles that tourism, funding, and even hunting play in conservation. Conservation is difficult and complicated, but this trip showed me that there is a lot of hope. I’m already missing the adventure, the sounds of the wildlife, and the amazing teams I met along the way. I’ll definitely be returning as a volunteer with ACE, that’s for sure.

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!

Given that I’ve never written a review before, this really means something! If you’re scrolling through the testimonials from travellers of African Conservation Experience (ACE), wondering whether they are trustworthy and whether your time and effort will truly make a difference, I was in the exact same position just a few months ago. Like you, I researched various organisations and volunteering projects, hoping to make the right decision. And now, having experienced it first-hand, I can confidently say you don’t need to look any further! If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation in southern Africa and want to be part of a project that has a genuine, lasting impact, reach out to ACE. The ACE team is incredibly helpful in guiding you to the right project based on your interests and expectations. Through a personal consultation with ACE, I chose to join the Phinda Wildlife Research Project, where I spent two incredible weeks. Phinda focusses on the protection of a variety of animals (including lions, elephants and rhinos) within their large private reserve. The physical and financial support volunteers provide helps the research team to continue to manage the wildlife so successfully. Coming from a job where I sit in an office all day in Switzerland, the contrast in environment and work was nothing short of breathtaking. Seeing first-hand how dedicated and passionate the qualified conservationists on the ground are, and how much their work truly matters, was an experience I will never forget. Rather than saying more, I’ll leave you with a few pictures, because some experiences speak for themselves!

It has been a fantastic two weeks at Phinda Wildlife Research Project. I have seen so many different animals - everything I was hoping to see, all of the Big Five and many more! I've done a couple of safaris before and this completely exceeded expectations in terms of being a really unique and different experience. I was able to get up close and personal with the animals. I stepped off the beaten track and was exposed to the work the rangers do. It makes you feel like you're making a real impact and supporting really important conservation work. It is clear there is a lot of cost involved in running a successful reserve like Phinda. The money I pay to volunteer is clearly going towards the reserve and it is satisfying seeing it being run so well. The work the rangers do day in and day out is really valuable. The fact that you're able to support them and actually have a genuine role where you're doing tasks which are going to benefit them is really rewarding. Each day is different - you get a general idea of what you will be doing but Phinda can't guarantee activities as it depends on reserve management. But that also means you can get the opportunity to do things you weren't expecting! A typical day is waking up quite early and doing two monitoring drives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This includes recording where animals are located, are they healthy and in good condition, making sure their tags are working etc. It is a fantastic game viewing opportunity but it is so much more impactful than a safari. I even saw a pangolin which was so special! I was very lucky - I started my week working on black and white rhino translocation. I was able to see these animals up close by supporting the rhino whilst the vet’s did a health check, and helped them in monitoring each rhino they worked on. It wasn't just about this one animal but helping contribute towards the wider management of the reserve and the wider management of the species. It was my favourite experience on the trip and was really unique and special! We also helped the professional vet in treating an injured cheetah - being so close to a top predator like this was such an extraordinary experience. I have been following African Conservation Experience (ACE) for about six years but had to wait for the right time between work and university to book a trip. Eventually I found the perfect gap and jumped at the opportunity and ACE made it so easy. I called up ACE and instantly they said “you can start next week or in two weeks time, we will be able to accommodate your requests and will handle all the in-country logistics. Someone will be there to meet you at the airport, help you, guide you through the check-in process and you'll have 24-hour support should anything go wrong”. It made everything so simple and so easy. All I had to do was just say yes, which made it a really good experience and you felt much more relaxed about the whole thing and reassured throughout.

