Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary and Game Reserve

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...

Volunteering at the Wildlife Sanctuary was definitely one of the best thing's I've ever done. The moment you step in, you're welcomed like family, educated about the project and nature, and work closely with the animals. There are days where the work will physically test you, but you know it contributes to the wonderful project. I was there at the time of the migration to the new enclosures so some days were spent setting up fences, ensuring the land was suitable through weeding, and general maintenance. The other days included feeding the animals and cleaning dens.

Apart from this, you will enjoy socialising with Kevin and the team, plus the other volunteers from around the globe. The project is truly magical and I cannot wait until I see the the team again :) The toughest bit was saying goodbye, no joke!!!

This has been a magical stay. We've experienced africas wildlife first hand and been around the majestic lions every day. You will make sure the surroundings are in order and that the lions have it well. Evenings and weekends are a lot of fun with the other volounteers and the staff.

Buckle up to work hard and have a lot of unforgetable fun, the wildlife is unbeatable.

- to repare the roads-rivers (pick up rocks)
- to feed the lions-hyenas-leopards
- anti-poaching walk
- to walk throw the bush once per week
- to learn things/informations about animals/nature

Meet so many amazing people and friends who live all over the world and still have contact with. The program promoted bonding and friendship and experiences that will last a life time.

It takes you back to being a kid working all day but having fun at the same time and at night sitting around having a laugh.

It is so peaceful you are able to find yourself and learn alot from Kevin about the lions, hyenas and leopards.

Not one person didn't cry when we had to leave and go home.

I recently returned from spending 4 weeks volunteering at the reserve in June 2013 and can honestly say it was the best experience of my life. I felt welcome and part of the team from day one. At no point did I feel as though I was a hindrance on the staff, rather I and all the other volunteers felt like we played a hugely useful role in the maintenance of the reserve and ensuring the high welfare standards of the animals were met. While the work can be physically demanding, it feels worthwhile and makes the relaxing and socialising in the evenings all the more enjoyable. It is also by no means all work and no play; be it going along with Kevin while he takes the lions for their enrichment walks, playing with the striped hyenas, taking the black leopards for walks or going for game drives it is sure that the programme is fun as well as rewarding. I am already beginning to plan my return to the reserve next year and can't wait to see how the reserve will develop with all the changes being made.

It was a magical experience. The team is really great: Lozanne, Wiann, Zako and Quentin. But also Jim, George, Daka, Gerald, Lynne etc... They made my two weeks even more unforgettable. I wasn't sure when I came that I would be able to take the meat with my hands, clean everything, build roads and bridges. It made me discover myself even more.
I really loved to be around the animals, specially lions and leopards, caring for them (was very proud when I reported that Nikita and Coal had no more water, felt part of the family), even on my first saturday, I wanted to go help Quentin with them and it was great.
I met incredible people, did incredible things. I will definitely be back next year.

This program embodies what conservation is all about. It's not some gimmick or attraction like most volunteer programs. It's not about the money. It's about an amazing group of people who truly want to make a difference and are succeeding. If you want to truly make an impact, this is the place to go. The people welcome you like family from the moment you arrive, and by the time you leave, you feel like you're leaving family. You will work hard, there is no question about that, but the satisfaction you get from it is like no other. I had the honor of spending two amazing weeks here, and I can honestly say it changed my life. I cannot wait to go back!