Project Overview
Overview
Are you scared of big cats?
Well, you should be. These ferocious carnivores have earned their title as 'kings of the jungle' for good reason. Though they will grow up to be prowling hunters of the night, they don’t start out that way. Actually, at two months old, they are simply adorable creatures who are always in search of care and attention. This is where you come in. At the big cat breeding center, you will help care for the cubs by getting involved in a host of activities including feeding and playing with the cubs and their older brothers and sisters!
Trip Highlights:
- Helping to look after lion, tiger and other 'big cat' cubs
- Tumbling around with the lion cubs
- Learning about all the different big cats
- Being surrounded by the beautiful wilderness of South Africa
Itinerary & Details
Your first week
Day 1 (Monday) – Arrive into Johannesburg Airport (airport code JNB)
Today you will be met at the airport and taken to our backpacker’s hostel in Pretoria. You’ll need to arrive in before 4.15pm so that you’re all ready for the orientation which kicks off at 5pm. The journey from the airport to Pretoria should take around 45 minutes. The orientation is a crucial part of settling in to life in South Africa and will take you through what it’s going to be like at your project, do’s and don’ts, how to stay safe and it’s your prime opportunity to ask any burning questions that you haven’t yet had answered. After the orientation you’ll have some time to relax and prepare before your first day at the project tomorrow.
If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Johannesburg before 4.15pm then we’d recommend you fly in a day early. We can arrange an early airport pick-up for you including one night’s accommodation. Please give us a call for more information.
Day 2 (Tuesday) – Introductions at your project
You’ll be up early this morning to take the bus, which takes around three hours, from Pretoria to Kroonstad. Here you'll be met by the lion center team who'll take you the short trip to your new home! The project and accommodation are on the same site so you'll never be late for work! Take time to settle in, because this is home for you for the next few weeks.
Your first day will be all about settling in, getting to know the staff and how things work. The team at the project will be on hand for you to ask any questions so ask away!
Days 3 to 5 (Wednesday to Friday) – Keep up the good work
Once you’ve had a day to learn the ropes you will act as an extra pair of hands at the project assisting in whatever is needed. There’ll always be someone there to help you but the more pro-active you are the more you’ll get out of the experience. If you think something needs doing, get in there and do it! From cleaning cages to feeding meat to the lions, it’s all done with the lion’s welfare in mind. Surely the toughest job of all is Cub Duty; hand feeding the lion and tiger cubs twice a day, playing with them and giving them that all important one on one attention. You will also need to be prepared to work some night shifts too to feed these little cuties through the night! This will be on a rotational basis.
Working hours are flexible and night shifts will be included on a rotational basis.
Days 6 and 7 (all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon) – Free time
The weekends are your valuable free time to rest and explore. You probably won’t want to move away from the swimming pool at your accommodation, however, if you can drag yourself away, there are plenty of places of interest worth visiting in the nearby area. The team on site can help you with ideas and logistics. You will be able to arrange trips over the weekend into the nearest town (about 20 minutes drive) to catch up on e-mails and so on.
There are also fantastic views from the verandah of the animal enclosures, so relax and soak up the sights and sounds of rural South Africa. From time to time you will also be able to go to local bars and restaurants or have a traditional South African braai (BBQ). The team has close links with reputable tour companies so there will always be something going on!
Following weeks
Mondays to Fridays you will be working hard with the lions and tigers at the project, with your weekends free to fill with whatever you fancy! The more you put in, the more you get out of this project so get stuck in!
Your Last Day (Monday)
The time to leave has come around already and you can expect to leave Kroonstad on the bus at around 9.30am and arrive back in Pretoria at around 1pm. The team will take you to the bus stop and your return bus ticket to Pretoria is included in the project fee. Your return transfer from Pretoria to the airport is not included, but our team will be able to advise you of the best route depending on your onward travel after the project.
Stories
Melanie Harney gives this project 10/10
Here is what Melanie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Actual hands on experience with lions and tigers. And complete responsibility for these animals
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The prejudice was full on but the animals compensated
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
take sleeveless tops with you and something to wear out to dinner.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The best experience I've ever had in my life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
can't think of a thing.
Nicola Arifi gives this project 10/10
Here is what Nicola had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
bottle feeding the lion cubs, amazing experience
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
not really
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. after orientation, plan your meals as a group to last for a few days as you'll be grocery shopping on arrival. 2. take work gloves, like heavy duty gardening style. 3. never say never, try everything as even the gross jobs have a purpose
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Everything I expected and more than I hoped
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I should have booked a longer stay
Alex Wright gives this project 10/10
Here is what Alex had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Everything, it was just the most amazing place. Ingrid and Pieter (the owners, mother and son) were wonderful and kept us well entertained!
