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Welcome to your program
Help us save cheetahs one spot at a time by volunteering at a cheetah breeding and conservation facility at Cango Wildlife Ranch. You have an opportunity to work with and observe cheetahs closely each day and will gain experience with other cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
This page will take you through everything you need to know about your program. You should READ every section. We've linked additional information under each topic as needed.
Housing
Students will share rooms with 2-4 students with ensuite bathrooms. All rooms have central AC and heaters if needed. WiFi is available but not at high speeds you may be used to.
Food
Breakfast is your typical American-style breakfast. Students will order lunch each day from the ranch and dinner will be traditional South Africa meals. Students will have a chance to purchase snacks in town but many choose to bring their own jerky, cheese, protein bars, tuna pouches, dried fruit, applesauce pouches, and nuts as supplemental snacks.
Flights: most dates Posted! More coming soon!
Taking the group flight is mandatory unless you live outside of the continental US. Solo fliers are subject to additional fees. If you choose to fly off the group flight, you must first contact admissions@loopabroad.com.
Packing
The only items you are required to bring are those on the “required” lists. General required items (like your passport) are found on the ALL PROGRAMS packing list above. Program specific required items are found below under the REQUIRED section. For the rest of the items, you are welcome to use your discretion. There may be items missing from this list that you’d like to bring, and there may be items on this list that you don’t want to bring. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Required for this program
Towel- Some students prefer a microfiber travel towel. You may want 2, as things can take a while to dry).
Work Pants: khaki, tan, light brown color
Shirts and jacket: khaki, tan, light brown color working clothes SEE COLOR PALETTE
Suggested for this program
Binoculars (certainly not required, but helpful for spotting wildlife)
Field guide (certainly not required, but helpful for identifying wildlife)
A pair of work gloves or gardening gloves
Some students suggest they were happy to have sneakers, sandals with a strap (similar to Teva, Chaco or Keen), or other particular shoes; bring whatever makes you comfortable
Sweatshirt, fleece, or light jacket
Winter jacket or coat for evenings (it can be below freezing)
Gloves, a hat, and other warm gear for early mornings
FAQ
IT IS COLD IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY TO AUGUST. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER AND PACK ACCORDINGLY. In the evenings, you may want a winter coat, hat, slippers, socks, gloves, and warm pajamas, such as sweatpants and a sweatshirt (it can be below freezing). Most students were happy to have a heavy jacket or coat for the evenings and early mornings. There is drinkable water for refilling water bottles.
WIFI: Students will have WiFi at the program location but in larger groups can be slow. If you are interested in a travel phone plan, please talk to your phone provider before your program starts.
Bedding: We will provide you with sheets, pillow and blankets.
Towels: Towels will be provided but wash cloths are not. We recommend bringing a luffa to use multiple times.
Laundry: Laundry is available but we ask that you limit your washing. You are traveling during South Africa's drought season and our partners need to conserve their water. You should not need to use the machine more than once on a two week trip and can share the load with fellow students. There is no charge for the washer and dryer but you do need to bring your own detergent.
Outlets: You will need an adaptor like this one!
Dress Code: Cango has a strict dress code of all khaki, tan, or light brown. Your program takes place during winter in South Africa. IT IS COLD IN SOUTH AFRICA DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY TO AUGUST. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER AND PACK ACCORDINGLY. Plan to get dirty on this program!
Money: Most students spend around $200 USD on a two-week program. Students will visit a variety of night markets for souvenirs, food vendors, and coffee shops. We HIGHLY recommend contacting your bank and ordering South African Rand before leaving for the program. There will be an ATM where students can withdraw money, and there is an ATM transaction fee each time.
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