African Big Cats Encounter

ABOUT The project is home to the “big cats” such as lions, cheetahs, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas, caracal, serval cats and other wildlife species such as zebra, wild dog, springbok, honey badgers and raccoons. The sanctuary provides these predatory cats and wild animals that live there with a stable environment. The care they receive at this sanctuary exceeds the requirements of animal welfare regulations. Most importantly, the sanctuary is a place where animals are rehabilitated both physically and emotionally.

For a visitor to the reservation, the visit is not just about viewing predator cats - it is also an informative experience. Experienced and trained guides provide tours of the sanctuary and introduce visitors to all the sanctuary inhabitants.

A true sanctuary for big cats and other wildlife is more than just a place of refuge to protect them from the hunting or the petting trade. Importantly, therefore, the project has secured the future of all its predator cats and wildlife. It is self-funded by means of responsible eco-tourism and they strive to achieve an effective balance between conservation and economic sustainability.

The focus is on conservation education and specifically the plight of large predators in captivity, not only in South Africa but all over the world. Big cats are extraordinary animals with a dangerous beauty that is both awe inspiring and fearsome because of their power and ability to kill. Sadly, at many wildlife facilities various animals, and especially large predatory species, are kept as a way of attracting visitors, without regard for the animals’ physical and emotional needs. They end up being just commodities to attract visitors. This project’s approach is different and is one of respect for what each animal represents, which is why their wellbeing is so vitally important.

WHAT WILL YOU DO? You will assist the game keepers with their daily tasks, depending on your skills and experience. It is important to note your daily tasks and challenges depend on your skill-set and attitude, the time of the year and the work that needs to be done. The final job description might, therefore, change from day to day.

WHAT TO WEAR? • A uniform will be provided but it is best to bring your own khaki-coloured clothing. • Outdoor brown or black shoes (only) for work, preferably with no bright colours. Waterproof boots are also highly recommended. • The general colours are dark green, brown and khaki – if you have any warm clothing in this color-range (depending on the season) it will be useful. • Please note that a deposit of ZAR 800.00 (about €50) is required for your volunteer uniform. This deposit is returned to you when you return the uniform. ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS • Volunteers stay at the Plett Home Stay in Plettenberg Bay, which is just 300 metres from the beach. • The house has a pool, 24-hour internet access, big screen television with satellite television. • Plett Home Stay is a stone’s throw away from the town, with pubs, restaurants, shopping malls, craft markets, cafe’s, pharmacy, doctor, dentists, etc. • You will receive 3 meals a day: • continental breakfast (cold) - in winter there will also be hot porridge. • make your own lunch (bread, ham and cheese are provided) • a hot meal is served in the evenings • Your laundry will be washed and ironed • Bedding and towels are provided • Bathrooms are shared * NOTE: Self-catering options are available for these projects. Deduct 90 euros per week for this option WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW This is an animal-based project working mainly with big African cats in Plettenberg bay. NOTE: At no time is human contact with the animals allowed. The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance have a strict HANDS- OFF approach towards the management of wildlife to secure their natural development and habitat.

MINIMUM AGE 18

MINIMUM LEVEL OF ENGLISH REQUIRED INTERMEDIATE to UPPER INTERMEDIATE: a strong understanding of English at a conversational level is required

SKILLS/PERSONALITY TRAITS REQUIRED: All you need is a love for animals and a desire to learn more about these animals

APPLICATION • Complete the application form • Provide a CV and motivation letter

ARRIVAL ARRIVAL AT GEORGE AIRPORT • Arrival on any day - during the day is preferable • Bus to Plettenberg Bay bus stop (book through: WWW.INTERCAPE.CO.ZA. Cost is around €20.00 to €25.00, one way) • Arrival and departure transfers can be arranged with the accommodation owner and is at an additional charge of €60.00, one way, paid directly to the accommodation

WHICH TRANSFERS ARE INCLUDED? A daily shuttle to and from the project WHAT TO BRING? • There are no special requirements in this regard, but we recommend bringing the following: • Spending money • Toiletries • Medication • Sunscreen • Mosquito repellents • Travelling clothes • Waterproof/rain jacket • Books/laptop • Camera • All these items (and anything else you might need) are readily available at local supermarkets in South Africa

VACCINATIONS Consult your local doctor/travel clinic.

WHERE IS THE PROJECT BASED? Country: South Africa Region: Plettenberg Bay

WORKING DAYS AND HOURS? • Minimum duration: 4 weeks • Maximum duration: 12 weeks • Daily hours: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 • This project is open all year round

COSTS? Euro 200 non-refundable deposit will be collected immediately upon booking 4 weeks € 2,300.00

6 weeks € 3,300.00 8 weeks € 4,300.00 extra week € 500.00 PROBATION? All volunteers are subject to a two-week probation period.

SICK DAYS? The project must be notified by 08:00 if you are going to be absent due to illness.

WHAT IS INCLUDED? • Project placement and all correspondence with the project • Arrival orientation • Accommodation and basic bedding at the project • All meals at the project • Laundry • Bedding and towels • Wifi • Support services from both the project and EC Cape Town • 24/7 assistance on EC Cape Town’s emergency phone for the duration of your stay

WHAT IS EXCLUDED? • Visa application fees • Travel insurance (available at €15 per week if booked with EC) • Flights • Spending money • Local transport • Arrival and departure transfer

TERMS AND CONDITIONS? • Standard EC Terms and Conditions apply. • In addition, please note the following Project Booking and Cancellation Policy: • 25% cancelation fee if cancelled 28 days prior to arrival • 50% cancelation fee if cancelled 14 days prior to arrival • 100% cancelation fee if cancelled 7 days prior to arrival • 50% payment on confirmation of booking and balance payable 30 days prior to arrival