What began as a sabbatical is now an integral part of my life.

Three trips, many special moments – and a place that I just can’t get out of my head.

How it all began

In 2022, I decided to treat myself to a sabbatical in 2023. The planning began – and one thing was clear from the outset: I wanted to go back to Africa. After a few detours, I finally came across Helping Hands 4 Wildlife.

In early July 2023, I landed in Nelspruit and my Vervet adventure began. As soon as I arrived, I also got a taste of the South African winter: on the way to the farm, we drove through sleet in the mountains – a moment I’ll never forget. How crazy and beautiful at the same time to be able to experience that.

By the time we arrived at the farm, it was already dark. At first I could hardly see a thing, but I immediately sensed that special atmosphere. Elli had already been there for several months, and we spent a wonderful first evening together straight away. Katha was there too, and Maria arrived on the same day as me.

My first morning on the farm

The next morning, my first real volunteering adventure began. During the induction, we were shown everything – the routines on the farm, how to handle the animals, and also that monkeys can bite. In fact, Katha was bitten by Franky that very morning. This is exactly what working with wild animals entails, and it immediately showed me how important the induction is – and, above all, how crucial it is to read the vervets’ body language. Over the following weeks, I learnt an incredible amount about it.

Two weeks turned into three

Originally, I’d only planned to stay for two weeks – but on the spur of the moment I decided to extend my stay and stayed for a third week. Not only the animals, but also the people there grew incredibly close to my heart. Genuine friendships developed, and to this day we stay in touch via our WhatsApp group and keep up with each other’s lives.

It quickly became clear to me: I’ll be back.

Even during my first stay, I wrote to my nephew saying that this would be the perfect place for my sister. A few weeks later, I asked her if she could imagine coming along. Deeply moved, she immediately said, “Yes.”

The trip eventually became her family’s gift for her 50th birthday.

So, in October 2024, we set off for South Africa once again – this time together with my sister and Katha, who had since become a close friend. For my sister, this trip was an emotional rollercoaster: for the first time, she saw real poverty, worked with rescued wildlife and experienced the fascinating wildlife of Kruger National Park up close. An experience she will carry in her heart forever.

Helping turned into something more

At that point, Elli had just taken over Helping Hands and we were also helping her with various organisational tasks. It was a wonderful time – and, as always, far too short.

Since then, I have also been volunteering as a director within the NGO.

Back to the beginning

In October 2025, I travelled to South Africa for the third time – this time for a full four weeks, so that I could help even more intensively and spend more time with the animals and Elli. It was once again a very special time, especially thanks to the many baby vervet monkeys we were able to look after. Shortly before that, I’d also happened to meet a member of staff from dm-drogerie markt, which meant we were able to take donations of milk powder with us to South Africa. Support like this means an incredible amount to the farm, because every bit of help counts.

Special moments on and off the farm

During this third stay, we also visited the chief and his family. This gave us a little insight into Siswati or Swazi culture. In Eswatini and the neighbouring regions of South Africa, traditional chiefs continue to play an important role within their communities to this day. They are regarded as figures of respect, guardians of traditions and points of contact for many social and cultural matters. It was a great honour to experience this hospitality and to learn more about the culture and values of the local people.

The accommodation on the farm also made our time there special. The cosy chalets, set amidst nature, offer a wonderful retreat after the emotional and often intense days spent with the animals. Being woken in the morning by birdsong and sitting together in the evening beneath the African starry sky – that is exactly what makes this place so unique.

And next year we’ll be back again… I’m already incredibly much looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Manuela, volunteer and NGO director from Germany

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Join us on our journey – together, we’ll give orphaned and injured animals a second chance.