"A really amazing project. A stunning reserve. Although I did my research I wasn't prepared for such a rewarding experience. I couldn't expect how much I would learn and enjoy during my stay. I regret my 6 weeks were not 6 months. The project involves us in such wonderful tasks that are at the same time important and very much needed in order to maintain such an amazing place. The tasks and routines are part of a system that seems to have been built and shaped over all the years, nearly to perfection. Every week, every month has something new and exciting to offer. It is impossible to regret coming here (except the shortness of the stay, for even 6 months may not be enough), the amazing staff and the unique wilderness make sure of it."
Askari WCP
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9.9 / 10
after 100 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
Program website: http://www.askariwcp.com
I really enjoyed my stay at Askari. We did not only see a lot of animals, but also helped to conserve the reserve to maintain a good habitat for the animals and plants inside. Our stay was perfectly arranged with great accommodation and food and very friendly and helpful staff. There was some hard work to do, but it is always followed by a more relaxing activity like a game drive. I can recommend the Askari project to people who are not afriad to get involved in all the ins and outs of a game reserve.
Program:
Location:
Posted: December 18, 2012
Overall:
9
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Petra Wijnja
Age:
32
"Askari is a unique and special place. the volunteer programme is well balanced, varied and above all enjoyable. I really felt that during my time here I was contributing to something worthwhile. Katie & Joe are clearly passionate about what they do and take the time to share their wealth of knowledge with you. Each and every animal sighting is different and special. I was fortunate enough to see pangolin, a lioness on a kill and many others, too numerous to mention. You are immediately made to feel welcome and Askari quickly became my Africa home away from home. Volunteering at Askari has definitely been a life-changing experience. I leave here with memories to treasure, great stories to share with friends and of course new found friends. Thanks to Katie & Joe for this amazing experience. Askari will be a hard act to follow."
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Location:
Posted: December 6, 2012
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: am
Age:
37
The Askari programme is a hands on, adventurous, real African experience and no matter whether you are interested in conservation or not, you will have an amazing time. Not only do you get involved in exciting projects such as Cheetah monitoring and Rhino de-horning, but you will learn so so much about the wildlife on the reserve; not just the big five. It's impossible to not become passionate about conservation by the end of the project, Joe and
Katie are so knowledgeable and their enthusiasm is contagious.
Whilst there is lots of hands on conservation work such as erosion control, there is plenty of opportunities to have amazing animal sightings, so bring a decent camera!!
The research side of it is so interesting regardless of whether you are interested in ecology or zoology, and you will often spot a giraffe or some elephants during research drives.
Great accommodation, friendly, knowledgeable staff, tasty food, WiFi and a pet warthog. This project is an incredible experience for anyone even vaguely interested in animals.
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 21, 2012
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: cogfraser
Age:
18
An amazing experience that I will never forget. I had a wonderful time volunteering and staying at Askari as part of the two week volunteer program. The accommodations were better than expected. You share a volunteer house and bedroom with the other volunteers but you never get the sense that it's crowded or unclean. Meals are done as a group and prepared by the volunteers, I didn't have a bad meal while I was there. The meals are very mainstream to the point where I was hoping we'd get something exotic to say I ate. The staff is amazing. My birthday came while I was there and they made it feel very special. Everyone was very warm and inviting, I can't say enough about how wonderful the staff is at Askari. The work was interesting. If you are a student of the natural sciences this program is invaluable. You're going to get the opportunity to see a lot of animals and habitats you won't see anywhere else. Some of the animal tracking was a little slow for me to the point where I wanted more manual labor but it's a once in a lifetime experience for someone who isn't interested in a career in the sciences. I highly recommend Askari for anyone that wants a different kind of experience then most volunteer vacations.
Program:
Location:
Posted: October 1, 2012
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: jaskli79
Age:
33
