Rehabilitate African Penguins near Cape Town

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Flexible start dates are available all year round

Description: With opportunities to take part in regular boat release programs at Robben Island and exposure to a variety of local seabirds, this Penguin Conservation Centre is an immensely enjoyable and rewarding environment for nature lovers.

As well as learning about the life-cycle and conservation of the African Penguin, which is still an endangered species, you will also be very 'hands - on' as you are taught how to catch, hold, feed and tube feed these wonderful birds each with their own individual characters! You will care for the weak, the strong, the cheeky and the just plain daft and when the sun is high you will probably find yourself longing to join them in the pool too!

The centre is located on the banks of Flamingo Vlei with wonderful views of Table Mountain. The Vlei is also home to an amazing variety of water birds including resident Pelicans, Cormorants and a colony of Pink Flamingos. Close by are the popular beaches of Blouberg and Big Bay, famous for the 'postcard' views of Table Mountain.

This is a very special and rewarding experience that will suit reasonably fit nature lovers of all ages, though if you do have an aversion to fish or guano you may want to consider an alternative project!

Qualifications: No previous experience is required as all training is provided.

Cost in US$: $940 for your first 6 weeks, $95 per week thereafter

* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the AVIVA team.
* A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in and an opportunity to let your friends and family know you have arrived safely.
* An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
* A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simons Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the worlds most beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africas recent political history before and after Apartheid. Includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africas second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Wine tastings and lunch are included.
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our booking service for attractions, events and tours.
* A donation to SANCCOB (payable by AVIVA).
* A letter of reference from SANCCOB to accompany your Resume/CV
* An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to SANCCOB.
* If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night (AVIVA House option) or R150 (Homestay option). This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date.

You have two choices for accommodation;

1. AVIVA House in Table View is a secure home from home for our SANCCOB & Home of Hope volunteers with comfortable beds, 24/7 Internet access, a spacious lounge with a Satellite TV & DVD, a fully equipped kitchen, lockable cupboards and a large garden complete with a braai and a large swimming pool. Self-service breakfasts are also provided.

2. The Family Homestay option includes all your meals, daily transfers to and from SANCCOB and a laundry service. This family home also cares for approximately 70 rescued cats, and penguin chicks that are too young to be with the adult birds at SANCCOB. If you are not keen on, or are allergic to cats, we would strongly recommend that you take the AVIVA House option. This is also the only accommodation option available for volunteers aged under 18 years.

...the AVIVA House option also includes:

* Accommodation at AVIVA House in Table View.
* Self-service breakfasts for the duration of your stay.

...the Family Homestay option also includes:

* Family accommodation close to SANCCOB.
* All of your meals.
* Laundry Service.
* Daily transfers to and from SANCCOB.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical AVIVA volunteer... ...is open to experiencing new cultures and meeting people from around the world. ...is tolerant and respectful of others, no matter what their beliefs or background. ...looks forward to broadening their horizons and exploring new lands. ...is flexible and adapts well to new situations and environments. ...is self-disciplined with a sense of independence. ...sees that volunteering provides them with a rewarding way in which to develop their own personal qualities and character while giving something back to the planet. ...is pro-active and looks for opportunities to experience their new surroundings. ...acknowledges that South Africa in many ways is still a developing country and thus will provide them with a wide range of new experiences.

Age Range: 16+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement: AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing you with a positive, life changing experience in South Africa. We believe that volunteering promotes self-growth, cultural understanding, and provides you with a unique opportunity to really experience a country first hand. We work with grass roots projects that have evolved to meet real needs - so you can be sure that you will be contributing your time to a worthwhile and rewarding cause. From 16 year old students to 70 year old retirees, we have hosted volunteers from a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, and our dedicated support team (the largest in Africa!) are here to ensure that your volunteering experience not only matches, but exceeds your expectations. Like many previous volunteers, you can open your eyes to new adventures, new friends, and an experience that will capture your heart and mind... Come and join us, we would love to see you in South Africa soon!

Year Founded: 2002