LACarr’s Journal

Adventures of a Lion Park Volunteer

To be honest I’m more of a city girl who enjoys the latest cocktails and regular manicures, but, I recently discovered, and indulged, my Jane of the Jungle tendencies and headed for a couple of weeks volunteering at a South African Lion Park.

Work began at 8am everyday and ended at 5pm; you have plenty of free time within that period to chill out in the sun or roll with some cubs. Typical duties included feeding the animals including the adorable Lion Cubs, cheeky Giraffes and mischievous Meer Kats, working at the ticket gate and supervising the public when they enter the Lion Cub enclosures. This is more for the safety of the cubs than Joe Public to be honest.

Too many unbelievable pinch me moments happened on this holiday to mention them all, but, here’s a taster; taking an adult cheetah for a walk (Fact fans: did you know they are the only Big Cat that purrs!); having a lion cub fall asleep in my lap whilst sucking my thumb; being walked to and from our camp site by at least one of the giraffes; having deep and meaningful conversations with Ozzy the Ostrich whilst he followed me round on my poop-a-scoop duties, and, being scolded by Meer Kat Zoe because I made her so relaxed scratching her behind the ear that she fell over!

Nightlife was pretty varied; Braai’s (South Africa BBQs) around a campfire, the very cosmopolitan Montecasino (a Tuscan style village all in doors with restaurants, bars, shops and casino) and a middle of nowhere pub with its own pot belly pig mascot, and, hand grenade shots (dear God I’m still hung-over from those!).

Accommodation is in a tent that sleeps four; you have electricity and a fan heater too. It’s basic, comfy enough plus you go to sleep listening to the lions roar - all part of the adventure. Food wise you can self-cater, eat at the park café or there’s plenty of opportunities to eat out. South African prices are very reasonable.

In total there were about 17 volunteers from all corners of the world and all ages. We all got along really well – in fact our tent was known as the entertainment quarter as we “treated” the neighbours to various musical sets including a medley from “The Sound of Music”. I swear Simon Cowell would have signed us up!

At the end of my trip I spent a night in Johannesburg at the 5* Westcliff where I transformed from Jungle Jane into a Pampered Princess. Now I’m back home, I feel revitalised and ready to unleash my inner lioness on the menfolk of Ireland. I am Catwoman hear me ROAR!

lion park;

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I am going on this trip in two weeks time and very much enjoyed reading your post - it has made me even more excited with lots to look forward to!

Thank you for the information and the tips about making an effort with the staff and the elephant sanctuary.

Caroline x

LACarr,
Hi I am thinking about going fairly soon. I was wondering if we might talk. I am a little older than you, and just am not sure if this is right for me...but you make it sound really wonderful. Mindy

By the way, your pics are soooo cute!!!

Hi again, don't worry, you aren't a bad girl. I'm happy to read what you experienced at the park. By reading it, I got more and more excited, but my trip is still more than 15 weeks away.

I booked directly at the park, as I want to stay for full three weeks, and your description about the last days in Pretoria confirms me about it. As I have to return directly home after the three weeks, it will be an advantage for me that the transfer back to the airport is organized by the park staff as well, so I need not to do this by myself.

Hi Gem, Kimad and Cora, Sorry I'm not on Campfire that much (I'm a bad girl!). I had a fantastic time on the trip. What really topped it off for me was the group of volunteers that were there at the same time. A really great bunch, real easy going, there was no tension, griping or arguments we all just got along. I'm still in touch with loads of them and made some long term friends (I hope!).

With something like the Lion Park, you have to make the effort to do as much as possible and make yourself available to the staff otherwise they will forget about you as they see lots of volunteers week in week out. But, once they know you're sensible and want to do some work they do warm to you quite quickly!

One thing I didn't mention was a visit to the nearby Elephant Sanctuary, that was beautifully run and the animals themselves - amazing, intelligent and strong beyond belief. It was like patting solid stone! I got a lovely kiss as well - they use their trunk and you end up with lovely clay/gunk on your cheek - lovely!!

Cost wise - the park restaurant is v. reasonable and you get a 20% staff discount. Foods pretty good too - loved the Lion Share breakfast. The trip was €1270 and my flights with KLM/Air France was €650 return. Just bring lots of old sturdy clothes - you will roll around in the dirt and the cubs will chew and rip things. Bring a couple of decent things for nights out as well. You can spend as much or as little as your budget allows. That was the good thing about the trip.

With i-to-i you spend the last couple of days in Pretoria in a hostel. Which is handy i guess if you're going onwards on your travels but if not you're left there and have to find your own way back to Johannesburg Airport. We were also told we'd be inside the main house, but, instead slept in basically a garden shed! It's a minor quibble on the whole but worth being aware of in advance.

Have to go know - work beckons! Let me know if you have any more questions!

This sounds so fab. I had it booked but due to financial difficulties I had to cancel. Or rather put back until the following year. I now know that this trip is a must for me. Thank you LACarr for opening my eyes to ensure I do this trip.

By the way, like Cora me too would like to hear all about what you experienced at the Lion Park, costs, how did you prepare beforehand etc.

By reading this, it confirms me that it was definitely the right decision to do the same in March 2010! To be so close with lions is my oldest dream, and I can't wait it to be there!!

Wow this sounds like my dream volunteer opportunity! I would love to hear all about it if you have time! Including memorable moments (other than the ones already mentioned), costs and how u did it all! I am so jealous :P I hope you never forget your amazing adventure!