Wildlife and Conservation Projects in South Africa

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Available all year round

Description: Like many previous volunteers, you can join one or more of our rewarding Wildlife or Conservation projects and open your eyes to new adventures, new friends, and an experience that will capture your heart and mind...

Work with Africa's most dangerous animals, help to rehabilitate African penguins, spend time on a game reserve, get involved with conservation work in the Kruger area, or join an extablished research team dedicated to protecting whales and dolphins in the Indian Ocean, the choice is yours...

For a fully immersive wildlife experience, we also offer an exciting 4 week Wildlife Ranger Course where you will spend your time in the African bush learning a wide range of new skills that will enable you to track and identify everything from elephant to scorpions!

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

Cost in US$: from $1,210

Many projects include free activities or tours, and with others you have the option of adding an extra week in Cape Town which includes the following:

- Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off
- A 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 family or friends know you have arrived safely.
- An embroidered AVIVA Fleece
- 8 nights accommodation at one of our AVIVA Houses in Cape Town, with self-service breakfasts (7 nights before joining your project, and 1 night on your return)
- A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's 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 included

If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in South Africa before your planned arrival date.

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 Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-10

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