Care for Animals at a Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Centre in KZN in South Africa, with Travellers Worldwide

SUMMARY: THE BASICS

Price:	£895 for 2 weeks £200 for each additional week. Excludes flights. Please see Full Price List & Other Currencies
Duration:	From 2 weeks to 12 weeks or longer, subject to visa requirements.
Start Dates and Availability:	All year round - you choose your start and finish dates.
Requirements:	Minimum age 18. No qualifications needed, just a big heart and a love of animals and their conservation. Please note, you will need to be able to carry out physical tasks on a daily basis as part of your placement.
What's included:	►Arranging your Programme ►Full pre-departure support and assistance ►Payment Protection insurance ►Accommodation ►Food ►Meeting you at the nearest Airport ►Transfer to your accommodation ►Local in-country team support and backup ►24-hr emergency support ►Free T-Shirt ►Certificate of Completion
What's not included:	Flights, Insurance, Cost of Visas, Return transfer to the airport.
Who can do this Project?	All projects are open to all nationalities and all ages over 18. Suitable for gap years or those taking a year out, grown-up gappers, career breakers, anyone interested in conservation and caring for animals and working with wildlife overseas. Good if you want to learn about rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife and doing animal-related voluntary work, projects abroad or study abroad. Also available as a summer placement in South Africa or a short break activity.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT

An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into South Africa and the opportunity to learn and work with South Africa’s diverse wildlife.
An in-depth understanding of wildlife rehabilitation and the important contribution it is making to wildlife conservation and protection.
The enormous satisfaction of helping injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife and giving them a second chance at a free life back in the wild.
New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of different cultures, invaluable personal and professional development.
An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market.
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

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WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION

The best cage is an empty cage! Run by a small, yet highly dedicated and experienced team of staff and local and international volunteers, the Rehabilitation Centre assists over 3000 injured, orphaned and displaced animals every year. From mongoose, genets and monkeys to raptors, reptiles and antelope, the Centre represents a second chance at a free, safe and sustainable life for all wild animals in distress. This excellent project is based in a beautiful Rehabilitation Centre.

The centre cares for anywhere between 200 - 400 different animals at any given time! The number and variety of animals can vary depending on the time of year.

Much of your work involves understanding the principles of wildlife rehabilitation and contributing towards giving animals that have been orphaned or injured, the best chance of getting back out into the wild where they belong. You’ll contribute to an extremely valuable conservation effort that provides medical care, rehabilitation and also releases wild animals back into their natural environment.

This is a superb project. Your work with the animals has the direct result of improving their quality of life, of "rescuing" them from death or a life of misery.

Assisting with preparing the animals’ food and ensuring all their nutritional needs are met during their rehabilitation through enrichment activities
Assisting with the care, treatment and monitoring of each animal’s recovery and progress.
Assisting with the cleaning of the animals’ enclosures and ensuring their environment meets all their physical needs.
Assisting with the cleaning, repair and maintenance of the centre’s facilities and animal enclosures.
Assisting with centre’s trained staff with wildlife rescues and releases out in the field.
They also have a very busy Educational Program, so if education 'is your thing', you may be able to assist with school tours and edutainment events at the Education Centre, if available at the time that you’re there.

The longer you're on this project, the more you'll and the more you'll be able to do more in-depth and responsible elements of the work required.

The Rehabilitation Centre strives to release all its wildlife patients back into their natural habitat in the wild. This is a particularly satisfying time!

SEASONS:
The rehabilitation centre is never ending with volunteers needed all year round. The focus of that work is closely related to meeting the needs of their wildlife patients which do change from season to season depending where each animal is in their individual recovery and rehabilitation. South Africa’s season are as follows:

Spring: September – November
Summer: December – February
Autumn: March – May
Winter: June - August

During spring and summer those animals that have suitably recovered and been rehabilitated (weaned from their dependence on their human caregivers) are released back into the wild.. In addition to caring for new arrivals and those animals that are not suitably recovered yet, you are therefore likely to participate over this period in the release and monitoring of animals that are being returned into the wild.

Spring and summer is KwaZulu-Natal’s rainy season and therefore releases are done at this time to give the animals a chance to adapt to their new environment, establish a territory, find the best food sources and water, etc before the cold winter months set in and adequate access to food and shelter become essential to their survival.

Those animals that are not ready to be released during this period remain in the Centre during autumn and require ongoing care throughout the winter. This is also the time that the Centre readies itself for the next influx of injured and orphaned babies that usually start coming into the centre from early spring.

Preparation of food, feeding and caring for those animals that have remained in the Centre is ongoing, but there is also a strong focus at this time to repair and improve the clinic, enclosures, transport boxes and other equipment used to rescue and release wildlife.

Rescues are ongoing throughout the year and you may go out with the staff to help capture and secure injured animals that need to be brought back to the Centre for medical attention and care.

Duties throughout the year may also include painting and construction, landscaping and removal of alien vegetation, as well as enriching the enclosures with natural structure and foliage to keep the animals stimulated and ensure they can recover in as natural and stress-free environment as possible.

