Volunteer in Lion Conservation in South Africa

Lion Conservation in South Africa: Johannesburg

Often mistaken for the capital of South Africa, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and the country’s economic centre. This is where your South African lion conservation volunteering adventure will begin!

After your arrival at the airport in Jo’Burg (as the residents fondly call the city), you will be picked up by an employee from our partner organisation and taken to your accommodation. Over the next few days, various orientation events will take place, offering information to help you along as you volunteer in lion conservation in South Africa. This information will encompass such topics as:

Volunteer in Lion Conservation in South Africa

• South African customs and traditions
• Safety and health
• The internet
• General communication
• Money

You will also go on an excursion to the Soweto township, where you will get your first taste of South African culture. After the orientation, you will travel to the lion conservation project site, where you will settle in over the weekend, familiarising yourself with your surroundings before your volunteer work begins.

About one hour away from Johannesburg, the lion conservation project location is a fully-functioning big game farm, which has specialised in breeding lions over the years. The lion conservation project is part of a long-term study carried out by the largest South African veterinary institute. The farm is increasingly used as an educational centre. Each year, thousands of school children visit the project to learn first-hand about wild animal conservation.

As a volunteer in lion conservation in South Africa, you will mostly be responsible for the care of lion cubs. This task is comparable to caring for a newborn child. The cubs must be fed and cleaned regularly – a demanding task, but also an unforgettable experience! You will also help with other work on the farm, such as cleaning the enclosures.

Lion Conservation: Accommodation and meals

You will be staying in a double room in a fully-furnished chalet on the farm with a kitchen and bathroom.
The project provides all of your meals.

Volunteer with Lions in South Africa

• Activities: Work in lion conservation, mostly caring for lion cubs. You usually will not work full days.
• Free Time: Usually at the weekend.
• Duration: 2.5 or 4.5 weeks.
• Application: As early as possible, at least 3 months before departure.
• Starting Dates: Every first Tuesday of the month. Please note: It is no longer possible to book this programme for starting dates from July through November 2010. 
• Practical Experience: Not necessary.
• Other: As a volunteer in lion conservation in South Africa, you will have physically demanding work. Since you will be entering a completely foreign culture, patience, adaptability, independence, and travel experience are very important. You must be fond of animals!