Nicholas Leddy

My four weeks with African Conservation Experience (ACE) were truly memorable and deeply fulfilling. I split my time between the Phinda Wildlife Research Project and the Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience. Having the opportunity to engage in conservation first-hand has allowed me to better understand the challenges and work involved in protecting Africa's wildlife. 

My two weeks at Phinda offered a rare immersion into the natural world, with wildlife sightings nearly every 30 minutes.

Contributing to such an important project was both intense and rewarding. I also took part in three rhino horn trimmings, which are an essential tactic in protecting these animals from poachers. The security training exercises with the anti-poaching K9 unit also shed light on the daily efforts required to safeguard these animals. 

Aside from the rhino work, I assisted in treating a cheetah with a fungal infection. I was also involved in collecting data on wildlife movements and population numbers which gave me a real appreciation for the scientific side of conservation. The team at Phinda shared their insights generously, helping me understand the intricacies of conservation.

The Vikela Kruger project offered a different but equally valuable set of experiences. Tracking animals through the bush on foot was an unforgettable part of each day. Whether we were following lions or witnessing rhinos in their natural habitat, it was amazing. 

At Vikela, we were tasked with setting up camera traps which added another layer of engagement to my experience, and it was fascinating to see what the cameras captured. We also contributed to reserve maintenance by clearing overgrown bushes and repairing roads. This was a great reminder that conservation is a hands-on commitment. Being involved in data collection on game drives and participating in security drills highlighted the operational side of reserve management. We even spent a day at a nearby animal sanctuary, learning about the conservation work they carry out which was a real added bonus! 

Alongside all of the amazing animal work, the people I met - both the staff at the project and the other volunteers - added greatly to the experience. Everyone shared a genuine commitment to conservation and was eager to contribute. 

This isn’t your usual holiday experience; it's an opportunity to work hard and learn. For anyone considering it, I would recommend arriving prepared, with an open mind and willingness to adjust. Adaptability and a practical attitude are essential, as certain normalised comforts like WiFi are limited. It’s challenging but immensely rewarding!

Everything was well-organised, and I felt supported throughout. They checked in with me regularly and were available whenever needed, allowing me to focus fully on the experience. 

By the end of the trip, I realised just how fortunate I’d been with all the wildlife sightings I’d experienced, as well as the chance to be involved in the rhino relocation and cheetah treatment. Things change constantly, and there are no guarantees of what you’ll see or do. But if simply being in the bush, surrounded by nature and wildlife, is enough, I suspect you’ll have a good time! 

I left South Africa with a real sense of fulfilment, knowing that my efforts contributed to an important cause. For those with an interest in conservation and a readiness to get involved, I highly recommend ACE!