Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary

All the different lions and seeing there different personalities was really incredible.
Seeing Kevin and his bond with the lions and listening to Kevin talk with was amazing experience and was very inspiring.

Overall the experience was something that I will never forget. Kevin has assembled a team there who both have a genuine care for the animals, the environment and the volunteers. His team are a credit to him and made my experience truly incredible. On a day to day basis we were working on a range of tasks, feedings, cleaning and developing the reserve for example. It is amazing how quickly working face to face with fully grown lions becomes natural. You get to know not only the people but also the animals who all have their own individual personalities. Being able to see Kevin work and see first hand the relationship he has with the animals is something you will never forget. He is not only carer, but also father and friend to all the animals and seeing the happiness they display when they see him is truly remarkable. In the evenings we all came together for dinner and our little family is complete, don't expect to be sitting down to watch some television each evening but why would you want to when you look out the door and see warthogs running around and the most beautiful sunset you will ever see. Weekends are spent visiting neighbouring reserves and local markets to give you more of an African experience. Once you finish your time on the reserve you wont be able to stop talking about it (just ask my family) and both the people and the animals will have changed your life forever. Honestly, get yourself out there and see for yourself, it'll be the best decision you ever make.

If anyone love animals, likes to learn about them and watch them very close in their daily life this volunteer program is the best thing that can happen to him or her. It is a lot of money to pay for a few weeks but it is worth it and the people are always friendly, energetic even when they have to work on the weekend. No wonder if they work with these amazing animals. Also I thought only about the lions before I went there but afterwards I can't forget the hyena coming towards me and lick my neck or the black leopards jumping from tree to tree climbing like an ape. Of course the lions are very impressing, especially when it's feeding time but you shouldn't underestimate the impressiond and appearance of the hyenas and black leopards.It is definitely one of the most impressing experiences in my life and I will never forget it.

When you arrive to the farm everyone is friendly and takes you in as a family member, and you get some friends for life, i still keep in touch with some of the people.

During the stay you get to work hard, and you learn a lot about the animals, the nature and also about yourself. Even though you have to work hard it doesnt mean there is no fun, because we had a lot of fun during our stay. I was there during the time when everyone was busy trying to get the new enclosures ready for the move of the animals so we spend a lot of time weeding and fixing with fences and stuff. But two times a week we went to see the animals, feed them and clean there enclosures.

You should make sure that you go for your saturday walks, they are so beautiful, and go bathing in the damm aswell, you will enjoy it!

Even though the work is very hard, the hardest thing was to say goodbye to every one after 4 weeks, no doubt! And i still miss everyone a lot even though its more than 6 months since, cant wait to get back again!

I had a wonderful time at the Kingdom/Welgedacht lodge.

When I arrived I was firstly quite destabilized, as this was my first volunteering experience. However, I felt rapidly comfortable with most of the team members.

Be prepared to work hard, but you feel so good at the end of the day! Spending time in the bush and hearing the roaring of the lions at night is an unforgettable experience.

I learnt a lot about lion conservation but also about myself...

The overall experience was very enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone that wishes to make a difference whilst also taking a break from the stress of home...