Louise Chen review 17 Jul 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most exciting part of my holiday was we saw so many lions in the middle of the night, just a few metres away from us!!!!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring enough warm clothes as well. Morning is cold as well. Have a good camera, enough memory sticks. Every moment is worth a shot.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we set example for others to treasure what a beautiful country and the animals and plants etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
100%.
Keith Elliot review 1 May 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Went to the Tembe Nature Reserve in South Africa as a volunteer assisting in monitoring wildlife for two weeks - with most of the money going to fund the work of the volunteering organisation.
Three really memorable groups of experiences, firstly watching the wild pack of dogs close to the pick-up, much more beautiful than I expected close up. Particularly interesting as the researcher could describe their relationships with each
other, their main social behavioural characteristics and hunting behaviour, etc. Secondly, watching the elephants enjoying their mud baths and just how sensuous they are, contrasted with on one occasion coming close to a full charge by a bull elephant in musth (highly aggressive state with testosterone levels up to 50 times normal). We reversed very rapidly with the testosterone fuelled bull coming after us, awesome but reassuring that we were with an expert in elephant behaviour and that he had anticipated the charge. Thirdly, socialising with the researchers in the evenings, a real privilege and enjoying the company of the other volunteers.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just do it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, some of the fees were used to cover basic accommodation and food, with the bulk of the funds going to the volunteer organisation.They carry out research directly related to the conservation of the ecosystems and wildlife, assisting the managers of the reserves in carrying out research that they cannot undertake themselves.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A brilliant holiday, really invigorating, and very informative and worthwhile.
Christiane Woten review 28 Dec 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I had been at Tembe for almost a week without a real sighting of the wild dogs, so the first time they emerged from the underbrush was a huge thrill, especially when they brought all five puppies out! My first encounter with an elephant walking out along the road was also amazing. You just don't get the same experience seeing such a majestic animal from behind a fence. Seeing elephants in the wild has also made me absolutely opposed to keeping them in zoos, when I hadn't really thought of that before. I was also astonished to see the puff adder (snake) lying curled up in the road that one night!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Everything went extremely smoothly. I was met at Richard's Bay airport and taken to Tembe and then brought back for my return flight. The little hut accommodations are very comfortable. Everyone was super nice and friendly! I was traveling alone so was a little nervous but I would completely recommend this trip to solo travelers.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, I think so. Tembe is right in the middle of local communities and I think having volunteers come out to support the reserve benefits everyone.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a wonderful time! I saw real wild animals up close and I got to see a part of South Africa that most tourists do not get to.
Susan Kraus review 2 Dec 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing a cheetah about 4 meters away looking very surprised when we disturbed his siesta whilst climbing a hill to check signals. Holding the head of a sedated wild African dog who had a new radio collar fitted. At night seeing and hearing a leopard outside the encampment calling for his mate.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to get up very early. Be adaptable. Be prepared for basic amenities. Bring cookery skills a good sense of humor and lots of energy.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Absolutely. But most of all it benefited the wildlife and its habitat. Lots of volunteers are needed to patrol the reserves more regularly to prevent poaching and snaring. Donations would help to buy anti-snare collars.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Were I thirty years younger I would probably never have left! The teams show lots of commitment and it feels very worthwhile to have helped just a little.
Michael Dantas review 24 Nov 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is hard to say because there were a number of things that were memorable and stood out - seeing a procession of over 50 elephants on the first day, seeing a live cheetah kill from begining to end, going on a bushwalk and taking part in a lion callup. The nature of this type of activity means that experiencing anything is not guaranteed, you get to do and see what is possible or present at any one time. Over the two weeks I was on my holiday I was very lucky. The park I went to, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is very beautiful and rightly has an outstanding reputation worldwide as a game park. Cathy, the monitor responsible for us, was passionate about and focused on her work and had a lot of knowledge and experience in wildlife conservation. Having someone like that around all the time obviously helped a lot.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are genuinely interested in wildlife and conservation and want to experience conservation management at first hand, taking part on this program is definitely for you and could be one of the best experiences you will ever have in this regard. You will spend your time with knowledgeable and highly experienced people working in the area who will be happy to share their experiences with you and do and experience things you will never be able to do on a standard safari holiday. I really feel that two weeks is not enough (I was there for 2 weeks) and to get the full benefit you need to stay at least a month, possibly up to two or three. However, if you are just looking for a cheaper safari holiday, or something to just fill time during a gap year, this may not meet your expectations as you will also have to do work, take part in all the activities which often means getting up early and not expect too much luxury, though everything provided is more than adequate.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, by the very nature of this program, the focus was on the welfare of the animals and preserving the nature of the park. I am also sure we contributed to the local community as we spent money in local shops and on occasion in restaurants (on our free days) and some of the costs of taking part in this program were passed on to the conservation cause.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Lots of very enjoyable and valuable experiences which I will always remember. Highly recommended for anyone genuinely interested in wildlife and conservation.The park I was at is very beautiful with a real sense of the wild and opportunities to experience a lot. I was very glad I took part in the program.
