19 independent reviews for Volunteering with bears in Romania
Reviews for Volunteering with bears in Romania
Keely Walsh review 31 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the bears everyday was my highlight and having the privilege to participate to their welfare in a small way.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just enjoy - everything is so very well organised there is nothing to worry about.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people as they use locals for the driving. It supports the bear welfare.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I am a huge lover of bears and this holiday was heaven to me. So amazingly well organised in Romania and all the people were so very kind and friendly.Dawn West review 14 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the bears and how they live in the sanctuary2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a bit more money than it says in the holiday information as prices have gone up a lot. Be prepared to work and get dirty, with dairy products.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
My working holiday benefited the sanctuary and the animals within, as we prepared the food. The out of date food would have been dumped but is used by the sanctuary, reducing environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was an excellent holiday and I felt well supported by the guide out there.Peter Jones review 29 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Following the feeding round on the last day at the bear sanctuary watching the bears enjoying the "ice-cream" and meat I had prepared the day before!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take waterproofs with you at all times for summer storms. In food prep area: 2 pairs thick black rubber gloves, comfy waterproof (hiking) boots you can hose down at the end of each day, black sack to put personal possessions in and protect from spillages & flies, make sure you have voice control on phone so you can answer without having to take off gloves & wash hands.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it freed regular staff to do other work. Libearty is committed to minimising impact on environment while providing sanctuary for the bears. Tourism is a vital part of the Romanian economy but there were few other visitors from western Europe. I bought all my presents from the Libearty shop. The driver who took me to the sanctuary and back every day was happy with his fee (included in the cost), gave me the chance to really get to know a Romanian and we had very interesting chats on a variety of subjects though the discussion on causes of climate change on the first morning, when I was still half asleep, certainly woke me up! He was a bit sceptical about Man being the primary cause.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful experience.Angela Hooper review 30 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being a part of the bear feeding team, watching the bears enjoy their new lives in such beautiful surroundings.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely do 2 weeks minimum! The first week raced by so quickly, I was so glad to have another week.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely; the bear sanctuary is doing amazing work and to be part of that team was brilliant.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
100% perfect, it was an amazing experience and perfectly organised.Suzanne Jones review 16 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Watching the bears - We saw a number of bears taking a dip in the water and I enjoyed seeing the pleasure on their faces as they enjoyed the therapeutic effects of the water. On the last day we witnessed the bears being fed and it was lovely to see them coming out of the forest for the food and knowing that our hard work goes to them.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be open minded and flexible. Wear old clothes, bring rubber gloves for food preparation and be prepared to get mucky. A lot of time is spent on food preparation but this is important as bears need a lot of food.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we helped to free up the bear sanctuary staff so they could focus on other tasks and we did mostly food preparation which benefited the bears. The local supermarkets provide donations of food to the bear sanctuary which we sorted and this was valuable for the bears and local community.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had an amazing time and enjoyed my time at the bear sanctuary. The sanctuary is set in an amazing location on a mountain and is very rural with a welcoming dog brigade. The volunteer accommodation is of a very good standard and is very central to Brasov which is a lovely town in Romania. The guide was very helpful and we had a very good orientation when we arrived. I would certainly return in the future.Deborah Robson review 5 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being so close to the bears and watching their behaviour, feeling I was contributing in a small way to their welfare. Watching the bears splashing about in the water just as I was leaving was brilliant!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for some messy work! Take old clothes and gloves and a good camera to capture the bears antics. Try to learn a few words of Romanian, it's really appreciated.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it helped the bear sanctuary and contributed to the welfare of the bears. The local people benefitted from my supporting the local restaurants, shops etc. I walked everywhere when I was in Brasov but did spend quite a bit of time in cars for the bigger journeys, there wasn't really an alternative for these journeys though.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Exceeded my expectations, all very well organised, very good accommodation with lots of help from local rep. Brasov had plenty to offer and the bears were amazing!Melinda Kerr review 2 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting to spend time watching the bears play together, and seeing them all so happy2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely bring clothes you would be happy to get dirty3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the operator has done a great job of supporting local businesses and people4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10 I can’t wait to go backNathan Cresswell review 2 Oct 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I think the most memorable part for me was seeing the bears be fed on the feeding tour with the things we had prepped that week. I also thought it was a great privilege to be in the park after visiting hours and be able to see the bears hang on trees and play in pools with you as the only human witnessing this.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take decent rubber gloves. I bought cheap ones and they lasted 1 shift! Check out the souvenir shop before the last day otherwise you have to walk back to it mid-shift as it is closed when you arrive. Check it out on your first visit when you arrive later.