Big Cat Conservation Sanctuary
South Africa
Help Protect South Africa’s Majestic Big Cats in a True Ethical Sanctuary.
Overview
Duration
2-12 Weeks
Minimum Age
18+
Start Dates
Every second Saturday of every month
Fees From
$1,378 USD
UN SDGs
This program actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, by protecting threatened species, conserving biodiversity, and promoting ethical, non-exploitative wildlife practices. It also contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education through community engagement and awareness programs. All efforts align with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, uniting volunteers, communities, and conservation experts to protect ecosystems and inspire change.
What You'll Be Doing
Each day brings new opportunities to engage with sanctuary life. As a volunteer, you may:
- Care for rescued lions, leopards, and tigers, learning their unique stories.
- Prepare nutritious meals and assist during feeding.
- Design and deliver enrichment activities that encourage natural behaviours.
- Clean and maintain enclosures to ensure safety and comfort.
- Walk the fences and test perimeters to safeguard the sanctuary.
- Help with land management, from maintaining firebreaks to general upkeep.
- Support conservation education visits that inspire visitors to become advocates for change.
This hands-on role is equal parts practical, rewarding, and unforgettable.
Why It Matters
South Africa’s captive big cats are often exploited for tourism, breeding, and trade. Sanctuaries like this provide a safe haven, giving these animals a chance to live free from harm while also shifting public perceptions about ethical wildlife care.
By volunteering, you’re not just helping with day-to-day operations — you’re actively part of a global movement to end exploitation and promote compassion.
A Day in the Life
A typical day is structured but varied:
- Morning: Start with breakfast before a team briefing. Then dive into activities like preparing meals, feeding, cleaning, or enrichment.
- Afternoon: Fence checks, maintenance, or supporting visitor education.
- Evening: Relax at the volunteer house, cook a shared meal, or explore the local village.
Two consecutive days off each week give you time to recharge and explore South Africa’s Western Cape — from whale watching and wine tasting to hiking among fynbos-covered mountains.
Your Impact
Your contribution goes far beyond daily tasks. Every meal you prepare, every enrichment activity you design, and every visitor you help inspire plays a role in shaping a more ethical future for big cats. Volunteers leave knowing they’ve:
- Improved the welfare of rescued big cats.
- Strengthened sanctuary operations.
- Contributed to global awareness around ethical conservation.
Where You'll Be Staying
Your volunteer journey takes place in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, just outside the historic town of Stanford. Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and pristine coastline, the sanctuary offers not only meaningful work but also access to one of South Africa’s most beautiful landscapes.
On your free days, you might spot whales off the coast (June–December), explore wine estates, kayak rivers, or relax on sandy beaches — all within easy reach.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
Your home during the program is a modern, comfortable volunteer house just a 5-minute drive or a scenic 25-minute walk from the sanctuary. The house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, a large fully equipped kitchen and dining room where volunteers often cook together, and a comfortable living room with a fireplace for film nights or relaxing with a book.
Outside, you’ll enjoy mountain views, a traditional South African braai (BBQ) area, a dam, and a spacious garden perfect for games, walking, relaxing, or sunbathing. On quiet evenings, you might even hear the lions roaring from the sanctuary.
Meals
Breakfast and vegetarian lunch are provided on weekdays, while dinners are self-catered. You can prepare meals at the house with your fellow volunteers or try one of the many local restaurants on a weekly evening out. A weekly shopping trip is included, and sometimes you’ll be treated to traditional dishes like vetkoek, potjie, or braai prepared by your hosts.
Who Can Join
This program is open to anyone who is:
- At least 18 years old
- Proficient in English
- In good physical health with a reasonable level of fitness
- Passionate about wildlife and conservation — no prior experience needed!
Whether you’re a gap year student, career breaker, or simply looking to make a difference, you’re welcome here.