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ACCOMMODATION

There is a fully furnished volunteer house that accommodates up to 10 volunteers at a time. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with volunteers sharing rooms and communal living areas. The house is on the grounds of the rehabilitation centre with the volunteer manager and other staff also living in separate accommodation right next door to the volunteer house.

The house also has an outside patio area with a fire pit and braai facilities. Wherever possible, couples or related volunteers who would like to stay together in the volunteer house are given their own room, but this is obviously dependant on how many volunteers there are in the house at the time.

The volunteer house is cleaned once a week, but volunteers are responsible for keeping the house clean and tidy on a daily basis and a roster is in place for things like cooking duties and washing dishes. Laundry facilities are available in the house too so volunteers can do their own washing.

A safe is available in the centre’s clinic should you wish to lock away your passport, money or any valuables. Mobile phones do operate with full reception on-site.

FOOD:
Food is provided on this project. Volunteers are encouraged to cook and eat their meals together in the volunteer house as this is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and learn a little about their nationalities and cultures. A weekly grocery shop to provide volunteers with 3 meals per day is done by staff and volunteers. Any special dietary requirements e.g. vegetarians are met within reason, however luxury food items are at your own expense.

There is a small shopping centre with a grocery store and take away outlets located within walking distance of the rehabilitation centre.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com

THE REWARDS OF DOING THIS PROJECT:
This placement is definitely for wildlife and conservation enthusiasts who are willing to work hard and aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty, but the rewards are well worth it:

You'll get a wonderful and varied experience with many different species of animals.
You'll have a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with an experienced and dedicated team of professional wildlife rehabilitators.
You'll leave feeling very proud of yourself for having helped to give injured and orphaned wildlife a second chance.
You'll learn much more than you can imagine, particularly about different wildlife species, the fascinating and complex field of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation and hopefully you'll help to raise awareness by talking to friends and colleagues on your return home.
This project will be an excellent entry on your CV, demonstrating your initiative, commitment, unique working experience and your concern for nature.

To give you a feel of the fulfilment that you can get from the project, here's an excerpt from Mabel, our Volunteer Liaison at the Project, from her report about what the volunteers have been doing recently:

Everyone is sad to see Helen leave. She really did an outstanding job here and was loved by all. Olivia went with Dr Fitchat to set up the cage for the monkey release on the 7th January at Pakamisa Private Game farm. She work very hard in the sun all day and never once complained about the heat. Early on Monday morning all the clinic staff, assisted by the volunteers, caught and packed the monkeys to be transported to Pongola. It was very wet but all the volunteers did what they could to help make this go fast.

Rebecca went with Estie and Medi to Pongola to release the monkeys. They stayed on the farm for 2 nights and the monkeys were released on the Wednesday morning very early. Olivia and Rebecca had a wonderful time seeing the monkeys run for freedom. When they returned, they couldn't stop talking about what they had seen and how happy they were to see the little ones free and not in a cage.

We had a mother monkey with a baby come in that was bitten by dogs. Baby was fine but mother had some very bad head and arm injuries. Rachel and Bethan took it on themselves to make sure the baby got fed and was not too stressed because the mother was not well at all. The girls really did a good job with the baby. Mother and baby are doing well now and we hope that we could put them back with the troop soon.

The girls are looking after the baby buck every day and do all the bottle feeds. Rachel and Miranda are going with me today to take a young Blesbuck to a bigger facility. Rachel, Beth and Miranda went on a tour to Sani Pass in Lesotho. They said it was the best day ever. They had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the stuff they did. They're also going on a 2-day safari to Hluhluwe Game Reserve on Saturday and Sunday. Other than that, the volunteers are kept busy and they enjoy every day. Mabel.

The Rehabilitation Centre itself is a lovely and a very safe environment. This is truly a wonderful project that is both rewarding and unforgettable.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR PLACEMENT?
Once you have applied for a placement, we'll contact you and send you our Welcome Pack. You'll also receive Log-on details and password for our Volunteer Extranet where you'll have access to all the documentation and information which we've put together to facilitate preparations for your adventure! Your Project Co-ordinator for your country will liaise with you throughout the arrangements process, as well as while you're on your placement and on your return home.

The documents you'll have access to also include a Country Factfile, Safety Guide and any manuals that may assist you on your particular programme (e.g. Teaching Guide, Sports Manuals, Enrichment Suggestions for Animal Care, etc.). We do all we can to make your stay one that you'll never forget. This is a truly awesome, elegant and beautiful country.

On Arrival, your Introduction to the Country:
When you arrive you will be met at the airport and driven to the project site. There you'll be welcomed by a member of the Project Team who will take you to your accommodation and introduce you to everyone. During your first few days you'll be given an induction so that you can learn about the country and its culture, as well as other useful information, like how to use the transport system, banks, safety issues, tipping, and lots more.

TRAVELLERS' SUPPORT AND BACKUP: Read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme.

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OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITIES:

Make the most of your time there! To help you do that, we've put together some exciting activities, courses and tours that you can add to your itinerary. These are designed to be fun, but also to enable you to learn, and expand your personal and professional development enjoyment ... but mostly for your enjoyment! :-)

CAGE DIVE WITH SHARKS:
Price: £123, includes transfer from Cape Town to the project at Gansbaai and back again, but excludes food.

