Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme
Pidwa Wilderness Reserve, Gravelotte 0895 South Africa
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#1 of 4 lodges in Gravelotte
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Askari is set within the 25000 ha of Pidwa Wilderness reserve in the heart of South Africa. Volunteers live in a fantastic house accommodating up to 10 volunteers. There are two spacious rooms with shared, dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and a double room available for couples. Rooms have their own bathrooms and the house has a lounge, dining room, office, kitchen and outside area with barbeque facilities. All linen and a laundry service is provided.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Paid wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Airport transportation
Mosquito net
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor pool
Shared bathroom
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Bath / shower
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HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans
Location
Pidwa Wilderness Reserve, Gravelotte 0895 South Africa
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My time at Askari was wonderful. I think I’ll remember it all my life. I learned so much here, I knew I would when I booked it but it exceeded my expectations! All the staff are really welcoming and made me feel at home from the beginning. They’re all passionate about their job and it shows in their every action. They have been really patient while teaching us and I thank them for that. I’m really grateful to have been a part of the team for this month and proud of all the work I took part in because I know all the activities we did help the reserve. I really enjoyed my time here , I witnessed amazing sightings, learned a lot about animals and conservation. Thank you team!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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My Askari stay was splendid. As soon as we arrived it was already over and time to leave. You are immersed in the bush and will meet some beautiful people. It’s a mentally and physically rewarding experience as you learn a lot, work for the conservation of the reserve, laugh and enjoy, have wonderful safaris, nights in the bush and varied activities with passionate guides. The scenery is each more beautiful than the next and you can go for hours on safari and not see another car. I was able to learn more about animal behaviour, how to recognise them, hear them, and realise my dream of having them as close as possible to me in the wild. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The staff at Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme were so accommodating, informative, friendly and giving. They all went above and beyond what I expected. Their enthusiasm and commitment was amazing. Thanks to everyone involved!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This is my third trip to Africa to experience wildlife. While I have loved the other trips, this one stands out as being the most integrated. It wasn’t just a wildlife viewing trip. I was submerged into a programme o conservation, preservation, awareness and the day to day management and running of a wilderness conservation reserve. I came home with a mountain of knowledge gained while also aware I have only touched the surface! My life is enriched. Katie, Bron and Stu are always eager to share soooo much knowledge, passion and enthusiasm! It felt like we all became a family. The organisation of the programme is second to none. I cannot recommend this programme enough. Just do it…..you won’t be disappointed in the least!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Vegan friendly.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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I came to Askari because I had heard my friend Baxta talking so passionately about her love of the place, the people and of course the animals on the reserve. At the same time, I came with an open mind and a ‘can do/will do’ attitude. I wanted and hoped for a life changing experience, one of chance encounters of what will be will be. I got that and then some! In New Zealand, we are subjected to some fairly negative views about SA. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet the people, both black and white and be able to say we had some great encounters. But the true winner has been learning the meaning of wilderness, and what it can be, and meeting the inhabitants within. From squirrel to giraffe, from birds to trees, termites and ants, we have learnt about nature and the intelligence which exists within each species, including the plants. To see the larger species in their natural setting, moving freely is breathtaking, to then focus on the smaller species becomes mind blowing. Sometimes in life we just have to say ‘yes’, I did, and it led me to Askari, a place I will be sad to leave, a place I leave as a different version of myself. Paul Southey. Marlborough NZ.…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Room Tip: Bring a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme is a hands on real life taste of Africa and its awesome wilderness. Don’t come if you are too precious, you will get your hands dirty and maybe a thorn in your foot… but what you come away with is unexplainable!! Close up encounters with the most incredible animals and guides who want to give you the best experience ever! I loved the learning, comradery, and exposure to environments that I would never see at home. This has been a top month for me and I will never forget it!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This wasn’t my first trip to Askari, I’m beginning to lose count! I consider it my second home, & my special place. And now I take friends with me so I can watch it impact on their lives too. Askari provides the perfect combination and culture of seeing loads of amazing animals, learning heaps, contributing, and just having a lot of extras that make the over-all experience simply outstanding. The staff are exceptional. They are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, read people well, and are just plain fun! I can’t say enough about the place. Don’t even think about it, just do it!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Be a volunteer in Askari is a life changing ! The team is just amazing, you will do plenty different activities linked to animal conservation. It's for me the best way to experiment the life in the bush !
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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+1
If you want to spend some useful and fun time in the bush then Askari is an awesome location and organisation to do this with! You will be working with conservation strongly in mind; which includes plenty of time looking for the amazing animals; they are all there, although the elephants are only on the south of the property! You will also have weekly trips out to Hoedspruit and monthly adventures to Kruger; plus other exciting adventures. Don’t worry if your a solo traveller or a couple of group of friends; it’s super friendly and plenty to keep you busy! Interestingly Askari is not for profit but absolutely for the good of the planet. I loved my time there; January and February 2023. Enjoy
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: You may want to review the weather for your visit, but my two months in the rainy season were...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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I spent a month in Askari as a volunteer, without a doubt the most rewarding month of my life. It was the first time I went alone and in a few days I found a new home, a family. ☀️ I was passionate about documentaries, and thanks to this experience, I was immersed in the bush. I saw a lot of animals, I felt really useful in this trip to participate in the preservation, conservation and management of the reserve. Every day, I discovered the bush in a different way, with a multitude of activities. During our time off, and once a week with the team, we visited the incredible country of South Africa with the Blyde River Canyon, the Kruger Park, the Olifant River. 🌍 We slept under the stars, observed animals, their footprints, walked in the bush, looked at the stars, explored the bush at night, had aperitifs with the sunset, peed in the bush always checking that there was not a lion behind ahah, ate very good food, laughed, we also put our feet in the mud, our hands in the gloves to work of course. It was an emotional month. 🦁I felt so lucky to experience this, to observe the animals in their natural environment, to understand them better. I also learnt to know myself better, to fulfil myself. Katie, Brown and Stuart, the managers, taught us so much about the wildlife. They shared with us their knowledge, their love, their passion for animals and this world. Thanks to them ☀️ It is too difficult to sum up this experience. It was more than a volunteer experience, it was a real adventure. I know that one day I will go back. I had the opportunity to meet beautiful people, who I still see in Paris today. Askari changed my life. To finish this stay, with some of the team, we have engraved this trip on our skin with a tattoo. 🦒 Moreover, the period from August to September was ideal for the weather. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to write to them directly, they will be able to help you. And maybe, if you want, I could tell you about my experience as a volunteer (insta: lea_pttrs)…
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceGravelotte
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme
What are some of the property amenities at Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme have airport transportation?
Yes, Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Askari Wilderness Conservation Programme?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.