South Africa, Johannesburg5/5 (4 reviews)
Volunteer in a wildlife rescue farm
At the Kimberley rescue farm in South Africa, care for big cats and other animals that can no longer return to the wild: feeding, cleaning and building enclosures.
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Length
- From 2 to 12 weeks
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Language
- English intermediate
from €2,112 for 2 weeks
Check availabilityTalk to the teamNo commitment. Anaëlle, Amélie or Maëlia will reply.
The project
In South Africa, at the Kimberley rescue farm, a sanctuary for many animals that can no longer return to the wild, this project is ideal for participating in sustainable tourism! Volunteers will have the chance to contribute to animal welfare and take part in all tasks: cleaning, building enclosures, feeding the animals, gardening, etc. The volunteers’ schedule is flexible and must adapt to the needs of the sanctuary (usually 5 days per week).
“Family” projects are suitable for children from 4 years old. Our advisors will provide personalized recommendations based on your children’s age, the destination, and the type of mission.
Why the project exists
Rescuing animals from illegal trade, trophy hunting, domestic use, and those threatened by surrounding agricultural activities while learning how to practice sustainable tourism.
Support the local team in ensuring the smooth running of the farm and contribute to the well-being of the felines.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (variable).
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Your role
As a volunteer, you will participate in the daily operations of the wild feline rescue center. Note that tasks may vary depending on weather conditions, conservation priorities, or the availability of certain materials.
Your tasks may include:
- Preparing food for the felines
- Cleaning the enclosures
- Mowing green spaces
- Providing enrichment activities for the animals’ well-being
- Participating in various farm projects
- Ensuring the safety and health of the animals
- Giving farm tours
- Selling items in the farm’s gift shop
As a volunteer, you will assist the local team in daily tasks. As a non-profit, family-run farm, it also offers tours to local visitors. Volunteers may help with these visits and even work in the gift shop.
Various projects are constantly evolving to improve the farm and the well-being of the animals. These projects change continuously based on the animals’ needs and the farm’s current situation.
Tasks that do not involve direct interaction with the animals are still crucial to their well-being. General maintenance and cleaning of the grounds (e.g., mowing the grass to ensure there are no ticks, fleas, snakes, or spiders, and collecting droppings) are regular tasks at the farm to ensure the health and safety of all the animals in our care.
As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to experience each of the different jobs at the farm. Tasks are rotated among the volunteers to ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute to farm maintenance and interact with the animals equally.
A typical week
- After waking up at 7:00 AM and having breakfast with the volunteer team, you will plan the day’s schedule and assign daily tasks together.
- Throughout the day, you may participate in tours, food preparation, enclosure work, bottle-feeding sick animals, and more.
- Lunch break: free time to do your laundry, take a nap, spend time with other volunteers, or even help prepare an evening event.
- After a warm dinner, you will do a final check of the feline enclosures to ensure everything is in order.
- Enjoy a well-deserved rest!
Accommodation and meals
Volunteers will be accommodated in the volunteer house, located 20m from the main house. It has been recently renovated and is equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, and a shared bedroom for 1 to 6 people. Bed linens are provided, but volunteers must bring their own towels. Volunteers can enjoy the swimming pool during their free time but are not allowed to receive visitors unless approved by the project leader. You will have access to basic amenities, but please note that the accommodation is quite isolated. Plan your equipment accordingly.
Meals
3 meals per day are included.
- Breakfast consists of cereals, fruits, yogurt, toast, and spreads.
- Lunch includes bread, cold cuts, salad, cheese, spreads, and fruit.
- Dinner is a hot meal such as a traditional South African barbecue (braai). All dinners include meat, starches, and vegetables.
Tea and coffee are available for volunteers, as well as a fridge to store their own food and drinks. Please inform us in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.
On-Site Facilities
There is a laundry service available. You can wash your clothes yourself, or we can do it for 50.00 R per load. Please note: we are not responsible for any damage caused to clothing during washing or ironing.
There is no Wi-Fi at this project due to poor reception. We recommend purchasing a SIM card upon arrival for internet access.
Budget
How long are you going for?
Arrivals on Tuesdays, all year round. Departures on Wednesdays. From Johannesburg airport, you will be transferred to spend one night there before joining your project the next day.
What is included
- 1 night in Johannesburg (airport pick-up, accommodation and meals)
- Round-trip bus transfer Johannesburg - Kimberley (flights at participants' expense).
- Three meals a day
- Shared room accommodation
- 24-hour support and supervision
- Donation to the project
- Bed linen
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Wifi
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Responsible travel by Freepackers
Why not take your time?
Extend your trip in South Africa
No volunteering here: a tour with local guides, at your own pace. The team arranges it with your stay, in the same enquiry.
All 4 tours in South AfricaYou can add it when you fill in your enquiry.
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- Vaccinations: Diphtheria, Typhoid, Typhus, Hepatitis A, and Polio. Rabies and anti-malaria medication are recommended but not mandatory.
- Copy of passport.
- From 16 years old to travel alone; in a family, children take part accompanied by their parents.
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
Questions
What kind of accommodation is provided for a family?
You stay together, in private rooms, shared houses or comfortable local guesthouses.
Is it a safe trip for children?
Our projects are selected with safety in mind. Families get a reassuring setting and supervised activities. The days are designed to include young and old alike, with a flexible pace and time to discover things together.
Can you join a project as a family?
Yes. For families who want to travel together, we offer programmes designed to welcome children from the age of 4, 10 or 15 depending on the project. Our programme pages say whether they are open to families; otherwise, contact our team to find out more.
Another question? Ask the team, and someone who knows the project will answer.
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