I got this job soon after I left college and as soon as I heard about what the job entailed I wanted to work here!!! We have such a nice team of people to work with and the best placements to offer everyone. It has taught me a lot about South Africa and it's wildlife and communities. I have been told many different facts of South Africa, which most people probably would not even need to know like the fact a beer in South Africa is about 70p.. now that’s cheap!!"

Sarah's Favourite Project
"My favourite project would have to be Shamwari Game Reserve. The project is so fantastic and all the volunteers that participate are so enthusiastic about the programme; it is great. I would describe it like a big family; everyone comes back with amazing memories of their time at Shamwari. The Game Reserve also has many beautiful animals on it and they are certainly not hard to find!!! There is just so much to get involved in on this project!! If you want something different to conservation we can offer some other amazing projects though. I just wish we were based in South Africa!!"

Sarah's Top Tip
"My top tip for volunteers going out is make sure you know what the weather is going to be like, as it can get very hot in the day, but very cold at night; so remember to take sun cream and jumpers!! I hope you all experience one of our projects and can understand why we love working here so much!!!"

MELISSA ALVAREZ - UK Team Coordinator, Worldwide Experience

Melissa's Role
"My role as the UK Team Coordinator basically involves me travelling to many Schools and Colleges around the UK to tell students and tutors all about our projects, the benefits of volunteering & also to give a visual insight as to what the projects involve and which reserve would be best suited to you in terms of what you would like to gain from the experience.

I spent a few years working with Worldwide Experience as their recruiter, I recruited many of the existing staff here & I finally decided in the end the only way forward was to come and work for them myself as each time I sold the job to candidates, I just got too jealous!!

When I was a student, the chance to do something like this was not as readily available. I took 2 years out to travel the world and I certainly took advantage of many beautiful beaches and lived it up in a campervan but none of it quite matched the experience I had at Shamwari or any of our other projects for that matter.

Melissa's Favourite Project
Hmmmm, that's a bit of a tough one to be honest because they all have many many different values but I particularly enjoyed the whole Shamwari experience. Being 50,000 acres in size means there is a lot of room, therefore a huge amount of variety and plenty to see and do. I have always had a passion for big cats and seeing Lions and Leopards roaming so freely yet so close up is just theee most amazing thing I have ever experienced. I have also loved the Born Free Charity since I was a young child and admired the work they do so meeting some of the rescue cats in the Big Cat Sanctuary's at Shamwari was a real honour. Having the opportunity to feed them was just out of this world.

Melissa's Top Tip
Don't waste precious luggage allowance on hair strengtheners, stiletto's and tons of clothes, the animals couldn't care less what you look like! If you do have spare room in your case then why not take old unwanted clothes out with you for the children in poor communities who have very little or nothing. The look on their little faces when you give it to them will stay with you forever. "

TANYA PRINSLOO - Operation and Lodge Manager

Tanya's Role
"Hi, I run the operations and Lodge here at Shamwari Game Reserve, I am here to make your experience memorable and make sure that all your expectations are met. I am the first person you meet when you arrive at Shamwari, I will show you where you will be able to lay your head after a long day and what is what around the lodge.

I'm here to answer any questions you have and to help you with your weekend activities.

I have been working in this industry for over 5 years, so I am very lucky to be able to work with all the magnificent animals we have in this country. I have a diploma in Game Ranging and Lodge Management, I am married to Jaco and have a beautiful baby girl who loves living outdoors.

South Africa is a great place to visit, we have lovely weather, beautiful beaches and a lot of wonderful animals, so I'm sure your visit here will be a excellent one."

Tanya's Top Tip
"Bring lots of sunscreen, the sun is hot hot hot. But otherwise to have a awesome time with us and to go back home planning your next trip back! ENJOY!"