Q: Could you give us a short background on African Conservation Experience:
A: African Conservation Experience has been sending volunteers to Africa for over 5 years and is the original, most experienced organisation for conservation placements in Southern Africa. We are able to offer each and every applicant the benefits of our personal experience, and all volunteers receive individual consideration.
We are driven by two specific aims;
- To give volunteers the opportunity to experience conservation work in Southern Africa.
- To provide financial support and information exchange for conservation projects in Southern Africa.
Q: What are some volunteer opportunities you offer? Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?
A: Volunteers can get involved in Game Capture for tagging and relocation, Behavioural Research on large mammals, Species Counts and Monitoring, Wildlife Rehabilitation and Wildlife Veterinary Work. Details of all our projects can be found on our website at www.conservationafrica.net
Q: What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect?
A: Accommodation is basic but comfortable, often with volunteers staying in traditional thatched Rondavels, sharing rooms and bathroom facilities. Often, there is also a shared kitchen and living area. Food is usually prepared by the students, and is basic and wholesome. Outings are organized on days off to nearby National Parks such as Kruger and areas of natural beauty, and evening ‘Braai’s’ (Barbeques) are also frequent occurrences.
Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?
A: Get yourself organized early, talk to people who have visited Southern Africa (all the staff at ACE have) and open your mind!
Q: What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?
A: In my opinion the biggest challenge to be overcome by our volunteers is putting aside preconceived ideas about Southern Africa and about how conservation work is carried out in this region. We often find that volunteers travel out with us having certain opinions about wildlife conservation, and then return with a much more realistic outlook. In Africa, volunteers must also learn to ‘just go with it’!
Q: On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?
A: Definitely the people you will meet and the wildlife and landscapes you will see. They will be things you will remember for the rest of your life.
Q: Why should they pay to volunteer with African Conservation Experience? How is the money used?
A: First and foremost, the money paid for the placement provides financial resources to the conservation project the volunteer is participating in, without which most of them would be forced to cease running. The money also pays for essential costs such as food, flights, transfers and accommodation expenses. Additionally, some of the money pays for administration costs in South Africa and in the UK, which allows us to provide 24 hour back-up support, both for the volunteers in-country and for family members left behind in their home country.
This chart below provides a breakdown of our costs.
| 50%-60%: to the conservation project for the cost of your accommodation, meals, and to the project. 15%-20%: to your flights, transfers and travel 20%-25%: to your in-country admin and support, admin in the UK and contributions to worthwhile causes |
Q: How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?
A: Many of our projects are directly involved in the development of local communities and in providing education to local school children. The resources the volunteers bring into Southern Africa contribute to the larger economy of the region and to local trades in the area the volunteers work in. Additionally, volunteers then go back to their home countries and enthuse others about conservation in Southern Africa, raising awareness of the need for continued support.
Q: Why should someone volunteer with African Conservation Experience?
A: We are a small organization and so are able to speak to all our volunteers personally, learn their names and keep in touch with them on their return. Our close-knit staff team all have a passion for conservation and are driven to work towards the progress of conservation projects in Southern Africa.
Q: How can someone get in contact with African Conservation Experience and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
A: Have a look at our website at www.ConservationAfrica.net or email us with your queries on info@ConservationAfrica.net
We can also be contacted by phone 0870 241 5816, or by post PO Box 206, Faversham, Kent , ME13 8WZ.
