That's it then ........ any queries or fears or questions ANSWERED! Thanks so much. I feel a little queezy with the excitement of it all and absolutely just want to go right now! Will let you know how I got on when I come back. Thanks again ..................... off I go!!!! eeeeekkkkk

No probs you're welcome! You will be staying in the volunteers house which is quite comfy. It's mostly bunk beds and the odd double or single bed - not sure how great the bunk beds will be for your back but they are better than a tent bed! There are a few bathrooms in the house so it's easy enough to grab a shower...depending on how many other people that are with you at the time of course! You will be given a cooked breakfast and lunch everyday super yum and then in the evening we all mostly went for leftovers or you can get food delivered if you want.

You will be well looked after so don't worry about a thing!

I can't thank you enough for the information and advice you've given me. I feel so much more content about what to expect (it was all an abyss before) and I am off the scale with excitement about going. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Oh, just one more question. You were in a tent at the Lion Park, is it the same at this project too or are you in huts. I suffer with my back and am just a little concerned we will be sleeping on those little cots that don't give very much support. I'm sure I will be fine, but it would be good to know about the sleeping arrangements.

Thanks again for all your information. You're a star!

I did the Ultimate Lion Experience which was working at a Lion Park just outside Joburg - absolutely brilliant fun, lived in a tent for the first time ever and survived. Again plenty to do and plenty of down time to sit with the cubs, meer kats and really get a feel for the place.

Cheetah Experience where you're going although it has visitors is not a commercial minded as the Lion Park. It's a non profit organisation and the main aim is to nuture, care and breed the animals, particularly the endangered cats like the Cheetah and the Servals so you get a real sense of the love and respect that they all have at the project. That, genuinely, stays with you. They are a close team and boy do they love their babies, big or small!!!!

On the animal interaction, don't get me wrong, you do have plenty it's just it takes a few days to build up to it properly. Once you've found your feet you'll be in with James and Vember (cheetahs), having morning chats with the wolves Shakira and Nikita and snuggling up to the lion cubs when they're in a sleepy mood or being on your guard when they're being on the playful side and getting a bit cheeky.

I'm so envious of you as I'd love to be going back - have a brilliant time and do let me know how you get on

Two lots of very valuable information. I'm glad not to be taking the net - it's just too big. Also, I did wonder about the actual involvement with the animals. I have it in my head that I would be with them virtually 24-7, I will bear in mind what you said and I'm glad you told me because having built this up in my mind so much I would be so upset to be disappointed. Thank you so much for the info.

Did you do Living with Lions the previous time? I was reading some posts from people who had been on that one and it sounds brilliant. What's your next project?

Honestly I wouldn't bother with the net, I have one from the last time which took up so much room in my case and I never used it. I still have it brand new taking up space in my wardrobe!! It's probably a little warmer now than when I was there but I don't think I saw or heard a mossie. Plus it's not a malaria region so bring some bug repellant just in case and leave the net at home.

Yes it's my second time to do something like this, I'm a big cat person without a doubt, my first time was nerve wracking, scary, exciting, hilarious, unbelievable and lots more words that I won't bore you with.

One word of advice (just in case), some of the volunteers including myself on both projects felt a little hard done by to start with ... it takes a few days to find your feet and know what you should be doing so you don't feel as hands on or involved as you thought you would in your over-excited state. Just stick with it (if you do feel that way) and after a couple of days you will settle in and then you won't be able to imagine being anywhere else in the world.

That is really helpful info. I've never done anything like this before in my life so every scrap of info I can get is a huge bonus. I have one lip balm but will buy a few more. Definitely will take a mixture of long combats and shorts (for that coveted "scar"). I really appreciate the advice.

I understand this is your second time on something like this? I absolutely adore the big cats, have done since I was a little girl and I cannot believe this is finally happening to me. Did you have a problem with mossies? I bought a net just in case but its quite big and would rather not take it if there isn't a problem with the bugs. Talking of which ..... I would rather face a roaring lion than a bug .... were there many out there?

Hi Summer, you will have a brilliant time and fall madly in love with everything and everyone there! You will definitely need suncream with you, lip balm in every pocket - we all suffered from really dry lips so trust me on that you'll not survive without it!! Clothes wise I wore a lot of long sleeve t-shirts and combats - it gave me a little more protection from playful claws and teeth...some people wore shorts and t-shirts and earned plenty of scratchs/war wounds, but, they were quite happy to have them to show off when they got home so really it's whatever floats your boat. KInda nice to have a decent scratch or two when you get home as well as some good photos.

It was very chilly at night when I was there so we wore hoodies/warm jackets I'm not sure what the temperature is like there now - double-check before you go. But I'd bring something cosy just in case. It's nice to have something to snuggle up in when you get back from the farm in the evening.

I'm back nearly four weeks now and I still can't get the place out of my head for more than an hour or two.

Just give as much as you can and get involved as much as you can and you will have one of the best times of your life.

If you want anymore specific info just ask - I just typed randomly off the top of my head

Hey, I'm so glad you had a fantastic time because I go out to the Cheetah Experience this coming Sunday (2/10/11) for 2 weeks and I am beside myself with excitement and anticipation. Any good tips? What about clothes? What did you wear most?

Welcome back! Glad you had an amazing time, can't wait for show and tell :)