Overview

Want to spend your days looking after and playing with lion cubs?

At this wildlife reserve and lion breeding centre in South Africa you will be spending your days looking after incredibly cute lion cubs as well as helping out on a whole range of duties throughout the reserve. Set in a stunning location the reserve is home to a number of lion cubs - and their older brothers and sisters, mums and dads! - and after spending time here we're certain you won't want to go home. You can get involved in a whole range of activities or, if you'd rather, spend all your time with the cubs - it's up to you. What we can guarantee though is that you'll fall in love with these incredible animals. 

Trip highlights

• Feeding and caring for lion cubs
• Helping to looking after other the animals at the reserve 
• Living in and enjoying life an incredible wildlife reserve 
• Taking the opportunity to learn how to abseil and rock climb (optional extras during free time) 
• Participating in game drives on the reserve

Itinerary & Details

Your first week

Day 1 (Monday) – Arrive into Johannesburg Airport (airport code JNB)

Today you will be met at the airport and taken straight to our backpacker’s hostel in Pretoria. You’ll need to arrive in before 4.15pm so that you’re all ready for the orientation which kicks off at 5pm. The journey from the airport to Pretoria should take around 45 minutes. The orientation is a crucial part of settling in to life in South Africa and will take you through what it’s going to be like at your project, do’s and don’ts, how to stay safe and it’s your prime opportunity to ask any burning questions that you haven’t yet had answered. After the orientation you’ll have dinner prepared for you and have some time to relax and prepare before your first day at the project tomorrow.

If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Johannesburg before 4.15pm then we’d recommend you fly in a day early. We can arrange an early airport pick-up for you including one night’s accommodation, please give us a call for more information.

Day 2 (Tuesday) – Introductions at your project

The following morning you will be taken from Pretoria to Brits where you will be based. The project is 1-2 hours drive away, around 70km north of Johannesburg. The project and accommodation are on the same site so you won’t be late for work! Take time to get to know everyone and settle in, because this is home for you for the next few weeks.

Your first full day will be all about settling in at the reserve and getting to know how things operate, but it’s fairly laid back overall. The staff at the reserve are always happy to answer any questions that you might have.

You will have an amazing experience here including hands on feeding and caring for the lion cubs. However, don't forget that the animal enclosures will also need to be kept in good order, so expect to get dirty! General maintenance of the enclosures and facilities will also be one of your roles around the park.

Days 3 to 5 (Wednesday to Friday) – Keep up the good work

Now you’re a fully fledged member of the team, you can aim to be on duty from around 7am to 4pm daily. You’ll be up with the birds in the morning but the afternoons are yours to relax by the pool on the reserve. If you want to carry on working then there will always be something for you to get involved in – even if it’s just cuddling the cubs…it’s hard work, but someone has to do it.

This project is quite laid back and structured with you in mind, you get to decide what activities you want to get involved in on a daily basis. Part of this experience is what you put in, but it’s also about what you want to get out of it.

Days 6 and 7– Free time

Time off is arranged in country and is flexible. So whilst we say here that the weekend is your time, you might prefer to have different days off. These days are your valuable time off to rest and explore. You probably won’t want to move away from the swimming pool at your accommodation but if you can tear yourself away, take time to explore the surrounding area. Around Brits there is a cheetah centre, crocodile farm, cultural village and plenty of curio shops to browse, so you won’t be bored! You can also check out the climbing wall if you are wanting to learn how to rock climb or abseil, this is free and depends on availability!

Following weeks

Mondays to Fridays will be spent on the reserve with your weekends or days off free to fill with whatever you fancy!

Your Last Day (Monday)

At the end of your project a member of the team will transfer you back to Pretoria Backpackers, the team can also arrange for you to be transfered onwards to Johannesburg airport for a local fee so please arrange this with them in country. Please ensure that you allow sufficient time for checking in when booking your onward flight, usually we advise to make sure that your flight departs after 5pm.     

Project

What does the project do?

The centre currently has over 50 lions including some cubs as well as other predators and game that you will be helping to look after. It’s involved in lion research, breeding and conservation and has been featured in documentaries by National Geographic and Aquavision among others. The centre is also involved in educating young people and is also open to members of the public wanting to learn more about wildlife and spend time in this stunning location.

What’s the project like?

This is the perfect environment for anyone with a love of lions and other stunning African wildlife. Providing a wonderful opportunity for hands-on experience with the lion cubs as well as a huge range of other activities on the reserve, this trip really is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as the work at the reserve, there are also great opportunities for horse-back safaris and visits to other reserves nearby at weekends and days off. All told this is a fantastic South African wildlife experience that will stay with you forever.

Why does the project need volunteers?

This project is based on a stunning wildlife reserve and is involved in white lion research and conservation. One of its main aims is to learn more about the endangered white lions and to participate in the preservation of these stunning animals. The lions, cubs and other animals all need a huge amount of care and attention and this is where you come in!

During your time at the reserve you will be working hand in hand with the rangers to ensure that all the wildlife in the reserve are fed and looked after and that the reserve itself is well maintained. Everyone at the reserve is committed not only to the welfare and research of these wonderful animals but also to ensuring that you have the opportunity to learn more about the lions, the challenges facing them and how the reserve operates - an incredible opportunity for everyone.

