OVER
15 YEARS
OF CON SERVAT ION
WORK WITH THE WILDLIFE
www.conservationafrica.net
THE STORY OF ACE
African Conservation Experience was founded in 1999 by Rob and Marion Harris, when their son Mark, and several of his school friends, were seeking opportunities to spend their gap year helping out in a wildlife reserve in South Africa. Having been keen supporters of conservation work in South Africa for many years, it gave them the idea that there was an opportunity for generating financial and practical support for worthwhile wildlife projects while facilitating an amazing experience for wildlife enthusiasts. 16 years later, ACE have organised conservation placements for over 5,000
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conservation travellers of all ages and from all over the world. We have formed close partnerships with a range of amazing wildlife projects and conservation professionals and are currently supporting conservation work in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. While the scope of ACE has grown considerably from a group of young lads heading out on an adventure to well-organised and fully supported placements for about 500 travellers each year, our focus and ethos has not changed: We are proud to be wildlife conservation specialists and we use our collective experience to facilitate authentic, rewarding and safe conservation placements that make a real difference.
www.conservationafrica.net
OUR GOALS
To provide conservation enthusiasts worldwide the opportunity to experience and contribute to wildlife conservation, using fair trade and responsible travel principles. To maintain a sustainable organisation which provides a fulfilling lifestyle for all stakeholders.
Front cover image credits left to right: D. Wright, Unknown, A. Shoate, Unknown, L. Marris, N. La Niece,E. Sziede
FAIR TRAVEL, FAIR WORK, FAIR PLAY! ACE are not a charity, but we believe that it’s possible to do business in a way that is fair and positive for all involved; from the conservation travellers that choose to join ACE, to our partner projects in Africa, our office team and our most important partner of all - the wildlife and ecosystems of Africa. That’s what we sum up with our ethos of Fair Travel, Fair Work, Fair Play! Here are some examples of how we put our ethos into practice.
FAIR TRAVEL We ensure a safe journey for our travellers by using reputable airlines and transport providers, and meeting everybody in person on arrival in Johannesburg Where possible we use scheduled shuttle transfers to reduce the environmental impact of private vehicle transfers We generate income for the local economy by not operating our own fleet of vehicles but hiring self-employed drivers, who in turn hire vehicles
FAIR WORK One of the most important criteria for choosing our partner conservation projects is that they contribute to valid conservation work We ensure that there is meaningful and rewarding work for you at each project We support you throughout your placement - not only in an emergency We have an open and empowering company culture, where everybody’s input, development and contribution is valued
FAIR PLAY It’s important to us that your placement is not only worthwhile but also enjoyable! There will be opportunities for fun, relaxation and socialising We provide good value: 91% of our past volunteers have rated their placement as “good” or “excellent” Our team enjoys some great perks, like flexitime, bringing dogs to work and (occasionally) travelling out to Africa!
Image credits top to bottom: T.Seymour; unknown; unknown; E. Tunnicliff; C. Rebar
T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
E. info@conservationafrica.net
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WHAT IS CONSERVATION TRAVEL? Conservation Travel does exactly what it says on the tin: It puts conservation before travel, and that is what makes it different to a safari, an overland tour or a round-the-world gap travel experience. The conservation work is at the heart of the experience, not just a part of the itinerary. As a Conservation Traveller you are fully immersed in the project you are joining - It’s an intensive and sometimes challenging experience. As with most challenges, the reasons why people undertake them and the rewards they gain are numerous.
CAREER BUILDING “I knew when I applied to study veterinary medicine at university that getting in was going to be difficult… I decided to take a gap year but wanted to make the most of my year out and do something I may never get the chance to do again.” Sophie Gates, Gap Year Student, Wildlife Veterinary Experience
“I have heard from both vet schools that I applied to, and I got in!! Not only was my experience at Care For Wild one of the most enriching experiences that I have ever had, but according to the admissions councils, it was apparently one of the deciding factors on my application!” Adrian Helmers, Student, Khulula Care for Wild
WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
INSPIRING “All of us who work in some of the finest zoological parks and institutions still yearn to experience the splendor and glory of our charges in the wild… I wanted to get a better idea of conservation efforts in the wild, and my trip definitely accomplished that.“
“A lot of what you have seen on BBC, National Geographic, Discovery and Animal Planet is going to be there “real time” plus the smells, the wind, the African sun, the special, almost alien light just after sunset and real silence with capital S at certain times of the day.”
