Project Overview
Overview
Are you a big cat person?
Set in over 30,000 hectares of African wilderness this project in particular will delight wildlife lovers with rhinos, elephants and leopards all wandering by (but hopefully not too close!). Lions will be your primary focus though, and you’ll have the opportunity to actively monitor a lion pride and get up close to these amazing animals. Recently the research has expanded to include Rhinos and Elephants and these studies are combined with the focus on the Lions in the reserve making for an even richer experience. Your help is vital for the immediate and long term success of the project, so your contribution, like your memories, will last long after you return home.
Trip Highlights:
- Tracking the lions every day - probably the most exclusive safari in the world!
- Experiencing a genuine African 'bush experience
- Getting up close to amazing wildlife
Itinerary & Details
Your first week
Day 1 (Monday) – Arrive into Johannesburg Airport (airport code JNB)
You will be met at the airport and taken to Pretoria 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
Today you’ll jump on an early morning bus from Pretoria to Phalaborwa. At the end of your 7 hour journey the team will meet you and take you to the project. You’ll have the rest of the day to settle in. Take your time, because this is your home for the next few weeks!
The first day will be all about settling in and getting to know how things work. The team at the project will be on hand for you to ask any questions and to get to know them.
Following Days
Getting stuck in at this amazing project!
Daily life starts with getting up at the laid back hour of either 4 or 5am (ouch!). Everything is done with the animals in mind, so the time you wake up depends on where the lions are! Lions are the priority of the research and it’s important that they are tracked and located every day as part of ongoing monitoring of their introduction into the reserve. You’ll leave camp in your 4X4 car armed with the telemetry kit, data recording set, spotlight for catching the glint of an eye in the early morning night and the most important item; a box with hot coffee and snacks for the mid morning pit stop.
But it isn’t just about the lions. The elephants, rhinos, zebras, leopards, wildebeest, eagles, vultures, elands, kudus and many more amazing animals will all play a significant part in your daily life. You will spend hours every day getting the chance to see and be part of these animals environment and you realise how amazingly formed they are for the land that they live in. The sun gets too hot to be out in at midday so you’ll head back to the lodge anytime between 9am – 11am.
On a typical day you will attend two research drives per day (morning and evening), with additional research being conducted during the day as and where necessary. When you’re not out on drives or inputting data on the computer, there’ll be plenty of other tasks that need attention such as basic maintenance of the accommodation and surrounding areas. Past volunteers have built a new wall around the shower block, ripped up old carpets and cleared areas to make way for new exciting areas for the accommodation. This is totally optional but will be great for team building and tanning those arms and legs!
Your last day
Say your goodbyes as the project team drop you back at Phalaborwa to catch your return bus to Pretoria. Your return bus ticket to Pretoria is included in your project fee.
Because the journey back takes 7 hours, we recommend you book your flights home to depart late in the evening on your last day of your trip, or even the day after. If you need an overnight stay in Pretoria, our team can help you to arrange this.
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, the costs will be around US$20.
Stories
Vicky Smith gives this project 10/10
Here is what Vicky had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
I loved everything about the trip - the only downside was not being able to stay for longer!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The brilliant people! A big thanks to the guys at Selati - Laurence, Shawn and Kerin. I've had an absolutely fantastic experience, a lot of fun and they made it great!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I loved every minute of it!
Joan Kenny gives this project 10/10
Here is what Joan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
So
much happened that made it great I can’t remember it all, but I will never
forget when Mica (one of the lions) stood beside us with a bloody face and neck.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I have
a huge love for animals and this adventure has only made me want to do more.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Anyone
who loves animals or adventure will love the Lion Monitoring Expedition in the
Selati Game Reserve!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Volunteering
in the Selati Game Reserve was the best experience of my life.
Katie Badowski gives this project 10/10
Here is what Katie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
All of it. I had an amazing time. from getting off the plane to monitering the Lions. I had some one in a lifetime experiences and the only part i didn't like was having to come home.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Yes, i realized that i can have a great time and live without hot water, electrisity, and many other comforts i am used to.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Research the waether so you take the right types of clothes. Take backup cameras and batteries. And just go with the flow, nothing happens the way you expect it to.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience i wouldn't trade for anything!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If i could stay longer.
Tanya Hevroy gives this project 10/10
Here is what Tanya had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing five lions playing in a tree, and being on foot a mere 15 meters from wild elepants.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Seeing such a beautiful place of the world which is in such dire need of protection. It definitly made me realise that i want to return and work in Africa one day.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Experience the culture of the country.
Go out and meet people of the country.
Realise how lucky you are to be able to travel and see the world.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The best 3 weeks of my life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Wish i would have spent more time there.
Eugenia Anderson gives this project 10/10
Here is what Eugenia had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Eevrything! Seeing the lions, elephant, rhino among all the other animals in their natural habitat was amazing. I was lucky enough to be there when one of the lion cubs (2 1/2yrs) was collared, so got to stroke and touch him whilst he was sedated! I also saw a leopard, which never thought i'd get to see. The people, the scenery and the animals were perfect.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I gained a much deeper respect for animals of all kinds and my understanding of insects and spiders through what i was taught has now helped to curb at least a little my fear of them! For the first time in my life i held a spider!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1) Take a excellent camera and a pair of binoculars! You will need both on every occasion!