The Cage Dive is provided by our MMP Marine Conservation Project, which is a multi-awarded Ecotourism and Conservation Enterprise pioneering the Shark Cage Diving industry in Gansbaai. The 20 - 25 minute boat trip to where the activity is to take place, is by itself an exhilarating adventure. We also usually see at least two or more members of the Marine Big Five - sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and penguins, as well as several bird species. Here is a brief breakdown of what to expect:

You'll start with breakfast or lunch and then register your wetsuit size
Guests receive a pre-trip safety briefing about what to expect during the trip and a biological background on great white sharks
Then down to the boat and out to Dyer Island. The trip is approximately 20 minutes, with the shallows being a short 10 minute ride (where we anchor depends on where the sharks are). On average, we anchor for 2 hours, but this depends on shark activity, conditions, as well as number of divers
Weather permitting, we take a quick trip through the infamous Shark Alley
Lastly, a debrief and a celebratory beverage to toast the occasion!

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1-WEEK WHALES, SHARKS & DOLPHINS EXPERIENCE:
Price: £595, includes accommodation, transfer from Cape Town to the project, but excludes food.

Expand your existing Travellers Programme and your exploration of South Africa by volunteering for a week on our Whale, Shark & Dolphin Project. This is an exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?

You'll get hands-on experience working closely with the White Shark in its own world. You'll also learn some seamanship by performing crewing duties daily and giving tourists an amazing opportunity to understand and observe one of the world's most magnificent Apex Predators. Assist in collating data on the sharks with the Marine biologist via dorsal fin ID photography, observational and geographical data logging. You'll get the chance to enter the white shark's world by slipping down into the five-man shark cage and the videographer can film the whole unforgettable experience for you to take home!

You'll see the 18m long Southern Right Whales. These graceful giants occupy the water of Gansbaai from June to December and are definitely not to be missed.

This Optional add-On is also available as a full project, for details please go to Multi-Marine Conservation Project

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1-WEEK WILDLIFE REHABILITATION:
Price: £325, includes accommodation and food, plus transfer to and from Durban Airport. Does not include transfers from elsewhere in the country.

Spend a fantastic week working hands-on with abused, abandoned and orphaned animals - a time you will never, ever forget! You can do this placement either before starting your main project or afterwards.

You'll work with over 400 different animals and birds, and lots of monkeys! Your responsibilities can include feeding the animals, grounds work, cage enrichment and assisting in the construction and improvement of enclosures to raise the quality of the daily lives of the animals.

This Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is glorious. The grounds are beautiful and tranquil and the location is superb. It's also a wildlife hospital that cares for injured and orphaned wild animals and birds, and is the only centre of its kind in the Province. Any wild animal, (not domestic or agricultural), that has been injured, rescued or abandoned, is admitted free of charge. Almost 90% of animals admitted to the Centre, have sustained injuries due to human negligence.

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1-DAY CAPE PENINSULA & WINE TOUR:
Price: £49.

ITINERARY: We begin the morning with a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses of the Bokaap while sampling some of the local traditional snacks before heading through the exclusive seaside suburbs of Clifton and Campsbay where we have a short photo stop.

We then carry on along Victoria drive, through Houtbay and along the scenic Chapmans Peak Drive eventually arriving at The Cape of Good hope Nature Reserve where we have the option of doing a 40 minute hike from the most south west tip of Africa, Cape of Good Hope to the Cape Point Light House.

We then start driving north to Boulder Beach Penguin colony, where on a nice day you can actually swim with these sea birds! By this stage you would have built up quite an appetite. We stop for a traditional Cape lunch of fish ‘n chips in the old Kalk Bay harbour where the local fishing community goes back generations.

After everyone has had their fill, we stop briefly at the Shark Spotter, entrusted by the local surfers of Muizenberg to look out for Great White Sharks. From here we travel through the lush Constantia Valley to one of the oldest wine farms outside of Europe for a relaxing end of the day wine tasting experience, where we also learn about the history of farming in the Cape in beautiful surroundings.

Included Highlights: Lunch and refreshments in Kalk Bay, Cape of Good Hope Entrance Fee & Boulders Beach Entry Fee to see penguins, Wine Tasting in the Constantia Wine Valley, Walking tour of Bo-Kaap.

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1-DAY HIKING (TABLE MOUNTAIN), ABSEILING, SANDBOARDING & SURFING COMBO:
Price: £49.

Have you ever wanted to hike up the legendary Table Mountain? Speed down a steep sand dune? Or how about cruise down the open face of a wave? You start the day off with a 2 hour hike up the front of Table Mountain and you then the slightly insane have the option of doing a 112m abseil from the top!

You then take the cable car down the mountain where you will take the scenic route to Houtbay, stopping in Camps Bay along the route for a photo opportunity. Once in Houtbay your guide will teach you the basic sandboarding techniques before letting you experience the speed and thrill of sandboarding yourself!

From here you will cross over Constantia Neck to the False Bay coast where you will climb into you wetsuits, jump on your surf board and hit the waves for a surf lesson. Once back on dry land you will head back to your hotel. I am sure you will be talking about this action packed day for a long time!