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I thought the holiday benefitted conservation because you provided a valuable service of prepping the food. It was also good to stay in Brasov and engage with local community eating out and shopping.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall this was an unforgettable experience. I admit I was nervous travelling solo and a little wary of travelling to an unknown country. However, the people were great. The operator take you through every step and Anne Smellie tweaked the trip to make sure I got the most out of my time. Castle Dracula was great to visit and I also recommend extending your stay to see a little of Bucharest which is a fascinating city. Razvan the main man of the tour organised lovely meals and gave us top tips and he also organised an extra night at a hotel because my stay overlapped with others. The volunteers I met were great people and we gelled very well. We are still in contact now. If you fancy seeing 100 brown bears in a beautiful sanctuary and safe from their previous torment then this is the trip for you. I would give it 5 stars every time.Angela Nunn review 5 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I was walking passed one of the mother and cub enclosers on my way to catch my lift home when I looked in and the mother was just laying on her back and the three cubs were all Having some milk from her. She hadn’t got a care in the world.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take every opportunity you can to make the most of this experience, it’s a beautiful country with lovely people. Go on every trip; excursion, walk you can fit in.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Eating, drinking out; visiting places supported local economy. The work we did in the sanctuary released the other perminant workers toget on with other jobs. All the jobs; however small helped one way or another. I was taught a lot of things I didn’t know about both the bears, laws and way of life of the country both past and present making me more understanding of it all.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved every minate of it. The rep that looked after us was excellent. I felt safe and looked after every step of the way. From the moment I enquired to the point they dropped me back off at the airport to come home. 10 out 10 for EVERY aspect. Do it all again in a heart beat.Mary Motteram review 19 Sep 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Eating my lunch watching the bears being bears!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To go with a friendly open mind and several pairs of marigolds!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt it benefited the local people as the operator employs local drivers, arranges trips to local areas and the local guide welcomed the extra income. I felt I supported the environment because I helped use thrown away supermarket produce which would have been wasted.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful experience which combined living in a city with the rural component as the sanctuary was 45 minutes from the town.Ferida Reid review 20 Sep 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was memorable....the town of Brasov was charming with symphony concerts, Opera and folk dancing in the town square, the excursions organised by volunteering the organisation were very interesting and gave a good overview of the area but of course the highlight was the Bear Sanctuary. We were made to feel valued and welcome and being so close to the bears and going out with the keepers/staff gave us a view that the average visitor doesn't experience. Also Razvan, the organisations representative made us feel secure and was always available to advise and answer any questions no matter how trivial.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring old clothes and shoes that you can throw away at the end of the experience as you get quite dirty after assisting in the food preparation area....if you toss them out you have more room for souveiners3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe that we certainly assisted the sanctuary, we were given the more labor intensive jobs in the food preparation area thereby freeing up the staff to attend to other duties. Tourism is indeed helping the local area4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This experience was 11 out of 10...the trip of a lifetime. I cant begin to thank the organisers or Razvan, our contact in Romania for giving me this opportunity it will live in my heart for the rest of my daysRowena Dark review 22 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Transylvania far exceeded my expectations. I was truly overwhelmed by the whole experience. It really did feel like a holiday even though I was working at the bear sanctuary, which is a most beautiful place to be. I felt sad leaving it each day. Brasov is full of streets for you to just meander and take in at a leisurely pace. The walks up the hillsides to see the spectacular views are a must. The cafes are so different and you will just want to try them all. The people are so friendly and food exceptionally good value. Sighisoara is a gem. I took a guided tour around the area and again it was faultless. The citadels at the tops of the hills in Transylvania just dotted about are a must see.There's so much more I want to see I plan on going back next September to work at the bear sanctuary.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Highly recommend Sighisoara, Peles Castle and Bran Castle. Just walk around and take everything in at a leisurely pace.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people will certainly appreciate you coming to admire their country. Local tour guides certainly benefit. Taking part in voluntary work or trying to be involved in a local project I think is essential as most locals couldn't afford not to work and do these things.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This really is the most memorable holiday I've had in many yearsSusan Wood review 13 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The anticipation alone of not knowing what to expect was exciting in itself but the first day at the bear sanctuary and first sight of the bears in such wonderful surroundings was very exciting and most memorable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack clothes that you don't mind getting covered in "muck". The food prep work can get pretty messy!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel the holiday benefited local people in that it gave the local workers some respite with the large workload required to feed the number of bears at the sanctuary. The sanctuary itself is a wonderful example of conservation and education.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time and the people I met along the way. Romania is also a beautiful place to visit and would happily book again.Louise Jones review 3 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This was when we went to travel round the sanctuary on the food truck. This gave us plenty of opportunity to see the Bears up close enjoying their food and picking out what they preferred to eat as they all chose different.