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.
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
Conservation Action in Forest & Coastal habitats
Linking People & Conservation
The African Conservation Foundation is an award-winning charity focused on protecting Africa's endangered wildlife and their habitats. We build local capacity for long term sustainability of projects.
© 2018 African Conservation Foundation