Kaden Kartsone

My experience with African Conservation Experience (ACE) was absolutely incredible, to say the least. Everyone was so helpful, even before my trip started. The ACE team in the UK office helped me get everything prepared and made the whole thing very easy.

On my first drive around the Phinda reserve, I was overwhelmed by the unbelievable beauty of everything. Of all the places I’ve seen, I’m convinced that Phinda is the most beautiful place on the planet. Every day I would think to myself that it could not possibly get any better than this, and then I would be proven wrong the next day. Every day felt more amazing, more beautiful and more fun than the last.

Everyone I met while I was there was so nice. My two guides seemed to know everything there is to know about Africa and the wildlife and I have never in my life met anyone so passionate about their work. All the other volunteers I met and worked with were equally amazing.

I only spent one week at the Phinda Wildlife Research Project and yet I felt like I knew these people my entire life. Although I was only able to spend a short time at Phinda, I am so happy that I got to be a part of the incredible efforts and learn so much about Africa and its wildlife. Every day was so much fun, I was constantly laughing and having a good time. At the very least, my experience was life-changing. I was devastated when my time there was over, it was almost impossible to pull myself away from my new friends and favourite place on Earth to go back home. My only regret is not staying longer.

In my entire life, I had never experienced pure happiness until I went to Phinda and I had no idea I could love anything so much. Unfortunately, no amount of words could ever describe just how amazing my time in South Africa was, so I definitely recommend going and seeing it for yourself. I guarantee that you will fall in love with it.