If you've got several days to dedicate to your up close and personal animal experience, you might want to consider volunteering some of your vacation time. For the most exotic experiences, volunteer opportunities in Africa offer the chance to work hands-on with many of the Big Five, including lions. For instance, at Lion Park in South Africa, you can help hand-rear orphaned lion cubs. If you've just got a day, you can still pet a lion cub, feed a giraffe or walk with a cheetah here.

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