Conservation Action in Forest & Coastal habitats
Take action on the growing plastic pollution problem that the world faces. Help tackle several environmental issues that contribute towards climate change and learn about how you can be the difference in the world!
Take action on the growing plastic pollution problem that the world faces. Help tackle several environmental issues that contribute towards climate change and learn about how you can be the difference in the world!
You will be working in one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, assisting with a number of hands-on conservation projects.
Get involved with tackling alien invasive plants and restoring our unique forest and beach habitats; join the war on plastic by helping us make eco-bricks and conduct beach clean-ups; help us run our recycling project for kids; assist us to monitor the health of biodiversity in the area; and educate local children about earth savvy living!
Throughout the program you will enjoy a variety of informative lectures, helping you to gain knowledge of basic ecological principles, as well as environmental issues and how we can tackle them.
This program is an ideal way to spend time in the magnificent Garden Route and make a difference.
Highlights
- Help to restore the unique forest and beach habitats of the famous Garden Route, South Africa
- Work along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world
- Help with practical conservation projects taking hands on action towards reducing pol ution and restoring the environment
- Increase your knowledge of the species from the area – forest birds, mammals, ocean plants and animals and shore birds. We conduct biodiversity surveys to determine effects of climate change
- Help us run fun workshops for local children teaching them how we can make smal changes to the way we live our lives in a more earth-savvy way
- Help with a community recycling program for kids cal ed the Swop Shop based on a recycling exchange system
Activities
- Visit the unique forest and beach habitats of the famous Garden Route, South Africa
- Work along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world
- Help us with different data collection and research projects
- Assist with beach cleanup activities
- Help with tidal pool research
- Increase your knowledge of the species from the area – forest birds, mammals, ocean plants and animals and shore birds
- Help us run fun workshops for local children about the wonders of the natural world
- Help with a community recycling program for kids called the Swop Shop based on a recycling exchange system
Example Timetable
| Sunday | Free Day | Free Day |
| Monday | Lecture/Forest Species Survey | Workshop prep |
| Tuesday | Lecture/Bird survey | Alien eradication |
| Wednesday | Beach clean-up | Recycling Swop Shop |
| Thursday | Lecture/Coastal survey | Forest Species Survey |
| Friday | Lecture/Alien eradication | Cultural Activity |
| Saturday | Excursion | Excursion |
What about the weekends?
Every second Saturday you wil have the chance to participate in a variety of exciting excursions! Sundays are left free for you to relax and enjoy exploring our beautiful surroundings.
Field conditions
You will stay in a beautiful Victorian House, perfectly situated on a slope, overlooking the Knysna Lagoon. A place where you can put your feet up and admire the view or take a two-minute stroll to town and explore the hot-spots of Knysna.
As well as providing a home for our volunteers, our lodge also accommodates other International travellers, so there will be no shortage of new people to meet!
You will have access to all amenities including running water, electricity and internet. Most bankcards work at local banks (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX). You will also find that you can purchase almost anything at local shops.
Recommended for those who enjoy visiting restaurants and shops, as well as having daily communication with friends and family at home.
Facilities Include:
- Hot water showers & electricity
- Communal kitchen
- Communal lounge area with TV/DVD Player
- Comfortable dorm style sleeping arrangements
- Unlimited Wi-Fi and computer access
- Outdoor braai (BBQ) area
Languages: English
It has an oceanic climate, with mild to warm summers, and mild to cool winters. It has the mildest climate in South Africa and the second mildest climate in the world, after Hawaii, according to the Guinness Book of Records.
You will have access to all amenities including running water, electricity. Most bankcards work at local banks (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX) and you will have access to the Internet. You will also find that you can purchase almost anything at local shops.
Recommended for those who enjoy having access to restaurants and shops as well as daily communication with friends and family at home.
Costs
Volunteer from:
GBP360per week
2 weeks US$1,145
4 weeks US$1,945
+1 week US$475
2 weeks GBP825
4 weeks GBP1,515
+1 week GBP360
Minimum stay is 2 weeks. Please contact us for pricing for group bookings.
2020 dates:
Please contact us for more information.
What’s included?
- All project operating costs, equipment, tools and resources
- Free return bus ticket from Cape Town or Johannesburg to Knysna
- Pick up & drop off from arrival points (George airport or Knysna bus stop)
- 24/7 emergency support
- Orientation & Training
- Accommodation in our Volunteer House
- 3 Meals a day
- Project Related Transport
- Project T-shirts
- Dedicated coordinators to assist you daily
- Project support and feedback sessions throughout your stay
- Assistance with optional activities and tours
- Assistance obtaining a local SIM Card for your phone
- Additional cultural and outdoor activities on Friday afternoons (and some evenings)
- Free, unlimited Wi-Fi and computer access in the Knysna volunteer house
- Post-project involvement, and an exclusive return volunteer discount
This experience has been absolutely amazing! I’ve met so many wonderful people and taken part in some truly life-changing and unforgettable activities. I feel like I’ve learnt so much while I’ve been out here!
Maisie G.
United Kingdom
