Our rangers have returned from their time volunteering at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, a 4700 hectare wildlife reserve in South Africa. We sat down with a few of them to discuss their time volunteering and some of their highlights!
What was your favourite part about volunteering at Mankwe?
Lottie: My favourite part was riding in the back of the truck, watching the sunset over the African bush, and watching the antelope leap around while rhinos and zebras grazed. It was like a scene from The Lion King!
Eleanor: Experiencing wildlife is incredible, seeing animals in their natural habitat. Being able to work hands-on to protect the rhino and meeting people who dedicate their lives to this cause was an honour! The landscape is absolutely breathtaking! Being around such amazing people who are passionate about nature and wildlife!
Domanique: It's very difficult to pinpoint one favourite part about volunteering, as the whole experience was just incredible. I would say, aside from seeing the incredible species of animals in their natural habitats, it would be listening to the staff presentations about the history of the reserve, the work they do and their commitment to the cause. The staff pour their heart into protecting the animals daily, and I have to say their presentations to the cause were so truly heartwarming to hear. Not only this, but knowing as a volunteer that my colleagues and I were helping aid in this important task.
What part of the trip surprised you the most?
L: I was surprised by how full of tiny life the bush was! I expected to see the large, impressive animals, but because we were there after heavy rain following a long drought, we saw some AMAZING invertebrates! While we weren't a huge fan of the moths and other flying things you had to duck and chase out of your room at night, we absolutely loved seeing some of the animals we keep as pets such as millipedes (or 'shongololo' as they are known), scorpions, stick insects, and even a few species of praying mantis!
E: The tracks and signs talk was extremely interesting. How much information can be taken from animal tracks by an experienced person is incredible, such as identifying specific rhinos by looking at cracks/wrinkles in their footprints!
D: I was surprised that the Anti-Poaching Unit, who help protect the rhino and antelope from poachers, spend each evening walking on foot in the darkness of the reserve. I honestly thought they would be in vehicles patrolling the reserve; however, it makes sense for them to be quietly patrolling so that no poachers are aware of their location.
What was your most memorable experience?
L: My most memorable experience was learning about the history of rhino poaching at Mankwe. It was a difficult talk to listen to, but it was important to hear. It made it very real hearing the lost rhinos stories, and they tell it both to honour those lost lives, as well as educate as to why it's so important to be vigilant and protect them.
E: Seeing 3 rhinos (Adult/sub-adult & baby) whilst on a night deployment, walking far too close to the fence line (this leaves them exposed to poachers). We alerted the APU who were out that night, and we managed to spook the rhino, moving them further into the reserve. The next morning, they were spotted at the centre Dam, meaning they had moved deep back into the reserve. Knowing we had done something that directly protected them was incredible!
D: It would have to be stroking Mbeze, the semi-tame Zebra. I did not expect to have the opportunity to stroke any of the animals, never mind a Zebra! After hearing her story and how the staff at the reserve saved her, I was very excited to meet her, and when she ran right up to us after hearing us call for her, that was just so incredible. Also, seeing first-hand the companionship that she and her best friend, Bongi the donkey, have was so adorable.
What animals did you encounter?
L: We encountered the most amazing larger animals! Rhinos, giraffe, zebra, jackals, ostrich, buffalo, antelope, chameleons, warthogs, snakes, and even a couple of elusive wild cats! We were also lucky enough to be there in 'baby season', so we saw tiny babies of all of those animals!
E: Rhino, Giraffe, so many Antelope (blesbok, waterbuck, Eland, Gemsbok, impala) about a million moth species, Elephant, Leopard, dung beetles, elegant locust so many more!
D: On a daily basis, we saw various antelope, ostrich, rhino, warthog and giraffe whilst driving through the reserve, which I never got bored of seeing. When we looked closer, we also saw so many invertebrates, like dung beetles, millipedes and flying stick insects. What was even more incredible was encountering two Mozambique Spitting Cobras on our campsite! One within the garden furniture and the other behind the ladies’ toilet - I did not expect that! I'm so grateful for the staff who acted swiftly and removed them from camp to ensure our safety.
What knowledge will you be taking back to schools/other settings?
L: When we left, I thanked Melissa (Nkombi Volunteer Programme's Research Coordinator) for sharing her emotional story and for allowing us to be part of the amazing experience. All she asked me to do was bring it back with me and keep telling everyone who would listen everything we've learnt and experienced out in South Africa. My first week back, I had the privilege of delivering our 'Africa' script to Year 2. The kids loved hearing about it, and I managed to gently discuss rhino poaching in an age-appropriate way (with the teacher’s permission). The immediate willingness of the children to ask questions and learn and ask what they could do to help was inspiring. It showed me Melissa was right. The best thing we can bring back with us isn't souvenirs or trinkets from the bush. It's the stories and knowledge that I will carry with me forever.
E: The importance of biodiversity, even though we were focusing on large mammals such as rhinos. There was also so much research dedicated to the grasses & trees (VCI), the soil quality (which is improved with controlled burns), and the invertebrates living on the reserve. It's so important to look at all of these factors to ensure the best possible ecosystem for all of the wildlife on the reserve.
D: Having first-hand experience in the South African bush and witnessing animals within their own habitat will aid me when delivering sessions such as Africa, Habitats or Biodiversity. I will have the ability to describe details in full during my sessions to help enhance the wow factor that ZooLab already provides. I really hope the knowledge that I have gained during this experience helps to inspire others to support wildlife reserves like Mankwe and those considering taking part in volunteering work to go for it!
Learn more about Mankwe Wildlife Reserve on their website and get in touch with for more info on our Africa workshops.
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