Playing with and looking after the lions and tigers and young jaguar were incredible. The babies are hard work!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Not necessarily anything that changed my outlook, however I was exposed to a LOT of differences that I found very interesting, culture differences for example.
On this trip I found out what I should be doing with my life.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Be prepared to do a LOT of things you don't usually do. 2. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes and sunscreen!! 3. The project itself was amazing and the people were wonderful, i-to-i need to research more on the project itself. for example the ''working days'' and ''days off''...
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I'm going back next year!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
A longer stay for a start!!! I plan to return next year!
I think i-to-i themselves need a bit of improvement, the pre-departure info and airport pick up was great, but no contact after that. Was disappointed with i-to-i for that.
However, Boskoppie was just amazing, the animals, what you do, the people you meet...!!!
suzanne Bayon gives this project 10/10
Here is what suzanne had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Spending time with the lion and tiger cubs playing and feeding them, especially the baby lion cub. Getting to see the countryside and do things i would not be able to do at home. Being with a great group of people who all worked together well and having a real laugh at the same time.
It was great seeing a country I had not been to before and meeting local people.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Make sure you take old clothes and not too many. I took too much.
2. Have a go at any new experiences you get the chance to do.
3. Enjoy every minute of it as it goes too fast.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I thought it was a most amazing experience. I had to pinch myself a few times when I was bottle feeding the baby lion cub.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Cannot think of anything in particular.
Laura Ball gives this project 10/10
Here is what Laura had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Brillant hospitality received from Ingrad and Pieter.
Caring for the tiger cubs.
Visiting the white lion farm.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring a couple of books for the quieter days.
If you need anything don't hesitate to ask - everyone will always do all they can to help.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I will definitely be coming back!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If all my friends from home could have come too!
Rachel Prest gives this project 10/10
Here is what Rachel had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Help rasing the tiger cubs and day trips.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring a mixture of winter and summer clothes.
Budget for day trips
No need for malaria tablets in this area.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An amazing and worhtwhile trip.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Coach ticket to be for the correct date.
Lauren Towler gives this project 10/10
Here is what Lauren had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Spending time with the cubs and the exciting outings we went on.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring sturdy shoes!
Don't pack too many unneccessary items.
Bring full length trousers.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A worthwile yet relaxed trip. A wonderful experience!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
No
angela corcut gives this project 10/10
Here is what angela had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Looking after young cubs.
Being so close to all the big cats (lions and tigers).
Being involved in enclosure with them.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Plenty of warm clothes - May to October.
A portable torch.
Be flexible/adaptable.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An awesome in terms of the hands on experience.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Heating in the chalets.
Kerrie - Ellan Malcolm gives this project 10/10
Here is what Kerrie - Ellan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Bottle feeding tiger cubs and lion cubs and playing/sleeping with.
Giving one of the tigers and injection.
Moving adult lions plus tigers to different enclosures.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring clothes that can get ripped.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The most amazing experience I have ever had. I have been very priveledged to have worked with cubs of all ages.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I can't think of anything that could have made this trip any better. Ingrad and Peter, you do an amazing job with these animals and I can see they are your life. Keep up the fantastic work and I am looking forward to seeing you again very soon!
Hayley Mighall gives this project 10/10
Here is what Hayley had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Meeting incredible people
Lion feeds
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring an apron for feeding and pooping.
Bring old clothes that you don't mind getting torn up.
Be prepared for anything.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Amazing experience exceeds all expectations.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
No.
Naomi Wilcox gives this project 10/10
Here is what Naomi had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Getting to work closely with big cats and being able to spend time with them.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Do prepare for cold weather.
Drink lots of water.
Take every opportunity you can.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The most exciting experience I've had!
Mikaila Medinger gives this project 10/10
Here is what Mikaila had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Mostly everything working with the animals was great. Working with the staff plus volunteers was almost as wonderful. I can say that the worst part of the trip was saying good-bye.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring band-aids plus bacetricyne.
Always volunteer to do something when somebody asks.
Don't run around the animals even if they are in cages.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
How soon can I sign up again???
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Constantly hot water whenever I want it!
Charlotte Parris gives this project 9/10
Here is what Charlotte had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with the lions and tigers
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I think that peoples views in South Africa are very old fashioned still, especially when it comes to peoples colour, which I was quite shocked at.And the lack of safety aspects was quite surprising, whereas in England you can't get away from health and safety. This I thought had benefits aswell as negatives... such as being able to work closely with the animals, but the lack of safety on the road was a little scary.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1.) Take old clothes.
2.) What happens on the trip is not always how it is described on the i-to-i website.
