One Heart, One Mission: Africa

Hi, my name is Kasey Carlton, and I’m raising funds to return to a place that completely transformed my life: Zingela, South Africa.

When I first began my trip to Africa as part of GAP Africa, I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. My journey started at Nambiti, and honestly, I was struggling. I felt lost emotionally and disconnected — I questioned whether I should’ve come at all. But everything changed the moment I arrived at Zingela.

From the first day, the team at Zingela made me feel safe, seen, and welcomed. The warmth, care, and authenticity of every person there — Zingela didn’t just feel like a holiday or a stop on my trip. It felt like home.

During my time there, something shifted in me. I began to heal. I found courage I didn’t know I had and reconnected with parts of myself I thought I’d lost. I overcame fears, built meaningful connections, and discovered a deep sense of peace. For the first time in a long time, I felt truly alive.

Zingela gave me more than just memories — it gave me purpose.

I’ve always been passionate about helping others and volunteering. It’s been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. Currently, I’m 17 and studying Animal Management Level 3 at USP College in the UK. My dream is to build a life around caring for animals and supporting the people who care for them. After I turn 18 next May, I hope to return to Zingela — not just as a visitor, but as a volunteer.

Volunteering at Zingela would be a chance to give back to the place that gave me so much. I want to continue growing, learning, and contributing in a place that inspires me to be the best version of myself.

But I can’t do this alone. Flights, insurance, volunteer fees, and living costs all add up, and I’m doing everything I can to raise the funds needed to make this dream a reality.

Your support will help cover:

• Return flights to South Africa

• Volunteer costs

• Travel insurance and essentials

Even the smallest donation helps. If you’re not in a place to give, sharing this with others means the world.

Zingela changed my life — now I want to go back and give something in return. Zingela Safari and River Company is a family-run eco-safari that focuses on conservation, sustainable tourism, and protecting the incredible wildlife and environment of South Africa. I saw firsthand how much care and dedication goes into looking after the land and animals, and it inspired me deeply.

To help fund my return as a volunteer, I’ll be doing a few different things — including taking on a Mud Race — to challenge myself and raise as much as I can. I’ll be putting in everything I can personally, but I simply can’t afford the full cost on my own. Any support, no matter how small, will help me get back to the place that helped me find purpose — and give back to the conservation work that means so much to me.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for believing in me.

With all my heart,

Kasey Carlton