Included Highlights: Light snacks and refreshments, fish and chips lunch, hiking sandboarding & surfing.

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3-DAY WILDLIFE SAFARI & BUNGEE ADVENTURE:
Price: £190, includes accommodation and food. Leaves Cape Town every Friday and returns to Cape Town on the Sunday afternoon.

Experience a Game Drive, a walk with Lions, an elephant and a monkey sanctuary, the Cango caves AND The World’s highest Bungee!!!

Day 1 ǀ Friday: Overberg, Garden Route, Sedgefield: We leave Cape Town and head east along the N2 past Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa to a Private Game Reserve on the edge of the Garden Route. On safari, where you can see Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Cheetah and Giraffe in their natural habitat.

After lunch we stop at another private game reserve where you can take a photographic walk with lions! Walk side by side and even stroke them. On to Sedgefield where we stay at a beautiful private Cape to Addo backpacker’s house.
Included Highlight: Big 5 Game Drive Safari
Optional Activities: Cat Walk – Walking with Lions

Day 2 ǀ Saturday: Garden Route, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Bungee: We begin with a visit to a popular local farmers and craft market in the village. Then on to an Elephant Sanctuary for orphaned elephants where you learn about, and interact with them before having lunch at a Monkey Sanctuary where rescued monkeys roam free in a large jungle area. Our next stop is always one of the highlights of the tour . . . the Bloukrans River Bridge, home to the World’s highest commercial Bungee Jump at 216 meters! Back to Sedgefield for dinner and to carry on with the festivities.
Included Highlight: Local craft and farmers market
Optional Activities: Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland, Bloukrans bungee jump (216m), Bloukrans Bridge walking.

Day 3 ǀ Sunday: Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn, return to Cape Town via Route 62: We head over the Outeniqua Mountains to the Town of Oudtshoorn, known as the “Ostrich Capital of the world”. Here we visit the Cango Caves to go on either an adventure or standard tour through some very large chambers with spectacular limestone formations that are millions of years old. If you chose the adventure tour, be prepared to start squeezing through some very tight spaces. If caves are not for you, then visit the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch where you can stroke a cheetah or even go cage diving with crocodiles! Then we head home along the scenic Route 62 through the Klein Karoo.
Included Highlight: Cango Caves Adventure or Standard tour or Cango Wildlife ranch entrance

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3-day Garden Route Safari in South Africa

3-DAY GARDEN ROUTE SAFARI ADVENTURE
(One-way to Port Elizabeth or Knysna):
Price: £180. Leaves Cape Town every Monday morning (early).

The 4 Day tour is ideal for volunteers wanting to arrive at our Wildlife Sanctuary project near Port Elizabeth, or one of the Knysna projects. You save on a connecting flight from Cape Town and get to take part in a fun-filled experience with lots of amazing activities. The tour bus will drop you off at either project destination mentioned above on Day 3.

Day 1 – Monday ǀ Cape Town to Oudtshoorn Little Karoo, Cango Caves, Wildlife Rehabilitation Ranch: We head into the semi-arid Little Karoo along the scenic Route 62 driving to the town of Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world, it is situated in a beautiful, fertile valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. Here you can choose between:
The Cango Caves where we will embark on a 1-hour guided tour of the cave system to view its massive caverns and a wonderland of stalactite and stalagmite formations, millions of years old. Cango Caves is a world heritage site and one of the great wonders of the natural world. Or if you enjoy spelunking and don’t mind trying to squeeze through some smaller gaps then you are also welcome to take the 1.5 hour adventure tour!
Go on a guided tour of the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch for an opportunity to pet cheetah, cage dive with crocodiles and view and learn about many rare and endangered animal species.

We then head over the Outeniqua Mountains to the lush coastal region known as the Garden Route where we will head to the beach town of Sedgefield where we spend our first night. If time allows we will also head to the beach for a swim in the Indian Ocean.
Included Highlight: Standard or adventure guided tour of Cango Caves OR Cango Endangered Wildlife ranch.

Day 2 – Tuesday ǀ Sedgefield – Jeffrey’s Bay Monkey Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary, Kloofing, Bloukrans Bungee & Tsitsikamma National Park. This morning we drive through Knysna on our way to the Crags where you have a number of options to choose from:
1. Elephant Sanctuary where you learn about, and interact with orphaned elephants.
2. Monkey Sanctuary where rescued monkeys roam free in a large jungle area.
3. Kloofing trip through a spectacular gorge with jumps, abseils and swimming.

Our next stop is the World’s highest commercial Bungee Jump at 216 meters where you have the opportunity to experience this adrenalin pumping activity. Finally, to end the day we take a beautiful walk through the indigenous Tsitsikamma National Park to the Storms river swing bridges before we head to the famous surfing town of Jeffreys Bay where we stay at a backpackers directly on the beach.
Included Highlight: Tsitsikamma Forest.
Optional Activities: Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland, Bloukrans bungee jump (216m), Bloukrans Bridge walking tour.