Activities and schedule

Your working hours are flexible but will typically be from Monday to Friday, 7.00am to 4.00pm. However, any extra time you can give to the project will be really appreciated.

You will be helping to raise the cubs - feeding them and caring for them – along with making sure that all the other wildlife and facilities at the reserve are well looked after and maintained. Don’t forget that you may also be involved in cleaning out the enclosures and will probably get dirty in the process! The rangers are keen to pass on their knowledge and experience and you will have the opportunity to learn as much as you want. The way in which the centre runs is to work with you to find out where your interests lie - meaning that you can pretty much design a personalised programme of work - wow!

Project resources and advice

You will find all resources that you need at this project so there’s no need to bring anything along from home. If you do have a specific interest in a field that you’d like to get involved in at the project please let us know.

You will need to wear durable clothes such as jeans, khakis or combats that you do not mind getting dirty. The same goes for footwear! Please note that during the South Africa winter nights and early mornings can get pretty cold so don't forget to bring a sweater / fleece.

Please note that the weather can become quite cold during the months of May to September, please remember to bring some warm clothes with you.

What exactly do i-to-i provide?

It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you fora the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.

Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….

Project sourcing and assessment

We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More

Expert help-desk

Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.

Thorough project briefing materials

Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.

Airport pickup

It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time - especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

Arrival orientation

Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More

Local in-country coordinators

Your in-country team will arrange a pick-up for you at the airport and will conduct your orientation upon arrival. All coordination teams are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More

24/7 emergency support

Aside from the local support from your in-country team you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by our response team in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More

Ongoing training

The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. We also fly in our in-country coordinators to the UK regularly for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More

Supporting our projects

We don't fund our projects directly from the project fee that you pay us. Instead we choose to support a number of projects every year through a grant scheme for tangible long-term initiatives. In the last 3 years we have distributed over US$250,000 to our most needy projects to help them in the great work they do. 

Recruiting people like you

We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.

The intangible benefits

Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here

Next Steps

What we will do after you've booked:

Once booked on you will instantly receive a welcome email confirming your booking with access to your online account

We will send a Welcome Pack in the post containing a t-shirt and a police check where required (UK only)

Community Development and Teaching customers will be requested to complete a police check (where relevant)

We will contact you if we require anything else e.g. CV/resume for some projects, doctors note for medical conditions etc.

We will prepare for your trip and you will receive all information required to prepare yourself in your online account 

We will ask you to complete personal information and pay your final balance if they are still due when required

We are available for any questions you may have on 978 587 3650 or support@i-to-i.com

What you need to do after booking your place with us:

Book your flights

Arrange suitable travel insurance

Fill out your personal details through our online interface:

Complete your police check if requested

Make final payment at least 90 days before you go

Make sure you have a visa for your trip if it's needed

Visit a nurse or travel clinic for advice on inoculations and malaria prevention

Read all details and prepare as much as you can for your trip

Take contact details of the in country team and where you're going in your hand luggage - just in case!

Get on the plane!

Orientation Information

The following information details what will happen during the first few days of your arrival.

We aim to provide you with a safe and soft landing into your destination by picking you up from the airport, giving you an orientation that helps to settle you into the country as quickly as possible. It’s also the best time to ask any questions you have about your time in South Africa.

You will arrive on the Arrival Date (days will vary) and will be met at the airport on (we recommend you arrive between 8.00 and 16.00 in order to attend your orientation). You will be taken from the airport straight to the Pretoria Backpackers where you will have your orientation introducing you to life in South Africa and at the project. You will have a South African meal and spend the night at Pretoria Backpackers. You will then transfer to your project the following morning. 

Accommodation

What type of accommodation will I be in?

You will be staying in ‘rondavel’ style huts on site at the centre which are on a shared two or three person basis. The rondavels are well equipped and have modern amenities such are hot running water, showers and there are Western style toilets. There is even a swimming pool on site along with a lounge with television and a beautiful garden for you to relax in the afternoons in.

Accommodation facilities

Whilst staying on the reserve in Brits, all meals are included and prepared for you - it’s all good hearty South African fare. You will need to make sure you work hard to burn off all the great food you'll be eating!

The bathroom facilities include hot water, shower and western style toilets. Valuables can be locked up in your room. You don’t need to bring bedding with you as this is provided and there’s no need for a mosquito net. You will need to bring a towel – don’t forget one for the pool too! Don’t worry about packing weeks and weeks worth of clothing as there are laundry facilities available for you to use.

There is a local town around 15 minutes away so if you need to stay in touch with family or friends from home, then telephone and internet facilities are nearby.

Things to bring from home

If you are travelling to the project between May and September please ensure that you bring some warm clothes (i.e. a fleece and a sweater). Although the days are usually bright and sunny, nights and early mornings can get very cold

Towel - one for daily use and one for the swimming pool! These are provided at the project but you might like to bring your own with you.

Finally don't forget some books etc for relaxing in the evenings

Where is the accommodation?

You’ll be leaving your daily commute behind as the project and accommodation are both on the same reserve. The reserve is based about 15km from Brits in the North West Province

How far is it from my project?

On site! You’ll be able to hear the wildlife from your accommodation or as you relax in the pool – bliss.

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