Katie, Joe and the Askari team are passionate about their work and strive to pass on positive and memorable experiences through volunteer activities. The program encompasses many facets of active management of the reserve. Katie and Joe are outstanding guides, leaders and hosts. They go out of their way to answer questions, educate and provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The activities I participated in at Askari have added to my personal and professional development and a greater appreciation for African wilderness.
Askari WCP
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9.9 / 10
after 101 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
Program website: http://www.askariwcp.com
Before coming to Askari, I was a very inexperienced traveller. I had never travelled outside of North America and decided that for my first trip I was going to so to South Africa (go big or go home!). But what a trip! This program truly allows you to be part of “the environmental solution” by involving yourself with a wilderness reserve that has the ecosystem and its inhabitants in its best interest. The experiences that I have had over these past few weeks are indescribable to say the least. Let’s just say I’m already saving for my next visit.
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Posted: May 15, 2013
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Alyssa C.
Age:
24
" I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I signed up for the Askari programme. I never worked overseas before. I can honestly say I was a bit nervous but also excited. From the moment we met Katie and Joe, they were immediately bombarded with questions from our group, and they were friendly and knowledgeable to answer them. The types of activities were amazing and varied enough to give a good sense of the day to day activities that go on here. Overall, it was an insightful and exciting time on Pidwa. We were well fed and the facilities we stayed in were great. The staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. And my main concern coming here was safety – not once did I feel any activity done through Askari was unsafe. This has been an amazing time and will be a key moment in my life! "
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Posted: May 14, 2013
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Ryan.B
Age:
29
The month I spent at Askari was one of the best life adventures I’ve experienced – it went above and beyond my expectations. The volunteer work we participated in was meaningful and I left feeling that I truly contributed to the conservation efforts of the Pidwa reserve. Throughout the month, there was continuous learning through lectures and hands on demonstrations. The Askari leaders (Katie and Joe) were extremely knowledgeable always happy to answer our questions and worked very hard to make our time at Askari comfortable. They are genuinely passionate about their work. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the Askari experience to anyone, you’ll dream about coming back for the rest of your life – it’s the best!
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Posted: April 29, 2013
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Linnell Goodrich
Age:
57
Askari is one of those stand out experiences you never forget. My hopes for the trip were to see the South African mammals and contribute to their management and conservation. Thanks to the Askari team, especially Joe and Katie for making this possible and for sharing a part of their knowledge and skills in such an inspiring way. The longer my stay, the more I saw how fascinating and diverse South Africa’s wild creatures are – not just the mammals! The ferocious, semi-nomadic soldier ants (matabele), the giant nest building hammerkop and the huge, fearsome martial eagle. There is a great range of activities that take place and always something new to learn. The management philosophy at Pidwa respects the resilience and complexity of the reserve ecosystem and aims to protect these values with the least amount of human intervention necessary – it is an amazing place to be.
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Posted: April 17, 2013
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: emma.coleman
Age:
