Lion Park Near Johannesburg, South Africa

  South Africa

Johannesburg

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Ever wanted to spend time with one of the most iconic and majestic creatures on the planet?

We've teamed up with The Lion Park in South Africa to offer an exclusive volunteer opportunity. The Park is famed as a pioneer in the rearing of white lions, cats that are now completely extinct in the wild, and you could soon get to see them every day! The Lion Park is a popular visitor destination and the team specialize in the care of Africa's large predators; the Lion (including the rare white lion), Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyena, Brown Hyena and African Wild dog. It is also home to many of the other animals that make South Africa one of the wildlife jewels of the world. Volunteering in South Africa on this project means you can run wild with lions, giraffes and cheetah cubs, so get involved with the team and help these amazing animals.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"The whole experience if I am honest. I loved every second there and it was amazing to take it all in the whole thing. When I was there I couldn't believe I was getting up every morning to work with lions and the other animals there. It was hard work but enjoyable as it's not everyday you get work with lions in South Africa! The people there were great and the place was fantastic. The opportunity to do this was a life changing experience as this has help me grow as a person and I would like to do more trips!" (Leroy Palmer)

The Lion Park is based in Lanseria just outside Johannesburg. Volunteers stay on the park in purpose built tents. The tents have electricity and proper beds. There are bathroom facilities with hot shower and a kitchen, with oven and washing machine. Accommodation is self catering style, volunteers are taken shopping weekly and given a budget to buy food by the lion park staff. The mall is a short drive away public transport is not easily accessible but we have arranged for a mini taxi company to pick up volunteers for a reasonable fee.

Cost in US$: $1990.00 for 2 weeks

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994