2) Be prepared for early starts
3) Listen and learn as much as you can in your time there. Get involved in everything as it will really highten your experience!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The most amazing, beautiful, outstanding, enriching experience. So worth it!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Have the volunteers fly to Phalabowra rather than get the bus would make the most of the time there. I didnt realise that although I got to SA on the Monday, a day was spent travelling and in effect we lost a day on the project. Getting us there in the quickest and easiest way would have been better!
Michaela Laxton gives this project 10/10
Here is what Michaela had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
There were so many highlights that it is too hard to name a few, but the chance to see many animals so close up and in the wild was a fantastic opportunity. Close up encounters with the pride of lions was incredible yet terrifying. Watching elephants herd across the grass at night was also pretty special. Seeing so many giraffes everywhere was a hightlight for me. They are such beautiful and inquisitive animals.
Learning about the wildlife was brilliant. I loved learning about tracks and recognising signs of the wild. Each species is so unique and incredibly formed for the environment they live in. It's so interesting to learn.
Meeting such amazing people over there was up there with the best bit. Everyone who does this project has something in common and we had such a great time and a lot of fun.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Being surrounded by nature and waking up the sounds of the African bush makes you realise that it is the simple things in life that you can appreciate the most. You learn a lot about the animals out there and its not just about the bigs stars like the lions and elephants. The little animals, birds and insects are equally fascinating.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Go for as long as you can for every day something amazing will happen!
Go with the flow and get involved as you possibly can. There is a lot of opportunity to really learn about the wildlife around you so the more you put into the trip the more rewarding it will be for you.
Good things come to those who wait out there. Don't expect to see everything every day. You have to work sometimes to find the animals, so be patient and wait for the experience and you'll get the reward of seeing them right up close to the vehicle. Or maybe you'll get the chance to see a leopard if you're lucky, or a lion making a kill....there is potential for so much and you are right at the heart of the action!
Bring binoculars. You'll definatey appreciate them!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Quite possibly the best 3 weeks of my life!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Being able to stay forever!
Jenny Price gives this project 10/10
Here is what Jenny had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Tracking Lions in the dark and not knowing where they were. elephants suddenly appearing out of the bushes. The funny stories the other volunteers told
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I learnt a lot about myself and this helped boost my self confidence.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Go with a completely open mind
Dont go if you are not prepared to work hard, mentally and physically
This WILL be one of if not the best things you will ever do
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Amazing
Uncontrollable grin (all the time)
unforgettable
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
More information about when to return etc. We were not infromed that we would spend the night in a back packers before going to selate. We were not infromed that we could fly in an hour instread of taking a whole day on a bus.
We were not infromed that weekends we would still go on game drives (absolutely no problem as I woudl have gone 7 days a week)
Generally it felt like we were totally unprepared in the sense of knowing where we were going and what we were expected to do
I paid £80 for an internal flight as my return fligt was on the 2nd March when the project ended, however because this was the only day off for the staff I could not expect them to get up at 6am to take me to the bus on the sunday. Had I known that I could leave on the Tuesday (when all the swedish volunteers left who seemed to be better informed) then I would have saved myself the additional unbudgeted cost.
John Speke gives this project 10/10
Here is what John had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
All of it! The animals I saw were amazing and the people I met were friendly, helpful and just lovely. I made lots of new friends and had a great time.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Yes, seeing wildlife in there natural habitat was wicked. Working together with others to monitor the lions on the reserve and help produce reports is a very satifying and worthwhile experience, as this research is needed to see how the reserve can sustain its wildlife.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
My three top tips would be:-
Always follow the health and safety rules, they are there for your safety.
Muck in with everyone by helping and sharing chores, you'll get to know people quicker.
Just enjoy the experience.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
This has been an awesome experience. Amazing!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Yes, I would have liked to have been able to stay much longer!
Leila Yahyaoui gives this project 10/10
Here is what Leila had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Being charged by a huge herd of elephants, seeing the lions a few meters away from the car, seeing a LEOPARD, the sleepout we had in the bush, and just how awesome the rest of the volunteers and staff were.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Just seeing the animals in their own habitat and seeing such a beautiful country made me really see there is so much more out there in life. I also learnt a lot about myself and have become a lot more confident and have a lot more self belief.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring WARM clothes! Even though its boiling hot during the day - you'll be out on drives really early in the morning and late at night and it gets VERY cold. Also, go for as long as you possibly can. It really does go rediculously fast. And beware of Ticks!! I got Tick Bite Fever and believe me - it is NOT fun.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The most amazing 3 weeks of my life!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Staying longer and not getting ill!
michelle reeves gives this project 10/10
Here is what michelle had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Getting to see the animals up so close was amazing. We had a leopard walk out right in front of us one evening which i got on viedo that was brilliant. Doing a sleep out in the middle of the bush was another brill experience.
Going out on my day off to walk with lion clubs was brilliant getting to stand next to them and touch them was just amazing.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Dont go for less than 3weeks cus its just not long enough.
Make sure you take a sleeping bag.
Get involved with everything
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Best 2 weeks of my life trully amazing
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I thought the night in pretoria was abit pointless and if i had know there was an airport in phalaborwa i would have perfered to have flown up to avoide the 7 hr bus. Also when i arrived in phalaborwa the guys from selati didnt know i was coming and it took 4 days before they had my details from i-to-i. Luckily i arrived with someone else and they knew he was ariving other wise i could have been stranded.
Michela Franconi gives this project 10/10
Here is what Michela had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
almost everything, the lions, leopard...the shower outside, the sunset, sunrise....
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I learnt no to waste any food!!!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
I went on winter so take with you a warm jacket suncream and sunglasses
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
my best holiday ever!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The food provided was really not enough..I mean 2 french toast without anything else is not really a meal, and in the afternoon we were not allowed to have any biscuits (???)
a part from that the staff was really nice
Lucy Gibbon gives this project 10/10
Here is what Lucy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Highlights included watching an elephant being collared, watching the lions hunting and killing warthogs, and finding Cleo the leapard which hadn't been spotted before!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Its given me an even greater appreciation of wildlife and how important it is to help save our animals.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
If going in the winter make sure you bring lots of warm clothes including hats, scarves and gloves!
Bring a good head torch rather than hand held.
The more you put into it the more you'll get out of it.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A unique and amazing opportunity to encounter wildlife on a daily basis
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The food wasn't too good to start with but improved as time went on.
Jenny Dixon gives this project 9/10
Here is what Jenny had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Seeing all the different animals on the game drives
Being present while wild lions were being darted and collared
Watching the lions preparing and going off to hunt
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A very enjoyable safari experience !
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Mainly the food issue - I was very hungry for the first few days until we were able to get to the shops, and that was initially only becasue we hired a car for a day. This was an issue for other people as well, you need a bit more then a few bars of chocolate as suggested in your information.
Evelyne Schnider gives this project 8/10
Here is what Evelyne had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The other grupp was stocked in the bush, when the lions runnning behind our car. the have to wait more than an houer without ligth in the nigth, till we are back to help and start the car^s battery!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
it was nothing new that i change the way I look!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
-take only naturecolored clothes with you
-enjoy your time, it goes to fast!
-and dont forget a good camera, to take amazing pictures!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
beautiful
amazing
bumpy
itchy
hot
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
oh yes the day i arrived they anaesthetize a lion the give him a sender! i missed it, i wish i were also there!
lara Ferrighi gives this project 7/10
Here is what lara had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The collaring of one of the lions at the reserve and the overall experience was very exciting and wild.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Life can be calm and relaxing. We should all slow down and take care of ourselves.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1) bring raincoat, headtorch and binoculars2) don't worry too much: it's a healthy and safe place3) don't exchange too much money...you don't need them in the reserve.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
"A slow life which is shining and rich"
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
avoiding the trip from pretoria to Phalaborwa. We could just land in Phalaborwa, gaining 2 more days in the reserve.
Susan Bisset gives this project 7/10
Here is what Susan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Cheetah walking, arrival of the baby Giraffe end the involvement with the care of her. How wonderful some of the staff are at the lion park, Alex, Shandor, Natalie, Louis, what a lot of work, care and attention they put in.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Some of the staff were very passionate about what they do and I want to feel that in my next job.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Plan in advance for what food you think you will want for 9 days on site at the Lion Park.
Offer to help out as much as possible, no matter how boring the task is it needs to be done.
Go out of your way to get to know the staff - they have interesting tales to tell.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
OMG, 10 cant tell you how good this trip is.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
more information on what I should consider taking to the park food wise for 9 days. You are taken to the supermarket but suddenly in a rush to try to plan menus for 9 days. Also the fridge and freezer space could be improved and the fridge and freezer could be in better working order. It should also be made clearer to people that they may need to spend 2 hours just collecting tickets but that this is an important job in order to keep the park running.
Michelle Allen gives this project 6/10
Here is what Michelle had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The experience as a whole on he expedition.. The team there was great and everything we did there was great.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
In general I felt it didnt change too much, I live in the country anyway, bu to see these wild animals in their natural habitat was great
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring warm, camoflage coloured clothes..
you dont need walking boots specifically!!
Camofolage clothes!!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
It was great...
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Yes, I feel as I had only two weeks there time was limitd. I thought I would have two weeks on the project this was not the case however. I felt I would have far benifited from flying to palaborowa, definately on the journey home!! it was almost a waste of two three days!! The oriantation in the project was far enough sufficient and almost more specialised to what we were going to do rather than the i to i one. Thus I felt I was paying alot for this where it could be avoided.
Andrew Hudson gives this project 5/10
Here is what Andrew had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Klimbing Kopje's
The bus journey North
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Not really there were things not directly connected with the project that did
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Don't get worried about pick up arrangements
Don't go with pre-concieved views about what to expect
Expect the unexpected
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
More information about the context of the work
