2 men surveying the landscape onto of a pile of rocks, high up in the African bush 2 men surveying the landscape onto of a pile of rocks, high up in the African bush 2 men surveying the landscape onto of a pile of rocks, high up in the African bush 2 men surveying the landscape onto of a pile of rocks, high up in the African bush

Ethical Wildlife Travel in Africa

You’re short on time but are looking to experience Africa’s wildlife, and you also want your experience to be meaningful. To play a positive role in the story of Africa’s nature and communities. To take you off the beaten track into the real heart of Africa.

Our shorter trips offer big experiences, giving you the chance to see Africa’s wildlife through the eyes of local conservationists and expert guides.

For trips of less than two weeks, we offer a choice of wildlife adventure courses and experiences and volunteer projects. Contact us to create a truly bespoke adventure.

Inspiring

Come face to face with Africa’s wildlife as you experience life behind the scenes at real conservation projects.

Meaningful

Have a lasting impact on Africa’s wildlife, by supporting initiatives that fight to ensure their survival.

Authentic

Discover the real African bush and the relationship between its wildlife, people and landscapes.

Choose your project

Immerse yourself in the world of African wildlife conservation by joining a working project.

Phinda Wildlife Research Project

Two cheetahs at Phinda Two cheetahs at Phinda Two cheetahs at Phinda Two cheetahs at Phinda
Go behind the scenes on a ‘Big 5’ reserve and join one of the biggest conservation success stories

The Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience

Two rhinos drinking from the water Two rhinos drinking from the water Two rhinos drinking from the water Two rhinos drinking from the water
Get a unique behind-the-scenes experience in one of the largest and most important conservation areas in Africa

Okavango Wilderness Project

An elephant family in the Okavango Delta An elephant family in the Okavango Delta An elephant family in the Okavango Delta An elephant family in the Okavango Delta
Explore a variety of animals in the Okavango Delta, home to the largest elephant population on Earth

Game Ranger Conservation Experience

An ACE student learning to track on the Game Ranger Conservation Experience An ACE student learning to track on the Game Ranger Conservation Experience An ACE student learning to track on the Game Ranger Conservation Experience An ACE student learning to track on the Game Ranger Conservation Experience
Led by experienced rangers, learn how to track animals, master bushcraft and understand wildlife behaviour

Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre

Experience daily life working with orphaned baby rhinos, supervised by a dedicated team of experts

Rhino Conservation Experience

ACE volunteer bottle feeding a baby rhino with a professional assisting, The Rhino Orphanage ACE volunteer bottle feeding a baby rhino with a professional assisting, The Rhino Orphanage ACE volunteer bottle feeding a baby rhino with a professional assisting, The Rhino Orphanage ACE volunteer bottle feeding a baby rhino with a professional assisting, The Rhino Orphanage
Accompanied by experts, learn about rhino in the field and care for orphaned rhino at a specialist centre

Care For Wild Africa Rhino Sanctuary

CFWA team members and vets with ACE volunteers attend a sedated Rhino in the back of a truck in the African bush CFWA team members and vets with ACE volunteers attend a sedated Rhino in the back of a truck in the African bush CFWA team members and vets with ACE volunteers attend a sedated Rhino in the back of a truck in the African bush CFWA team members and vets with ACE volunteers attend a sedated Rhino in the back of a truck in the African bush
Help save the rhino at the largest specialist rhino care centre in Africa

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

An ACE volunteer bottle feeding a group of antelope at Moholoholo An ACE volunteer bottle feeding a group of antelope at Moholoholo An ACE volunteer bottle feeding a group of antelope at Moholoholo An ACE volunteer bottle feeding a group of antelope at Moholoholo
Help care for injured and endangered wildlife in a dedicated rehabilitation centre

Hanchi Horseback Project

Hanchi horseback conservation Hanchi horseback conservation Hanchi horseback conservation Hanchi horseback conservation
Join Hanchi, patrolling the South African bush on horseback

Traveller Stories

What is conservation travel?

As the name suggests, conservation travel brings together travellers and the conservation community. It is a forward-thinking approach that offers a more meaningful travel experience and a vital source of support for conservation projects.

How does it work? Well, when you choose to travel with us, you’ll be visiting and staying with real wildlife conservation projects. This means you’ll get a true behind-the-scenes experience of Africa’s wildlife. You’ll get to see the animals up close and maybe even work hands-on with some species. You’ll also get the chance to learn about the animals from some of the most experienced and skilled conservation professionals in southern Africa.

All this is a very long way from the idealised tourist-friendly image the safari industry works hard to create. In fact, we’d go so far as to say our experiences are some of the most authentic, ethical and responsible travel options available for anyone interested in southern Africa’s wildlife.

In return for these behind-the-scenes experiences, your trip will help to provide the financial support these important conservation initiatives require to fight on behalf of Africa’s wildlife. Depending on your choice of experience, you may also support the projects by getting involved in their day-to-day work.

We believe conservation travel is the future of ecotourism in Africa. It is environmentally, financially and socially sustainable. It gives travellers a chance to experience the real story of Africa’s wildlife and communities, and it fits into a broader strategy for African wildlife conservation.

The experiences on this page are for the traveller who seeks out a life-changing experience rather than a typical wildlife holiday. The person who wants to have a positive impact on Africa’s wildlife and the world in general. The individual who isn’t afraid to take on a challenge when the rewards are this great.

If this sounds a lot like you, then maybe you’re ready to experience the world of conservation travel for yourself.

What makes us different?

ACE USP: An icon saying Since 1999 - founded in 1999, African Conservation Experience is the original conservation travel company

Southern Africa's original conservation travel company

ACE USP: An icon depicting a traditional graduation hat and certificate - the African Conservation Experience team contains qualified zoologists and conservationists

We are qualified zoologists and conservationists

ACE USP: An icon depicting communication between people - African Conservation Experience is always available to talk and discuss options

Personal guidance before you book

ACE USP: An icon of a pawprint - to communicate authenticity of African Conservation Experience's wildlife conservation projects

Join real wildlife conservation projects

ACE USP: An icon of the continent Africa - African Conservation Experience offers 24/7 support with an on-the-ground team

Enjoy total peace of mind, with 24/7 in-country support

ACE USP: An icon of a tree with dollar symbols for leaves - African Conservation Experience supports only ethical and worthwhile conservation projects

Empower vital conservation initiatives

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