My two weeks at Phinda Wildlife Research Project were amazing. The project staff and other volunteers were incredible and I loved seeing so many animals out in the field. It was fantastic! A typical day started quite early which can be an adjustment if you are a night owl like me, but it was so worth it. Most days we were carrying out game counts, checking the collars and tags of any animals that Phinda tracks in the reserve, like their Pangolins, and also using telemetry to track animals through the bush. One of the most exciting tracking experiences I had whilst at the project was with a male lion. He had recently been relocated to Phinda and they wanted to keep a close eye on him to see how he was adjusting to his new environment. We were also involved in some management work during my stay. One of the first things we did on day one was a rhino horn trimming! It was so interesting to learn about the process and being so close to the rhino whilst it was happening was incredible. We also helped with the relocation of one rhino which was another extraordinary experience. I saw such a variety of animals and ecosystems on the reserve. I was fortunate enough to see rhinos, elephants, lions, and cheetahs, and explore areas like the sand forest (a habitat that is only found in a few places around the world!) There's something for everyone at Phinda - whether you love birds, mammals, plants or ecosystems, you won’t be disappointed. I have participated in a few different conservation projects but this experience gave me a whole new level of education and involvement. I saw and learnt so much which I will be able to use in my future career. For example, telemetry was something I had never done before so it was great to learn about it - I think it’ll be something that I can use in my future field of study or work! I felt so involved in the research that was going on. I also met some incredible people on this experience. During our downtime we would be playing card games, and cooking meals together - we even had a few traditional South African braai’s with some of the researchers on the project. It was amazing to chat with them and learn more about South African culture!

I’ve always wanted to take a meaningful trip to Southern Africa. When I came across African Conservation Experience (ACE), I knew they were the right company for my adventure. When you first contact ACE, you will speak with a wonderful consultant who will talk to you about your goals so that they can help you choose the perfect project. They even connected me with a previous volunteer so that I could hear about their experience, which was incredibly helpful! Upon arrival in South Africa, you're greeted at the airport by an ACE representative and you get to meet other volunteers right away. I always felt supported and safe with ACE, and they were always available to answer any questions, no matter how small, both before and during my trip. The days at Phinda were filled with game drives and observing animals in their natural habitat. During my time at Phinda, I observed over 85 different species! There were giraffes, zebra, rhinos, elephants, lions, waterbuck, buffalo, geckos, and Nile crocodiles amongst so many others! Spotting big animals like rhinos and elephants sometimes was a challenge, however, that made it even more thrilling when one did appear. Our guide was a keen birder, and we identified over 40 bird species during my one-week stay, including a martial eagle and a malachite kingfisher. Even when spotting larger animals was proving difficult, we entertained ourselves by guessing bird weights. At Phinda, we also identified and recorded data on animals. I had the unforgettable experience of tracking a pangolin, which is one of the most elusive animals in Africa. I formed a great friendship with two other wonderful volunteers and we spent our downtime chatting and cooking together. We even had two braai’s (a South African style barbeque), adding to the fun. My time in South Africa was incredible, filled with amazing people and unforgettable animal encounters. Highlights included finding and following a pangolin at Phinda and seeing a Bateleur eagle in the wild! If you’re considering a project like this, go for it! Approach it with an open mind and a can-do attitude. Say “yes” and ask “how can I help?” to everything. You’ll feel the importance of your contribution and the difference you make. I loved every minute of my time in South Africa and am already planning to return for more projects!

I had an amazing experience volunteering for six weeks at the Phinda Wildlife Research Project with African Conservation Experience. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work closely with a variety of species in the field, including rhinos, cheetahs, and many other animals. This experience provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about conservation and reserve management from local professionals. Some highlights of my trip included participating in management activities such as a rhino horn trimming procedure (an effective anti-poaching strategy) and collaring a cheetah! My trip with ACE was very interesting, as it allowed me to learn about the different types of habitats at Phinda. I developed a new keen interest in the sand forests, and the frequent encounters with wildlife at Phinda were very special. Being able to contribute to conserving the habitats and lives of these animals was amazing. I highly recommend volunteering for this project and with ACE! I am looking forward to returning in the future.

