Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme in Tzaneen

L’expérience d’une vie ! Bronn, Stu et Katie sont juste adorables et leur engagement et leur passion vous poussent à vous intéresser à des centaines de choses passionnantes !J’y ai passé le meilleur mois de ma vie, entre entretien de la réserve (éradication de plantes invasives, rénovation du « buffalo camp », élaboration de gabions, etc…et aventure humaine exceptionnelle.Je vous recommande ce programme les yeux fermés, il est impossible d’être déçu par cette expérience (à tout point de vueexceptionnelle !Merci Askari 🙌🏻

Hands down the BEST month of my life! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Seeing wild animals in their natural habitat is so special, and being a part of conserving that habitat is extremely rewarding. The most kind, knowledgeable and passionate staff. Askari will forever be in my heart!

I really enjoyed my stay at Askari. The Askari team (Katie, Bron and Stuartwas remarquable. I really appreciated their approach, their passion for animals and wildlife conservation. They are very passionate about their work and are always willing to share their knowledge and anecdotes.As a wilderness enthusiast since my childhood, I came out of this experience enriched.

My stay at Askari was wonderful, I enjoyed everything in the bush, the sessions of work, the animals, the tour trips and the house. Askari is a real serious programme that really aims at working on the conservation of a reserve in Africa. I felt so happy and proud to have been part of such an amazing project. Each people I met were nice, helpful and available when we needed it. Katie is doing an amazing job as the manager of Askari and she is really passionate about it. It is such a pleasure to share this passion with her. Same for Donald, he is also passionate and involved in his mission here. The house of volunteers is also really nice and the food really good. To conclude, I spent an amazing time at Askari, I will never forget it and I am actually wondering when I am going to come back! Thank you for everything and congratulations for the great job you are doing, keep it up and never change!!

We spend one month in Askari. It was our first experience as a volunteer and that was amazing. In middle of the wild life, we were feeling like a real part of the conservation project.Katie and Ed, Askaris managers were very welcoming and gave us a lot of knowledge about wild life and conservation.We loved watching animals, doing management activities, observing birds... and also just spending time with the others volunteers who share the same interests. All those things made this trip very unique.Just cant wait to come back...!

Passer 1 mois au sein du programme Askari est une chance inouïe. Découverte de somptueux paysages, vivre au plus proche de l’animal sauvage, pouvoir contribuer physiquement à la pérennité du programme et acquérir chaque jour de nouvelles connaissances.Ne cherchez plus ! Pour un mélange entre safari / intervention humaine au soutien de la conservation de la faune et de la flore, c’est Askari qu’il faut choisir !

This month at Askari was completely awesome, from the beginning to the end. It was a beautiful experience and thanks to two incredible guides, Ed and Katie, we have learned a lot about the bush. I recommend Askari, you can go there with your eyes closed. Thank you Ed and Katie, thank you Askari.

The most amazing experience in my life, once in a lifetime experience, for all lovers of the nature!

Volunteering at Askari was one of the best 3 months of my life! I couldnt imagine a better way to enhance my skills in the conservation field as well as contribute to meaningful work. Waking up getting on that game viewer and heading out the gates into the true South African savannah was like a dream come true every single day. The entire management team was like a second family through our 3 months together and I think I can say without a doubt I will be back in that volunteer house some time in the future! Miss it all with my entire heart.

An unbelievable experience! Would absolutely go back for more.

You are in for the time of your lives! Time spent at Askari cannot be accurately summed up in just a fewwords but Ill try and give you an idea. Be prepared for a long trip that is well worth your while. From the moment you land youll be amazed at this beautiful country. The people are wonderful, the landscape is breathtaking and of course, the wildlife is likenothing youve ever experienced! While at Askari youre surrounded by new and exciting vegetation unlike any of our trees back home, encircled by the incredible Drakensberg mountains. Around each corner is the potential for a new animal sighting or an adventurewaiting to happen. Our first week we were treated to leopards, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, an elephant and so much more! We explored the reserve, started our South African birding, tracked jackals and hyenas and even fought a bushfire! Be ready for anythingat any time. Theres no room for second-guessing, you must be committed and willing to follow to any instruction you are given. Robbie and Katie will prepare you but you are in the wild, these are not zoo animals. Pidwa is unique even to the reserves aroundit so take advantage of this opportunity and appreciate all the work that has gone into making this amazing wildlife sanctuary. You will be challenged, you will be moved, and you will be changed by your time here. In todays world, it is so easy to be overwhelmedby the destruction and devastation of the natural world, but here at Askari you will find calm among the chaos and come home inspired and feeling like youve truly made a difference.

