Lex (Netherlands)

Dear Igna, Of course I can give you an impression of my stay at The Cheetah project, and some photo's also. I have only good stories to tell abouth this experience and my travels to South Africa and I will be coming back.

Here we go;

In june 2010 I spent 4 weeks volunteering at the Cheetah conservation and rehabilitation project. Driven by my love for nature and the big cats in particular, I primarily went for the Cheetahs and other cats.
During my stay I realized what is really going on there. The idealism and drive of the owners Will and Sharon to return an overgrazed sheepfarm into a balanced reserve was impressive. Also the immense job to achieve this. As a volunteer I really felt small, but I must admit that the results are showing. There is so much work and so many volunteers are needed, but also patience and faith in the people who run this project with all their hearts, like Will and Sharon, and Yuko and Jaques who are responsable for the daily care of the project, the animals and the volunteers.
I must say, after the warm reception from Yuko at my arrival, I quickly felt at home. I've also admired Alie, a young ranger, who's knowledge, wisdom and drive are remarkable for her age!
I have learnd a lot during those 4 weeks. It broadened my view on nature and conservation. It is not only about Cheetahs, it is about so much more in a very broad sense.
But you have to go there to know!
I am thankfull I was given the opportunity to work on the project, and I wish to thank Khaya volunteer, in the person of Igna, for the prompt answering of my many questions and the smooth organization of this wonderfull time of my life!

Lex Kruijer (Netherlands)