1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Overall, the most memorable part of the holiday was getting the opportunity to see such a wide variety of animals and birds in their natural habit. Some more specific highlights for me were: 1. a trip where we were able to get close to a black rhino who was being rehabbed and 2. A prolonged sighting of a pair of elephants who came down to a waterhole in the Pilanesberg National Park 3. Watching a troop of forty or so baboons cross a plain on the reserve that we stayed on - with the big, swaggering alpha male at the back 4. Discovering how much I enjoyed bird watching

I also enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the animals, birds and their environment from Kelly (the co-ordinator of the programme at the reserve). Kelly is very knowledgeable and passionate about her subject and this shines through as she talks. She is also a patient, good humoured and gifted teacher - always happy to answer any questions for volunteers (however basic you may think your question is!)

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

This is the perfect trip for anyone wanting a thorough introduction to the birds and animals of South Africa where you can learn from others in a relaxed and friendly environment. It would also suit those wanting to understand more about the practicalities of conservation work.

I am moderately fit so I thought I might find physical work in the heat a bit tough. However, there was less physical work involved than I had initially anticipated. When we did it, it was hard but we did not do as many days of this as I'd expected. The reserve owners are thoughtful about the volunteers - you do not do physical work for too many hours in one go. Also you only do a half-day at a time - so if you're doing physical work in the morning, you will be doing something less strenuous (e.g. a hide watch) in the afternoon.

Finally volunteers must be OK with dogs - the reserve owners have 4 lovely Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The dogs are allowed in communal areas but not in volunteer's rooms. They are good dogs and very friendly, but if you are allergic to or frightened of dogs then this trip might not be for you.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

The holiday benefited the reserve, the immediate environment and the local economy. The project briefing pack for volunteers contains a comprehensive breakdown of where your money is spent.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

I would highly recommend this holiday. We learned a lot, we made a small positive difference on the reserve (the best result you can get in the short time of 2 weeks) and we had fun. The trip is good value for money - visits to other reserves are included in the price and everything is organised for you.