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Big Cat Rescue & Sanctuary
South Africa
Support the ethical care and protection of rescued big cats at a true sanctuary in South Africa’s breathtaking Waterberg region.
Overview
Duration
2-4 Weeks
Minimum Age
18+
Start Dates
Every Weekend, Year-round
Fees From
$1,398 USD
UN SDGs
This program supports SDG 15: Life on Land through ethical wildlife protection, habitat management, and biodiversity conservation within the Waterberg region. It also contributes to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting a strict no breeding, no trading, and no interaction sanctuary model that prioritises animal welfare over wildlife exploitation.
What You'll Be Doing
Volunteers assist with the daily running of the sanctuary and conservation-focused activities across the reserve. Tasks vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and the needs of the animals, but may include:
Sanctuary & Animal Care
- Preparing and supplementing food for the big cats
- Assisting with feeding observations
- Monitoring the behaviour and well-being of rescued predators
- Creating enrichment activities for the animals
- Learning about ethical wildlife conservation and sanctuary management
Reserve & Conservation Work
- Monitoring wildlife and game across the reserve
- Setting up and checking camera traps
- Participating in wildlife and game counts
- Walking and checking the property perimeter
- Conducting daily enclosure fence inspections
- Clearing invasive alien plant species
- Assisting with firebreak clearing and reserve maintenance
General Sanctuary Operations
- Cleaning and maintaining enclosures
- Assisting with general upkeep around the sanctuary
- Supporting seasonal feeding of wild herbivores during the winter months
Volunteers should be prepared for physically active days and be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Why It Matters
Across Southern Africa, many big cats continue to suffer as a result of exploitative tourism practices, unethical breeding facilities, and inadequate captive environments. Sanctuaries like Indlulamithi Wild provide an alternative, offering rescued animals a safe, permanent home where their welfare comes first.
By volunteering at the sanctuary, you help support the daily care, feeding, monitoring, and maintenance required to provide these animals with a secure and enriching life. Your contribution also supports broader conservation efforts across the reserve, including habitat management, invasive species control, and wildlife monitoring.
This is not a cub petting or hands-on interaction experience. Instead, it is an opportunity to be part of a genuinely ethical sanctuary model that prioritises dignity, respect, and lifelong care for wildlife.
A Day in the Life
Every day at the sanctuary is different, but a typical weekday may look something like this:
- 07:00 – Breakfast
- 08:00 – Morning tasks such as fence checks, enclosure cleaning, or wildlife monitoring
- 12:00 – Lunch break
- 13:00 – Afternoon conservation or sanctuary activities
- 15:00 – Food preparation and feeding support
- 16:00 – Big cat feeding observations or game monitoring
- 17:00 – Final fence checks and wrap-up
Some days may focus more heavily on reserve maintenance, camera trapping, enrichment building, or game counts, depending on seasonal priorities and project needs. Weekends are free for relaxing, exploring the Waterberg region, or joining optional activities nearby.
Your Impact
As a volunteer, your support contributes directly to the welfare and care of rescued big cats while helping maintain a safe and sustainable sanctuary environment.
Your contribution may help:
- Support the daily feeding and care of rescued predators
- Improve enclosure quality and environmental enrichment
- Assist with ethical wildlife monitoring and sanctuary operations
- Maintain reserve infrastructure and conservation areas
- Protect the long-term well-being of animals rescued from exploitation
Your participation helps ensure these animals can live out the rest of their lives in peace, safety, and dignity.
Where You'll Be Staying
Volunteers stay in a beautiful lodge-style home located on the sanctuary property in the Waterberg region of Limpopo. Surrounded by bushveld landscapes and local wildlife, the accommodation offers a peaceful and immersive conservation experience.
The volunteer house includes shared bedrooms, communal living spaces, a kitchen, braai facilities, a plunge pool, and outdoor areas where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding nature after a rewarding day in the field.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
Accommodation consists of shared volunteer housing with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Facilities include:
- Shared lounge and kitchen
- Braai area
- Laundry facilities
- Plunge pool
- Wi-Fi access
Meals
Breakfast and lunch are included, while volunteers typically shop for and prepare their own dinners and snacks during weekly town trips to Vaalwater.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 18 years old
- Passionate about wildlife and ethical conservation
- Comfortable working outdoors and performing physical tasks
- Able to communicate in English
- Comfortable assisting with meat preparation and feeding activities
- Respectful of the sanctuary’s strict no-interaction policy
No prior conservation experience is required, just enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to get involved.
Program Pricing
Your program fees directly support the operations of our local team in [Country] and the services we provide to ensure your experience is meaningful, safe, and well-supported.