Day 3 – Wednesday ǀ Jeffrey’s Bay – Addo National Park – Sedgefield Game Drive (Addo), Surfing, shopping time (Jeffrey’s bay). There are 2 options to choose from this morning:
1. Sleep in and take some time in the morning to explore the towns many surf factory shops, or go for a surf lesson in one of the most famous surf spots on earth.
2. Wake up early and head to Addo Elephant National park where we go on a morning game drive to view the multitudes of wild animals. Addo is home to the Big 5 and it also has the highest concentration of African Elephants in the world!
Included Highlight: Storms River/Jeffrey’s Bay/Addo & Knysna Heads.
Optional Activities: Black Water Tubing, Canopy Tour, Surf Lessons, Shopping, Addo Elephant NP tour (morning)

Please note:
• Volunteers destined for our Wildlife Sanctuary placement, can get dropped off at the project or choose to be fetched in Jeffrey’s Bay after the activities.
• Volunteers destined for the Knysna projects will be dropped off at our accommodation.

Day 4 – Thursday ǀ Sedgefield to Cape Town: Return to Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass. After breakfast overlooking the ocean in Sedgefield, we start our journey back to Cape Town. Our first stop is a once in a lifetime experience, walking with lions! This informative walk allows you to get some amazing photos while getting up close and personal with these amazing creatures We then visit an Aloe factory in Albertinia and enjoy a wonderful scenic drive via Swellendam and Sir Lowry’s Pass. We arrive in Cape Town late Thursday afternoon.
Included Highlight: Lion Walk.

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4-DAY CAVES, ELEPHANTS & LIONS ADVENTURE SAFARI:
Price: £195, includes accommodation and food. Leaves Cape Town every Monday morning (early), returning to Cape Town on Thursdays.

Day 1 – Monday ǀ Cape Town to Oudtshoorn Little Karoo, Cango Caves, Wildlife Rehabilitation Ranch: We leave the Mother City behind and head into the semi-arid Little Karoo along the scenic Route 62 driving to the town of Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world, it is situated in a beautiful, fertile valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. Here you can choose between:
1. The Cango Caves where we will embark on a 1-hour guided tour of the cave system to view its massive caverns and a wonderland of stalactite and stalagmite formations, millions of years old. Cango Caves is a world heritage site and one of the great wonders of the natural world. Or if you enjoy spelunking and don’t mind trying to squeeze through some smaller gaps then you are also welcome to take the 1.5 hour adventure tour!
2. Go on a guided tour of the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch for an opportunity to pet cheetah, cage dive with crocodiles and view and learn about many rare and endangered animal species.

Day 3 – Wednesday ǀ Jeffrey’s Bay – Addo National Park – Sedgefield Game Drive (Addo), Surfing, shopping time (Jeffrey’s Bay). There are 2 options to choose from this morning.
1. Sleep in and take some time in the morning to explore the towns many surf factory shops, or go for a surf lesson in one of the most famous surf spots on earth.
2. Wake up early and head to Addo Elephant National park where we go on a morning game drive to view the multitudes of wild animals. Addo is home to the Big 5 and it also has the highest concentration of African Elephants in the world!
Included Highlight: Storms River/Jeffrey’s Bay/Addo & Knysna Heads.
Optional Activities: Black Water Tubing, Canopy Tour, Surf Lessons, Shopping, Addo Elephant NP tour (morning)

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5-DAY SHARKS, ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE SAFARI
(One-way from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or Knysna):
Price: £265. Includes Accommodation and Food. Leaves Cape Town every Saturday morning (early).

This is the ideal tour for volunteers wanting to arrive at our Wildlife Sanctuary project near Port Elizabeth, or one of the Knysna projects. You save on a connecting flight from Cape Town and get to take part in a fun-filled experience with lots of amazing activities. The tour bus will drop you off at any of the destinations listed above on Day 5.

Day 1 – Saturday ǀ Cape Town to Struisbaai: Overberg, Whale Route, Cape Agulhus: Departing Cape Town at 8:30 am and Stellenbosch at 9:30 am, our exciting journey begins today as we join the world famous whale route in Gordons Bay for a stunning drive along the picturesque R44 mountain pass overlooking False Bay to the vibrant coastal town of Hermanus. After an opportunity to take some photographs and a picnic lunch on the seafront, we continue to Birkenhead Brewery to sample some fine beers before moving on to the southernmost tip of Africa in Cape Agulhas National Park.

After a visit to the lookout point we make our way to the harbour where there is an option to embark on an exciting ski-boat cruise to search for dolphin and whales (June to November). After our cruise we take a walk back to our accommodation along “Die Plaat”, the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere. This day is designed to be a relaxing one for you to get to know your fellow travellers, to get used to travelling in our vehicle and to settle into the comfortable routine of life on tour.
Included Highlight: Land Based Whale Watching in Hermanus/Shopping Beer/wine tasting at Birkenhead Brewery
Optional Activities: Shark cage diving.

Day 2 – Sunday ǀ Cape Agulhas to Sedgefield: Canoeing & Hike: Starting with a relaxing breakfast we then start driving inland again, this time towards the famed Garden Route! After a scenic drive we begin a beautiful canoe trip down one of the many tranquil rivers in the area, followed by a short hike to a stunning waterfall. We finish off the day with some beach time down at Myoli Beach.
Included Highlight: Canoe trip & hike to waterfall.