Who volunteers
Christina Cooper, Professional Conservationist, Phinda Wildlife Research
“Being in Africa reminded me of why I am doing my degree and brought back to the surface my passion for conservation, which is one of the best things I gained from the experience as I think sometimes it's difficult to keep positive about conservation when there is so much bad news. But I am well and truly re-inspired (if that's a word!!)” Jodie Rosedale, Student, African Field Trip
Koenraad Goossens, Career Breaker, Botswana Wildlife Monitoring
“Are you over 60? Do you have a Bucket List of things to do before you die? I am, and I do, one item on my list having been to fulfil a childhood dream of working with animals. Earlier this year I was able to do that, thanks to ACE African Conservation Experience.” Susan Knight, Retiree, Khulula Care for Wild
Image credits top to bottom: S. Gates, K.Makineni, unknown, unknown, C. Moen Wing
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www.conservationafrica.net
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CONSERVATION TRAVELLER CONTRIBUTIONS The question is often asked: Do conservation travellers really make a difference? The simple answer is yes, and there are many ways in which our conservation travellers are contributing to the conservation of African wildlife...
£
6 million Contributions to conservation projects so far
Number of conservation travellers so far
GENUINE HANDS ON WORK
Paying to join a placement goes a long way in supporting the conservation work of the projects we partner with. Your placement fee doesn’t just cover your ground costs, but includes a significant contribution to the projects themselves. This ensures their financial sustainability so that they can continue their fantastic work. The fact that our travellers have an amazing time too makes it a win win situation!
Conservation travellers with ACE don’t just observe, but get hands-on and stuck in with all the exciting and nitty gritty bits of the conservation work. From helping to relocate vulnerable wildlife, taking down research data, to helping rescue and care for an injured rhino, pangolin or penguin, you’ll be at the forefront assisting and learning from the experts!
Image: M.Makweya
The greatest ambassadors for wildlife conservation are you guys! Whether you join a project for a whole 3 months or just 2 weeks, your placement is likely to have a huge impact on you and fuel your passion for wildlife, conservation and travel. Awareness campaigns and generally getting more people involved are vital ways in which some of the larger conservation issues are being tackled. From blogs & vlogs, articles in the media, assisting wildlife charities, to building a career in conservation - our conservation travellers have done it all!
5,500
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
SOME CONCRETE EXAMPLES
RANGE OF CONSERVATION OUTREACH: Inspiring future conservation travellers with disabilities; Rosie Bancroft - part of the ‘Disabled Gap Year Project” Finalist in the National Geographic ‘Expedition Granted’ competition; Kim Putman with her ‘Save The Rhinos from Extinction” video
It has been found that one of the most effective anti-poaching methods is the continued presence of a patrol team. At some of our wildlife conservation and management projects, ACE travellers help provide the eyes, ears and that general presence that helps deter poachers!
Blogging heroes: Ruby Sharrock - Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience: www.offexploring.com/rubyworldwide,
ACE travellers make up the necessary numbers to provide round the clock care when a baby rhino is brought into a wildlife care and rehabilitation centre fighting for its life!
Building a career in conservation: John Lisek undertook his Masters research project with ACE in Botswana.
ACE travellers provide the hands to help remove snares and game-inhibiting fencing! T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
SPREADING THE WORD & INSPIRING FUTURE CONSERVATIONISTS
Building a career in conservation: Morgan Pelt has progressed from conservation traveller, to coordinator at the Khulula project, to working with the Australian Rhino Project.