3.) Take a mobile phone.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Amazingly, unique experience that you wouldnt get in England.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I had to organise my own way back from Pretoria Bus Station to Jo'burg aiport... which although turned out fine, it was initial extremely scary and probably somewhat dangerous.. especially as im a 21 year old girl.. that doesnt particularly look her age.I think the way that i-to-i organised your travel back was a little vague and could have been laid out a little better.
Hollie Watson gives this project 9/10
Here is what Hollie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
I had an amazing 4 weeks at Boskoppie and I'm hoping to go back to see my little cubs next year! Being close to the cubs all the time was amazing - they sleep in your room! Learning new information about the cats and creating close bonds with them was a life changing experience. The extras included learning how to shoot 4 types of gun, going on safari and having lots of braais! Make sure that you get to go in the pool with the tigers, makes for some great pictures! The whole place is very relaxed - certainly not the working hours that I was told before I left. You pretty much have a list of jobs that need done, after that you can do what you please! The number and age of the cubs (jaguar, lion and tiger, no leopards) varies depending on when you go, I was lucky to have 3 tigers and a jaguar born whilst I was there! Weekends weren't any different to during the week (maybe slightly busier with more tourists wanting tours!) so there's no 'time off' but there's no set working hours. As long as all the jobs get done it's fine! We never got to go to restaurants or bars or into town at the weekends, things vary alot depending on who you're there with and how many cubs there are. Overall, I had a great time and have some amazing photos and more amazing memories. (feel free to contact me with questions! Holdo24 on campfire)
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Book your return taxi from the bus station to the airport when you first arrive at the backpackers. It saves alot of worry and hassle on your way home.
2. Pack clothes that you like to wear - I packed alot of old clothes thinking that they would get ruined, but they didn't atall! Colours don't make any difference to the cats and bare legs and arms really aren't a big problem. Bring a few warm things for the evenings!
3. Make sure you bring LOTS of things to occupy your free time, there's alot of it! I brought a portable DVD player and lots of books which helped alot!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I feel privilidged to have been close to these wonderful creatures and can't wait to go back. (I know that's more than 10 words :P)
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Alot of the given information isn't true - we were told at the orientation that there was a restaurant there which there definitely isn't. The person who did the orientation hadn't visited the project and we were told very little accurate advice. I also brought alot of unneeded stuff - gloves, long sleeved tops, thick jeans etc. You may get a few scratches but leggings were fine to protect my legs!
Louise Chap-man gives this project 9/10
Here is what Louise had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
1.working soo close with the lions and tigers
2. learning about the animals and passing that knowledge on to the general public
3. getting opportunties with the animals i wouldnt get anywhere else
4. meeting other brilliant volunteers
5. the flexi work hours so i could be free to spend time with the animals in my own time
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. bring old clothes you dont mind getting ruined
2. spend everymoment you have with the animals as you dont want to regret not spending enough time with them
3. get involved with everything from working with the public to any extra activities that are offered as they definately expsand your experiences
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Totally unique and awarding experience from the little to the large!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
to spend a longer time then i did! been able to
Lorraine Sowden gives this project 8/10
Here is what Lorraine had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The experience was far more hands on than I could have ever imagined, which was amazing. Day 1 was feeding Jaguars and Lion & Tiger cubs. The family who ran the farm made us feel very welcome and went out of their way to include us in all aspects of their work. Truly an amazing experience!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1 - you are recommended to take a torch. This is essential and regardless of what you look like - buy one of those which you put on your head like a miner's helmet. Your hands are free for cub feeding frenzy!
2 - sleeping bags were unnecessary. Never used mine.
3 - if the mosquitoes like you... splash out on a mossie net to sleep in and all the sprays and creams you can carry!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A number of life experience "firsts". Would definitely make a return trip.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Necessity to stay in Pretoria overnight on the outbound journey seemed unnecessary to me. Lost precious time that could have been spent at the farm.
Leah Silverman gives this project 8/10
Here is what Leah had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Sleeping with and handraising cubs.
Watching and darting lions.
Meeting some great people.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring clothes you don't care about.
Be open minded and try new things.
Relax and have fun.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Great trip, very different from home but still amazing experience.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
No, maybe if i'd stayed shorter amount of time.
Rebecca Rasweiler-Richter gives this project 8/10
Here is what Rebecca had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with the animals.
Day trips to see other African things.
Meeting people from all over the world!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Pack warm clothes for July in SA!
Pack plenty of clothes you don't care getting destroyed.
Focus on positive aspects of the project, you are in Africa after all!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Really an amazing experience overall (although it can be though at times)
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Packing warm clothes
Ida Wibe Hagen gives this project 8/10
Here is what Ida Wibe had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Playing with the tigers.
Getting to know other volunteers.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
At least two layers of clothes when playing with the bigger cubs.
Warm clothes in the winter.
Be open minded and try everything!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Want to go back!