Day 3 – Monday ǀ Oudtshoorn day trip: Little Karoo, Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm, Wildlife Ranch: We begin the day with a drive over the picturesque Outeniqua mountain range into the semi desert region of the Klein Karoo and Oudtshoorn. Known as the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn is situated in a beautiful valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains. The Cango Caves will be the first stop and here we’ll embark on a 1-hour guided tour of the cave system to view its massive caverns and a wonderland of stalactite and stalagmite formations, millions of years old. Cango Caves is a world heritage site and one of the great wonders of the natural world. If you enjoy spelunking and don’t mind trying to squeeze through some smaller gaps then you are also welcome to take the 1.5 hour adventure tour!

Next is an option to view and ride ostriches on a working ostrich farm, or go on a guided tour of the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch for an opportunity to pet cheetah, cage dive with crocodiles and view many rare and endangered animal species.
Included Highlight: Standard or adventure guided tour of Cango Caves Optional Activities: Tour of a working Ostrich farm + riding (weight restriction applies to riders). Cango Endangered Wildlife ranch.

Day 4 – Tuesday ǀ Sedgefield – Jeffrey’s Bay: Monkey Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary, Kloofing, Bloukrans Bungee & Tsitsikamma National Park: This morning we drive through Knysna on our way to the Crags where you have a number of options to choose from:
1. Elephant Sanctuary where you learn about, and interact with orphaned elephants.
2. Monkey Sanctuary where rescued monkeys roam free in a large jungle area.
3. Kloofing trip through a spectacular gorge with jumps, abseils and swimming.

Our next stop is the World’s highest commercial Bungee Jump at 216 meters where you have the opportunity to experience this adrenalin pumping activity. Finally, to end the day we take a beautiful walk through the indigenous Tsitsikamma National Park to the Storms river swing bridges before we head to the famous surfing town of Jeffreys Bay where we stay at a backpackers directly on the beach.
Included Highlight: Tsitsikamma Forest Optional Activities: Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland, Bloukrans bungee jump (216m), Bloukrans Bridge walking tour.

Day 5 – Wednesday ǀ Jeffrey’s Bay – Addo National Park – Sedgefield: Game Drive (Addo), Surfing, shopping. There are 2 options to choose from this morning.
1. Sleep in and take some time in the morning to explore the towns many surf factory shops, or go for a surf lesson in one of the most famous surf spots on earth.
2. Wake up early and head to Addo Elephant National park where we go on a morning game drive to view the multitudes of wild animals. Addo is home to the Big 5 and it also has the highest concentration of African Elephants in the world!

We then take a relaxed drive back towards Sedgefield for the night. If there is time available we will visit the famous Knysna Heads for some absolutely amazing pictures where the ocean meets the inlet to the Knysna Lagoon.
Included Highlight: Storms River/Jeffrey’s Bay/Addo & Knysna Heads
Optional Activities: Black Water Tubing, Canopy Tour, Surf Lessons, Shopping, Addo Elephant NP tour (morning)

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7-day extreme advanture safari in Souith Africa

6-DAY EXTREME ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE SAFARI:
Price: £295. Leaves Cape Town on a Saturday morning and returns to Cape Town the following Thursday afternoon.

The Full Monty! Perfect for everyone at the start or end of your placement in South Africa! Each tour is professionally organised, driven and guided by an experienced African tour leader and the itineraries are jam-packed full of unique African experiences and exciting discoveries.

After a visit to the lookout point we make our way to the harbour where there is an option to embark on an exciting ski-boat cruise to search for dolphin and whales (June to November). After our cruise we take a walk back to our accommodation along “Die Plaat”, the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere. This day is designed to be a relaxing one for you to get to know your fellow travellers, to get used to travelling in our vehicle and to settle into the comfortable routine of life on tour.
Included Highlight: Land Based Whale Watching in Hermanus / Shopping. Beer/wine tasting at Birkenhead Brewery
Optional Activities: Shark cage diving.

Next is an option to view and ride ostriches on a working ostrich farm, or go on a guided tour of the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch for an opportunity to pet cheetah, cage dive with crocodiles and view many rare and endangered animal species.
Included Highlight: Standard or adventure guided tour of Cango Caves
Optional Activities: Tour of a working Ostrich farm + riding (weight restriction apply to riders). Cango Endangered Wildlife ranch.

Day 4 – Tuesday ǀ Sedgefield – Jeffrey’s Bay: Monkey Sanctuary, Elephant Sanctuary, Kloofing, Bloukrans Bungee & Tsitsikamma National Park: This morning we drive through Knysna on our way to the Crags where you have a number of options to choose from:
1. Elephant Sanctuary where you learn about, and interact with orphaned elephants.
1. Elephant Sanctuary where you learn about, and interact with orphaned elephants.
2. Monkey Sanctuary where rescued monkeys roam free in a large jungle area.
3. Kloofing trip through a spectacular gorge with jumps, abseils and swimming.

