how to travel responsibly

How to travel responsibly?

4 weeks at the Wildcat Sactuary: the South African adventure told by Mylène.

Mylène has just returned from her 4-week responsible travel experience at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Kimberley, South Africa.

A dream that came true thanks to Freepackers!

My experience at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Kimberley

This experience allowed me to get up close to some of the most majestic animals that exist and to understand the importance of their preservation, which today remains very threatened due to poaching and “Canned Hunting” farms allowing close-range or trophy hunting. This stay also enabled me to discover cultures other than my own, whether those of other volunteers or that of South Africa, and to become more proactive and take more initiative in daily tasks.

My best memories…

There are so many great memories, but the best ones remain those that allowed me to feed and come into direct contact with Zena, the cheetah, as well as Alex, one of the lions at the farm, and also to pet Sera, one of the caracals.

Another unique experience was the visit of the vet during the last week, where we were able to participate in and observe the vet’s handling during the examination of the four cheetahs.

And let’s not forget my amazing birthday evening at the Steakhouse!

IF I HAD TO RATE MY EXPERIENCE…

• Pre-departure information: 4/5
• Registration process: 5/5
• Project supervision/coordinators: 4/5
• Volunteer and trainee schedule: 4/5
• Meals and accommodation: 3/5

DO I RECOMMEND THIS PROJECT?

Yes! I recommend this project without hesitation! It offers a unique experience close to wild animals that we would not otherwise have the chance to be near, and that simply make you dream, but also thanks to the family atmosphere created by Nicol and Chriszanne and their parents, the farm’s founders. Not to mention the unforgettable encounters with people from other countries, all passionate about the volunteering project.

I would recommend Freepackers for international projects because the organization before departure and during the stay was perfect, the choice of destinations is very varied and the projects very diverse, suitable for any type of person wanting to take the plunge into a volunteering project. Additionally, an assistance service is always available before and during the stay in case of any issues, or simply to keep the Freepackers coordinators updated.