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To immerse themselves in the whole experience and to learn some Romanian as this will benefit them in the sanctuary.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The most amazing experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole two weeks and wished I had booked to stay there longer.Jane Adcock review 18 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The bear sanctuary is in the most beautiful of places, in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Once the visitors had gone, it was possible to appreciate the beauty and quietness of the place, it must seem like heaven to the Bears who are lucky enough to end up there.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it. We are hardly your typical gap year students. We are a married couple who just fancied a holiday with a difference. If you're not looking for glamour, and don't mind a spot of hard work, it's a very rewarding and worthwhile experience.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Working alongside the full time staff that prepare the food everyday, it was clear that feeding bears is a non-stop activity. We definitely felt that we were playing a worthwhile part as it enabled them to get on with other necessary tasks.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved it.Melinda millermon review 25 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I enjoyed seeing the bears and watching them in their natural environment. I also learned a lot about them and their plight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You should at least have two weeks. Time was to short I want to go back.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think I helped the bears and also taught others about them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Awesome I want to go back.Angela Ransome review 19 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the bears & actually being able to wander around the sanctuary & observe the bears & environment without having to be accompanied by anyone from the sanctuary2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book at least two weeks - one week is definitely not long enough3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Probably not a great amount4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely amazing - so good I will definitely return in 2 - 3 years timeShannon Clarke review 19 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This trip was absolutely unforgettable. There were many amazing sights, wonderful people, and the opportunity to work as part of a fantastic animal welfare group. The work of both the bear sanctuary and the dog shelter is both vital and outstanding For me, the most memorable part was meeting the dog who would eventually be an unexpected addition to my family.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The included accommodation is very basic and designed for singles. If you're looking for something a bit nicer or with a bedroom door, discuss alternative accommodation with the team.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This trip will open your eyes to the realities of animal welfare in Central / Eastern Europe. The donation built into your travel cost will be put to excellent use in support of some very needy animals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely amazing. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend. I have actually recommended it to everybody who'll listen. Many thanks to Anne in the UK, as well as Razvan, Oana, Claudiu, and Cipri in Brasov.Rosemary Hindley review 9 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Spending time with the bears in the sanctuary. It is a beautiful peaceful place and watching all the bears eating, splashing about in their pools, climbing trees and just enjoying their surroundings was a fantastic experience. Hearing about where all of the bears had come from and what they had been forced to endure in captivity made me feel very sad but the way they had been rescued and are now being so well cared for was truly moving and inspiring. A small team of caring and committed people has created an amazing place and rescued so many wonderful animals from a desperate situation.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to get stuck into the work and do whatever needs doing each day. As most of it is food prep it can get messy and smelly so take clothes you don't mind getting dirty, plus insect repellent, rubber gloves and walking boots. There is plenty of free time to watch the bears and take lots of photos. Learning a few Romanian phrases definitely helps - a few words go a long way and are appreciated by local people. Food and drink are good and cheap. Being vegetarian is not a problem, as long as you like cheese! Traditional Romanian restaurants can be rather limited but usually offer something and other places have various choices on the menu. The local supermarkets also sell good quality fruit and veg etc. The weather can change completely and very quickly without warning so be prepared for thunder and lightning even in blue sky and sunshine! And if you're travelling by train don't be surprised if there aren't any signs on station platforms.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The sanctuary is providing a safe home for 80 bears and I was helping to feed them, which was supporting conservation as well as the staff (who are local people). We were using food intended for human consumption that would otherwise have been destroyed so reducing waste and also recycling packaging materials. The sanctuary is developing an educational facility to teach local young people about the importance of respecting rather than exploiting wild animals. I and the other volunteers used the recycling facilities near the flat in Brasov and were also encouraged to save water and electricity etc. We also supported local people by going to shops, bars and restaurants in the evening and visiting tourist attractions at weekends.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a fantastic experience which I would definitely recommend - a very special opportunity to support such a good cause and work with great people (staff and volunteers) and wonderful animals (bears, dogs, wolves, goats, donkeys). Every day at the sanctuary was different and at the weekend we were offered various sightseeing opportunities (including Dracula's Castle). The whole experience was extremely well organised, from initial enquiry and signing up through to pre-trip preparation then co-ordination out in Romania by the rep, and even follow-up after returning to the UK. The comprehensive information and support provided all the time was very helpful and reassuring - many thanks to Anne and Razvan!Holiday Reviews
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