Building a career in conservation: Since spending time at Khulula Care for Wild, Abigail Salmon is now volunteering for Save the Rhino Int and working for the Saiga Conservation Alliance E. info@conservationafrica.net
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WHERE WE WORK ZIMBABWE
Okavango
Bulawayo
NAMBIA
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Windhoek
MOZAMBIQUE
Elephant Studies
Predator Research
BOTSWANA
Wildlife Vets
MAP
Maputo SWAZILAND
Wildlife Research & Management Work with wildlife researchers and game rangers, tracking and monitoring iconic species
Courses & Field Trips
Wildlife Veterinary Experience
LESOTHO
Assist experienced wildlife vets with immobilisation, treatment & wildlife relocation
SOUTH AFRICA
Wildlife Rehabilitation Help look after injured and orphaned wildlife
Wildlife Courses Explore pertinent conservation topics on field-based, in depth wildlife courses
Cape Town
Marine Conservation
Marine Conservation
Protect South Africa’s coastal environment and monitor dolphin and whale populations 5
www.conservationafrica.net
Big Five Monitoring
SOUTHERN AFRICA A BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
ACE has its roots in South Africa, a country with a vibrant history, colourful culture and charismatic wildlife! With a growing community of staff, partner projects and conservation travellers passionate about the conservation of African species, ACE extended its conservation programmes into neighbouring countries, whilst keeping true to its origin and area of expertise!
South Africa South Africa is a diverse country - it is known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ to symbolise the country’s multicultural diversity; and is thought to be one of the 10 most biodiverse regions in the world - home to some of the earth’s largest mammals, including the largest rhino population. A large proportion of the land in South Africa is privately owned. This, combined with a population close to 53 million people and widespread poverty has lead to declining numbers of many native wildlife species. ACE work predominantly with projects in the north and east of the country, where National Parks and private game reserves are prevalent. Many of our partner projects are based in the rustic Limpopo Province, some are based close to Hoedspruit and several veterinary teams work in more remote locations. We also partner with the Phinda Private Game Reserve on the east coast and a coastal project in the beautiful Plettenberg Bay area. Together with its partner projects, ACE supports efforts to combat some of the most pertinent conservation issues, such as rhino protection and habitat loss.
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe is a nation of wonderful wildlife in its many National Parks and incredible landmarks, such as Victoria Falls Heritage Site. Wildlife includes the ‘Big 5’, many other mammals and a large diversity of bird species. Having suffered a turbulent economic past, wildlife populations have declined due to overexploitation, among other factors. Since returning to Zimbabwe in 2012, ACE have been supporting wildlife care and education in the Bulawayo area. The Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage project have access to many schools around the city as part of their community outreach programme. The Matopos National Park is also close by where the project team carry out predator research.
Namibia With its barren deserts, bush veld and skeleton coastline, the landscapes of Namibia are some of the most photographed in the world! Namibia receives the least amount of rainfall of all sub-Saharan countries creating a dry and, in many parts, uninhabitable environment. Despite this, Namibia is home to an array of wildlife species and currently has the largest cheetah population in Africa. ACE have recently partnered with the Naankuse project to assist their research team with predator monitoring and essential work to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Botswana Botswana has many diverse habitats and a great biodiversity of wildlife, boasting the southern most free-roaming population of elephants in Africa. ACE have worked in Botswana for many years assisting with monitoring work of elephants and predators in the Tuli Block. The area is in the process of gaining Trans Frontier Conservation status, allowing for natural movement of roaming wildlife. We now run academic courses, covering topics such as tracking and monitoring, identification, ecological surveying and active habitat management.
T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
E. info@conservationafrica.net
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CONSERVATION PROJECTS Who do we partner with and why? The projects that we work with are at the heart of everything we do. Our relationship with the projects isn’t a commercial contract - it’s a long term partnership. That’s why it’s very important to us to support the right projects. So how do we go about it? Here are the most important criteria. GENUINE CONSERVATION WORK Wildlife conservation is what we are passionate about. Therefore, the first question we ask of any project is “How does the work you do benefit conservation?” Projects have to be able to demonstrate that they exist for the purpose of conservation, and need conservation travellers to support them in that - not the other way round. We do not work with projects that are set up in order to take volunteers, and then invent a conservation agenda around that. Please see the next page for some examples of the fantastic contributions the projects make to conservation. Image credits: Unknown Unknown Care for Wild C. Moen Wing Naankuse
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WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Sometimes, when we chat to somebody about which project they’d like to join, they answer “I just want to go where they really need me.” We love that answer because we feel pretty much the same way about which projects we like to work with. There are a lot of wonderful projects out there, and (without wanting to boast) some rather well-known projects have asked us to partner with them, which we have respectfully declined, despite the good work that they do. Why? Because they are doing just fine under their own steam. We feel we can make the biggest impact by partnering with projects where the financial and practical support generated by your placement is the main contribution enabling their work.
