An ethical rescue center for animals raised in captivity, located in a 154-hectare natural reserve.
The reserve is home to many free-roaming wild animals, so you might see animal visitors near your accommodation.
The project’s goal is to rescue abused or neglected animals and provide them with a safe and suitable lifelong home.
🌟 Please Read:
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.
✔ Intermediate English
✔ 18+ years old
✔ Individuals and couples welcome
✔ Travel insurance (mandatory)
✔ 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
Click the booking button and enter your basic information. After registration, you will be redirected to the payment page
You will be redirected to the deposit payment page. A payment link will also be automatically sent to your email
After paying the deposit, the program leader will contact you to complete the remaining details such as flight booking and additional information related to the program
After paying the deposit, you will be contacted to complete the remaining details and pay the remaining amount before the trip
In this type of travel, you’ll head out alone from your home country without a group or a team leader — but it won’t be a lonely trip. Instead, it’s a rich and vibrant experience surrounded by volunteers from all over the world.
🔹 You’re not alone out there!
Although you’ll begin the journey on your own, you’ll join a group of volunteers from diverse cultures and backgrounds. You’ll live, work, and learn with people who share your passion for personal growth and positive impact.
🔹 The ideal duration? At least two weeks
Participation length varies by program, but it typically requires a minimum of two weeks. The longer you stay, the deeper and more transformative the experience becomes on a personal level.
🔹 An experience that will change your life
We believe this kind of journey is one of the most powerful ways to invest in yourself, face your fears, and break away from societal routine. That’s why we wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap — your life before and after the experience will never be the same.
🔹 We’re more than just a travel platform
From the moment you sign up to the moment you return, we’re with you every step of the way: offering emotional and logistical support, preparing and guiding you throughout your entire journey.
💡 Important note:
If you’re feeling hesitant or afraid to take this step, you’re welcome to join a personal, motivational workshop led by project founder Yazan Badarna — specially designed to help you overcome fear and doubt and take that first step.
✨ Thousands have gone before you
Hundreds of people have already taken part in this journey with HomeAwe — and each one returned with a unique story, a stronger heart, and a renewed outlook on life.