Our next stop is the World’s highest commercial Bungee Jump at 216 meters where you have the opportunity to experience this adrenalin pumping activity. Finally, to end the day we take a beautiful walk through the indigenous Tsitsikamma National Park to the Storms river swing bridges before we head to the famous surfing town of Jeffreys Bay where we stay at a backpackers directly on the beach.
Included Highlight: Tsitsikamma Forest Optional Activities: Elephant Sanctuary, Monkeyland, Bloukrans bungee jump (216m), Bloukrans Bridge walking tour.

Day 6 – Thursday ǀ Sedgefield to Cape Town: Return to Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass: After breakfast overlooking the ocean in Sedgefield, we start our journey back to Cape Town. Our first stop is a once in a lifetime experience, walking with lions! This informative walk allows you to get some amazing photos while getting up close and personal with these amazing creatures We then visit an Aloe factory in Albertinia and enjoy a wonderful scenic drive via Swellendam and Sir Lowry’s Pass. We arrive in Cape Town Thursday afternoon.
Optional Activities: Lion Walk

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SAFARI TOURS: OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES RATES:
Please note that these rates are subject to change without prior notice as per the service providers.
NB: The Shark Cage Dive MUST be booked in advance when making your Add-On booking. The shark operator company will fetch you from your Cape Town accommodation very early in the morning and the tour bus will meet up with you in the afternoon (after your dive) to continue the safari tour.
Activity Prices:

Shark Cage Diving R1750
Elephant walking and feeding R360
Elephant walking and feeding plus riding R480
Monkeyland R150
Bloukrans Bungee Jump R790
Bloukrans Bridge walking tour R120
Black Water Tubing R450
Black Water Tubing R450
Surfboard & wetsuit rental per hour R50
Surfing Lessons (2 hours) R200
Lion Walk R380
Cango Ostrich Farm R75
Cheetah Petting R200
Cub encounter R330
Crocodile Cage Diving R330
Lemur encounter R170
Reptile encounter R95

Please see www.xe.com to convert the SA Rand prices to your local currency.

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Terms and Conditions apply for Add-Ons, please see here.

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LOCATION | SIGHTSEEING:

The best advice you'll get from us is to try to see some of the country while you're in South Africa. It's big (huge!) and each different region is exciting and very, very beautiful. Cape Town is probably the most beautiful city in the world (I can say that, I grew up there :-) KwaZulu-Natal comes a very close second, albeit very different. Knysna is where South Africans go on holiday, which gives you some idea of how lovely the region is. When you lie on the beach and watch dolphins jumping the waves, you'll think you're in Paradise.

LOCATION: Yellowwood Park, Durban, South Africa:
The Rehabilitation Centre is located on the east coast in a suburb of Durban, called Yellowwood Park. It lies close to a small protected reserve of 253 hectares which offers coastal forest and grassland habitats and includes species such as zebra, bushbuck, reedbuck, impala, blue, red and grey duiker, vervet monkeys, rock hyrax, slender mongoose, bushbaby, Egyptian mongoose, banded mongoose, water monitor and genet. The reserve also has an interesting variety of indigenous flora and over 200 bird species.

Because the Centre is close to the Reserve and the fact that food is always available at the Centre, you'll see lots of birdlife scavenging food from the enclosures - and wild Monkeys are also regular visitors.

The Bluff is a gigantic headland that forms the southeastern 'arm' of Durban Harbour and has a string of safe and protected beaches. Brighton Beach, Cave Rock Beach, Anstey's Beach and Garvies Beach are all very popular, with interesting walks through coastal bush that end almost at the water's edge.

EXPLORING AND SIGHTSEEING:
KwaZulu Natal (KZN) is renowned for its Game Reserves and traditional Zulu Culture : The attractions in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) range from vibrant cities to the gorgeous Land of a Thousand Hills, from tranquil beaches to outstanding Game Parks and Nature Reserves. These are just some of the sites you shouldn't miss:

Big Five Game Reserves (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino - and lots more, of course) and Travellers volunteers are able to work in many of them, including Tembe and Mkhuze.
Beautiful St Lucia Wetlands with its Crocodile Centre and Wetlands
Numerous nature parks,
Fantastic beaches for swimming and diving. The beaches are truly golden.
Lively Durban where South Africans go to have fun,
The San Art Park for a collection of astounding rock paintings,
... And much, much more!

DURBAN (Tekweni in Zulu) is the ancestral home of the Nguni people. Africa's bewitching seaside playground in the sun with radiant golden sands and lush sub-tropical greenery. The city has balmy weather all year round, making it a perfect holiday paradise. Durban International Airport is only a 10 minute drive from the City. Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Durban Metro after dark buzzes with elegant lounges, funky taverns and cozy inns, distinctive local theatre and live music, and trendy clubs, pubs and discos. This is nightlife in a modern, authentic African metropolis!

TRAVEL:

Read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country.

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REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK:

ANGELA SPENCER
British
Wildlife Rehabilitation Programme in KwaZulu-Natal

I am 57 years old and last year I worked as a volunteer with elephants in Sri Lanka. This year I chose South Africa. I am not a student, I am not doing this because I want to be a vet, I am doing this because I have always loved animals and I now have the money and the time to spend my holidays volunteering. South Africa was a country I had always been interested in so this year I chose the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in KwaZuluNatal, Durban.

