Kevin Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary and Game Reserve

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!