Outreach Overseas Offer
- Pre-departure support
- Volunteer information pack
- Assistance with trip logistics
- Emergency assistance
- Program quality assurance
- Certificate of participation
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Shared accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch daily
- Laundry service and household essentials
- On-site orientation and training
- Daily program support
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel & health insurance
- Visa fees
- Background check (if required)
- Dinners, snacks, and personal shopping
- Personal spending money
- Excursions
All program fees exclude a one-time non-refundable $199 confirmation fee, which is payable upon acceptance into the program. Your remaining balance (program fees and any optional add-ons) is only due 60 days before your start date. This can be paid in instalments or as a lump sum.
| Duration | 2026 |
|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $1,199 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,599 |
| 4 Weeks | $1,999 |
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
If you’re passionate about ethical wildlife conservation and want to support a sanctuary that truly prioritises animal welfare, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. Join a program where compassion, respect, and responsible conservation come first.
Choose your next step:
Apply Now to start your application and secure your spot in the program.
Enquire Here to get all the details you need from our team before you commit.
Good to Know Before You Go
What date should I arrive, and how do I get to the program location?
Airport pickup and drop-off from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) are included in your program fee. Arrivals are typically arranged on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, depending on volunteer schedules and transfer planning.
The sanctuary is located in the Vaalwater area of Limpopo’s beautiful Waterberg region. On the way to the sanctuary, the team will stop in town so you can purchase snacks, drinks, and any personal items you may need during your stay.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
Volunteers stay in a comfortable lodge-style home on the sanctuary property, surrounded by bushveld landscapes and local wildlife. The accommodation includes:
- Shared bedrooms
- Communal kitchen and lounge
- BBQ (Braai) facilities
- Laundry facilities
- Plunge pool
- Wi-Fi access
The house offers a relaxed and social environment where volunteers can unwind after a day of conservation work.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
No two days are exactly the same when working at a big cat sanctuary, but most days run from around 08:00 to 17:00 with a lunch break in between. Tasks may include:
- Monitoring lions and wildlife
- Cleaning enclosures
- Preparing food and assisting with feeding
- Building enrichment
- Conducting game counts
- Fence checks and reserve maintenance
- Clearing invasive species
Weekends are free to relax or explore the surrounding Waterberg area.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
Yes. Volunteers must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a good level of spoken English
- Be physically fit and comfortable with outdoor work
- Be willing to assist with meat preparation and feeding
- Respect the sanctuary’s strict no-interaction policy
No previous wildlife or conservation experience is required.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in [country name]?
Yes. The sanctuary follows strict safety protocols, and experienced staff supervise all activities. You’ll receive a full orientation on arrival, and volunteers are never left unsupervised with animals.
What vaccinations or health precautions should I take?
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter South Africa or participate in the program, we recommend consulting a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before travelling. Common vaccines for South Africa include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus
- Typhoid (optional, depending on travel plans)
There is no yellow fever risk in South Africa, unless arriving from a yellow fever country.
Can I join with a friend, family member or partner?
Absolutely! Friends or couples are welcome to apply together. We’ll arrange for you to share a room wherever possible.
Many volunteers also come solo and quickly make friends. The communal living setup makes it easy to connect with like-minded people.
How much does it cost and what's included?
Program fees start from $1,398 for 2 weeks, including all essential program costs and the one-time $199 Outreach Overseas confirmation deposit. Outreach Overseas keeps costs low by partnering directly with grassroots organisations and operating as a small, purpose-driven team. Our pricing supports both volunteers and the project on the ground.
Your fee includes:
- Accommodation in a shared volunteer house
- Breakfast and lunch daily
- Airport pick-up and return transfer
- Local orientation and training
- All project-related transport
- 24/7 in-country support
- Certificate of participation
Not included: flights, insurance, visa (if applicable), dinner and snacks, weekend excursions, and personal spending money.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
During afternoons and weekends, volunteers can relax at the lodge, enjoy the plunge pool, explore the reserve, or visit nearby attractions in the Waterberg region. Optional activities nearby may include:
- Big Five game reserves
- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Ziplining
- Black water tubing
- Shopping in Vaalwater
Some excursions may require vehicle hire or additional transport arrangements.
When is the best time of year to join this program?
The program runs year-round, and every season offers a different experience.
- Summer (October–April): Hot, green, and rainy with afternoon thunderstorms
- Winter (May–August): Cooler, dry conditions with cold evenings and comfortable daytime temperatures
There is no bad time to join, just be prepared for changing weather conditions and outdoor work.
How to Apply
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your passion and goals.
Step 2: Submit an Application
Complete our quick and easy online application form to start the process.
Step 3: Confirm Your Spot
Pay your $199 confirmation deposit upon your acceptance.
Step 4: Make an Impact
Travel to your destination, join your team, and begin your volunteer journey.
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