5 independent reviews for South Africa wildlife volunteering holiday
Reviews for South Africa wildlife volunteering holiday
Caroline Mancioppi review 11 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being able to see so many different animals during the multiple game drives: elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos, zebras, buffalos. It was truly amazing!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would recommend travellers to take part to as many activities as possible to really enjoy the experience of being in a game reserve to the maximum!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it did. Even though it is a small contribution (as stayed only 2 weeks and there is a lot to do in general to maintain a game reserve) it does make an impact, whether it is planting plants for animals or visiting a school from a local community all different activities are important etc...4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a perfect holiday! It completely matched my expectations. Being outdoors, contemplating animals in the wild, doing manual activities, learning about the local life.Kirstin Runcie review 24 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Of course being able to see some of South Africa's amazing animals which was the reason for the travel. However there were many aspects, from the independence of travelling alone, experiencing a completely different country and for sure meeting all the amazing people at the reserve.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The experience will be gone before you know it, the more effort you put into the trip the more rewarding you feel when its time to go home. However you must put your health first, you know yourself that if your body is tired then you must rest. Also keep hydrated!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I did, however I would like to have come back home and been able to say I made more of an impact than what I actual do. We were reminded that progress cant always be seen after one day however over collective days and numbers of volunteers.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 I couldn't of had a better time. I truly had the time of my life, I felt at home, happy and really didn't want to go home. It seems crazy now to think its all over but this whole experience couldn't have been much better. Best decision of my life.Mark Milligan review 19 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were plenty of opportunities to view and get close to the wildlife on the reserve. The game rangers were very knowledgeable and I came away having learnt a huge amount.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get stuck in! You get out more than what you put in.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the volunteers go on weekly trips to a local school to provide a hot meal to the children, as well as playing games with them. Work on the reserve counters erosion and also provides for the removal of alien vegetation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fabulous experience and I would be keen to return.Kim Mackie review 18 Feb 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For me it was meeting the elephants and having contact with them. They are such amazing animals and I could spend all day long observing them, which I did even on some of my days off. Taking essential data may well help these elephants and help us to have a better understanding of them. I like to think that I have contributed something, even if only in a small way. I cam home literally on a high, and stayed there for over a month after my return. I only have to look at my video clips, which I am making into a movie, and the photos and I just smile from ear to ear. I loved it, best thing I have ever done and can't wait to plan another trip to volunteer with more animals. It was truly a very happy time for me, it was something I needed to do and I could not have done it at a better time.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you take a warm top and a coat, despite it being summer, it was rainy and cold at times ( mostly cold after the sun went down ) You only need the bare minimum amount of clothing if you go for two weeks as they provide you with 2 TShirts. You area somewhat cut off here,consider hiring a car, even though you can take taxis, and they are very good, you need to share the rides, and you're not always going to be going out to the same places as other volunteers and at the same time. I wasn't able to see as much of the garden route as I would have liked due to lack of transport. I didn't take my licence. The Garden Route is worth a trip, I saw it en -route to and from the elephant park and really wished I could have got out and explored so much more. The scenery was stunning. The people so friendly and kind and polite. The guides clearly love the elephants and are so knowledgable, they can tell you anything you want to know.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I really couldn't say. I did experience going to a local school and I felt the children appreciated us going and spending time with them colouring,playing games etc. They appreciate the small things as they have so little. I know I really enjoyed my time with them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would rate the elephant experience a 5. I think some staff could have been a little more considerate and communicative at the bunkhouse. It was a little "find out for yourself " at times, or just miss out altogether. It borded rudeness on occasions, but only from one person.Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted by this positive feedback and are so pleased that Kim had such a great experience. We address all constructive criticism keenly, and will be in touch with Kim directly to improve on anything that we can.
Hugh Quigley review 14 Nov 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's difficult to say! All the fantastic people I met, playing with Meerkats, being so close to such amazing wildlife, the list goes on.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for some fairly demanding physical work. The more effort you put into it the more you will benefit from it yourself. Have an open mind! It's likely that a lot of what you experience in South Africa will be something new to you so just embrace that fact. Be brave and try eating food you've never had before!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all three.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An amazing experience that I will never forget and am immensely grateful for!Holiday Reviews
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