African Conservation Experience (ACE) offers meaningful wildlife conservation placements for students looking for a gap year with purpose. Our projects run across Southern Africa for 1–12 weeks, giving you the chance to get hands-on with real conservation work. Whether you want to help care for wildlife in rehabilitation, support research and wildlife management out in the field, or shadow professional wildlife vets, there’s a project designed to match your interests and goals.
Whether you’re helping protect iconic species at a wildlife sanctuary, assisting with rhino rehabilitation, tracking lions in a Big Five reserve, or sharing campfire stories under the stars with new friends, our conservation experiences offer a gap year like nowhere else. This is your chance to discover what you’re capable of while contributing directly to the protection of Africa’s threatened wildlife.
This is your adventure. Make it count.
What we do
At ACE, we create ethical, impactful wildlife conservation experiences tailored to each student. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with world-class projects in South Africa and Botswana to give volunteers a genuine understanding of what protecting wildlife really looks like on the ground. With people joining us from all over the world, you’ll become part of a welcoming community of like-minded students and volunteers.
We pride ourselves on providing sustainable and ethical gap year opportunities. All our projects follow strict animal welfare standards, operate responsibly under SATSA guidelines, and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Also, we are proud to be affiliated with leading conservation organizations such as WWF and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). Whilst also being the only organization of our kind that has been offered membership of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents).
Every placement is fully supported and safe. Our UK team and in-country staff in South Africa handle everything from pre-departure guidance to airport pickups, transfers, accommodation, meals, and 24/7 on-the-ground support. Our personalized approach ensures each volunteer is matched to the project that best fits their interests, goals, and comfort level. You can even split your placement across multiple projects to experience different sides of conservation in a single unforgettable adventure.
What volunteers do
There are a range of projects to choose from, and we personally assist you in selecting the best project to fit your needs and goals.
Here’s what you can expect:
Wildlife Care & Rehabilitation
We partner with two specialist rhino orphanages and South Africa’s largest wildlife rehabilitation centre, giving volunteers the chance to work alongside some of the country’s most iconic species, from big cats to antelopes.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Supporting animals through different stages of rehabilitation, from post-rescue care to preparing them for release
- Food preparation, feeding, and enclosure cleaning
- Creating wildlife enrichment that mimics natural behaviours and improves living environments
- Learning the emotional, dietary, and physical needs of vulnerable wildlife
These experiences offer an up-close, ethical opportunity to help wildlife recover and return to the wild.
Wildlife Research & Management
Join ecological monitors and researchers in the African bush and contribute to the long-term protection of wildlife populations.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Tracking and monitoring Africa’s iconic species, such as elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs and giraffes.
- Recording behavioural and ecological data for cutting-edge research projects
- Using modern monitoring tools such as telemetry, camera traps, and ID kits
- Assisting with reserve management and anti-poaching initiatives that protect ecosystems and support species survival
This is ideal for students interested in ecology, zoology, environmental science, or conservation careers.
Wildlife Veterinary
Shadow qualified wildlife vets both in the clinic and out in the field, joining them in real conservation-focused veterinary work with no unnecessary procedures, just essential work where it is needed.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Observing wildlife veterinary procedures
- Assisting with wildlife darting, immobilizations, and treatments
- Helping with post-procedure monitoring, such as monitoring vital signs and taking DNA and blood samples.
- Learning about diseases, treatments and specialized techniques you have never seen before
Perfect for aspiring vets or anyone fascinated by wildlife medicine.
Marine Conservation
Support marine biologists studying dolphins, whales, and coastal ecosystems along one of the most biodiverse coastlines on Earth.
Volunteer activities may include:
- Collecting data on behaviour, movement patterns, and human–wildlife interactions
- Gathering research that informs global marine conservation strategies
- Learning specialist techniques in marine biology and ocean ecology
- Observing a range of marine life, such as multiple dolphin species, whales, penguins, and occasionally orcas
For anyone with a passion for the ocean, South Africa’s coastline is an extraordinary place to channel their passion for life in the ocean.
Why it matters
Volunteers are the crucial element for our partner projects. By joining the work on the ground, you provide essential hands-on support to real conservation efforts, helping protect wildlife and habitats while also making these initiatives possible through your funding.
It matters for you too. Volunteering with us will build your confidence and independence by giving you a real-world experience that helps you stand out from your peers. You’ll explore some of Africa’s wildest corners, develop new skills, and connect with like-minded volunteers from around the world.
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