Engage Conservation Africa - Nottingham

Kate D.

Just spent the most amazing 2 weeks with Michael who leads Engage Conservation. During our trip, he has gone above and beyond to ensure we got the most out of the experience. He is an entertaining, knowledgeable and well informed host. I have no previous experience of conservation or animal behaviour and I have learnt a lot from Michael with each day. This has included animal tracking, identifying animal behaviour, setting up camera traps, digging snake pits, learning about trees and the different landscapes and environments, and where best to track and view animals. The Kruger Park visit was truly awe inspiring, seeing amazing vistas and animal encounters including wild dogs, witnessing 12 lionesses hunting buffalo and seeing the rare Southern ground hornbill. We were on the move constantly and this keeps everyone engaged and interested. It is best to come into the volunteering opportunity with a flexible and open mind as Africa always has a 'different plan'. I have been mentally stimulated and am very happily exhausted with this experience of a lifetime. Thanks to Michael and his team for such a memorable trip. You might be nervous about taking on this adventure, but I can assure you that are in very capable and safe hands with Michael. Don't hesitate, just do it, you will not be disappointed! BIG THANKS and I'm sure I will be back !

Jake S.

If you’re looking for a raw and authentic experience of Africa Engage Conservation is the way to go. I can happily say it’s the best experience i’ve ever had in my life. The trip guide, Michael made it a joy to be there and if you’re looking for an adventure I would highly recommend this trip. There is no better feeling being out in the bush knowing you’re helping to conserve the beautiful wild life. You will see some breathe taking views and I promise you will have some of the best laughs Unfortunately, the downside is that you will miss being out there as soon as you get back home and will be itching to go back. Many thanks to Engage conservation, cant wait to be back again soon.

philien D.

I had the pleasure to volunteer at Engage Conservation Africa for little over two weeks last June and I had the time of my life, a truly exceptional experience I will treasure forever! It was the first time I travelled abroad on my own and I'm not going to lie, it was a bit overwhelming at first. But 'Michael' (head ranger/guide) and the team were so helpful throughout every step of the process and my entire stay there.

The program was amazing with a large variety of activities with a great focus on wildlife conservation and also discovering the beautiful region around the Platjan border and Northern Tuli game reserve. We were lucky enough to see wildlife every day and experience the behind-the-scenes with the rangers on a daily basis. For me, the people we had the chance to spend our time with there were a big part of our experience. Their knowledge about wildlife and passion for their work really is an inspiration and I thank them for their dedication and what they've shown us.

For me, this was also fulfilling a dream to visit the vast wilderness areas and diverse wildlife ever since I was a young child enthralled in watching and re-watching David Attenborough documents. However, as a first-time visitor, no amount of Attenborough documentaries prepared me for the breathtaking sights of the incredible landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Some of the most unforgettable moments will be tracking a group of spotted hyenas with a kill whilst on a night game drive, seeing the orange eyes staring back at you and the sounds. The adrenaline rush of driving through the bush with a huge herd of elephants on our right to their local watering hole. Including being blown away by the size of a vast male elephant or cuteness overload by a baby Elephant. There were many other iconic wildlife, from giraffes to wildebeest, zebras to lions, leopards and cheetahs. There are too many to name!

Accommodation/lodges were beautiful, with grassy banks of the Limpopo River right on your doorstep, where hippos, African fish eagles and Nile crocodiles were regular visitors. The rooms were tidy and well-cleaned every day. The food included two deciduous evening braai, consisting of bush meat, but mostly self-catering, which was no problem as we frequently visited the local town to gather supplies.

Engage Conservation Africa can offer the classic day safari experience, complete with 4x4s and safari guides. However, when you leave the program you will have acquired so much knowledge with the help of your guide, Michael. He is very knowledgeable of the area, patient with learners and brought a good sense of joy and humour throughout my visit. To maximise our wildlife spotting chances, we had two game drives, one morning, one afternoon or evening, and occasionally enjoyed a 'braai' (African Barbecue) over an open fire.

Through this experience, I have gained more awareness about our biodiversity and the challenges it faces today, I have learned about a new culture and beautiful Botswana, and all that with amazing people that I get to call friends today! Trust me, this is the trip you were waiting for! I highly recommend it!

Linus M.

Was an experience like no other, with lots of variety from tracking to camera arrays to anti-poaching to just exploring! Every day was different and rarely did anything go exactly to plan but that’s part of it: like break downs in the bush or hosepipe showers but there is always a way. Everyday came with new sightings and challenges and lessons (like tracking and getting lion vocalisation or being confronted by an elephant on the way through the bush). Michael is easygoing and a great guide who doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of working in such an amazing place: as he showed however all you need is a plan. I was there just 3 weeks: only a taste of Southern Africa, its people and its wildlife but this only left me wanting more and to hopefully come back next year!