The entire trip was fantastic with not a moment of negativity. From my first communications with the African Conservation Experience (ACE) team; they were responsive, clear, and detailed to make the travel arrangements stress-free. Upon arrival, our transfer from Johannesburg Airport to the partnered hotel was straightforward. We found the accommodations at the hotel to be very pleasant and clean, and the meals were tasty. We even met some of the other ACE travellers that night, which was enjoyable. ACE organised for us to do an excursion before our volunteer trip even started, where we got to see some of Johannesburg and the green spaces in the city, and it was a great way to start our conservation experience. It was interesting to see the reserve ecosystem so vibrant in the middle of urban sprawl. Our transfers from Johannesburg to the Phinda Wildlife Research Project were flawless. The flight from Johannesburg to Durban Airport was quick and easy. The road transfer from Durban might have been long but it was extremely interesting to see the South African countryside and the people along the way. The volunteer experience at Phinda was top-notch. The volunteer house was very comfortable, and the choice of food supplied was even better than we thought both in terms of variety and quantity. We have been to two other volunteer experiences previously which were not nearly as clean and comfortable as Phinda. It was amazing to have hot water, a nice private bathroom, air conditioning, and a daily housekeeper! That was not expected and greatly appreciated! Our twice-daily jeep excursions to monitor wildlife around the reserve led by the Phinda team were incredibly interesting and entertaining. The wildlife we consistently encountered was frequent and fascinating. We learned so much about the wildlife, habitat, and the ecosystem! We were able to participate in tracking the recently released cheetahs from Namibia, trim the horn of a rhino, and observe lion matings. All memorable experiences. As a keen photographer, I was able to get some brilliant footage throughout my time around the daily volunteer work. I definitely would have been happy to stay at Phinda as a volunteer for longer and was sad when our time there came to an end. I appreciated the enthusiasm of all the monitors, guides, staff and other ACE volunteers that we were lucky to meet. Just a tremendous experience! ACE was fantastic in coordinating our itinerary and transfers throughout our experience even organising everything for our next stop, &Beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas in Tanzania. Thank you for the great, great, great experience in South Africa and Tanzania and I would not hesitate to travel through the African Conservation Experience again. In fact, I’m looking at the Okavango Wilderness Project in Botswana as a possibility for next year. We hold ACE’s recommendations in high regard, and any chance to replicate our wonderful time at Phinda would be perfect!

No words can truly describe the experience I had at Phinda through ACE. My time in South Africa was nothing short of phenomenal! And I couldn’t have done it so smoothly without ACE. They were present every step of the way, from the moment I enquired about the project, until the very end, being sent off through security at the airport to return from Africa. The difference between ACE and all the other companies is that ACE is physically there with you on-site when you need it. A big shoutout to one of the ACE reps, Martin, who was amazing! He greeted me when I arrived at the airport, and escorted me to my next transfer — he was there to ensure that everything ran smoothly for me and I didn’t need to worry about a thing. He is extremely knowledgeable on African wildlife conservation and all the projects that ACE work with. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations I had with Martin and I learnt so much about African wildlife, the issues we’re facing, and what we can do to help. ACE works with truly ethical projects that are passionate about conserving the beautiful wildlife of Africa. My experience has left me with a yearning to do more, and I know I will be back!

After consulting with the ACE team, they suggested that I choose the Phinda Wildlife Research Project. This project offers a hands-on and behind-the-scenes look at conservation, which is a more insightful way to experience wildlife than being a guest on a safari. It also provides an opportunity to understand how this incredible wildlife is managed and protected, and the work that goes on around it. Every day at Phinda, we would start around 5:30 am. Once we got into the vehicle, the staff would give us a briefing on the day's purpose and the tasks that we would be doing on the drive. A big part of my job here was to track a particular cheetah that had recently been released and search for a pangolin that had moved burrow. We would also stop and record data for any priority wildlife, such as rhinos, along the way. Once we had completed our main objective, we would move on to other tasks. This allowed us to cover huge areas of the reserve, which was lovely. We would return to camp at around 10:00 am and spend a few hours relaxing due to the heat, before going out again around 4:30 pm. We would then return to camp around sunset or just after. Our days were varied, which made them exciting! Phinda’s wildlife is incredible, in just a week I saw: rhinos, rhino calves, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, elephants, lions, lots of different birds, crocodiles, buffalo, wildebeest, impalas, nyala, hyenas, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, warthogs, bush pig, genet, tortoise, monkeys, and baboons. There were so many more that I can't even remember them all! We even saw the elusive Pangolin on camera traps! I have two amazing memories from my time at Phinda. On my first evening, we were tracking elephants and we came across an enormous herd — there were so many of them. The male elephants were fighting in the bushes, and it was fascinating to see how they interacted with each other, and how this behaviour affected the herd. On our way back to the camp, after watching the elephants, it was dark and we spotted a leopard. Seeing a leopard is a rare sight, so we stopped to take a closer look. Leopards are usually skittish, but it stopped, and then walked closer to us and laid down. It was an incredible experience and a great way to start my trip. Volunteering at Phinda offers better value for money than being a safari guest. You get to be hands-on while also getting a better understanding of the animals and actively contributing to their conservation. I know many safari guests who returned to Phinda to volunteer, which speaks to the value of the experience. The living area at Phinda is lovely. There's a comfortable lounge, a spacious kitchen, and a veranda. It's set in a fenced-off area in the middle of the reserve, so during daylight hours you can wander around the garden and look out into the reserve and see some wildlife. You might even be surrounded by wildlife within the garden, such as nyala, impala, and warthogs all grazing. This was a beautiful sight and calming after an early morning of work. We also had a great time cooking for each other! Phinda provided loads of food, and even ordered fish in for me as I don't eat meat! I have learned a lot during my short stay at Phinda. For instance, I've come to appreciate the importance of balance in wildlife management, particularly in a reserve with a high wildlife density that's close to the local community. I now understand how they've managed to make it beneficial for both the conservation aspect and the communities that live here. Additionally, I gained a first-hand understanding of the amount of effort and time that goes into monitoring different species to ensure they remain healthy and genetically viable.

My time with African Conservation Experience surpassed my expectations in many ways. While I was volunteering in South Africa I gained many new ideas and experienced inspiration and encouragement to start working on some of my own projects. I am still getting energy from the countless fascinating moments working so closely with nature and wildlife. I was well taken care of by ACE and did not have to worry about anything. The ACE team were reachable for all questions before my trip and while I was volunteering. I was so impressed with how organised they were, from their transfers to the lovely welcome you receive when you touch down in-country. I volunteered at Phinda Wildlife Research Project. Phinda’s accommodations are beautiful, you are based in a camp in the middle of the wild. I can assure you, you will have a great time staying here. I loved watching the amazing sunrises while brushing my teeth in the morning and spotting animals around the camp during downtime. One night we even had lions next to our camp by the fence! I never got bored in the break between our drives through the bush. In our downtime, I got to explore the camp, research what I had learned during the day, or spend time socialising with the other volunteers. Meeting new people here was such a surprising benefit. It was great to see how different you can be from the other volunteers, but still have something in common that binds you all. I met really interesting people that I’m still in contact with to this day. The conservationists and professionals in the reserve were so friendly and open. They are very passionate about their mission and gladly share their knowledge. I asked a lot of questions, therefore, I learned a lot and got to understand exactly how I was helping. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, get an understanding of how things work, meet incredible people, get in touch with nature, and have breathtaking moments with the wildlife. As with everything in life, the experience is what you make of it. For me, it was a very inspirational time and I'm very thankful to ACE and hope to do it again soon.

I decided to volunteer with ACE to the Phinda Project to help me with my college course and to gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation. My time there was the most incredible six weeks filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and amazing people! It was truly unforgettable. During my time at Phinda, I was involved in contributing to ongoing research into the long-term effects of contraception on elephants. Each day we were tracking different elephant herds across the reserve using telemetry which received signals from the matriarch's radio collar. We would observe the elephant herds and once they had moved on, we collected samples of dung so that they could be tested. I also got to observe four elephant captures where the team changed radio collars and collected blood, hair and skin samples for genetic analysis. During my experience, I got to observe some of the management practices that occur at Phinda, including two black rhino horn trimmings. The procedures involved collecting skin, hair, and blood samples, and microchipping the rhino. Their health was also evaluated and any necessary treatments were administered. I was also lucky enough to watch a rhino calf receive his ear notches - which is done so that it can be identified in the future. Another management practice I was involved with, was the treatment of an injured male cheetah. The cheetah had broken a toe, which the vet decided they had to amputate. I got to witness the procedure and assisted with the weighing and measuring of the cheetah. It was truly a privilege to work with the amazing team at Phinda. They were so inspiring, dedicated and willing to share their knowledge with volunteers. It was amazing to experience wildlife conservation in action whilst being able to make a meaningful contribution. My fellow volunteers also made this experience so incredible, with memories that will last a lifetime. My time at Phinda was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with diverse experiences that enriched both my professional and personal growth. I am so grateful for the ACE team. They were there for me at every step of the trip. This gave me peace of mind as they took care of everything, from organising internal transfers to greeting me at the airport but also reassuring me and answering any questions I had!

