Tina Stehr (Canada)

My experiences with Wildlife ACT have been absolutely amazing and unforgettable – experiences that will stay with me forever. It was a childhood dream to be able to visit Africa and see the wildlife in its natural home, specifically elephants. Each time I visit South Africa, I leave a little piece of my heart behind. I can’t wait to return for my next experience volunteering with Wildlife ACT; I would go back tomorrow if I could!

With each project you get to be part of real conservation, learning from amazingly dedicated and knowledgeable wildlife monitors, being part of a small team of international volunteers that very quickly become your bush family and hopefully lifelong friends, and of course seeing the wildlife. There is nothing like having an African elephant walk directly down the road towards you, seeing a lion napping under a tree, and spotting an African Wild Dog pack. These are experiences that most people will never have.

Though sometimes you may not find the animals you are looking for, there is no shortage of things to see. There is amazing bird life, plants and trees, as well as other animals all around the reserves. You will quickly learn the difference between a nyala and an impala! There are a lot of photo opportunities as well as time to get to know your monitor and team better, and just being in South Africa and taking in the natural surroundings is enough.

While not all of the work is easy or pretty, you know that what you are doing is actually making a difference to the conservation and future of these animals and the reserves.