Conservation Action in Forest & Coastal habitats

South Africa

Conservation Action in Forest & Coastal habitats

Experience the unique forest and natural habitats of the famous Garden Route, South Africa’s favourite destination. Work along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and learn about conservation and ecological principles.

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When you join this practical conservation experience you will learn about the key topics of basic ecology and biodiversity in one of the most attractive parts of South Africa – the famous Garden Route.

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 in restoring a local nature reserve; monitoring forest and coastal species and teaching local kids about the wonders of their natural environment.

Throughout the program you will enjoy a variety of informative lectures, helping you to gain theoretical knowledge of basic ecological principles.

This program is an ideal way to spend time in the magnificent Garden Route and make a difference.

Highlights

Experience the unique forest and natural habitats of the famous Garden Route, South Africa’s favourite destination
Work along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world Learn about conservation and ecological principles
Educate local children about the wonders of the natural world Contribute to a variety of meaningful conservation efforts

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
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	Conservation Education Workshop/Lecture	Recycling Swop Shop
Thursday	Lecture/Coastal survey	Forest Species Survey
Friday	Lecture/Alien eradication	Cultural Activity
Saturday	Excursion	Excursion

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!

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

The Garden Route is a 300-kilometre stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa which extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name comes from the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast. It includes towns such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Little Brak River and Nature’s Valley; with George, the Garden Route’s largest city and main administrative centre.

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.

2019 dates:

January 19th
February 2nd
February 16th
March 2nd
March 16th
March 30th
April 13th
April 27th
May 11th
May 25th
June 8th
June 22nd
July 6th
July 20th
August 3rd
August 17th
August 31st
September 14th
September 28th
October 12th
October 26th
November 9th
November 23rd
December 7th

What’s included?

All project operating costs, equipment, tools and resources
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