Our Unique Opportunity
Simbonga Game Reserve & Warriors of Wildlife Sanctuary is home to not only our rescued big cats, but also an abundant amount of indigenous free roaming wildlife. We are approximately 154 hectares of natural vegetation that allows all of our animals an opportunity to live in a beautiful and safe home, and where volunteers and visitors can experience the serene beauty of Africa. With views of both the Indian Ocean and nearby mountain range, we believe this environment offers unique opportunities for each individual that comes to share our home with us.
One of Warriors of Wildlife's main purposes is to provide an educational experience where we teach all of our visitors about the plight of big cats in captivity as well as the challenges their wild cousins face. We pride ourselves on being a "true sanctuary" where no cub petting/hands on interaction, breeding, or trading/buying/selling of any kind of our animals takes place. All of our animals are rescued from terrible past lives, and we aim to provide the safe haven they have always deserved.
We aim to provide the best opportunity for you, where you will go home with your mind and heart open and an experience to share with your friends and family. Hearing a lion's roar each night, being greeted by a tiger chuff in the morning, forming bonds with the animals, other volunteers, and staff, all while experiencing the beauty of South Africa.
Daily Tasks
Our volunteer program will offer you the opportunity to be involved behind the scenes each day with whatever may need assistance - daily tasks will include:
- Cleaning and maintaining big cat enclosures or possibly assisting in the construction of new enclosures.
- Creating enrichment items for our big cats.
- Preparation of food/vitamins and assisting in feeding.
- General reserve/farm work such as monitoring free roaming wildlife, alien plant removal, & road maintenance.
- Assisting in guided educational tours through the Sanctuary.
You will work side by side with Sanctuary Managers, interns, and other volunteers.
What We Do
Our Project's primary focus is the day to day care of our Sanctuary residents; which currently comprises of 14 lions and 1 tiger. You will quickly learn each of the animals' names and their individual stories of how they found peace at our Sanctuary after years of trials and tribulations that no living being should ever encounter. We are also permitted for rehabilitation and release of indigenous species. We have previously assisted in the successful rehabilitation of caracals, jackals, bats, genets, giraffe, baboons, and vervet monkeys of which came into our care due to being orphaned or injured. However, this experience is not guaranteed and only occurs on a need to basis and should not be expected.
Our organization is often called upon for rescue and relocation needs; ultimately meaning that things can change at the blink of an eye. When an animal needs our help, we do our absolute best to act quickly.
Tent Life
Volunteers get the chance to live in our glamping style safari tents that overlook the entire Reserve and are only a 5 minute walk or less from the Sanctuary. It's not uncommon for the free roaming wildlife such as giraffe or impala to walk straight past your tent. Each tent can accommodate 2-4 volunteers with a shared bathroom consisting of a shower, basin, and toilet. Each unit is equipped with a kitchenette with all basic needs to prepare your meals and a beautiful deck and bbq area where you can read a book with the sunrise, play card games with others, enjoy the warmth of a fire in the evenings, or a true South African Braai (bbq).
The Reserve is situated along the well known Garden Route of South Africa, and is only a quick 20 minute drive to well known hotspot Jeffreys Bay. This offers great opportunities to experience South Africa on days off where you can enjoy numerous different activities and recharge for the following week. Activities such as surfing/surf lessons, sky diving, beach horse rides, shopping, whale watching, visits to nearby national parks, hiking, bungee jumping and more are all at your finger tips!
There is limited wifi connection on the Reserve, so it is HIGHLY advised for volunteers to obtain a South African SIM card on arrival where as you may upload data as required during your stay for connection.
It must be noted that due to the accommodation being in glamping style canvas safari tents, it may be helpful to bring along an extra blanket or hot water bottle during the winter months for added comfort. These items can also be purchased locally should you find it necessary during your stay.
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