Name: Katy

Hometown: Southampton

Destination: Zimbabwe

Project type: Lion rehabilitation programme

Organisation: Travellers Worldwide (the project can now be arranged through African Impact)

What were your impressions of your destination?

It took me a while to work out what was so strange when I got driven from Harare airport to where I was staying- there were no white people! I soon discovered that they drive everywhere. Driving past houses with loads of security was a bit daunting but found out it was quite necessary. The actual wildlife park I was staying in was wonderful and the people really friendly. I had been there about an hour before I was out on a lion walk with four 18 month old lions!! Scary to say the least but I knew I was going to love it there.

Was the work interesting and challenging?

It was very interesting. I gradually got to learn more about the project and working with lion cubs of different ages was incredible. There's so much to learn about them including how to tell the difference between them. We also did other tasks like cleaning out enclosures, boundary patrol, snare sweeps and fence making for new enclosures. It was good to work in groups with the other volunteers because I got to meet people from all over the world.

What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?

The accommodation was basic but good. We were in bedrooms with tin roofs in pairs generally. We pretty much only used our rooms to sleep in as there were better places to be and lots of things to do. It was really cold at night though! It was comfortable and the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was really good and plentiful!

Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?

The company that I arranged to go through were pretty good before hand but once I got there I realised that they weren't in a lot of contact with the people that actually ran the park and the project. The volunteer coordinator was brilliant, making sure things were fair, people were pulling their weight and making sure we were fully informed. Most of the guides were good but there were some who clearly didn't know the lions that well and hadn't bothered to.

Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?

Yes although if people want to go then I would recommend booking through African Impact as they are run by the same people who run the park so all the money goes back into the project.

Would you recommend the project to others?

Yes