Jonathan Ager-Harris tells us how working in a Game Reserve changed his whole outlook on life - and he shares some of his stunning photography.

Interested in seeing some more of Jonathan's incredible photos? Visit his website to find out more.

I first saw the exhibition show advertised in the papers, and thought that it would be a good place to get some inspiration for my next holiday. Little did I realise how much this would later change my whole outlook on life, and what was around me in general.

I arrive at the show, with a very open mind as to where I wanted to go and what type of holiday I was looking for, although I did have a slight idea of going back to Africa - a place which has always been close to my heart.

Well I walked around the show for half an hour or so, and well I was just blown away with all of the many different destinations and types of trips on offer. I was in a kind of haze, I need a coffee and a ciggie to clear my mind and to come up with a game plan, so to speak.

That done I set off again in search of some type of trip where I would be able to either put something back into the place I visit or to take part in and really experience the true wildness of the destination. So it was Africa, it had to be, anywhere, and anything, but it had to be something where I could really be a part of the place. There were many companies offering all sorts of different types of trips, experiences and just holidays, all were good, but not quite what I wanted yet.

After visiting about 4 or 5 different stands, I came across ACE, never heard of them before, but right at the outset, I knew these were the people to inspire me. And yes not just because of the two very pretty girls on the stand. I met Sara, who had just come back from South Africa, and she explained that one of the many projects she had visited was the game ranger course run by a chap called Johann. That was it, (I only had enough holiday time to be away for a max of 2 weeks) they had a course which would give you an insight into becoming a Game Ranger, it would be very hands on out in the middle of the bush and at the end of the course, if you passed the exam, you had a qualification. It was perfect - something that I could really get my teeth into and gain a great deal from, I knew this was the trip for me right then.

Well July came and after collecting all of my gear together it was time to get off on the experience of a lifetime in the Klasarie Game Park in South Africa. It was two weeks of very intense learning, from bush craft, bird identification, tracks, through to animal behaviour. It was awe inspiring, it made me feel even more passionate about what Africa had to offer and meant to me - it did definitely change my whole outlook on life in general. This was not so new to me either, as just over 6 months ago, I suffered a nervous breakdown. For 3 months or more my life was in turmoil, but after much help and support from family and friends I started to rebuild my life, had a complete career and life style change. So the Game Ranger course was another step to my new way of thinking, were I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do with my life. During the course our tutor Johann was the very best source of inspiration one could have, he is so passionate about the bush, its flora and forna, you can’t help but absorb some of his passion for Africa.

I knew really before the end of the course, that this is where I wanted to be, Africa, but that it would take time for me to be able to realise my dream, so much planning would be needed for my next adventures.

I have decide that in 2008/9 I will travel overland, either on my own or with friends in a 4WD to Africa, and travel extensively throughout, ending up in South Africa, to join up with Johann again and complete an Advanced Game Ranger Course, to enable me to become a full time ranger.

Many thanks to all at African Conservation Experience, and especially to Sara, Johann and Natalie.

Jonathan Ager-Harris