www.conservationafrica.net
“African Conservation Experience has been a valued partner for numerous years at the Phinda Private Game Reserve research center. They have provided a steady flow of volunteers, in a fuss-free manner, which has enabled the project to mature into a respected research center. The financial support of the volunteers covers all of our running costs, from fuel and equipment through to salaries; allowing us to do the monitoring that is so important for the reserve.” Cilla Pickering Research Technician and Project Coordinator
A PLACE FOR YOU There needs to be a place for you at the projects - in terms of your involvement in the work, but also quite literally. A lot of projects fall at this hurdle they do incredible work, but it’s so specialised that there is no meaningful way for keen conservation enthusiasts to lend a hand. We don’t want you to be a mere observer, nor glorified cleaning staff. There has to be a real role for you, that allows you to learn and contribute. Likewise, there needs to be a safe environment for you: Clean and safe accommodation, and someone who’ll look after you and show you the ropes.
Diceros bicornis
PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS ACE conservation travellers contribute financially to the rescue and care, research, staff salaries and practical conservation work at all projects and directly assist with the hands-on active work.
RESPONSIBLE CARNIVORE CONSERVATION The Naankuse Namibia Predator Research project are leading the way in conserving Namibia’s cheetah, leopard, hyena and wild dog populations. In recent years they removed 12 leopard and 6 cheetah out of direct human conflict and successfully released them into conservation areas. CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Acinonyx jubatus
RHINO CONSERVATION
Phinda Private Game Reserve recently relocated 5 lions from the Phinda reserve to the Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Cattle herders poisoned the last lion population around 15 years ago.
Khulula Care for Wild have saved over 30 white and black rhino calves, with the help of the National Parks Board in South Africa. ACE provided an interest free loan to help the project get set up and off the ground. ACE have also introduced a significantly subsidised returning placement cost to help support Khulula through the low season when hands on help is especially appreciated.
VULNERABLE
Caretta caretta
The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre have rescued and released many vulnerable birds of prey.
ENDANGERED
Gyps africanus
ACE conservation travellers to the Phinda Wildlife Research Project fund the salary of the Head Scientific Researcher at the Phinda Private Game Reserve. ACE office staff have raised over £650 for rhino conservation charities and projects in their spare time.
Marine Wildlife Conservation
A recent rescue involved white-backed vultures, which had been deliberately poisoned. ACE have supported the Moholoholo project for over 10 years with funding and advice from our Ground Manager - a nature conservationist and previous Ranger. The Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage have rescued and released 20 pangolin.
ENDANGERED
Smutsia temminckii
In 2015 the Coastal Conservation and Education project have so far assisted with the rescue of 5 loggerhead turtles and 6 African penguins (status: endangered).
T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
Dr David Pretorius is one of our Shimongwe Wildlife veterinarians; he provides a free veterinary service to the Lake View Predator Park to help improve the conditions of the animals in a indigent environment.
OTHER VULNERABLE & ENDANGERED SPECIES
Phinda Private Game Reserve were selected to be part of the “Ezemvelo KZN-Wildlife black rhino range expansion project” and received 16 black rhino to protect in 2004. The population’s third calf was born in 2008. Phinda are also part of “Rhinos Without Borders” project and have translocated a group of rhino to a safer reserve in Botswana, they plan to relocate 100 rhino altogether!
ACE partner with the GWLPT (Global White Lion Protection Trust) as part of our African Predator Course. The project has rescued lion cubs from facilities involved in the canned hunting industry and aim to re-wild captive bred lions! So far they have successfully re-wilded 3 lion prides in the Timbavati region.
