Volunteer at the center

Form part of our Long-term Volunteer Program to better understand the complexities around conserving and caring for wild carnivores with our family of experienced staff and volunteers from around the world. After a productive day, reward yourself with activities such as visiting nearby bars and restaurants or cooling your feet in our dam watching the sunset. On your two days off per week you can further explore the mountains and beaches of the Western Cape.

The volunteer house is situated in the center with a view of leopard and cheetah camps, olive tree orchards, and the impressive Drakenstein Mountains. It is custom-built and includes a large central living area – with a shared kitchen, lounge room, TV, dining room, and outdoor deck. On each side of the central living area, there are 2 double bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms and 2 shared bathrooms.

Daily breakfast is available for you to prepare, and lunch is provided Monday – Saturday. Tea and coffee is available all day, but dinner is not included in the cost. You will be taken to the shops twice a week to buy food, drinks, snacks, and other necessities – so make sure you bring along extra money. Bring along your laptop, mobile phone, and camera (secure safe deposit boxes available). 

If you are currently studying conservation, biology and/or animal-related topics and need to complete a practical placement or internship, we have opportunities available. Students will be mentored and supervised by our experienced staff. A minimum stay of 4 weeks is required.

The volunteer house is situated in the center with a view of leopard and cheetah camps, olive tree orchards, and the impressive Drakenstein Mountains. It is custom-built and includes a large central living area – with a shared kitchen, lounge room, TV, dining room, and outdoor deck. On each side of the central living area, there are 2 double bedrooms, 2 single bedrooms and 2 shared bathrooms.

Daily breakfast is available for you to prepare, and lunch is provided Monday – Saturday. Tea and coffee is available all day, but dinner is not included in the cost. You will be taken to the shops twice a week to buy food, drinks, snacks, and other necessities – so make sure you bring along extra money. Bring along your laptop, mobile phone, and camera (secure safe deposit boxes available). 

Residents in the surrounding areas can join our Local Volunteer Program. We are flexible with our local volunteers and understand the need to schedule their volunteering around work and/or studies. You will usually join in with the current volunteer team in completing daily cleaning, feeding, group activities, and other tasks.

If you have any specific skills (including maintenance, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, computing, marketing, or artistic) then please let us know – we are always looking for help with different things around the farm. You should be of good health and physical fitness as your days will be spent outdoors.

• You must preferably be 18 years of age or older. Consideration will be given to students in their final year of schooling (matriculants).
• Understanding and speaking English is vitally important as you will be working alongside international volunteers.
• A minimum of 8 hours per month is required of your time at our program. You can volunteer on any day of the week, but we will confirm your induction date once we have your application form.
• We need to know your volunteering days a week in advance to create an efficient schedule.
• Lunch is provided on the first day, except on Sundays. For a small additional fee you may choose to eat lunch with the international volunteers and staff.
• You are welcome to bring your own food as well.
• At all times dress professionally. Once you have undergone all the necessary training, you will receive a free Ashia shirt. 

This is a unique opportunity to experience the life of an animal carer at Ashia and what it all entails. We welcome international and local visitors alike. This is perfect for young people who have a yearning for a career with animals or for anyone who wants more of a behind-the-scenes view. You will join the staff and longer-term volunteers on their daily duties and see the animals in our care from a much closer view.

The day will start at either 6:30 or 7:30 (depending on the season) and usually finish between 4:00 and 5:00. Breakfast as well as lunch will be provided, and we will ensure you leave Ashia with a thorough understanding of cheetah conservation, the role Ashia plays in it, and what it takes to look after these beautiful animals. 

Not everyone can take long periods of time off from work or their studies, so a working holiday is a perfect alternative! Days can be spent working alongside the staff with their daily duties or relaxing at the center, exploring nearby areas (including the Winelands or Cape Town itself), or spending time peacefully overseeing our resident cheetahs.