Conservation Volunteer Testimonials

13Mar

Volunteer Testimonials

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Kariega Game Reserve Eastern Cape Conservation Volunteer Testimonials

The Kariega Conservation Volunteer Programme is the ultimate Big 5 experience, where volunteers from across the world, get the opportunity to get hands-on involved in conservation management on the reserve. Read the feedback by some of our latest “Assistant Conservation Managers.” We are so grateful to the volunteers for the valuable conservation and community development work that they achieve. Below are some comments from volunteers who stayed with us between January to March 2014.

“I have had the most fantastic time here at Kariega Game Reserve. It has been an experience I shall remember for the rest of my life. Highlights include seeing the Big Bull elephant who came to give us a good sniff on our first day here, witnessing the darting of Thandi the rhino to check on her wound, the lion roadblock on our way back from the school and finally finding Thandi again in the middle of the road last night.
Massive thanks to Frances who has worked tirelessly to teach us and show us so very much. Nomelia, you are an absolute star. The children at Farmerfield school, you’ve got spirit! Rudi, your bush walks have been fantastic and Murray thank you for a terrific weekend in Plettenberg Bay. I’m so sad to be leaving South Africa!” - Laura Williams, UK, 13/01/2014 – 17/02/2014

“I don’t want to leave. After 5 weeks of living here on the reserve, waking up every morning to go out and make a difference at Kariega. I am going to struggle going back to reality. We have done so many things in the time we’ve been here. There hasn’t been a single moment I didn’t enjoy. We had a good mix of habitat management, research and fun stuff to do. We were lucky enough to witness the darting of Thandi and an operation performed on her. It was a fantastic experience. During our off weekends we also experienced things that will stay with me forever. None of this would have happened without our amazing volunteer coordinator, Frances – we really could not have had anyone better to guide us.” - Jamie Crook, UK, 13/01/2014 – 17/02/2014

“Ok so here we go… tears in my eyes for the hundredth time today because I’m leaving tomorrow. Thank you Frances for your kindness, knowledge and making us all so comfortable. This has been nothing less than magical – wonderful people, roaring lions, majestic elephants… and so much more, like the beautiful landscapes. In fact it’s very hard to put words on this experience. Not to mention riding on the sand dunes and sky diving, wow. I don’t even know where I’m going to begin when people back home say “So how was it?” Just one thing to add to this – my first trip to Africa will definitely not be my last.” - Laura Valentine, France, 17/02/2014 – 03/03/2014

“What a magnificent experience! I have enjoyed absolutely every moment of my time here! Every time we pulled up to the elephants, or they “pulled up” to us, my heart skipped beats and I instantly remembered how good my life is and how lucky I am to be right here, right now with these majestic creatures. A big thank you to Frances for her infinite patience and friendly demeanor! Thanks to the other volunteers from whom I have learned so much about how to move forward with my life. And thank you to the extraordinary animals and plants of Kariega for sharing with me your healing energy and for guiding me back to light.” - Katie Burke, 17/02/2014 – 10/03/2014

Find out more information about the Kariega Conservation Volunteer Programme on our website and visit our Conservation Volunteer Facebook page.