Khaya Volunteer Alumni

Khaya Volunteer Projects in South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi
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Khaya Volunteer
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About

Khaya offers various volunteer projects in South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi and Zimbabwe to help volunteers find the right project suited to their interests. Volunteers are able to contribute to the local community and make a difference via different volunteering projects in Sports Development Childcare, Community, Wildlife, Education, Healthcare and Conservation.

These are reviews from their program alumni.

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Questions & Answers

Reviews

100%
based on 3 reviews
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  • Impact 8.3
  • Support 9.3
  • Fun 8.3
  • Value 8
  • Safety 9
Showing 1 - 3 of 3
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Val
43
Female
In the heart of Europe
10/10

Chuffed with chuffing!

Jul 3, 2013

Go with a 'can do' attitude and you'll get the most from the project. Don't forget to pack 'a sense of humour and an easy-going attitude' and remember it's not about you, it's about them - the cats.
Daily rota includes preparing feeds and bottles for the cubs; cleaning of enclosures; preparing meat, poultry and carcasses; learning about the project, its aims and animals in order to bring visitors on tours and do cub-handling with them.
Loved the free access we had to the cubs and the level of trust we were given. Getting to know the different characters and having them respond to you was super. As the project is not huge you get to experience all aspects of the work and working of the project. It was a privilege to work with these wonderful animals.

How can this program be improved?
For the slightly more mature volunteer I found the accommodation and especially the cooking facilities basic. I know the project are currently building more accommodation and hopefully that will improve this aspect.
Wasn't crazy about dealing with the public but I understand it's an important part of the business of the project.
Response from Khaya Volunteer

Khaya Volunteer Projects has discontinued this program after learning about unethical practices regarding lion breeding and the potential selling of lions to the canned hunting industry, so although a great experience for volunteers; lion breeding projects serve no other purpose then commercial gain and have NO conservation value. Any big cat projects allowing volunteers to work hands on with lion cubs should be avoided at all times. Khaya chooses not to work with any such projects.

By Khaya Volunteer on March 26, 2015
Yes, I recommend this program
Default avatar
roar
25
Female
Perth Western Australia
10/10

Boskoppie

Jul 31, 2012

I don't think anything I do in my life will be as wonderful as the time I spent at Boskoppie. It was AMAZING! The people that work there are so friendly as easy to get along with, and I made wonderful friends from all over the world.
I went to sleep listening to the sounds of the lions roaring and I actually wanted to get out of bed in the morning to start the day! We always had something to do such as sitting in the enclosure to play with beautiful cubs or read a book in there while they were sleeping and if there were no tasks for you to do you just take the dogs for a walk to the back paddocks because the property was huge. I would go back there in a heart beat.
Oh it was such a hard life being a volunteer and having to cuddle cubs...

Response from Khaya Volunteer

Khaya Volunteer Projects has discontinued this program after learning about unethical practices regarding lion breeding and the potential selling of lions to the canned hunting industry, so although a great experience for volunteers; lion breeding projects serve no other purpose then commercial gain and have NO conservation value. Any big cat projects allowing volunteers to work hands on with lion cubs should be avoided at all times. Khaya chooses not to work with any such projects.

By Khaya Volunteer on March 26, 2015
Yes, I recommend this program
Default avatar
Bauke
43
Male
The Netherlands
10/10

Boskoppie

Jan 15, 2012

Thinking back on that 4 week experience in the periode September - October 2011, still brings a big smile to my face.

What an awesome time we have had in working with the cubs, but also with the grown lions, bengals, leopards and caracals.

Every day is different at Boskoppie Lion Park, but never dull, boring or workless. On the contrary; we rushed out of bed every single morning to start the day.

A big THANK YOU to the coordinators Dee and Fran for allowing us work so closely with the animals.

Thanks Igna for helping us so well with transport to Kroonstad and back.

You will make new friends amongst the volunteers at this project, I promise...

Would I recommend this program? DEFINITELY!!!

Response from Khaya Volunteer

Khaya Volunteer Projects has discontinued this program after learning about unethical practices regarding lion breeding and the potential selling of lions to the canned hunting industry, so although a great experience for volunteers; lion breeding projects serve no other purpose then commercial gain and have NO conservation value. Any big cat projects allowing volunteers to work hands on with lion cubs should be avoided at all times. Khaya chooses not to work with any such projects.

By Khaya Volunteer on March 26, 2015
Yes, I recommend this program

About Khaya Volunteer

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Khaya offers unique and affordable volunteer projects in South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania working directly with local partners and projects. Khaya is proud to have a clear focus on ethical and responsible volunteering and works closely with the...

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