Conservation Travel Africa

Before I travelled, everything seemed fine and Jane answered all my questions and provided support. As penning my flights was cancelled the nightmare started. Jane wasn’t reacting, Calum neither. I got stuck and support hours later than needed. Ones in the project, I had to discover that there was no project. No research took place at all, just diving with a diving school without research tasks. Calum showed up to say hello days later and nearly only talked to volunteers drunk and in a manner that I felt uncomfortable. Asking about research and complaining only led to promises that never were held. What about the fours research acitivities? Nothing at all. Most days Calum did not show up at all or was so late that activities need to be cancelled. The dive school was great so I did an additional diving course. Overall, a lot of money spend for no research and a really cheap and old accommodation in the middle of nowhere and far from Tofo where it was supposed to be. None of the promised mosquito nets, no bathroom door, construction and volunteers being moved around. At spring tide, we even had to walk up to an hour to the dive school.

I knew volunteering at an animal conservation was going to be difficult and I knew I was going to walk away with some scratches and bruises (here’s looking at you, cutting down trees). I also knew it would be incredibly rewarding, and I was not wrong. [This project] was an experience that I shall never forget. The people in the community, the animals and the staff were all truly wonderful in every way. I was only at [this project] for a week and yet I got to experience so much! From being hands on with the rhinos and elephants and spending time with the local children, learning how to cook pumpkin leaves and shucking corn, to of course cleaning out the bomas. Every second was was exciting and meaningful, except all the hay, the hay was not exciting buuuuut important so I guess that makes it ok! I would and will recommend the [] volunteer program to anyone with not only a passion for animals but a passion for people as well. I look forward to one day returning to [this project] and will keep my beautiful memories with me forever.

If you have an interest in anti-poaching and learning, then this project is for you. It is unique, hands-on and so special. The location is seriously brilliant, and the rhino are so abundant on this reserve. It’s an awesome way to develop your understanding and skills. Les is the best teacher in the bush! Les is one of the greatest people I have met, he’s seen and done so much for wildlife that I feel really humbled to know him. The other volunteers were so kind and passionate and eager to learn, they will be friends of mine for a very long time to come. I loved the night time feeding of the rhino. We were literally surrounded by a crash of 20+ rhino. Their sounds and excitement over food was so unbelievable. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in the middle of such a large number of rhino, the anti-poaching unit took on the task of feeding these massive creatures with two volunteers in the back of their truck. It was a night to remember, so special.

This is my second time at this project and it certainly went above and beyond my expectations again. Last time I was here I spent 12 weeks, this time I only had 1 week. I was nervous that less time would mean less experiences, but I was so wrong. It was an unbelievable week. We had so many sightings and so many awesome moments, it was absolutely awesome. To see animals out in their natural habitat is seriously special, and to see so many rhinos was really uplifting. We had brilliant monitors, as always, and we have been left with so many stories. I really want to thank CTA for making this trip possible and of course this organisation for their tireless conservation efforts and contribution. Thank you for having me back!

This project gave me the opportunity to understand primates in a way I had never had the opportunity to before. We were able to get close to them, enjoy their behaviour, nurture their instincts and appreciate their intelligence. The whole team at this project wear their hearts on their sleeves, the love that they have for the animals under their care is humbling. I could not recommend this project more, the conservation they are doing for primates and all creatures is evident. I’m so proud to have been a part of it and cant wait to go back!