Name: Gaynor Hogarth
Programme: Wild Coast Conservation Project, South Africa
 |
|
What was your motivation to take a gap break?
I'd wanted to do a gap project for some time; I love animals and had always wanted to spend some time doing voluntary work and the real gap wildlife programmes looked amazing.
When I decided to change jobs this year I saw it as an opportunity to join a programme, and my new employer was receptive to the idea and agreed an appropriate start date to accommodate.
What was the accommodation like?
The accommodation at Inkwenkwezi was far superior to what I or the other volunteers that I shared with had expected. Our ‘tent' was adequately furnished with real beds and duvets, drawers and a wardrobe and we had a fab viewing platform / balcony. All in all not bad for voluntary work! |
What did you think of the programme?
The programme was fantastic. Much of the conservation work was pretty rewarding and it was great to go outside my comfort zone of the corporate world into a month of ring barking and chopping down trees, digging compost heaps and improving soil erosion etc. There was good learning to be had also.
This type of work was inter dispersed with activities planned around the animals on the game reserve including rearing the lion cubs that lived in the vicinity of our camp, grooming, dipping and riding horses, game drives, fence patrol and looking after 7 baby tortoises. As well as all of this we managed to fit in some adrenalin sports including abseiling and quad biking. It was a wonderful mix of activity with no 2 days being the same. |
|
 |
 |
|
How did Real Gap assist you? How did they compare with your expectations?
Real Gap helped me a lot with all the questions I had before I left - lost count of how many times I called them! Also used their recommended place to get flights and they sorted out a student ticket which saved me a lot more money then trying to buy them independently would have done. They were helpful in reassuring me about signing up on my own and gave me some good suggestions as I basically called them saying I'm looking to join a group project for a month away at the end of the summer - help me?! |
What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
This is a tough one as there were so many:
Animal experiences: Looking after and playing with the lion cubs was a fantastic experience and as they lived in camp they became an every day experience. However a highlight for me must have been when a giraffe strolled into camp - such an unexpected experience and one I'll never forget.
Social: Campfire parties to round off the evening became the norm. Colin, one of the volunteers celebrated his birthday while we were there so we had a big party with cake, candles, party hats etc and lots of drinking games - a few hangovers the following morning!
Weekends: Each weekend we planned a trip through our project co-ordinator. On my final weekend we drove to Hogsback mountain where Tolkien was inspired to write The Hobbit. The scenery was spectacular and breathtaking. I went for a 4 hour hike with 3 of my fellow volunteers and the dogs from the backpacker's lodge - it was amazing and a real sense of achievement for me as until then I'd never been one for the great outdoors. |
|
 |
Did your programme and destination meet your expectations? Any anecdotes?
The programme and destination exceeded my expectations. This reserve is an amazing place to undertake the project and is situated on an beautiful rugged coastline which has dramatic unpredictable weather. We experienced all sorts of weather from hot sunshine to electric storms - fantastic! The programme was brilliant and the rangers that worked with us were so keen to make sure that the programme was enjoyed by everyone and really went out of their way to make it such a special and memorable experience.
What do you feel you accomplished during your programme?
At the risk of sounding a bit cheesy, I really do think that I found a new side to me. I've worked in the corporate world for so long now building up a successful career and somewhere along the way I forgot what it was like to chill out, relax, enjoy the great outdoors and completely switch off from work.
I also learned a lot about conservation, animals and the South African culture, which I enjoyed immensely.
 |
|
How have you benefited from your experience? How have you changed?
I'm back in the corporate world again, but feel very refreshed and feel like a better more rounded person - everyone should take off their corporate hand-cuffs once in a while and experience something so different!
My goals and direction have now changed and I will never spend 2 weeks lying on a beach reading a book ever again when there is so much to experience and to see out there on programmes such as this. |
What advice could you offer to someone considering this programme?
- Embrace the programme and have a go at everything, really maximise your time there and pack everything in.
- Ask loads of questions about conservation and about the animals, it's all so interesting.
- Pack a variety of clothes, footwear etc as the weather is pretty varied.
- Mobile phones work, even in camp, and there is an internet connection so it is easy to stay in touch with friends and family.
- Watch out for the spiders!
 Further information on the Wild Coast Schools Volunteer Project
Return to Africa Travel Stories
|
