Program Reviews

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!

Volunteering at the sanctuary was one of the most amazing things we have ever done! Rob and I had the best time with the wonderful staff, animals and other volunteers. We were so humbled by the impact that this organisation is making in the lives of the animals that enter their doors. The genuine love, care and ambition for a full rehabilitation was second to none. I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity and could not recommend this project more. For anyone passionate about wildlife care and rehabilitation, this is the place for you! Those baboons found their way into my heart - as did every special creature there.

This conservancy has so much heart. Every where you turn you are moved by this place. The Travers family are such dedicated wildlife conservationists, the staff are so passionate, the animals are so respected and protected. It is beyond heart-warming to be involved in the day-to-day aspects of conservancy. You work hard, you experience, and you walk away having grown and learned more than you could have imagined. This place gets under your skin, it becomes a part of who you are, and because of this, you will undoubtedly be back. The hardest thing I’ve had to do in my recent memory was leave this project, but I know it wasn’t goodbye, it was see you next time.

To learn from one of the best in the industry was nothing short of amazing. Les’ experience, knowledge and passion for anti-poaching was really inspirational. He has a million and one stories, and I took so much away from this 10-day course. I love the Waterberg region in South Africa, the amphitheatre of mountains is breathtaking. I so enjoyed the daily activities and lectures. Seeing rhino every single day was like heaven for me. Upon reflecting on my first day to my last day, all of the information we were given came together, it all made sense and all of us were actually blown away with what we had learned.

My 12 weeks on this project was the most amazing 3 months of my life. I saw all of the animals you could only dream to see on safari, but knew I was making a real contribution to their conservation. Tracking cheetah, wild dog and black rhino was the most exhilarating things I have ever done. The rush you get when the telemetry signals that the animal is close is so amazing. To watch wild dogs hunt as a pack, a white rhino nurse her 6 day old calf, an elephant heard with over 40 individuals browsing - I just don't know where else you see that! You're up early, 4am everyday, 7 days a week, but it's so easy to jump up, every morning as exciting as the previous. You see the animals wake up, the nocturnal ones head back to their beds, you hear lions roar, you are the only car on the road for hours. It's exceptional. We collared cheetah and monitored their progress. We helped with a lion relocation. We were involved with the darting of wild dog for translocation. It was years experience in 3 months. I wouldn't have traded it for the world and will be back!

Was the most important thing I 've ever done! Being in touch with the nature 24hs a day...having the opportunity to live so close with the animals...listening to the birds every morning while I wake up...watching animal freedom....for me was the best thing I decided to do in my hole life! I will recommend everybody to do once in the life time. I will never forget all the love and family simphathy I received from the owners during the time I spend in the beautiful volunteer house. And also inviting us to celebrate Christmas with them! I will visit Imire a million times again!