Askari was my first volunteering experience and it has made my year. I stayed for a month and got to experience more than I ever would. I learned so much about conservation. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, funny and very down to earth people. If it’s your first time I would highly suggest going here as you’ll wish it doesn’t come to an end.

Askari was a wonderful experience! Katie and Robbie are amazing teachers and the program as a whole has benefited me in so many ways. Cant wait to be back!!!!

Highly recommended program. I’ve volunteer many time and this program is probably one of the best. Katie and Robbie who run the missions a truly dedicated to the wildlife. If you want to see how the conservation is done in Africa this is the place. After 3 months Askari felt like a second home. Leaving it was heartbreaking. See you soon baboons

Just do this!!!! Jump on board, volunteer and enjoy an amazing experience. Katie and Robbie will open your eyes and fill your mind every day, life changing and fun fun fun.

I chose Askari because I believe in their core values of wilderness conservation and my time here was nothing short of astounding! Everyday I learned something new about flora and fauna of the bush veld. The program is run by an amazing and passionate team. I cannot thank them enough for this humbling and rewarding experience!

Opening that gate everyday, is truly something extra. It is not just a gate. Out there is life. Out there is nature, wildlife and adventures. No problems except for the ones that the bush gives you. Outside of that gate, is my purpose of life. Inside of the fence, is the garden and house I call home. This place is the best place on earth.

Askari is a life changing project - youll meet lifelong friends, work hard, play hard AND contribute to genuine wildlife conservation whilst learning every day out and about in the bush. Dont consider any other project - it will never be as special as this place. The Askari team are second to none - can;t wait to head back for yet another visit in 2020!

Highly recommend! A great place run by incredibly passionate people where you will learn about every aspect of managing and conserving the African veld and its wildlife.

Nothing compares to the moments and lessons I gained from Askari. Life changing and humbling, this programme is something everyone needs to experience

Brilliant place and if you want to be amongst the wildlife and bush environment, this is where you need to be. Highly recommended

This place blows not only the mind, but the soul. Not only do you get to roll your sleeves up and help out with conservation projects, but you learn heaps about South African flora and fauna. Management is simply extraordinary, and I’ve done a lot of conservation volunteer work in many countries. It’s fun, fun, fun! Management has developed a culture there that is second to none. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, and leave no stone un-turned. Lots of fun ‘extra bits’ all the time. I can’t say enough. Going back for my 5th trip next year. Have given thought about going other places, but can’t imagine anywhere that would top this. Hence, I now take teams from New Zealand with me annually, and enjoy watching them having their minds blown too!

They give people of all sorts the opportunity to experience the natural world in a location that is perfect at illustrating its importance. I think about Askari Wilderness through day and night, and you bloody-well will too if you go. A hardcore experience!

I traveled over to South Africa July 2018 and took part in this programme, I was absolutely blown away by Katie, Robbie and the rest of team of their knowledge and just how awesome their personalities were. I would highly recommend everyone to do this programme.

After making enquires regarding visiting Askari and learning what the team do and can offer during my stay, I can’t say enough about what a delightful positive response I received and i’m now so looking forward to my visit and to meeting such positive people that take wildlife conservation so passionately

You need 5 more stars to rate Askari accurately!!!

Superb

I spent two months at Askari and it was the best experience of my life, lots of sightings, and things learned thanks to the wonderful staff Katie and Robbie.

Too fantastic for words. Was taught heaps. Learnt heaps. The best time ever all because of Katie & her team. A huge drawcard for tourism to South Africa. Because of Katie & Askari, we will go back.