Program Pricing
Your program fees directly support the operations of our local team in South Africa 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
- Shared accommodation
- Breakfast & vegetarian lunch every weekday
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Weekly shopping trip for groceries
- On-site orientation and training
- All project-related transport
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Visa fees (if required)
- Wi-Fi & laundry (available at extra cost)
- Personal spending money
- Weekend excursions
All program fees exclude a one-time $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 | 2025 | 2026 |
| 2 Weeks | $1,179 | $1,319 |
| 3 Weeks | $1,729 | $1,919 |
| 4 Weeks | $2,239 | $2,469 |
| 5 Weeks | $2,669 | $2,939 |
| 6 Weeks | $3,059 | $3,369 |
| 7 Weeks | $3,589 | $3,769 |
| 8 Weeks | $4,129 | $4,529 |
| 9 Weeks | $4,669 | $5,109 |
| 10 Weeks | $5,219 | $5,709 |
| 11 Weeks | $5,759 | $6,289 |
| 12 Weeks | $6,289 | $6,869 |
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
If you’ve ever dreamed of working alongside lions, leopards, and tigers in an ethical, non-exploitative sanctuary, this program is your chance. You’ll gain hands-on experience, meet like-minded people, and know that your efforts directly improve the lives of big cats in South Africa.
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?
Volunteers arrive every second Saturday. The nearest airport is Cape Town International (CPT), which connects to major hubs worldwide (London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul).
On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport between 10:00–14:00 and transferred directly to the sanctuary (approx. 2.5 hours’ drive). At the end of your placement, we’ll return you to CPT for your onward journey.
📌 Tip: If you can’t land before 14:00, we recommend arriving in Cape Town the day before and spending a night near the airport.
What is the accommodation like and who will I be staying with?
You’ll live in a comfortable volunteer house close to the sanctuary. Rooms are shared (2–4 people), with modern bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a cosy lounge with a fireplace for movie nights.
The outdoor space includes a braai (BBQ), large garden, and stunning mountain views. On quiet evenings, you may even hear lions roaring from the sanctuary.
You’ll share the house with other international volunteers — creating a warm, social atmosphere where friendships are quickly formed.
What does a typical volunteer week look like?
Your schedule balances meaningful work with free time:
Sample Day
- 06:30 – Breakfast
- 07:30 – Team briefing
- 07:45–12:00 – Morning project (feeding, enrichment, cleaning, or maintenance)
- 12:00–14:00 – Lunch break (vegetarian meal provided)
- 14:00–17:30 – Afternoon project (perimeter walks, education visits, or land management)
- Evenings – Relax at the house, cook with fellow volunteers, or explore Stanford.
You’ll work Monday–Wednesday and Friday. Thursdays are for group excursions (with shopping and lunch out), and Saturdays & Sundays are free days for exploring.
Are there any requirements to join this program?
Anyone aged 18+ with conversational English and a reasonable level of fitness is welcome. Applicants aged 16–17 may join if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
No prior animal care experience is required — just enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and respect for ethical wildlife practices. Perfect for gap year students, career breakers, conservation enthusiasts, and ethical travellers seeking impact.
Is it safe to volunteer and travel in South Africa?
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.
The area around Stanford is peaceful, and quality medical care is available nearby in Hermanus, with modern private hospitals in Cape Town if needed.
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)
The Western Cape is a malaria-free area, so prophylaxis is not required. Drinking water is safe, but insect repellent is useful year-round.
Can I join with a friend, family memeber or partner?
Absolutely! Friends, couples, and even families with older teens 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 $1,378 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
- Vegetarian 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), airport transfers, weekend excursions, and personal spending money.
Will I have time to travel or explore during my stay?
Yes! You’ll have two days off per week plus a group excursion every Thursday. Popular activities include:
- Whale watching (June–December) in Hermanus
- Wine tasting in the Overberg vineyards
- Hiking fynbos-covered mountains
- Beach days along the coast
- Adventure sports like ziplining or sea kayaking
When is the best time of year to join this program?
The program runs year-round, and each season has its charm:
- Oct–Mar (Summer): Warm, sunny, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Apr–Jul (Autumn/Winter): Cooler, great for physical work, with quieter tourist spots.
- Aug–Sep (Spring): Blooming landscapes, fresh weather, and peak whale season.
There’s no bad time to join. Weather patterns can vary, so it’s always wise to check forecasts before packing.
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.
Explore Similar Volunteer Opportunities
Elephant Conservation & Research
- 1-12 Weeks
- 18+
- $674 USD
African Wildlife & Big Cat Conservation
- 2-12 Weeks
- 16+
- $1,534 USD
Wildlife Conservation
- 2-12 Weeks
- 18+
- $1,264 USD
Stay in the Loop
Want to know when new destinations and programs launch? Sign up for updates and be the first to hear about our opportunities to travel with purpose.