Solo Volunteering with Lions 🦁

An ethical rescue center for animals raised in captivity—especially big cats like lions.
All animals in the sanctuary are protected for life: no breeding, selling, or direct contact is allowed.
The sanctuary aims to raise awareness and educate; many animals were rescued from zoos, private ownership, or the black market.
The sanctuary is now their permanent home.

Requirements:

✔ Intermediate English
✔ 18+ years old
✔ Individuals and couples welcome
✔ Travel insurance (mandatory)

Volunteer Tasks – 25 hours/week:

✔ Animal care
✔ Administration
✔ Cleaning

Working hours range from 4–8 hours per day depending on sanctuary needs, with a 1–2 hour lunch break.
Schedules may change in hotter months to avoid peak heat.
You’ll help prepare big cat meals, which may include beef, horse, chicken, or venison—cutting meat, bones, and organs.

Sample Tasks Include:
✔ Preparing food and supplements
✔ Assisting with feeding routines
✔ Helping with daily animal health checks
✔ Participating in awareness events or local markets
✔ Observing animals and taking notes
✔ Maintaining or building enclosures
✔ Fence checks twice daily
✔ Designing enrichment tools
✔ Assisting educational tours
✔ Removing invasive plants
✔ Bush walks and wildlife monitoring
✔ Observing veterinary procedures (if any)
✔ Helping manage daily operations
✔ Cleaning and feeding duties

Every day is different—flexibility is key.
You’ll work with the management team, staff, and other volunteers.
Volunteering is from Monday to Friday; weekends are off (Saturday and Sunday).

Located on a hill overlooking the bush, next to the lion area.
Volunteers stay in large, enclosed tents, each housing 4 volunteers with a private bathroom, kitchenette, outdoor patio, dining table, and BBQ area.

Facilities Include:
• Mattress, electricity, water
• Limited Wi-Fi (consider a local SIM or data plan)
• Washing machine and weekly linen wash

Cleanliness is the responsibility of each volunteer
• Shared rooms and bathrooms: males and females are housed separately

Food is not included.
Volunteers must buy groceries upon arrival (with staff help).
You may cook individually or take turns with others.

Kitchen Includes:
• Gas stove, kettle, heater, fridge/freezer
• Microwave, cooking tools, and utensils

Volunteers must clean the kitchen after use
A weekly grocery trip will be arranged
Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies

• Summer: December – March
• Autumn: April – May
• Winter: June – August
• Spring: September – November

Weather is similar to Europe. Even in summer, evenings may require a jacket.

This program runs year-round.
Minimum commitment: 2 weeks (1-week volunteering is not allowed)
Registration must be done at least one month in advance
Volunteering starts and ends on Mondays

• This program is for nature lovers ready to work hard in exchange for an unforgettable experience
• Operates on “African Time” – be patient and flexible
• You’ll be in a natural reserve, not a city – no nightlife or urban entertainment
• Working with animals might lead to minor scratches or injuries
• No direct contact with animals – in line with the sanctuary’s ethical mission

Q: What’s the cost of a flight from Palestine?
A: $800–$1,200 depending on booking time

Q: How do I get to the sanctuary?
A: Fly to OR Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) → domestic flight to Port Elizabeth → sanctuary team picks you up (40-minute drive)

Q: What can I do during the weekend?
• Surfing in Jeffrey’s Bay
• Beach relaxation
• Bungee jumping from the world’s highest bridge
• Visiting Addo Elephant Sanctuary
• Other activities arranged with the team

Q: Are vaccinations mandatory?
A: Not by law, but strongly recommended
Tell your clinic you’re traveling to Jeffrey’s Bay and they’ll provide the relevant vaccines