I looked at many different providers and projects, and I felt that African Conservation Experience (ACE) worked with a small number of projects rather than offering opportunities worldwide. It felt like ACE knew Africa and really cared about projects that it worked with, which definitely turned out to be the case! My journey from application to arrival in the country was pretty swift because I switched to a new team in July and travelled in August. So it was only really a month from inquiring to arriving. I spoke to a member of ACE’s team and they were brilliant and really helpful. They answered every question I had. I think I spoke to them for about two hours in total about different projects. They clearly explained why they recommended them, and what my experience would be like. This gave me a lot of confidence to book. At Phinda I had so many incredible experiences, but the main highlight of my whole trip where I got to see a rhino capture and the trimming of its horn. For me, this was such a bittersweet moment because it's a reminder of the impact of poaching, that we have to remove the horn of such an iconic animal just to keep it safe. It was one of many influential lessons from my experience! I really wanted to work on a project that wasn't just about tourism, with a facade of conservation, and ACEs projects fulfilled what I was looking for. I can't recommend them and ACE highly enough.

I recently travelled with African Conservation Experience, where I volunteered at Phinda. My time at Phinda was absolutely incredible! I was truly blown away by the strong focus on conservation there, and I also got to see more wildlife than I could have ever imagined. I learnt how the whole ecosystem works together to support all of the wildlife that calls Phinda their home. It was unbelievably beautiful, just like the Garden of Eden - I did not expect it to be that lush and green. The experience of driving through this paradise in an open-top safari vehicle, with the chance encounters of elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, felt like a dream. Each day was such an adventure, you never knew what you would see around the next corner. Even though my time at Phinda lasted just a week, it was the perfect project for me. I was able to become quickly involved in the work while being exposed to so many different species. The sight of elephants, cheetahs, lions, rhinos, hippos, zebras, various antelope species, and even a pangolin was simply breathtaking. The birds at Phinda are also really impressive, with so many different species and colours! The reserve itself is also very diverse with rolling plains, hills, rivers, lakes, and forests. Phinda really has everything. There were so many highlights, but one of the standout moments was witnessing the relocation of a rhino. It was a huge team effort involving Phinda staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and even a helicopter. Watching the rhino being darted, blindfolded, and carefully moved to a new reserve was nothing short of amazing. Another special moment happened when I was relaxing at camp in the evening. I heard a noise so I walked over to the edge of camp, where I saw an elephant fully emerge swimming in the waterhole! He had his head fully underneath the water and was really enjoying himself. It was such a special moment for me, as it was just myself peacefully watching him, and I got to see a completely unique moment without disturbing the wildlife. My advice to anyone thinking of going to Phinda is just to go, it's a perfect perfect place.

First of all a big compliment to Terry Gouws and the service she provides, I have definitely never experienced such excellent service before. Thank you Terry!!! (I hope you get to see this). Thembe: The monitors were great and did their best to explain a lot to us, However, the bush was too thick to see much. We ended up triangulating lions for two weeks and only got one visual. The most exciting was the optional drives with Leo, the person responsible for the elephant monitoring in Tembe, he only showed us elephants and explained a lot about nature and Tembe. Manyoni: Open bush lots of game, just great and intresting,We got to see the wild dogs being released from the boma, afterwards we had the job of finding them in the morning and in the afternoon to see if they were ok. It was intresting to see them explore the area.However after another 7 days i was getting a little bored. Jabulani,the monitor did his best to show us other game and preditors on the wayto and from the dogs.

I arranged to travel to the Phinda Game Reserve with ACE for two weeks. Prior to the trip, ACE patiently took time to understand each volunteer's needs and preferences, before matching them with the most suitable program. It was eye-opening and provided a positively contrasting experience, especially for city dwellers such as myself as we managed to witness gorgeous sights and took a hands-on approach to helping wildlife species. Something I would've changed is to also hop on another experience besides the research-focused Phinda program so that there is something else to compare against to better understand what really suits oneself. Nevertheless, a meaningful two weeks well spent and I urge you all to give it a go at least once in your life.

I really had a very special time in South Africa. It exceeded even the highest expectations. I came there and felt so welcomed and home really quickly. Our group was so amazing and we all had so much fun together. Seeing all these wild animals for the first time was just breathtaking. I was not able to sleep during my first week, because I was so excited all the time. We had so many special moments with the animals and we were even able to join darting a lion, which was an incredible experience. My personal favourite was definitely seeing hyenas in the morning just walking towards our car. In general I felt very safe all the time and I always had the chance to contact Natucate via WhatsApp and got a response very quickly.