Big 5 Conservation - Volunteer Reviews

Find out more about the Big 5 Conservation project

August

“Pros:
- Seeing lots of animals every working day.
- Learning through activities and lectures
- Good teamwork
- Opportunities to broaden knowledge
- Good food
Cons:
- Time goes too quickly
- Perhaps not enough activities/variability in activities
- Cold before 08:00 and after 16:30 in winter

What did you find most rewarding?
Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat every day of the week.

What did you find most challenging?
- Going out in an open vehicle in the early hours of the cold mornings.
- Getting the camera ready for shy/elusive animals.

What advice would you give to others who are considering this placement?
- Bring extra and flexible clothing to cater for winter sudden temperature change.
- Winter mosquitoes are fewer but smarter.

Why did you choose Pod Volunteer?
Primarily to have a non-conventional wildlife experience while helping out.

Would you recommend Pod Volunteer?
 Yes”

Jessica 

“Seeing the animals in the wild is a feeling I have never felt before. It definitely made me fall more in love with animals and wildlife. The volunteers I met along the way are such wholesome people from all over the world. The friendships are such a wonderful surprise. I would definitely recommend this project for anyone who wants to make a difference in South Africa while seeing the country in a safe, memorable way.

What did you find most rewarding?
Seeing elephants in the wild

What advice would you give to others who are considering this placement?
You will love it!

Why did you choose Pod Volunteer?
I read good reviews saying it is ethical and trustworthy.

Would you recommend Pod Volunteer?
Yes”

Monika 

“It was my second time volunteering and it will not be my last.”

Marlene 

“I’m Glad and Proud to have taken part in the Big 5 Conservation project which was an incredible new experience to me. It taught me that saving Africa’s wildlife is not so easy but a lot of fun. I’m sure I’ll be back.”

Janna 

“My whole stay in South Africa was absolutely amazing and I will try to integrate all I have learned going forward, and I can’t wait to come back." 

Eliana 

“I really enjoyed the time in Africa and we had the best leader. I will return home with great memories.”

Michael 

“South Africa is a beautiful country with a very interesting history and huge diversity of traditions, languages, people and wildlife… It’s definitely a rainbow nation.”