African Wildlife Photography and Conservation Testimonials
Testimonials from African Wildlife Photography And Conservation in South Africa
Sarah Schlederer, Australian (wildlife photography volunteer)
Being able to watch the elephants being released into the Boma on Kings Land and staying up with them all night was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and one that I count myself very lucky to have been a part of. Game drives were of course the other big highlight and I looked forward to every single one we had throughout the month. Swimming with the dolphins in Mozambique was the best thing I did outside of Thanda.
Tessa Wienker, German (wildlife photography volunteer)
This trip has helped me to put my life in perspective and realize how different life could be. I have had so many thoughts and experiences to reflect on and think about, which helped me tremendously. My experiences really triggered me to think of possible changes I want to make in life and once I am back in London. Amongst many other things, this trip clearly showed me how little you need in life to be just as (if not more) happy with less of “everything”. All the experiences at game drives, day trips, weekend trips, doing conservation or school-work are moments I will treasure forever. African Impact made me even more aware of the beauty of nature and the importance to keep it in tact. I will recommend this program to friends and family and hope other people can experience this “other” world! I loved the fact that this program allows you to meet people from all over the world, who have different backgrounds and are in different stages of their lives. But despite the differences we all seem to be in a similar mind-set. And we all come together to help others and experience a new place, other people and culture.
Kailey Schwerman, Canadian (wildlife photography volunteer)
Loved: - The original aim and goals of this project were no doubt completed and I can see the passion behind conservation work through EVERY person here and working here. The goal of creating education behind our photos as well as working to protect the animals and monitor them here through conservation work etc. never strayed my mind and I leave feeling like the importance of this project was recognized through each person. - The area at which we live in. Absolutely unbelievable that we got to live in cabins were we did. This was a huge blessing for you all to allow us to live in the cabins etc. and be surrounded by all the animals just a few minutes drive out of the gates.
Merel de Vries, Netherlands (wildlife photography volunteer)
Living and working in Thanda Private Game Reserve was the most exciting experience of my life. Living so close to nature really made me feel alive. The animals, my fellow volunteers, the crew and staff made February 2011 the most wonderful month ever. The amazing pictures i was able to shoot will be a sweet memory of this wonderful piece of the world. I'll be back because I miss Thanda so much!
Georgiana Nicodim, Romanian (wildlife photography volunteer)
It was all that I was I looking for and more! Totally immersed in wildlife and nature.. living in the middle of nature, amazing! Very inspiring to be around the people that care for this reserve and know and feel so much about nature.
Jantina Scheltema, Dutch (wildlife photography volunteer)
Learning how valuable water and electricity is, but also meeting al this different people. The conversations i had were very “eye-opening”. It is hard to explain in english, but i learned a lot about myself and my way of looking into the world.
Helena Wood, British (wildlife photography volunteer)
I want to live here forever, it’s an incredible country with so much to offer. I feel I have a lot more to give…I will be back!
Kirsty Lucas, British (wildlife photography volunteer)
I feel I have achieved a lot on a personal level. This is mainly because I had never travelled to this part of the world or lived in this kind of environment before. I have learnt a lot about photography, a new culture and country. They have also allowed me to challenge myself and I shall leave feeling a little more self-confident and happy I achieved many new happenings in such a short space of time; safe in the knowledge that I can have an incredible time and hopefully give something back to a situation, despite initially feeling very nervous and apprehensive about what lies before me.
Casey Perry, South African (wildlife photography volunteer)
My perspective on things has definitely changed, I find now that I have learnt a lot about myself. I have learnt to appreciate the small victories in life and this has helped me not only on the projects but personally too. A beautiful place, such a good group of volunteers and seriously amazing and supportive staff who seem to always be there for you (volunteer coordinators; when do you sleep!?) both on a professional and personal level.
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