VULNERABLE
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage have visited around 350,000 children in the Bulawayo area of Zimbabwe as part of their EPIC education outreach project (Environmental Programmes Involving Children).
E. info@conservationafrica.net
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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT
YOUR ROLE IN CONSERVATION
Wildlife Conservation & Management covers everything associated with managing wildlife populations and conserving their natural habitat. These projects are field-based, often in stunning locations. Working alongside rangers and researchers, you’d be involved in a range of tasks, from detailed wildlife surveys to adrenaline-fuelled game capture operations.
REDUCE HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT Work alongside predator researchers in Namibia to aid sustainable management practices and help mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION • Monitoring wildlife populations and movements and observing wildlife behaviour aids effective population management and prevention of Human-Wildlife conflict • Reserve patrols and the constant presence of volunteers out in the field provide an effective deterrent for poachers • Wildlife capture and relocation is vital for managing the genetic diversity and health of wildlife populations
“It was amazing because I got to be 100% involved in everything that was being done and it was really hands-on, more than I thought it would be.” Sandra Scott, Game Capture & Phinda, Canada
WILDLIFE RESEARCH & MONITORING Learn to use research and monitoring techniques, such as telemetry tracking, camera traps and ID charts, while you spend your days observing Africa’s most iconic species. Image: M. Makweya
If you would like to contribute to Wildlife Conservation & Management, take a look at these projects: • Phinda Wildlife Research Project • Naankuse Namibia Predator Research
Image: R. Bermingham
PROTECT RHINO Help protect South Africa’s rhino from poaching through tracking and monitoring patrols and relocation programmes.
• Okavango Elephant & Predator Study • Hanchi Horseback Conservation • Game Capture Team T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
Image: Naankuse
E. info@conservationafrica.net
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Image: E. O'Boyle
“No word is amazing enough to describe the experience I had... The most memorable moment was being part of building the new rhino enclosures then being there when the 2 rhinos arrived… Prepare for hard work, late nights and early starts!” Becky Becky Burns, Burns, Khulula Khulula Care Care for for Wild Wild volunteer volunteer
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WWW.CONSERVATIONAFRICA.NET
WILDLIFE CARE & REHABILITATION
YOUR ROLE IN CONSERVATION
Wildlife care and rehabilitation centres create a safe haven for southern Africa’s wildlife who come under threat from habitat encroachment, poaching and poisoning. Human-wildlife conflict is an on-going battle within the conservation field and these centres provide a nursing clinic, sanctuary and educational facility to bring essential care to wildlife living among ever expanding human communities. Working with dedicated and passionate conservationists, every day brings a new challenge and possibly a new companion to care for. You will receive training on nursing, care and nutrition for a wide range of species.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Help with wildlife enrichment by creating natural environments or stimulating enclosure activities. Assist with enclosure design and development, as well as maintenance of the centre.
CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION • Work with accredited centres and welfare organisations and contribute to the conservation of threatened and endangered species’ populations • Rehabilitation centres provide an experienced and dedicated rescue and care service for injured, sick, orphaned and confiscated wildlife. • Help the plight of the rhino and assist at a specialist facility. Along with a dedicated team, help with the care, husbandry and hand rearing of black and white rhino calves orphaned due to the devastating poaching crisis.
Care & Nutrition Learn the nutritional requirements of infant and adult wildlife, organise feeding and cleaning routines, assist with general husbandry and care. This type of rewarding experience can require round the clock dedication.
• Each centre contributes to a sustainable approach to conservation through community engagement and ongoing outreach programmes with local farmers, landowners and schoolchildren.
Rescue & Release
If you would like to contribute to African Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation, take a look at these projects:
Help with the rehabilitation and release of injured, poisoned and orphaned wildlife.
• Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage • Khulula Care for Wild T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
• Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre E. info@conservationafrica.net
Image: Moholoholo
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“Working with Dr Rogers was an incredible honour, I got to see and do such a massive range of things I never even dreamed I would. I was not sat 100 yards away in a truck watching from a “safe” distance, I was stood right there with the vet monitoring the breathing of the sedated rhinos and leopards that we were working with, and even got the chance to administer drugs to the animals.” Sophie Gates, Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience volunteer
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WWW.CONSERVATIONAFRICA.NET
WILDLIFE VETERINARY EXPERIENCE
YOUR ROLE IN CONSERVATION
Working in the most wildlife prolific areas of southern Africa, the Wildlife Veterinary Experience gives you the opportunity to join the dynamic day to day activities of experienced wildlife veterinarians in the field. From immobilising, diagnosing and treating wildlife to disease control work and assisting game capture and relocation teams, you could find yourself working up close with a wide range of wildlife in often unpredictable situations. Participate and learn about wildlife medicine, veterinary research and development.
Diagnosis & Treatment Diagnose and treat wildlife in the African bush, from emergency call outs to scheduled veterinary reserve work.
CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION • Veterinary work is essential for the preservation and protection of rare and endangered species endemic to South Africa. • Wildlife veterinarians manage critical care, ongoing research and essential breeding programmes in South Africa. • Veterinary assistance is required to immobilise wildlife safely in game capture and relocation operations, movements often essential to keep a diverse gene pool within species populations and to help reduce poaching incidents.
Chemical Immobilisation Learn about immobilisation techniques, drugs utilised and administration of low schedule drugs for Africa’s Big 5, African antelope and predator species.
• Blood sampling of game including buffalo and sable antelope for disease control. Image: R. Bancroft
If you would like to work alongside South Africa’s wildlife veterinarians, take a look at this project area: • Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary Experience
T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
E. info@conservationafrica.net
Rhino Conservation Wildlife vets are heavily involved with rhino conservation: De-horning is a technique used to combat anti-poaching in southern Africa. Actively assist in darting and immobilisation, horn removal and DNA sampling for ID kits. 14
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” Jacques Yves Cousteau
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WWW.CONSERVATIONAFRICA.NET
MARINE CONSERVATION
YOUR ROLE IN CONSERVATION Image: M. Paeth
Africa’s coastline is teeming with marine life, and much of it is facing threats from pollution and unsustainable levels of eco-tourism and fishing practices. The marine conservation project uses varying methods to help with the protection of southern Africa’s biodiverse coastlines, from data collection and cetacean research, to community education and marine animal rescues. Conservation enthusiasts will work alongside dedicated nature conservationists and marine experts and assist in restoring fragile coastal habitats.
Dolphin Monitoring Join regular boat trips to carry out cetacean surveys. Learn how to use GPS equipment and data sheets to record cetacean sightings and analyse their behaviour.
Image: J. Hebbert
CONSERVATION CONTRIBUTION • Cetacean data collection and tour boat surveys help assess the impact of marine tourism on the dolphin and whale populations along the southern African coastlines. • Participants assist with the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded and injured marine animals, such as turtles, African penguins, seals and cetaceans.
Marine Conservation Help rehabilitate rescued turtles and African penguins. Participants learn how to deal with stranded marine animals and assist with clean-ups after oil-spills.
• Marine conservation teams are actively involved with community outreach through education and awareness campaigns in local schools and businesses in the area. • Teams help with other local conservation initiatives, as well as conservation work along the coastline; from beach clean ups and water quality tests, to assisting terrestrial projects. If you would like to help with the protection of southern Africa’s marine life, take a look at this project area: • Coastal Conservation and Education Project
T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
E. info@conservationafrica.net
Community Work Get involved in community outreach programmes to help educate local pre-school children about the marine life on their door-step and help fuel their interest in conservation! 16
“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.” David Attenborough
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WWW.CONSERVATIONAFRICA.NET
WILDLIFE COURSES
LEARNING ABOUT CONSERVATION
Learning about the many marvels in nature is key to developing an appreciation of the natural world and an understanding of the threats to the flora and fauna of our amazing planet. We have developed a range of experiences that focus on learning about some of the key current conservation challenges in Africa, from poaching to canned hunting, to help equip wildlife enthusiasts with the knowledge to become conservation ambassadors in their own right.
