Program Reviews

No words can explain the amount of fun I had at khulula. Loving animals is one thing but working with them is another. Despite the early mornings, late nights, and funny smells :) (Yes you little monkey! ) it was worth every second. It is after all a centre where volunteers are expected to work hard, pull their weight and help as much as possible but those who come for the right reasons will expect this and thrive in this environment.
From meeting all sorts of different people and animals, to learning all sorts of weird and wonderful skills, (rhinos like their belly scratched!) I can say this has been the best experience ever. The support throughout the placement is second to none and I can say that all people I met during my placement wish they were back every second!!

I had a wonderful time volunteering here. I gained experience handling a multitude of species in an open and friendly environment. I met people from around the world, and made lasting friendships. The social scene was outstanding, the staff went out of their way to make the experience a ton of fun. They truly appreciate the volunteers and go out of their way to provide for you. I am a vegetarian and the owner went out of her way to provide me with great food for every meal.
Volunteers need to understand that they are entering a new country, a new culture. You need to be open to the experience and recognize that the program may not make a ton of money and sometimes as a volunteer you must struggle along with the staff to make ends meet for all of the animals. But this program is going out of it way to help these animals and is doing all that is can, and you as the volunteer are extremely important!
I would absolutely go back, and I would absolutely visit the friends that I made there in their own countries. The scenery there is unreal and the experience itself is not one you will ever forget!

I have to say it was a wonderfull experience being at Khulula Wild Care. I only stayed for two weeks and wished I could stay more.
We all helped with the animals, feeding them, playing with them, cleaning their enclosures and make them more comfortable, and we helped building the new and bigger enclosures.
The staff was great, had an awesome time with them, you could talk to them if you had a problem as well as you could treat them as an equal.
Being able to spent time with those amazing animals, help them be ready to be released was amazing.
I have to say I wouldn't change a thing about it.
It's a lot of hard work and dedication, but it's definitely worth it.
They also a¡make trips to Kruger or to Chimp Eden so you can tour a bit and not stay all the time at the center.
Food is really good, and they don't have a problem making a special meal for you.

Khulula care for wild is the most beautiful place, located within a valley surrounded with hills; you honestly feel like you're in paradise! And the fact that you are also surrounded by the stunning animals of Africa!
I visited khulula in the summer of 2013 for 4 weeks, I may only be 18 but I think that it was the best experience I have ever had. I would suggest it to anyone! I mean come on!! I worked with rhinos, lions, serval kittens/cat, caracals, birds, monkeys, a snake, Bush babies, antelope and many more! I also cannot express how lovely the people who are associated with the reserve are, all the staff and visitors were so lovely and helpful.
The New wooden cabins are placed wonderfully enabling you to wake up looking at the beautiful scenery. You have to have cold showers unless you light the donkey to heat the water but to be honest it makes what you're doing feel more real! You're out in the middle of Africa, it's hot anyway, cold showers were rather refreshing!:)
You get to visit places such as chimp Eden and Kruger national park, you also go out on game drives and go on camp outs under the south African stars.
The place itself is incredible. Go there and put your all into the experience you have been handed. Khulula was my dream come true.

My volunteer experience at Khulula was unbelievable. I got so much hands on experience with animals like lions, monkeys, and rhinos. Because the animals are young, you have the are given the opportunity to feed them, take them out of their cages and play with them, go on animal walks with them and more (depending on what animals are there when you go).

At times, it isn't the most glamorous job; you are constantly cutting up raw meat, cleaning the cages, and your pretty much always covered in urine but trust me its worth it.

The highlight of my trip was going on lion walks. You let the lions out of their cage, and walk down the paths with them and you can just observe them running around, playing, and just enjoying themselves. You become so attached to these animals, the hardest part is saying goodbye.

myself and three other volunteers were frequently ostracized from the group, the enclosures were small for the amount of animals housed within, one of the staff kicked a mongoose because it begged for food as it had not been fed all day. The animals that were appropriate for re release is still kept by the owner as she wanted to keep them. Would not recommend to future volunteers. No in country support. No communication. Overall we are disappointed and felt it was a complete waste of money.