Login

Selecteer reisdata om de prijzen te zien

Buitengewoon 4.91rating (23)
  • Life On Land

Big Cat Sanctuary and Rehabilitation

location
1 - 12 weken  ·  Leeftijd 16 - 50+
Geverifieerd

Highlights

  • Wildlife Care Help feed, clean, and care for lions, jackals, monkeys, and more—every task brings you closer to the animals and their unique personalities.
  • Habitat Building Assist in building natural shelters and enrichment structures that reflect each species’ wild habitat—your creativity helps animals thrive.
  • Close Encounters Stay in the heart of the sanctuary, surrounded by nature. Drift off to the roar of lions and wake up to jackals calling—an unforgettable, immersive experience.

Highlights

  • Wildlife Care Help feed, clean, and care for lions, jackals, monkeys, and more—every task brings you closer to the animals and their unique personalities.
  • Habitat Building Assist in building natural shelters and enrichment structures that reflect each species’ wild habitat—your creativity helps animals thrive.
  • Close Encounters Stay in the heart of the sanctuary, surrounded by nature. Drift off to the roar of lions and wake up to jackals calling—an unforgettable, immersive experience.
  • Learn and Grow Gain hands-on experience in animal behavior, care, and conservation. Whether you’re a student or wildlife lover, you’ll leave with lifelong knowledge and memories.
  • Make a Difference Every day, your work helps rescue animals heal and grow. Be part of a passionate team giving wildlife a second chance—and be changed by it in return.
    • Je hoeft nog niets te betalen

    Vooral geschikt voor

    Leeftijd 16+
    Alleenstaanden
    Koppels
    Families
    Groepen
    50+

    Over het programma

    Help feed, clean, and build natural enclosures and enrichment that mimic each species’ habitat—make a real difference in rescued animals’ lives!.

    About Felidae Wildlife Centre


    Nestled on the border of the Free State and Northern Cape in South Africa, Felidae Centre is home to over 60 animals from more than 10 different African species—ranging from small carnivores to majestic big cats. Our story began in 2010 with the rescue of a single ...

    Over het programma

    About Felidae Wildlife Centre


    Nestled on the border of the Free State and Northern Cape in South Africa, Felidae Centre is home to over 60 animals from more than 10 different African species—ranging from small carnivores to majestic big cats. Our story began in 2010 with the rescue of a single cheetah and a caracal, and today, Felidae has grown into a safe haven for wild animals in need.


    We are more than just a sanctuary. We offer lifelong care to animals that have been abused, injured, orphaned, or are unable to be released back into the wild. Here, they are given a second chance—free from exploitation, surrounded by nature, and able to live out their days in peace.


    Our goal is to recreate a natural environment for each species, allowing them to retain their wild instincts even in captivity. When an animal is brought to Felidae, it undergoes a full medical assessment. If suitable for release, human contact is kept to a minimum, giving the animal the best chance to return to the wild.


    Over the years, we’ve successfully released caracals, jackals, meerkats, Cape genets, African wildcats, striped polecats, and more. We are firmly against canned hunting and have proudly rescued 12 lions from this cruel industry. Today, these lions roam large, natural enclosures where they can hunt and live as freely as possible.

    Volunteer With Purpose


    As a volunteer, you’ll become an essential part of our daily operations, contributing directly to the care, enrichment, and rehabilitation of the animals. Tasks include:


    • Preparing and distributing food (including meat preparation for big cats—expect to handle organs, carcasses, and raw meat)
    • Daily cleaning and maintenance of enclosures (refreshing water, removing bones, cleaning shelters, etc.)
    • Animal observation and behavior monitoring
    • Building and installing enrichment items to encourage natural behaviors
    • Assisting in the construction of enclosures and shelters
    • Helping with fundraising and educational tours
    • General farm maintenance: fencing, roads, painting, and repairs
    • Supporting the vet during medical checkups or treatments (as needed)



    No two days are the same at Felidae. Working with wildlife requires flexibility, a positive attitude, and a willingness to adapt to the animals’ needs.


    You’ll stay in the heart of the sanctuary, where your nights are filled with the unforgettable sounds of lions roaring and jackals calling under the stars.


    Bring sturdy clothes, closed shoes, work gloves—and don’t forget your camera! You’ll get incredibly close to these beautiful animals, making memories (and photos) to last a lifetime.

    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    Volunteer Daily Routine


    Please note: Wake-up times may vary slightly depending on the season.


    07:00 – Morning Briefing & Food Prep

    Start your day by meeting the volunteer coordinator and team for a quick overview of the day’s activities. Then, help prepare food for the animals. Depending on the ...

    Dagelijkse activiteiten

    Volunteer Daily Routine


    Please note: Wake-up times may vary slightly depending on the season.


    07:00 – Morning Briefing & Food Prep

    Start your day by meeting the volunteer coordinator and team for a quick overview of the day’s activities. Then, help prepare food for the animals. Depending on the group size, you may assist with feeding duties daily or every second day.


    08:00 – Volunteer Breakfast

    Head to the volunteer kitchen and prepare your own breakfast from the provided supplies. A great time to connect with fellow volunteers before the day kicks off.


    09:00 – Animal Feeding & Welfare Check

    Join the team for the morning feeding session. This is a vital time to observe the animals closely and make sure everyone is healthy and active.


    10:00 – Project Work Begins

    After a short coffee or smoke break, we dive into the day’s projects. Volunteers are split into small groups to ensure hands-on involvement. Tasks may include cleaning enclosures, building or repairing shelters, and other improvements around the sanctuary.


    12:00 – Lunch & Relaxation

    Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the volunteer kitchen. Afterward, take time to relax around the pool, play cards, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting.


    14:00 – Clean-Up

    Clean the meat room and wash all animal feeding bowls and equipment used during the day.


    14:30 – Enrichment & Project Work Continues

    Return to the morning projects and start designing enrichment items. Choose an enclosure and create fun, stimulating structures or toys to encourage natural behavior in the animals.


    17:00 – Sunset with Lions & Enrichment Time

    Climb aboard the open vehicle and visit the lions as the sun sets—an unforgettable African experience. You’ll also deliver enrichment items to the animals and observe their interactions. This is a perfect time for photos and quiet observation as the animals settle for the evening.


    18:00 – Dinner & Evening Wind-Down

    Gather with the team for a delicious dinner, followed by time to relax with a shower, a movie, or a friendly card game. A great way to bond with other volunteers and reflect on your day.

    Weekend Routine


    Saturday Morning

    You’ll help with educational tours, sharing your knowledge with local visitors and joining them for an exciting lion feeding experience.


    Sunday – Free Day

    Take a well-deserved break. You can visit town for snacks or shopping, or simply enjoy a restful day at the sanctuary. Additional off-days during the week will be arranged based on project needs and your interests.




     

    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    All extra activities is at own expense and prices differ according to the amount of people participating 

    RESTAURANT NIGHTS - Visit a local restaurant in Kimberley choosing between pizza, steak, fish/sushi or a juicy hamburger. 


    BIG 5 SAFARI - Visit a National park for a 2 night /3 day safari having ...

    Vrijetijdsactiviteiten

    All extra activities is at own expense and prices differ according to the amount of people participating 

    RESTAURANT NIGHTS - Visit a local restaurant in Kimberley choosing between pizza, steak, fish/sushi or a juicy hamburger. 


    BIG 5 SAFARI - Visit a National park for a 2 night /3 day safari having the opportunity to view the different African animals and have a Felidae staff member with you to answer all you questions. During this safari you will sleep inside the park and have a few game drives to spot the animals and have plenty of photo times. This is a perfect way to see all the African animals from the big 5 to the smallest bird in their natural habitat

    OPEN MINE - The historic Big Hole is the biggest hand digged mine for diamonds. Here you will be taken underground to view the historic ways of mining, viewing the hole from up top and enjoy a quick walk through the old Town. 

    NIGHT SAFARI - Visit a game reserve close by and visit a rocky hill to search for the elephant shrew mice, enjoying a game drive to a open pan in the middle of the bush for a sunset drink and snack and have a 2 hour night drive searching for the nocturnal wildlife like aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine, caracal, African wild cats etc. 

    VAAL RIVER BOAT CRUISE - Enjoy a 3 hour bout cruise on one of South Africa's biggest rivers, viewing the bird life, working on your tan and occasionally cooling off by jumping from the boat into the river. (Seasonally)

    EXOTIC REPTILE PARK - Visit a local reptile park and have the opportunity to view over 100 different reptiles including, snake, spider, lizards, gecko's etc and have some photos taken of you brave moments. 

    SHOPPING - Have a free day visiting the shopping malls in Kimberley or Bloemfontein

    THE LION'S DEN GUEST HOUSE - Sleep in a luxury open plan unit right next to the lion enclosures and occasionally enjoy a visit from the lions while you have a bubble bath. 

    Voorwaarden

    Voorwaarden

    Minimum leeftijd: 16 jaar

    Om deel te nemen aan het programma dien je ten minste 16 jaar te zijn op de startdatum van het programma.

    Taalkennis

    Je dient over volgende taalkennis te beschikken Engels (basis niveau)

    Nationaliteitsbeperkingen

    Geen beperkingen. Helpende handen van over de hele wereld zijn welkom.

    Andere vaardigheden

    Medium fitness level No skills or previous experience is required, just come with a passion and love for the African wildlife and a positive attitude.

    Tijdsinzet

    Uw helpende hand wordt verwacht op maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag, vrijdag en zaterdag van 07:00 - 16:00

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten ingesloten

    Diensten op locatie

    The fee that you will pay to take part of the volunteer project at Felidae Centre will cover the following
     - Accommodation in the heart of the project
     - 3 Meals per day
     - Coffee and Tea for the whole day
     - Transport from and to the project (on arrival and departure day)
     - 1 day per week transport to town for shopping

    Afhaal aan de luchthaven op Kimberley Airport

    You will receive transport from Kimberley to the project and also back to town on departure day. In Kimberley we will be picked up at the airport or Bus station by one of the Felidae staff. 
    For assistance in arranging transport from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Kimberley you can ask the Felidae staff. 

    Accomodatie

    The volunteer house have 2 private rooms and 5 dorm rooms (sleep between 4-6)  all with en-suite bathroom.  (Private room must be booked in advance)
    The volunteer house have a community kitchen and living room and a swimming pool and gathering area outside. 
    All linen will be provided. 
    The house is surrounded by lion, leopard and cheetah enclosures ensuring you to hear them talk at night. 

    Eten & Drank

    Felidae will supply 3 meals per day

    BREAKFAST - You will make you own breakfast with supplies in the main kitchen

    LUNCH -  Will be a freshly made small meal, usually consist of a sandwich and salad

    DINNER - You will receive a warm meal at night consisting of meat, starch and vegetables. 

    Coffee and Tea will be available throughout the day. 

    REMEMBER to bring pocket money for snacks or drinks during the day ( Shop is available on the facility or you will be taken to town) - the volunteer house have a refrigerator for your snacks and drinks. 

    Internet toegang

    Makkelijke toegang op de project site
    Je hoeft nog niets te betalen

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Wat is er NIET inbegrepen?

    Vlucht tickets

    De dichtste luchthaven is Kimberley Airport (KIM) in Kimberley. We assisteren u met het vinden van goedkope vluchten naar Zuid-Afrika. VIND GOEDKOPE VLUCHTEN

    Reisverzekering

    Naar het buitenland reizen is een avontuur en het is best om goed voorbereid te zijn. Plots ziek worden of gewond raken, annulaties of diefstal - een reisverzekering voor Zuid-Afrika biedt zekerheid en is een meerwaarde. KRIJG EEN OFFERTE

    Vaccinaties

    Als je de intentie hebt om als vrijwilliger aan de slag te gaan in Zuid-Afrika dien je eerst medisch advies in te winnen alvorens je eropuit trekt. Kijk de benodigde vaccinaties na voor Zuid-Afrika. VACCINATIE CHECKER

    Gegevens over jouw aankomst

    Felidae is open 365 days a year, as the animals require daily care and attention—so you’re welcome to join us at any time of the year that suits you!


    Our official volunteer program begins every Wednesday to allow for a smooth introduction and group orientation. However, if needed, we’re happy to make special arrangements for alternative start dates—just let us know in advance.


    Since Kimberley is not located near a major international airport, you’ll need to arrange a connecting domestic flight to Kimberley Airport, where a member of the Felidae team will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you safely to the project. Our staff can assist you with booking this additional flight if needed.


    Upon arrival at the sanctuary, you’ll receive a warm welcome, a short tour of the facility, and be introduced to our incredible animals. A brief orientation video and overview session will follow, giving you all the essential information to get started.


    Once you’ve unpacked and settled in, you’ll have time to relax, explore the surroundings, and connect with your fellow volunteers—your new team and family during your time with us!


    Beschikbaarheid
    jan. feb. mrt. apr. mei. jun. jul. aug. sep. okt. nov. dec.

    Programmakosten

    $738 per week 1 - 12 weken Leeftijd 16 - 50+

    Betaalmethodes

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    GEEN CREDITCARDKOSTEN

    Duurtijd

    1 - 12 weken

    Aanbetaling

    Reserveer je plek met slechts een paar klikken en een kleine, veilige aanbetaling. Je kunt betalen met creditcard, PayPal of andere handige methoden.

    Restbetaling

    Tijdens de aanmeldingsprocedure spreek je met de lokale organisatie af hoe je de restbetaling doet. Deze restbetaling is pas verschuldigd dichter bij het begin van je reis.

    Je hoeft nog niets te betalen

    4,91
    ・
    23 reviews

    Vrijwilligers foto's

    Plaats

    Afrika > Zuidelijk Afrika > Zuid-Afrika > Kimberley

    Maak kennis met je projectcoördinator

    Tercia
    23
    reviews
    4,91
    Buitengewoon
    2010
    Opgericht

    Geverifieerd

      Zeer hoog Responsgraad
    Reis veilig door Volunteer World te gebruiken voor je communicatie en boekingen. Op deze manier kun je profiteren van de Flex-optie, Restitutiegarantie en Support bij Resolutie.

    Misschien ben je ook geïnteresseerd in

    Vrijwilligerswerk in het buitenland  >  Met Dieren  >  Bescherming van wilde dieren in Zuid-Afrika
    Contact Tercia
      Zeer hoog Responsgraad

    De meeste vrijwilligers hebben vragen over

    Heb je nog meer vragen? Stuur een bericht naar Tercia
    Deel alsjeblieft geen persoonlijke contactgegevens
    Selecteer reisdata om de prijzen te zien

    Boek met de Flex-Optie!

    Kies nieuwe vertrekdata of wijzig je vrijwilligersproject zonder meerkost binnen 12 maanden.

    Volledige ondersteuning voor elke vrijwilliger!

    Dit helpt ons om ons platform te beheren en essentiële services aan te bieden, zoals uitgebreide ondersteuning, terugbetalingsgarantie, flexoptie zonder omboekingskosten en prijsgarantie. Dit is inclusief btw.

    Prijsgegevens