Programme Details
Week one
Day 1 – Arrive into Johannesburg International Airport (airport code JNB)
Today you will be met at the airport and taken directly to park in greater Johannesburg. You’ll need to arrive in before 4pm so that you have time to go food shopping for all your supplies needed for your stay. The journey from the airport to the park should take around 45 minutes.
The orientation next morning at around 8.30am 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. We've got a team leader stationed at the park so you'll never be far away from someone to help. After the orientation you’ll get stuck into your project!
If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Johannesburg before 4pm 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, give us a call for more information.
Day 2 – Mind those claws!
Your first day will be all about settling in and getting to know how things work. You’ll take time to get to know the staff at the park, figure out the rota and start learning your duties. You’ll learn how to prepare food for the baby animals in the nursery, as well as in the evening for the larger cubs. You will also help clean out cub enclosures in the mornings; share shifts at the giraffe feeding station, the gate to the game drive and at the entrance to cub world.
Day 3 to 10 - Getting stuck in
As you start to get the hang of your duties you can spend time learning about South Africa from the park staff; expect to learn lots about the animals you are working with as well as how the park is run. You’ll get to wear a staff t-shirt (provided on arrival) and interact with the lions and the visitors to the park – the best of both worlds!
The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of this experience!
Day 11 – Pretoria here we come!
Your stretch at the park finishes today, but there’s no time to be glum because you’re moving on for a well earned rest in Pretoria, a city close to Johannesburg. Your base for the remainder of your stay will be at a backpacker’s hostel, where you have the chance to catch up on emails and sleep or just hang out with other visitors. The hostel has a pool so don’t forget your swimming gear!
Day 12 – Safari time
Today you will visit the Chameleon Craft Market, the biggest craft center in Africa; a great place to pick up some African handicrafts and to test your haggling skills! After the market, you will drive through rural South Africa to Pilanesburg National Centre where you will enjoy a picnic and afternoon safari looking for the Big 5 in the wild. If you’re lucky you might even glimpse the hippos taking their late afternoon bath!
If you are with a large group of volunteers you may be split into two smaller groups; half will go on safari on day 12, half on day 13.
Day 13 – Free time in Pretoria
Today is free to explore Pretoria and pick up any last minute souvenirs. You may want to shop in town or even go on a tour of Soweto to get a real insight into the ‘new’ South Africa.
Day 14 – Your last day
Having said goodbye to all your new friends and packed your bag full of souvenirs you’ll travel back to the airport. The return transfer from Pretoria to Johannesburg is not covered within your project fee, but staff at the hostel will be able to make recommendations, the costs will be around US$20 and this is easily arranged in country.
What's Included in the Programme
- Accommodation: Shared semi-luxury tents at project; shared hostel on tour
- Food: Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately $US60 per stay at the park)
- Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
- Training: In-country orientation
- Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
What's Not Included in the Programme
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Return Airport transfer
- Local Transport
- Food
Prices and Durations
South Africa Lion Cub Experience - 2 weeks £1,199
