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Fantastic 4.56rating (16)

Big Cats Sanctuary

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Protect and care for captivating captive-bred big cats, making a meaningful impact on their welfare
  • Immerse yourself in our expansive, environmentally friendly sanctuary, spanning over 40 hectares of natural beauty
  • Become an advocate for animal welfare, raising awareness about the vital importance of protecting and preserving these majestic creatures

Highlights

  • Protect and care for captivating captive-bred big cats, making a meaningful impact on their welfare
  • Immerse yourself in our expansive, environmentally friendly sanctuary, spanning over 40 hectares of natural beauty
  • Become an advocate for animal welfare, raising awareness about the vital importance of protecting and preserving these majestic creatures
  • Collaborate closely with our experienced staff, gaining valuable insights and working together towards a common mission
  • Discover the wonders of South Africa's top tourist attractions, adding an extra layer of adventure and exploration to your volunteer journey

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Contribute to the well-being of big cats, help with daily tasks, maintenance, and be part of our mission to protect these majestic animals! 🦁

    Our Unique Volunteer Program

    Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for any captive bred big cats, where they will be protected and prosper for the rest of their lives. We have found our 40 hectare paradise with a beautiful home for the animals, the owners and the many volunteers ...

    About the program

    Our Unique Volunteer Program

    Panthera Africa is an environmentally friendly sanctuary for any captive bred big cats, where they will be protected and prosper for the rest of their lives. We have found our 40 hectare paradise with a beautiful home for the animals, the owners and the many volunteers visiting. The land is filled with lots of large trees, a natural spring and an amazing 180 degree mountain view. Panthera Africa believes in the connection between both environmental and wildlife conservation, and aims to become the first "green" big cat sanctuary in South Africa, and run solely on solar energy.

    One of Panthera Africa's main purposes is to be an educational platform where we create awareness about conditions big cats face in captivity, and how animal welfare and enrichment play a vital role in giving them the best captive life possible. We are a true sanctuary where no cub petting, breeding or trading takes place. We are a blue print of how a non-profit sanctuary, focusing on animal welfare, can become self-sufficient, and we aim to change all breeding facilities into sustainable ethical programs. 

    We believe in the equal importance of both humans and animals, and we will do our absolute best to give you the experience of a lifetime. We know from personal experience that this includes both quality time with animals, as well as with staff and the other volunteers. Hearing a lion roar up close, getting love and recognition from a leopard, hearing the chuffing of a tiger, or seeing them appreciate and love the toys you make to enrich their lives = BLISS.

    In addition to the indescribable bonds you will form with the animals, friendships will be formed and together at the end of the day we all can share stories, hopes and dreams around the bonfire with a cold drink watching the famous African sunset.

    The international volunteer program will offer you the unique opportunity to be involved behind the scenes - daily tasks will include:

    • Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
    • Creating enrichment for our big cats
    • Preparation of food and observing feeding
    • General farm work, including alien clearing
    • Assisting to educate visitors

    You will work together with our staff throughout the day, who will guide and supervise you so that you will learn as much as possible from their experience.

    Our Pride

    Our pride consists of:

    • Pardus  (Black Leopard)
    • Arabella and Rays (Tigers)
    • Oliver, Jubatus, Neptune, Elsa, Zakara, Lei-ah, Jade, Chaka, Baguira, Karlos, Ivana, (Lions)
    • Amy and Jack (Caracals)
    • Mahaba, Kamagelo, Lakanya and Balozi (Servals)

    (Plus our little house pride consisting of our dogs Buddha, Orion, Kira and Leo and our cat Tarzan).

    All of our animals have been rescued from breeding facilities, and most of them have been taken away from their mothers to be hand-raised by humans for the profit of money. The whole Panthera Africa pride is now living the rest of their days with us given love, respect and the best life possible in captivity.

    Home Sweet Home

    During your stay you will enjoy our modern, yet cozy home. The house consists of 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, a spacious and fully equipped kitchen for everyone to cook, a big living and dining room area where we enjoy dinners together, games nights, film evening or just relaxing with a nice book. Outside we have a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area, and a natural dam!

    So can we start to look forward to meeting you in beautiful Stanford? Are you ready for that life changing experience? We can promise you a lot of fun and magical moments – both with animals and your new friends from all around the world! 

    Being situated close to many of South Africa's top tourist attractions - Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point to mention some, Hermanus with its unbelievable whale watching cove and wine tasting, and some of the world's most amazing beaches on your door step, we and our passionate staff will do our utmost best to make this experience the best holiday of your life!

    Bookings

    We request bookings to be made at least 30 days before the intended arrival date, although due to the popularity of the project, we recommend further in advance. However, should you have an immediate booking request, please just send us your wish and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

    We would recommend that your stay will be a minimum of 2 weeks to ensure a full experience. Shorter or longer stays can be arranged and price varies accordingly.

    Our start- and end dates are on Saturdays, so please arrive and depart at Cape Town International airport between 10am and 2pm on the specific date.  



    Typical day

    Please find below a general outline of your days with us. We believe in not having a fixed schedule for everything, and have also learnt that plans can change every day, so the days with us are varied. There will be a difference between summer and winter months due to temperature and hours of light ...

    Typical day

    Please find below a general outline of your days with us. We believe in not having a fixed schedule for everything, and have also learnt that plans can change every day, so the days with us are varied. There will be a difference between summer and winter months due to temperature and hours of light during the day. 

    We have a morning meeting where we go through every day's schedule so everything will be planned and set up for you. There will be plenty of breaks during the different tasks, and flexibility for off sight activities, so you can expect a good variety of work and relaxation! 

    Daily Schedule

    6/7:00 Breakfast – Make your own with food provided

    7/8:00 Morning Meeting

    7/8:15 Morning Tasks

    12-2:00 Lunch – Meal provided by Panthera Africa

    2:00 Afternoon Tasks

    6:00 Dinner – Make and purchase your own food for meal, then leisure time!

    Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays are normally your days off. Thursdays are your activity days, where you might do some small work on the farm, but most of the days you will be enjoying the amazing Overberg area together with the other volunteers and staff. Saturday and Sunday you are free to explore some of the area alone or with other volunteers - this includes a night in Cape Town, a visit to a safari park...or lots more!


    Free-time activities

    Being situated close to many of South Africa's top tourist attractions - Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point to mention some, Hermanus with its unbelievable whale watching cove and wine tasting, and some of the world's most amazing beaches on your door step, makes this ...

    Free-time activities

    Being situated close to many of South Africa's top tourist attractions - Cape Town with its Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Point to mention some, Hermanus with its unbelievable whale watching cove and wine tasting, and some of the world's most amazing beaches on your door step, makes this experience a perfect volunteer stay.



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    The main requirement we have is that there is a love for animals! As English is the only language of instruction and communication we use, we do require a good level of English (spoken and written). We also require a good physical and mental health, as much of the work entails outside work that requires a lot of concentration and focus.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Program fees include:
    • Transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport for arrival and departure
    • Accommodation
    • Breakfast at volunteer accommodation and lunch (when on-site)
    • Weekly transport to grocery shop
    • Transportation to local excursion activities once a week
    • Copy of book, "Cuddle Me, Kill Me" by Richard Peirce detailing the origin story of our sanctuary and issues facing captive big cats today.

    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    Our start- and end dates are on Saturdays, so please arrive at Cape Town International airport between 10am and 2pm on your start date, and please do not book a flight that leaves before noon on your departure date as the earliest we can get you to the airport is 10am. 

    Should you decide to spend an extra day or two to explore Cape Town before or after your time with us, we will still use the airport as the central pick up and drop off location. Once you have booked your flights, please communicate your flight details with us.

    Accommodation

    During your stay you will enjoy our modern, cozy home which is situated 5 minutes drive, or 25 minutes beautiful walk, from the sanctuary. The house consists of: 

    • 3 shared bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, 
    • a spacious and fully equipped kitchen and dining room for everyone to cook and enjoy dinners and games nights together, 
    • a cozy living room area with a fire for film evenings or just relaxing with a nice book. 
    • Outside you will enjoy beautiful mountain views, and we have a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area. 
    • There is a lovely dam and large garden with space to play games, walk or sunbathe. While enjoying a peaceful evening outside, you may just hear our pride of lions roaring in the distance!

    Food & Beverages

    Shopping takes place once a week to buy food for dinners and snacks, and we will take you on a small shopping trip on the way to the farm on the pick-up day so you can fill up a little bit. 
    *Please let us know at your convenience if there are any special requirements with regards to food or medical conditions so we can make arrangement should there be any.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    We have set arrival dates throughout the year, usually every other week, so please contact us with your availability.

    Our start and end dates are on Saturdays, so please arrive and depart at Cape Town International airport between 10am and 2pm on the specific date. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,357€
    3 weeks 1,883€
    4 weeks 2,355€
    5 weeks 2,768€
    6 weeks 3,141€
    7 weeks 3,487€
    8 weeks 4,148€
    9 weeks 4,657€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 6,188€
    Average fees 597€/week

    Program fees

    597€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.6
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    2023
    I spent 3 amazing weeks at Panthera Africa! The team is dedicated to the welfare of these animals who have been rescued from deplorable ...
    Roxane Lanoue

    Big Cats Sanctuary

    2019
    This was overall an amazing experience. You get to know every animal, their story, the people, and what it takes to be involved with a ...
    Nicole Kuttnauer

    Big Cats Sanctuary

    2024
    What an amazing experience… I went there to meet and appreciate these incredible animals, I left loving the animals and also all the ...
    Théodore Parage

    Big Cats Sanctuary

    2020
    My stay at Big Cats Sanctuarity enriched me with many experiences: the 'other' side of the life of big cats, of which the majority of ...
    Heidemarie Hillerbrand

    Big Cats Sanctuary

    2023
    I had the opportunity to spend 3 weeks at Panthera Africa. It was a great experience, the team was very welcoming and I had a wondurfull ...
    Manon Giovinazzo

    Big Cats Sanctuary

    2022
    The owners and the staff are really connected. The talking was very interesting. The animals are very well respected through animal ...
    Didier Garcia

    Big Cats Sanctuary

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Claire
    16
    reviews
    4.56
    Fantastic
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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