I spent 4 wonderful weeks at Askari in January / February 2009 and I still think it was the most rewarding experiential holiday of my life. Working as a travel consultant and tour leader for the past 23 years I have met many people and travelled to many places around the world, but the professionalism, friendship and experiences offered by the staff at Askari far-outshone most of my other travel situations. The work that you do and the relaxed but professional way that you do it is not replicated anywhere else, and my only complaint was the boredom on our 1 day off each week! Great for anyone, any age, who wants to make a difference in conservation.
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
In 2009 I went to South Africa to volunteer in the heart of the breathtaking African bush on the Askari project. 2 months later I returned home with incredible experiences, funny days, amazing sights, learning experiences and loads of other wonderful things to look back at. I left with a good feeling of contributing to a project that actually means to and succeed in making a difference, and an even stronger feeling of wanting to go back! Also the staff is absolutely amazing. Besides being very friendly and open, they are also very competent in their field- making your stay a real learning experience. This project is very recommendable for anyone who seeks to spend their gap year/holiday etc. on a worthwhile project. You’ll get an unforgettable experience!
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Posted: March 21, 2010
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
9
By: Anonymous
Age:
Askari is an absolutely amazing experience. I spent six weeks there and when I returned home I immediately booked to return for another four weeks. It was definitely one of the best times of my life. I've been on a few different volunteer programmes but this was by far the best, the staff are amazing and the projects are so worthwhile. I really felt that I was making a difference and doing something important, especially with regards to the protection of tree species, and anti-poaching patrols.
I also carried out my dissertation research for my degree whilst I was at Askari. I made behavioural observations of their gorgeous cheetahs, I haven't had the grade for it yet but my tutor says it's an impressive piece of research, and it's all thanks to the Askari project!
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Posted: March 20, 2010
Overall:
9
Support:
10
Value:
9
By: Anonymous
Age:
I can't think how this project could be improved:
People: Fantastic! So generous, enthusiastic, informative and amazing fun. I learnt so much about african wildlife that I had no idea about, and I had been on a similar project in S.Africa for 3 months in the past.
Place: Truly wilderness, such a stunning reserve and oodles of free-roaming wildlife. I got involved in an elephant darting, had to roll this huge grey lump onto it's side.
Food: Very important to me and something I thought quality might be compromised on, I was gladly mistaken. The expansive recipes are ones you'll want to take home and there was meat to be seen on every plate, except the veggies- no idea what they were missing!
You definitely become one of the team and get your hands dirty for the sake of conservation, really feel like you earn that beer(s) at the end of the day.
Absolutely loved everything about Askari and would recommend it to everyone, regardless of where you're from or what you do for a living.
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Posted: March 17, 2010
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Anonymous
Age:
I could not reccommend The Askari WCP more. The two months I spent on the reserve were the most unique an satisfying of my life. If you have even the slightest interest in animals then this is the place for you. You will be blown away by the professional set up and complete dedication and enthusiasm of all involved in the project. From day one you will become a valuable member of the team and when your time comes to head home you will look back and see all of the ways in which you have made a difference.Not only that, with your fellow volunteers you are garunteed to have an amazing time and after all of your hard work you will have plenty of opportunity to let your hair down. However, without doubt, the stars of the show are the animals. I could not believe how easy it was to sit and watch them in action. More often than not you would have to drag yourself away. Even the most mundane of animal behaviours became mindblowing and would leave you wanting more. The breathtaking scenery didn't hurt either.
I have experienced other volunteer projects but this was far and away the best. Not only do you get what you have been promised but you also get alot more. If you get the opportunity you have to go!! I am already planning a return visit.
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Posted: March 8, 2010
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Anonymous
Age:
