I can’t believe I have had the opportunity to visit Golola Rhino Orphanage And Rehabilitation Centre - it feels like a dream!
Visiting Golola and knowing that I have experienced such unique moments - like being up close to baby rhinos and bottle feeding them - is remarkable.
None of my friends or family have had this opportunity and here I am!
I loved each moment at the project. The pure excitement the baby rhinos show when they know it's milk time is truly indescribable. The way they suckle and tussle with each other, vying for attention, is absolutely heartwarming.
The staff there are so wonderful. Throughout the day they ask if we are okay and if we need anything. Would we prefer an early or later meal? Do we need a rest?
It really felt like home with the effort the staff put in.
I also had the chance to visit The Vikela Kruger Conservation Experience. We completed monitoring drives and recorded various animal sightings. I really appreciated how much effort went into answering my questions.
I felt like there was a continuous flow of information and the project staff really enjoyed teaching us.
The bush walks and drives with their anti-poaching dog were so lovely - she is so beautiful and so smart!
When planning this trip I wasn't too sure why I had to have a call with the conservation team. But after speaking to the consultant I understood the value of having the call. We spoke about my needs and what I wanted to get out of the trip - they aligned my expectations and objectives with the right projects for me. The project I initially had in mind was not the project I ended up going to!
From the moment I landed in the country, African Conservation Experience (ACE) made sure everything was taken care of. I'm a seasoned traveller, but having someone guide you around the airport and make sure you have everything was really appreciated.
I encourage people to travel - especially to Africa. You find yourself connected to a bigger ecosystem. Back home in Canada our scope is so limited. Being here and having spent time learning and contributing to something bigger than myself, I feel interconnected.
We all matter. We can make a difference.
Feeling inspired by Carrie Roussin's experience?
Learn more about Rhino Conservation Experience.
Stories, tips, recommendations - they're the glue that binds the traveller community together. So if you're planning a trip, why not hear what previous travellers have to say about their experience? And if you're just returning from Africa, we'd love it if you shared a few words for travellers who might follow in your footsteps.
