I have travelled to Africa solo before, so I was excited about the prospect of travelling with a friend this time around. Unfortunately, they were unable to make it last minute. However, I was not worried as I knew African Conservation Experience (ACE) was going to be incredibly supportive.
I was greeted at the airport arriving and departing and at each transportation facility.
I have never experienced this level of support before while travelling and I felt that it was very considerate to be met on arrival.
It also allowed me to learn wonderful things from the in-country ACE team and meet the other ACE volunteers who were coming and going that day too.
The people I volunteered with at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre were all wonderful and from different backgrounds and ages. From this, I was able to experience new things and broaden my knowledge of Africa from different perspectives.
Moholoholo was up close and personal work caring for a variety of animals, an opportunity I never dreamed I would experience.
However, my time at Phinda Wildlife Research Project was just the opposite. Here we were able to collect data on stunning wildlife from a distance, and we got to see them in good health in their natural environment. It was a wonderful experience and a great comparison to Moholoholo.
There is always so much to learn and maybe some people think travelling solo at 78 is brave, but age is just a number! If you still feel young at heart volunteering is for you.
Mind over matter. I do not think I came across a single activity while volunteering that I did not feel comfortable joining in.
There is something magically magnetic about Africa that keeps drawing me back year after year. I feel that ACE was an incredibly supportive company to work with, and I would not hesitate to work with them again. I'm looking forward to hopefully travelling with ACE next year.
Feeling inspired by Jeanne Gray's experience?
Learn more about Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and Phinda Wildlife Research Project.
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.