COURSE BENEFITS • Courses contain a dynamic and focussed introduction to a specific topic, using a combination of informal lectures with practical field work • Learn from highly experienced and accredited wildlife specialists and conservationists • Experience some of the most stunning reserves and inspiring wildlife projects in South Africa • Whether as a starting point for an extended placement or as a self-contained unit, the courses give you a solid foundation and deeper understanding of current conservation challenges
“It was absolutely perfect for me and even better than what I thought it would be. I loved that we learned about wildlife in great detail and had a lot of chances to observe…I wanted to learn about the entire ecosystem of animals, plants, habitats, seasonal changes as well as information on conservation ... I got all of that and it was amazing.” Carolyn Smith, Game Ranger Guide Course
T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
E. info@conservationafrica.net
GAME RANGER EXPERIENCE Gain a thorough introduction to the wildlife and habitats of southern Africa on the “Game Ranger Guide Course” - an intense two weeks of field-based learning. Image: B. Horley
AFRICAN PREDATOR COURSE Work alongside a wildlife vet and a lion ecologist on the “African Predator Course”, providing veterinary care for predators and tracking and studying lions that have been successfully re-wilded. Image: G. Overton Image: K. Ashley
FOCUS ON RHINO Learn about all aspects of rhino conservation on the “Focus on Rhino” programme, from rhino protection in the field to hand-rearing rhino calves orphaned by poachers. 18
Image: K. Palmer
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FIELD TRIPS AND GROUPS
FIELD TRIP INSPIRATIONS If you need some ideas for a field trip, here are some examples of themes that previous groups have explored.
Whether you are a lecturer looking for a field experience for your students, a society with a special conservation interest or a teacher wanting to broaden your students’ outlook on the world We’d love to put together an experience for you.
Wildlife Veterinary Experience International veterinary medicine and pre-vet student groups have teamed up with wildlife vets to gain hands-on experience in wildlife veterinary procedures and game capture.
WHY ACE? • Great flexibility: Every field trip we organise is tailored. We’ll work with you to come up with a programme that incorporates your ideas and makes allowance for your budget and timeframe. • Serious about conservation: Our field trips aren’t pseudo-safaris. At the core of a trip with ACE is the opportunity to gain real, practical experience in wildlife conservation. We are more than happy to incorporate other elements such as community service or a cultural experience as well, but wildlife is the main theme - It’s what we do best! • Outstanding service and support: You’ll find ACE to be quite heavily involved in your field trip - from helping you recruit participants to arranging insurance, meeting you on arrival and being available throughout your time in Africa.
“Absolutely, totally incredible! I know that I have 10 students whose lives have been changed and several of those can't wait to return. The content of the trip was more than met my expectations. Tuli was the best. The two weeks spent there was a learning experience that the students and I will never forget.” Dr Lou Rebar, University of Edinboro
T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
E. info@conservationafrica.net
Wildlife Monitoring and Biodiversity Studies Several colleges and universities head into the African bush in Botswana and South Africa every year to experience wildlife up close and let their students try their hand at wildlife surveys, biodiversity studies and field research techniques. Image: E. Grant
Service Learning Getting their hands dirty with conservation work and wildlife care is a great way for students to learn about pertinent conservation topics while acquiring practical skills and making a real contribution to preserving amazing wildlife and habitats. 20
COSTS & FUNDRAISING
HOW TO APPLY Feeling inspired to make a difference as a conservation traveller? Why not embark on your own African adventure and join a conservation placement or course ACE and our partner projects rely on wildlife enthusiasts such as you to help support the valuable project work in protecting southern Africa’s vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems. The first step is to fill out an application form, which you can do online at: www.conservationafrica.net/apply
If you are unable to apply online, give us a call and we can send you a good old-fashioned paper application form.
While we ask you to complete an ‘application form’ there’s no need to worry about competition or deadlines, we won’t judge or compare you to other applicants and you can apply for any project any time! The form helps us get to know a bit about you and what you are hoping to achieve on your placement. With our passionate team of zoologists, wildlife biologists, conservationists and sustainable travel experts, we can use our knowledge and experience to best advise you about the projects that would be the most suitable option for you and give you a clear idea of what to expect from your placement.