Sophie Tanner review 26 Jul 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Where do I start?! I replay the whole experience often, when I'm stuck on a bus or sat at my desk for 7 hours! Zululand is a truly remarkable place and each of the reserves has a completely unique landscape - from beautiful sand forests to large stretches of pure wilderness areas. One of my highlights was being caught in a crazy thunderstorm, when our vehicle broke down, and seeing a leopard slink right past us into the bush, its stunning pattern illuminated by flashes of lightening. I also really enjoyed observing the elephants at Tembe, learning about how they operate and interact was fascinating. I never got bored of coming across an ele - their sheer size and ancient-looking skin is so impressive. Staring into an elephant's eyes makes you feel like they carry the history of the world on their shoulders. And finally, on my last night, I was delighted that we came across a pride of feral lions who leisurely crossed the road infront of us then lay down in the grass. One of the lionesses padded over to our open-backed vehicle and yawned like a tabby cat then looked us straight in the eye, tilting her head in curiosity. The other lions came up and crept after the vehicle, in stalking mode, as we gently reversed. My skin tingled with the encounter, it was completely wild!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would say that the longer you do this the more you will get out of it. If you can visit more than one reserve then do - they make for a fab contrast and you will have a more diverse experience. It is worth bearing in mind when you go that the wildlife is not delivered on a platter, like on some safaris. You cannot expect to tick animal viewings off a list in one sitting but if you immerse yourself in the projects and take an interest in all the flora and fauna you will start to understand the biodiversity and how everything needs to work in harmony together. Every volunteer's experience will be different as you get a real behind-the-scenes insight into conservation, where every day is different. Be prepared for early mornings and some spare time in the middle of the day - make sure you take some good books. Definitely dont forget to take some good binoculars and any nature guide books so you can make the most of what's around you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
This project is run by a group of incredibly passionate and dedicated conservationists. You will learn a lot from your monitors about how the reserves work within the communities and the inter-relations of the species. The whole project is set up to preserve the finely-balanced environments and to monitor priority species. The team work tirelessly to minimize poaching, balance populations and prevent extinction so, yes, it certainly is a very worthwhile operation.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic being so far away from my life back home. It was all so different but you very quickly learn to adapt to this back-to-nature way of life and, I have to say, when i returned home i missed all the fresh air and everything felt very sterile and clinical. I gained great insight into the world of wild animals...my relationship with domestic animals is so very different. You don't get to stroke and cuddle them but you develop a huge respect and awe for their way of life and an even greater respect for the people who work so hard to help them survive. It's certainly an experience i will never forget.
Alison Clark review 16 Mar 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was a privilege to be involved in the wild dog rescue at Thanda Reserve when a poacher's snare was caught around her neck. Seeing the biggest tuskers when at Tembe was another highlight and identifying them was great fun. Of course, it's always great to see the lions and cheetahs, and the occasional leopard! The monitors were all good fun as well, and the whole team works for the benefit of the animals.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with the flow and expect the unexpected!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. They are very conservation conscious.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an amazing experience and I met some fantastic people and animals!
Mary Alleguen review 2 Dec 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The day we went out to dart the escaped wild dogs.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is not a holiday so don't expect too much luxury.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Locals no. Minimum impact on environment yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
90% satisfactory.
Read the operator's response here:
It was great having you join our team Mary. Yes indeed our organizations' focus is on the conservation of Endangered African Wildlife, and not necessarily the local community. Our Non-Profit trust however focuses more on our local communities - work our volunteers are not able to contribute to at this point in time. Hope to see you again soon!
Angus Cragg review 2 Oct 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wildlife was awesome especially being so close to lions and elephants.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't expect to have to work too hard (if placed at Tembe) but be prepared for lots of early mornings, lots of time spent on the back of a pick-up (4x4) which isn't exactly comfortable. Make sure you want to see animals and want to learn lots about the birds and animals you see. If squeamish this might not be the trip for you as it is quite likely you'll see lots of dead animals and possible lions making a kill.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not really - the trip is pretty self contained and there is very little interaction with the local community. Make the most of what you do and you'll see some of Africa which is most definitely not on the tourist trail!!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I'd rate it about 7.5 out of 10 because of the lack of work and not quite seeing how the trip was benefiting conservation. Still the animals are amazing and the people were great!
Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your comments. We work in conjunction with massive conservation organisations like WWF and KZN Wildlife. Without the volunteer involvement this work would not be possible, so feel we play a key role in conservation.
