GVI, Ethical Impact: Wildlife Conservation Volunteer in South Africa

Stay for as long as you can, because once you're there, you won't want to leave again!

Be ready to learn a lot in a short time about and environment you might not know too much for now, but keep an open mind and ask questions! The staff love to share their knowledge about the bush and it shows your interest as well.

Also, don't underestimate South African Winter, it does get cold down there!

You usually have two drives a day - one Morning Drive from 5 or 5:30 to around 9:30, and one Afternoon Drive from 15/15:30 to around 19:30. It is an early start for people who are not used to it, but once you are out there and start spotting the wildlife, it is ALWAYS worth it! In between drives you have time to relax and socialize or sometimes volunteers will organize a little game or event.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, depending on the availability of the school, are community days, where you can visit a primary school and hold two different lectures on conservation and life-skill topics for the students.

One day a week, you are designated to base duty, meaning you will take care of the base and also get the chance to do some data handling.

This was not my first time abroad on a volunteering programme, so I was not all too nervous about it. To be honest, I was mostly scared of not getting my visa and not being let into the country ^^

I was also a bit apprehensive about meeting so many new people, but that turned out not to be a problem at all! Everyone there was really welcoming and super nice and even though all the volunteers came from different parts of the world and completely different age and social groups, we all had our common interest in wildlife to unite us.

My highlight is really hard to choose, as I had so many amazing experiences from wildlife encounters, to trip and meeting so many great new people. Wildlife-wise, I think it would be seeing Hyena cubs on our trip to the Kruger National Park, that was something I never expected to see and it blew my mind. But just meeting so many cool people who had such a passion for wildlife and were not only knowledgable but so willing to share that knowledge was just as wonderful!

As for low light, I can honestly say that the worst thing about my trip was leaving. I had fallen in love with that place and the people in it, and I would have stayed there for the rest of my life if possible. I think if you go into your time abroad with an open mind and heart, and are ready to work hard and put in the effort, you will make memories that truly do last a lifetime and as cheesy as it sounds, they will change you (for the better).

So go and experience some epic moments!

"Before I went to my program in Oxapampa, I wasn't very fond of spiders, but now I am". This is a simple quote, but one of the funniest things I've read!

I would go to Cusco, a city in southeastern Peru, to see the landscapes and immerse myself in the culture. Cusco is the capital city of the Inca people and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I want to trek the Andes and see Machu Picchu. I want to learn about the city and its history.

The theatrical society is a fun social group that anyone can join. I love the spirit and that it's used to make work-related events more light-hearted.

The right management is key to a successful company. It's important to hire managers with integrity and genuine care for their staff. This ensures trust in the team and the organization. When a company has good leaders, they develop great employees who become even better leaders. It's rare to find people in power who use their authority to do good. But it's not impossible.