South Africa

This is my third trip to Africa to experience wildlife. While I have loved the other trips, this one stands out as being the most integrated. It wasn’t just a wildlife viewing trip. I was submerged into a programme of conservation, preservation, awareness and the day to day management and running of a wilderness conservation reserve. I have come home with a mountain of knowledge gained while also aware I have only touched the surface. My life has been enriched by a dedicated team of staff (Katie, Bron & Stu) who are extremely knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic about the reserve and all it has to offer. Their warm hospitality created a family environment and it was wonderful being part of a contributing team. The entire programme is so well organised and run which is a credit to the hard work of the team there. I cannot speak highly enough of them and I am so thankful that I went on this trip.

More than a volunteer program it's a real friendly experiment. With a dedicated and passionate staff, we learn so much about animals and birds. I really enjoy discovering the bush like this, with no tourists around, only us and the wilderness. Working on the reserve was like a treasure hunt everyday. We had no idea what could happen but it was always such amazing things. I trully recommend to join Askari if you want to discover the Big Five in a different way.

I always thought it was a cliché when I heard people talk about overseas trips changing their lives – but that is exactly how I feel! My month at Askari has truly been the best month of my life. This trip has solidified my passion for conservation and animals. Immersing myself in the South African bush has been the ultimate escape from city life. I am looking forward to continuing my conservation work back home in New Zealand and also bringing back a new found love of birds! Katie, Bron and Stuart are a wealth of knowledge. Their passion for conservation is infectious and they’re a whole lot of fun too!

Askari is an amazing place! All the staff have an immense knowledge and are passionate about wilderness conservation. You can’t help but be ignited by it and it makes you feel good that you have contributed in some small way. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful and will do anything they can to assist in anything you may need or want to know. Katie, the manager of the Askari Programme is sensational and the cornerstone of creating a family culture that you know you will always belong to. If you have a passion for wilderness and a thirst for knowledge, I can’t recommend this place enough. I can’t wait to come back!

An amazing experience for a whole host of reasons. Well set up, well thought out, and amazing organisation of all activities. The manager is exemplary in her role, sets a perfect culture and reads her audience perfectly in terms of the level of detail they’re seeking. The work is interesting and fun, much is learned about African wildlife and reserve management, and there is huge variety in the experiences. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

Experience that changed my life !
This volunteering was for me a way to get involved in environmental conservation and to understand the impact of our life and decisions on biodiversity. In one month, I learned so much about nature and its conservation, it was incredible! Katie & Donald are exceptional guides and people who always make sure you get the most out of your stay and really feel involved in the management of the reserve. I am and will always be grateful in many ways for my time at Askari, and leave this experience with a better sense of myself and a better sense of life !

The weeks that I spent at Askari were amazing. The place and the entire staff are incredible, thank you to Katie and Ed for always being willing to teach us so much about the bush and about conservation. Being able to help out at such an amazing place with such great people is just a super nice experience. I recommend Askari to anyone who is interested in wilderness conservation without a doubt.

This month at Askari was completely awesome, from the beginning to the end. It was a beautiful experience and thanks to two incredible guides, Ed and Katie, we have learned a lot about the bush. I recommend Askari, you can go there with your eyes closed. Thank you Ed and Katie, thank you Askari.

My time here in Askari has been very special. I learned so much about nature. Being here helped me change my perspective towards life. I feel like now I have even more respect for nature. I am not only taking pictures and knowledge back home but also a big commitment to take care of this planet. I am also super thankful that I got to share this experience with very special people. I loved every second here in Askari and I hope I can be back soon.

LIFE EXPERIENCE !

During 6 months I was the Office Assistant at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage. I am so happy to have chosen DAKTARI, it turned out to be one of the best experience of my life.

I had the chance to work with a young team. They welcomed me warmly, making my experience unforgettable. I had so much fun at work, I learned so many new things. It is a perfect occasion to meet awesome people around the world. I felt living in a huge family.

DAKTARI’s camp feels like a home away from home! I had at my disposal many facilities such as bar, braai are and swimming pool. The food was very good, with chefs adapting to our special dietary requirements (vegetarians).

This is such a special place. Situated right in the middle of the bush, we are living around wild animals. Total escape !

If you love community project, teaching children and take care of animal, this project is for you. I can highly recommend this project. I just want to thank everybody I met during my internship who be able to make this inedible experience. I will always remember it !