Simbonga Game Farm & Sanctuary

As a volunteer, you will be assisting in many different activities at our facility:

Feeding
Food and vitamin preparations
Collection of donations
Animal record keeping
Maintaining of our enclosures
Creating enrichment items
Assisting in educational tours
Perimeter fence checks
Bush clearing and alien plant removal on the reserve
Bush walks/monitoring of free roaming wildlife
Assisting/observing veterinary procedures (should they happen during your stay)
Overall assisting in the day to day running of the facility.

An average “work week” is Monday-Friday. Volunteers will have an opportunity to use their weekends for local travel or straight relaxation! Our Sanctuary is located along the Garden Route of South Africa just outside Jeffreys Bay, so the opportunities are endless!

Here are a few examples of nearby activities within the area:

Bungee jumping
Whale watching
Skydiving
National Parks such as Tsitsikamma & Addo Elephant National Park
Beach activities such as surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding
Many amazing local restaurants and breweries

There are many reliable local transportation options that can be utilized for these opportunities. Should you wish to do a trip to a local tourist hot spot with staff from the Sanctuary, this can be arranged at a nominal fee.

Your Accommodation

Accommodation is provided on site, and only a short walking distance from the lion enclosures. **BONUS** You may just hear the lions roaring at night!
Keep in mind that the reserve is home to various free roaming game, which means you could have some “wild” visitors. i.e. giraffe, zebra, vervet monkeys, kudu, impala, other various buck species, and more.
Accommodation is shared in same sex rooms in a tented camp that may vary pending availability.
Bed linens will be provided, but we do suggest bringing a travel sleeping bag or extra blanket/pillows based on individual preference.

The Warriors of Wildlife Sanctuary is a rescue center for captive bred animals - mainly lions. At our sanctuary, the animals that come into our care are protected for the rest of their lives with no breeding, trading or selling of any kind. The sanctuary is their forever home. Our facility is designed to be an educational opportunity for visitors and volunteers alike, and we strive to raise awareness in the plight of big cats within captivity and in the natural world.

It is important to note that our facility is also permitted to take in any rehabilitation and release cases of indigenous wildlife within the area. Should those opportunities arise for volunteers to assist in the rehabilitation process, it will be discussed on a “need to” basis. This opportunity is NOT guaranteed.

To join our volunteer program, you will need to be in good health and be 18 years of age or older. To guarantee good communication, a fair understanding of the English language is required. Good social skills, flexibility, and readiness to assist where needed are vital during your time with us as each day changes based on the needs of the animals and the facility as a whole. You will be working side by side with management of the sanctuary as well as other staff and volunteers. Become part of our pride by immersing yourself into an opportunity of a lifetime!

Work Routine:

Each day will begin with a light breakfast of tea, coffee, toast, and cereals.

Work time will vary be between 5-8 hours a day depending on the needs of the facility during your time with us. Each day there will be a 2-hour lunch break to ensure ample time to “refuel.” During the hot summer months, we may alter the schedule to eliminate any heavy work during the hottest times of the day.

**Important Note** You may be required to assist in the preparation of the big cats’ meals, which is often cow, horse, chicken, or antelope meat. This may also include removing meat from the bone and working with or around carcasses.

During the evenings, volunteers will have the opportunity to unwind and relax. It’s a great time to reconnect with family and friends from home or share stories with other volunteers around a fire about the day’s happenings. Having a South African "braai" is a favorite and an absolute must during your stay!

What’s included:

Accommodation: Shared same sex rooms in a tented accommodation
Food: Self-serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are self-catering, but food will be provided on a weekly basis. Once a week minimum “shop trips” will be done into town so volunteers can purchase any extra items they may want. **Please contact us about dietary restrictions, allergies, etc.
Airport Transfers: Airport transfers are provided on both arrival and departure days. The closest airport is Port Elizabeth International Airport located in Port Elizabeth (now also called Gqeberha.)
Orientation: An orientation is done typically on your day of arrival. This includes a game drive on the facility and an overview of the sanctuary.
24-hour Support: Staff at the sanctuary is available around the clock.

What’s NOT included:

Flights
Visas (if required)
Travel Health Insurance
Personal Expense
**COVID-19** Please consult with your local government about travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We cannot be held responsible for any delays/cancellations related to COVID-19.

FAQ's

What is the minimum stay/duration for volunteering? - Our minimum stay is 1 week.

What is your minimum age requirement?- 18 years of age

What languages will I need to speak? - A good understanding of English is required.

Do I need to have previous work or volunteer experience before coming?- No. Volunteering is an opportunity for all! Our volunteer program is for anyone who has a true love for wildlife, nature, travel, and new opportunities.

Why pay to volunteer?- Warriors of Wildlife is a nonprofit organization and we survive solely on donations. In return for your opportunity to work with the Organization and the Sanctuary, volunteers fund themselves during the duration of their time with us. Housing and supervising volunteers is not always an easy or cheap task through all of the preparations required such as training, transportation, housing preparations, etc. Volunteer fees generated from our program also go towards the care costs of our Sanctuary residents as well as future rescues/relocations/rehabilitation cases that we may undertake.

How do I apply to for a volunteer placement? -

1. Download the application form and email to lauren@warriorsofwildlife.org.za

2. We will then advise if your placement is successful for the desired time period
3. You secure your placement by making a non-refundable 20% deposit. (This will be calculated for you and various payment gateway options will be sent to you.
4. We will confirm receipt of your payment and confirm your placement
5. You can now make arrangements as required i.e. flights/travel, organize your passport/visa if required, any vaccination or medications needed, travel insurance, etc.
6. Pay your final balance at least 2 weeks before your start date
7. You join our pride!
What clothing will I need? - Volunteers are required to wear close toe shoes while volunteering at the Sanctuary. Good quality hiking or work boots are highly recommended. Volunteers will NOT be allowed to work in open shoes or sandals of any kind. Volunteers will be supplied with ONE volunteer shirt and can purchase additional shirts upon request for a fee. During the summer, the temperatures can get extremely hot, you will need sunblock and suitable clothing such as hats and sunglasses. During the winter it is advised to bring layers as warm clothes are required. Volunteers will have to be dressed appropriately at all times with proper foot wear and clothing. Please ask if you need further clarification.

Will I need a visa to enter South Africa?- At this time, volunteers from USA, Canada, EU, Australia, and New Zealand do NOT need a visa before arrival. Volunteers from above mentioned locations will be granted a 90-day tourist visa on presenting your passport on arrival at the airport.

Volunteers from other countries should apply for a “tourist visa” NOT a “work visa” at your nearest South African embassy or consulate at least 4 weeks before your intended date of arrival in South Africa. We do strongly advise that you contact your local South African consulate as visa regulations and requirements are subject to change.

**SPECIAL NOTE** Please consult with your local governments about travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How can I keep in touch with family and friends?- We recommend that you purchase a local SIM card upon arrival, where you can then upload data and airtime as required. Staff are happy to assist you in this process should you need.

What are the health risks in South Africa?- Our facility is located in a malaria free zone. Please do ensure that you are up to date on all vaccinations prior to your arrival and speak to your personal health care provider or travel doctor in your area should they recommend anything further. Please make sure that you have adequate travel insurance during your stay within the country. There are great emergency medical facilities as well as local clinics nearby should anything arise.

Do I need insurance?- It is always recommended to have adequate travel/medical insurance when you travel anywhere. You are highly advised to take out a comprehensive insurance policy before you travel to our Sanctuary. It is extremely important that your insurance policy covers illness, injury, theft, loss, and repatriation in the event of a medical emergency.