No amount of stars could rate this kind of experience. I volunteered for three months earlier in the year and a day doesn’t go by where I don’t reflect upon my time at Askari. Every day was an adventure, with the incredible sightings, warm hospitality and endless learning - there was never a smile not on my face. Counting down the days until I can be back volunteering in the savanna, contributing to the conservation efforts with such an incredible team. If you consider yourself to be a nature nerd (birding for the win!and want to be a part of the solution in regards to saving this planet - look no further because volunteering with the Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme is the place for you!

If youre looking for genuine conservation programmes then it doesnt get any better than Askari. Ive spent 4 months here volunteering and interning and I can honestly say it feels like leaving my home when the time comes to board the plane. Youll learn so much from an incredible team. Be prepared to work hard, make lifelong friends around a blazing fire and experience conservation in its most authentic form! 8 months and counting until I return!

The most amazing experience you’ll ever have! I highly recommend the Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme. I got to see so many amazing animals and plants up close. I loved how hands on this programme is and how much I learnt about conservation, plants and animals in only a matter of weeks. The team is very welcoming and so incredibly knowledgeable. The best thing I’ve ever done!!

I loved every moment at Askari, the staff are great people, the sightings are amazing and it’s an incredible feeling contributing to such important projects on the reserve. I’ve definitely thought about this place every day since I left four months ago and would go back in a heartbeat!

I have volunteered twice and plan to do so again, two of the most meaningful, life changing experiences Ive ever had. The programme is well run with excellent staff and is a wonderful opportunity to learn about and appreciate the bush and conservation. Its not about working with, but rather working FOR the animals and nature that makes Askari so special and unique. Highly recommended.

I volunteered here this past April, and it was the most amazing experience of my life. We saw so many incredible things and, better than that, we were able to help out in a meaningful way. Months later, and I still cant stop thinking about Askari. I recommend this to anyone and everyone. The accommodations are amazing, the staff is incredible, and the experience will change you in a deeply profound way. I would go again in a heartbeat.

A truly exceptional and unique wilderness program that shall be the example for many

Totally life changing experience and once in a lifetime opportunity.All of the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and everyday we learnt something new and pretty much around every corner was another amazing sighting of wildlife on the reserve.The work Askari are doing on a day to day basis is truely inspiring.I loved every minute of the experience.Aaron Orchard

I had the most amazing time while at Askari! This place was my home away from home for three months. The staff and volunteer coordinatorswere amazing making sure that you got all you wanted out of this amazing opportunity! Cant wait to get back to Pidwa!!!

This is a project run by an incredible team! Not only can you make a meaningful impact to conservation in the most ethical ways but you can learn a lot along the way about the natural world around us. Completely inclusive of everybody it is an experience you will never forget! I would highly recommend Askari to anyone who wants to do their part for the planet!

An amazing experience! If you like wildlife, you can go to Askari!!

Amazing time and sightings. Run by great people and your lean a lot about a wilderness reserve. A great place to meet new friends too

In their own league and one of a kind. Keep up the exceptional work.

Askari is a truly wonderful, unique and authentic conservation experience. You will leave knowing the impact you have made. The opportunity to meet people from all over the world and spend a month or more living in the heart of a beautiful game reserve.

A great volunteer project!

The best holistic wilderness conservation experience available

Spent a month with Askari in 2008. Amazing experience, got to see giraffes, lions, elephants, snakes, various antelope, impala etc. Askari is run in a very ethical way and the staff were great and welcoming. I highly recommend volunteering there if you get the chance.

People often ask me what my experience with Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme, Pidwa Wilderness Reserve was like and I find myself speechless. The indescribable natural beauty, talented staff, comfortable accommodations, and unwavering amazement of the surroundings made it an unforgettable experience. Always feeling safe with our hosts Katie and Ed every moment was an incredible learning experience. In after two short weeks seeing and being able to identify over 100 species of birds and over 60 species of mammals this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Seeing these beautiful creature is one thing but being able to volunteer time to help in their protection and conservation is the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. When an opportunity comes up to volunteer with Askari WCP believe me you won’t regret participating in an incredible conservation programme within a benchmark wilderness reserve. When you leave you will always feel Pidwa Wilderness Reserve and Askarip WCP drawing you back.