I knew it would be hard work, but I was prepared for it. I was not wrong, It was incredibly hard, manual work but I loved every minute. Cleaning out cages and feeding the animals in their care. The people who work there are so dedicated, they are permanently on the go, either rescuing or releasing the animals they have saved and reared. Some are too badly injured and have to be put down, but they do this with such care and gentleness. I cannot speak too highly of these wonderful human beings.

I had so many positive and interesting cases it is difficult to choose just one. Do I choose the story of Goofy and her mate (Hardidar's) who fell in love with my red work boots, so much so that they used to go out of their way to find me and peck and bite me and my boots. They used to dive bomb me when I was feeding other animals and I nicked named them "She Devils".

Or about the Egyptian Geese and their goslings I helped rescue from a tower block. They are now in one of Crows large caged areas with their own pool and 2 meals a day with added "greens". They will be taken further north and released by a huge lake.

I think one of my most touching and favourite memories will be Kiley (a young Baboon). There were three in their own large cage within a compound of larger Baboons so they could be introduced into the troupe safely. I was trying to feed Tank the baby of the bunch his milk when Kiley sat on my knee holding on to my body, I stroked her as I was feeding a very mischievous Tank and when I finally gave up I noticed that Kiley had fallen asleep.

It was also a very rewarding moment when the Baboons came and turned their backs to me, presenting me their bottoms. I found this amusing and mentioned it to one of the nursing staff who informed me that I was being accepted as a friend and they were offering themselves to me to preen and groom.

Feeding the Mongoose was always a laugh as I tried to place their trays of food in their Pen while they were scenting my boots (this is where they rub their back ends and bodies over something they want to leave their smell on). I often ended up trying to walk with three mongoose attached to each foot.

I could go on for ever, this has been such an amazing time. I will never forget this experience and I miss them all terribly.

I loved every minute but it was very hard work, which I expected, but I think some placements go with the idea that they are just going to pet the animals - it certainly wasn't like that.

KATIE DAVIES
British
Wildlife Rehabilitation Programme in KwaZulu-Natal

I have been here now for 4 weeks. I travelled from England on my own and was a bit nervous about coming this far from home on my own…. But I have had the most amazing time here. Everyone here is amazing, they have all been really nice and let me help out with the animals. Mabel has been especially brilliant she has looked after us so well and has been a pleasure to get to know and I am going to miss her a lot.

While you are here you must go on the Zulu tour to the Valley of 1000 hills, it was an amazing cultural experience and also do the 2-day Safari to Hluhluwe/Umfolozi game parks. Also try and get to Ushaka Marine World and do the ocean walk there, its is cheap and really bizarre.

I am feeling really sad to be leaving, I have made some friends for life here and will definitely be coming back soon for another stint at helping out. I am going to miss chopping veg, the 7’o clock starts, and the day old chicks!!!

SHERAN LEE
British
(1) Wildlife Rehabilitation Programme in KwaZulu-Natal
(2) Vervet Monkey Care and Rehabilitation Project
(3) Lion Breeding and Release Programme in Zimbabwe

Hi Sharon, Lovely to hear from you, I'm having the most incredible time! I visited Knysna while on the Garden Route - beautiful town, had a boat ride then a superb meal of chilli and garlic prawns (Mmmmm) watching the world go by!

The Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release Centre in KwaZulu-Natal was just fantastic, the staff, volunteers and of course the animals! I was very fortunate to be the foster-mum for a baby grey duiker as well as for the baby vervet monkeys - adorable!!! The most amazing, amazing place. :-)

Then onto the Monkey Rehabilitation project in KZN, nowhere near as busy, but to be involved once again with vervet monkeys was beautiful, and to have the opportunity to go out with Bruce & Sandi monitoring was a great experience.

Now I'm here at Tembe Elephant Park, stunning scenery, monitoring the Wild Dogs, it's been great as there was already females here but then released 3 males, so we were monitoring both packs and a couple of days ago the females and males met up.

Two days later we saw them and they were mating - no long courtships here!! Also been monitoring the elephants, then last night it was lion monitoring! Wow!!! Just love it all, the high you get when you hear a beep on the telemetry is indescribable!

I've only seen hyena at Mpila when I went for a weekend with Bruce & Sandi, just finished cooking a braai, female hyena walked up and started licking it - thankfully we'd just taken the meat inside!! She was huge - took my breath away!!!

As you know I'm then off to Hluhluwe, Mkuze and then iMfolozi - really looking forward to iMfolozi as I have recently met Antoine, the new Monitor, and apparently I'll be the first volunteer at this new camp - excited already!

Then Zimbabwe - hoping not to get nibbled by the lions!!!! And finally the Cheetahs in Limpopo! The past 7 months have passed in a flash! Just so grateful to be able to enjoy and be part of this fantastic conservation experience in a truly beautiful country!!! :-) :-)

Many thanks for your support and it's lovely to know that you're around if I need you.

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CARE FOR ANIMALS AT A WILDLIFE REHABILITATION AND RELEASE CENTRE IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA