Thinking About Africa? READ THIS!

[mark-hunter]

There is less expensive hope. Since I went to the U of Nairobi in the 70's (yes, I'm getting old) , I've been back and lived and worked and hunted in various parts of Africa many times. Here's the newest thing for my wife and I.....we volunteer with wildlife veterinarians and on game reserves doing research and management....for a fraction of the cost of a safari or a hunt. We often manage the animals HANDS ON. We do everything from rhino dehorning, wound care, animal capture, etc. This spring we "worked" for 7 weeks and hunted for 1 week on one of the game farms we were called to for buffalo care. Interested...I can get you info on some of the better organizations we've been involved with (some aren't so good). I don't get paid, but like to support the cause and love of African wildlife and ecology. We're back again next spring for 2 months on 3 different projects.

This is quite a new angle on safari on this forum. At least that I have noticed!

It really sounds great. I also beleive it deserves a separate thread.
Could you tell us more?

Since my wife is a kindergarten teacher, I do have similar idea, to go to Africa so my wife can get involved in local rural school - teaching project, and possibly there is a additional chance for something of what you were mentioning.

So, it would be great if you could share more of your experiences with us?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Marcus bock]

There are many volunteer opportunities in Africa. Most of the wildlife projects are in South Africa with a few in other sub Sahara countries like Botswana and Namibia. Askari is an excellent program near Hoedsprit in SA. There are many others I could list or one can find by browsing the web. The company we like most is ACE.....website ConservationAfrica.com. We volunteer with their wildlife research projects and with their veterinarian projects. There are many other types under their management as well...such as wildlife orphanages. While the organization is based out of England, one of the owners manages their projects in Africa. He is extremely knowledgeable. They run a first class operation. If you contact them, tell them Marcus Bock sent you....talk with Ellie or Ruth. I need the "kudu's". There are lots of things to consider when signing on to a project. I'd be more than happy to talk with anyone interested (Bockdk21@yahoo.com). There is lots more to consider than what is seen on their website. Everything from weather and its relationship to the work, who you volunteer with, living conditions, (watch their videos as well as look at their photos) etc. As I mentioned above, Ascari has a superb program....but it is mostly young folks. African Impact is another good program.
This year we worked with ACE on 3 different projects....everything from raw data collection to rhino horn removal and giraffe capture. You can't do what ACE allows you to do on a safari....and it's a fraction of the cost. And, ACE got me to my hunting lodge where I hunted 1 week, then on to my 2nd ACE project. Any way....I'm always happy to share some positive opportunities for those who love Africa and its natural resources. Marc

 

[Marcus bock]

There are many volunteer opportunities in Africa. Most of the wildlife projects are in South Africa with a few in other sub Sahara countries like Botswana and Namibia. Askari is an excellent program near Hoedsprit in SA. There are many others I could list or one can find by browsing the web. The company we like most is ACE.....website ConservationAfrica.com. We volunteer with their wildlife research projects and with their veterinarian projects. There are many other types under their management as well...such as wildlife orphanages. While the organization is based out of England, one of the owners manages their projects in Africa. He is extremely knowledgeable. They run a first class operation. If you contact them, tell them Marcus Bock sent you....talk with Ellie or Ruth. I need the "kudu's". There are lots of things to consider when signing on to a project. I'd be more than happy to talk with anyone interested (Bockdk21@yahoo.com). There is lots more to consider than what is seen on their website. Everything from weather and its relationship to the work, who you volunteer with, living conditions, (watch their videos as well as look at their photos) etc. As I mentioned above, Ascari has a superb program....but it is mostly young folks. African Impact is another good program.
This year we worked with ACE on 3 different projects....everything from raw data collection to rhino horn removal and giraffe capture. You can't do what ACE allows you to do on a safari....and it's a fraction of the cost. And, ACE got me to my hunting lodge where I hunted 1 week, then on to my 2nd ACE project. Any way....I'm always happy to share some positive opportunities for those who love Africa and its natural resources. Marc

 

[Marcus bock]

I should mention, if you want to volunteer in school teaching, medical work, community development, etc., there are excellent programs all over Africa. Tanzania and/or Kenya/ Uganda have great opportunities. Plus, the wildlife viewing in many of these countries is phenomenal. The Serengeti is a must do....and with a bit more $, Uganda with it's chimps and gorillas.

 

[crazyhunter]

Wow, it's a very big Buffalo have I ever seen. I am newbie hunter and I have been practicing now Missouri state for last one and half years. I have a great wish safari hunting in Africa.

 

[Marcus bock]

Hey, Crazy hunter....if you can afford it, hunting in Africa is like no other. It's not the kill so much as the environment and experience.