Live with Lion Cubs in South Africa

  South Africa

Johannesburg

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year

Description: At this wildlife reserve and lion breeding centre in South Africa you will be spending your days looking after incredible 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.

* What the project does and why does it need you:
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 reserve currently has over 50 lions and a number of cubs, all of whom 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.

* Who is it for:
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 is 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.

* What you'll be doing:
You will be helping to raise the cubs - feeding them and caring for them - as well as 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 center runs is to work with you to find out where your interests lie - meaning that you can pretty much design a personalized program of work - wow!

* Where you'll be staying:
You will be staying in a shared rondavel style chalet right alongside the cub enclosure! The chalets are very pleasant indeed with private bathrooms, hot water, and showers. Bedding will be provided for you but you may want to bring a mosquito net during the summer months. On site there is a swimming pool (!!!), a small bar, a lounge and TV area and laundry facilities - this really is a beautiful place to stay.

* What you'll be eating
Food is included at the project - 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.

* Advice and what to bring:
Please make sure that you bring durable clothing with you - jeans, khakis, combats - that you do not mind getting dirty! Other items to add to your pack include a torch / flashlight, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, raincoat, thick socks, personal toiletries and towels, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent and a mosquito net. Finally don't forget some books for relaxing in the evenings.

* When you arrive:
Please book your flights to arrive into Johannesburg - OR Tambo airport (JNB). You must arrive by 4pm on your arrival date. You will be met at the airport and taken to Pretoria for an orientation session, a delicious South African meal and your first night in Africa. The following morning you will be taken to the project which is around 1-2 hours drive away. At the end of your project our team in South Africa will pick you up and transfer you back to Pretoria from where you can either transfer back to the airport or head off for further travels in South Africa. Please note that the transfer from Pretoria back to the airport is not included.

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
* Participating in game drives on the reserve

Cost in US$: USD 2295.00 for 2 weeks, USD 600.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

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

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: 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