African Impact

My 2nd experience with Antelope Park Lion Project

Submitted by Hardo - Tallinn Estonia | September 23, 2017

Me and my girlfriend Airis came back for the 2nd time for Hands-on Lion Conservation Volunteering Project. Reason why is offcorse we enjoyed our first time here in Christmas time & New-Years Eve 2016/2017 when we stayed here for 2 weeks.
This time also because of our work we could only stay for 2 weeks, and whoever is coming to do this project I definately suggest to be here for a month.
It is amazing combination of active vacation & making an impact plus also getting to learn so much about animal life in general. Activities that we are engaged in are so diverse. From Fire-Breaks to Horse-Safaries, from Snake-Induction to visiting local orphanege & schools. But at the same time the place here is astonishing - surrounded by the nature, our accomodation is next to the river with beautiful housing & well-provided food & reception service.
Volunteers can every day:
- walk with Lions or elephants in the beautiful morning
- do cub-sitting with baby Lions (the best therapy in the world)
- Clean enclosures
- carry water for Lions
- Make toys for Lions for behavioural enrichment
- Do reasearch with the Ngamo Release Pride (amazing)
- Snare-sweap for poacers traps in the bush so the Antelopes would not get caught
- Prepare food for Lions & feed the lions
What is so amazing about Antelope Park Volunteering program is that we got to experience local culture by working together with locals (handlers, kitchen staff, security etc) - even in 2 weeks we managed to learn a little Shona language & 2 words in Ndebele :D (clicking-language with all the sounds - very difficult to learn).
There are 30 to 40 other volunteers from ages 18-40+ other parts of the world & every night we have parties and hang-outs where you get to make so much new friends and contacts for the rest of your life.
For animal-enthusiasts in safaries & on daily-basis you will see from only meters away:
1) Giraffes
2) Elephants
3) Monkeys
4) Marabu-Birds
5) Lions (night-encounter is the coolest) & baby-lions
6) Wilderbeast
7) Impalas
8) Waterbuck
9) Beautiful Zebras
10) All the snakes :) (In snake-room Tom will show you Python, Black Mamba, Green Mamba, King Cobra, Spitting Cobra etc.)
and a lot more...
This is definately an experience for a person who likes wildlife & likes to make new friends. There are not too many men here in Volunteering program witch I do not understand why >) I hope there would be more in the future. After all I got introduced to that program because my girlfriend wanted to come here - This is definately one thing she did not go wrong with >D
This program here is not a vacation to just get away, but this is something that provides to your soul & body everything you need to go on for another year. The best & coolest experience of my life so far!

Program: Hands-On Lion Conservation Volunteering at Antelope Park

Very awesome experience

Submitted by Siris - Tallinn Estonia | September 23, 2017

This was my first time being here and I'm so happy with the amazing project. This place is so cool and the staff is so friendly. I loved every second of interracting with the animals here. Definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Program: Hands-On Lion Conservation Volunteering at Antelope Park

Second time volunteering with Lions

Submitted by Airis - Estonian Business School | September 23, 2017

I was a volunteer last year with the same program. It was just so amazing so I decided to come back. I missed the animals, the people here, the feeling of freedom and just everything about it. Where else in the world could you walk with lions and see them so close? It has been my dream since I was little and when I first time got here it was exactly what I was hoping for. Actually it was even better. The place is so beautiful here. But ofcourse I have always thought that attitude is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Coming here you have to have a good attitude cause there is always something to complain about. But I chose not to and it has been the best experience of my life time!

Program: Hands-On Lion Conservation Volunteering at Antelope Park

Miss it already!

Submitted by Cuthill14 - Aberdeen United Kingdom | September 23, 2017

Had such an amazing two weeks, never realised how hands on the volunteering actually was, incredible time getting to be so involved with the animals. Guides/handlers and project managers are so welcoming.

Program: Hands-On Lion Conservation Volunteering at Antelope Park

Experience of a lifetime

Submitted by Maeghan - Aberdeen United Kingdom | September 23, 2017

After 2 weeks at Antelope Park i can fully recommend the hands on experience with the lions. I always wanted to visit Africa to fulfill a goal of being on a safari but the Lions Project was so much more. Being able to be so close the lions and elephants and being involved in day to day tasks for their upkeep makes the experience unforgettable. Rosa, the handlers and all of the team are amazing and do their best to make you feel at home and part of the team even if it is only a short stay. Would like to come back as many of the volunteers on my trip have already done. Thank you Antelope Park!

Program: Hands-On Lion Conservation Volunteering at Antelope Park