The benefits of paying to “volunteer”: We prefer to think of our passionate volunteers as “Conservation Enthusiasts/ Travellers”, because that’s what you all have in common and why you are giving up your time to support a conservation cause. But as you are volunteering your time and your hard work while on a placement, you might wonder why you also need to contribute financially. The reasons all link into ACE’s mission statements: Opportunities for international conservation enthusiasts We would like to enable international volunteers to have a valuable, educational and safe experience in wildlife conservation. This incurs some very real costs that need to be covered, such as your airfare, safe transport in Africa, your accommodation & meals and the salaries of the people who support you - from helping plan your trip, to support whilst on your placement and the dedicated specialists guiding the conservation work. Sustainable funding Our goal is to support real, worthwhile conservation initiatives that have little means of funding, and therefore really rely on funding through conservation travel programmes. The funds generated are invaluable for empowering the work at each of the projects to take place. This model works on contributing a sustainable level of funding, rather than just a token amount.
Image credits: S. Barton
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www.conservationafrica.net
How much will my placement cost? Each placement cost is worked out individually depending on the project choice and duration. However, you can find general price lists on each project page on the ACE website; and to give you a rough idea, placements start at £2,670 including international flights, transport in Africa, accommodation & meals, 24/7 support in country and most importantly, significant financial contributions to the project. A deposit of £295 secures your placement with final balance due 12 weeks before departure. Fundraising! As a traveller with ACE you will be making a significant financial contribution to wildlife conservation, so why not get a little help from your friends & family and have some fun getting the funds together? Sponsored events, theme nights, make & sell, sponsorship from local businesses and of course online fundraising, such as: www.fundmytravel.com/partner/African-Con servation-Experience ACE can send a fundraising pack to get you started!
KEEP IN THE LOOP
HOW TO BE INVOLVED
Whether you are planning a conservation adventure or have returned from one - there are plenty of reasons to stay in touch with ACE! We frequently share updates about the projects we work with, stories from our volunteers or just some amazing wildlife photography and conservation news.
ACE AMBASSADORS - JOIN THE CREW! Did you love your placement so much, you just can’t stop talking about it? That’s basically what we are looking for from our ACE Ambassadors - and you even make a little something on the side doing it. Ambassadors are our crew of enthusiastic past travellers who keep spreading the word about ACE in any way they want, whether they arrange talks, attend events or release a Twitter storm. If you are interested in becoming an ACE Ambassador, give us a call or drop us a line at info@conservationafrica.net and we’ll send you the application form.
BUSHWIRE NEWSLETTER Sign up to our free bi-monthly Bushwire e-newsletter, full of news from our projects and the world of conservation.
BUSH BULLETINS
Keep in the Loop & get Involved
Once you’ve joined one of the conservation projects, you can subscribe to email updates from “your” project to keep informed about the team’s work, achievements and conservation challenges.
ARE YOU A BUDDING TRAVEL WRITER OR A TALENTED WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER?
SOCIAL MEDIA If it’s interactive, we’re on it! Facebook: Connect with other conservation enthusiasts and get the news straight from the field! Twitter: Connect with us on @AfricanConsExp and never go a day without a bit of wildlife news! Youtube: Nothing tells it like a video. Watch clips from and about our awesome conservation projects.
Instagram: Wildlife snapshots and snippets straight to your phone! T. +44 (0)1454 269 182
Image by Rose Massingham
Pinterest: Feast your eyes on amazing shots of Africa, wildlife and all the conservation action.
Believe it or not - most of us at ACE more or less live in the office and don’t spend nearly as much time in the bush as we’d like. We therefore absolutely love to hear from you about what you got to see and do during your placement. Sharing stories, pictures and videos is also a great way to tell other people about the fantastic work happening at the projects, so by sharing your stories, you’ll be an advocate for wildlife conservation work! Please do send us your pictures, videos or blog links. We’ll give you full credit if we share them with magazines or online.
E. info@conservationafrica.net
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WORK WITH THE WILDLIFE
Make a difference as a conservation traveller
African Conservation Experience Unit 1, Manor Farm, Churchend Lane, Charfield, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8LJ, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1454 269 182
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www.conservationafrica.net