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Great 4.42rating (74)
  • Life On Land

Big Cat Sanctuary & Rehabilitation Centre

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Caring for the amazing big cats
  • Experience the farm animals living free amongst the wild animals
  • Be part of a very passionate team

Highlights

  • Caring for the amazing big cats
  • Experience the farm animals living free amongst the wild animals
  • Be part of a very passionate team
  • Learn about conservation and Africa’s wild animals
  • Do nice tours during your free day
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups

    About the program

    The project.. acts as a home to wild animals that are not able to be released back into the wild...

    The project aim to provide a safe haven to wild animals that are in need of a home and to ensure that injured and traumatized animals receive proper medical care. The Rehabilitation Centre and Sanctuary is in the Free State region and you are part of this amazing experience. The farm offers you an ...

    About the program

    The project aim to provide a safe haven to wild animals that are in need of a home and to ensure that injured and traumatized animals receive proper medical care. The Rehabilitation Centre and Sanctuary is in the Free State region and you are part of this amazing experience. The farm offers you an opportunity to work / interact with the wild animals and gain experience in inactivities like cleaning, building enclosures, feeding, and more with the wild animals, as well as the opportunity to unwind in a relaxing Free State setting. We strive to make life as normal as possible for wild animals by ensuring their happiness and wellbeing. You, as a volunteer, have the opportunity to assist in making this happen.
    Volunteer tasks:
    • Animal: working with raw meat, enclosure cleaning, removing ticks, bathing and more.          
    • Environmental: manual labour, carrying heavy items, getting dirty, working in the rain and more. 
    • Humanitarian: cleaning up after yourself, kitchen duty and more.  
    • Building: mixing concrete manually, pick up garbage off site, removing vegetation and more.


    Projects will sometimes start with one group and be finished with the next group. Some examples of projects include, but are not limited to:

    • Construction of shading for view areas
    • Building a dam   
    • Building of a Meerkats Manor with jungle gym per each unit
    • Removing of intrusive plants 
    • Constructing a retirement village for Bearded Dragons  
    • Experiencing new ways to attract birds
    • Planting of trees  
    • Maintaining of roads (filling, scraping, levelling and more.)    
    • Trimming trees alongside roads  

    Typical day

    You will be working 5-6 days out of the 7, with the 7th being your day off to do what you would like.


    6:00/7:00 Breakfast – Make your own with food provided

    7:00/8:00 Morning Meeting

    7:00/8:15 Morning Tasks

    12:00-1:00 Lunch break

    2:00/3:00 Afternoon Tasks

    5:00/6:00 Dinner

    Typical day

    You will be working 5-6 days out of the 7, with the 7th being your day off to do what you would like.


    6:00/7:00 Breakfast – Make your own with food provided

    7:00/8:00 Morning Meeting

    7:00/8:15 Morning Tasks

    12:00-1:00 Lunch break

    2:00/3:00 Afternoon Tasks

    5:00/6:00 Dinner

    Free-time activities

    During your free days you can go to the city, have a dring go to a pub or just hang out with the others in the evening watch a movie and have a beer.

    Free-time activities

    During your free days you can go to the city, have a dring go to a pub or just hang out with the others in the evening watch a movie and have a beer.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Pick up from Bloemfontein airport
    • Accommodation
    • Breakfast and lunch and dinner (tipical food)
    • Weekly transport to city
    • 24/7 support

    Airport Pickup at Bram Fischer International Airport

    Pick up from Bloemfontain airport included, as written.

    From Johannesburg airport: Their is a shuttle which is leaving at 1.30 pm from airport. Please make sure that you will be there on time.

    Accommodation

    Bed and bedding provided. The three bedroom farm house is within walking distance to the main lodge. There is a fully functional kitchen for making of own private meals, two bathrooms and an extra bathroom facility at the camp site. 2 – 8 volunteers live in a room, shared bathroooms.

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers will receive 3 meals a day. This includes:                                                                                              

    • Breakfast: Ready-made self-help breakfast with breads and spreads available.
    • Lunch: Ready-made lunch with breads and spreads available.
    • Dinner: A hot meal will be served every night such as a traditional Braai, stews (potjie), casseroles, vegetables / salads and meats
    • All Dinners will include a meat, starch and vegetable / salad.                                                         
    • Tea and coffee will be available in dining area.                                                                                      
    • All other drinks will be at own expense, though tap water is safe to drink
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Arrving: Saturday/Sunday
    Start of the project: Monday
    The shuttle from the airport leaves OR Tambo 1.30 pm! OR direct flight to Bloemfontain.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $714 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.4
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Evander

    Meet your project coordinator

    Angela
    74
    reviews
    4.42
    Great
    2012
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: French, German, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
    Contact Angela
      Good response rate
    French, German, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

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    Price details