Wildlife Veterinary Work Experience internship in Northern South Africa with Travellers Worldwide

SUMMARY: THE BASICS

Price:	£1,395 for 2 weeks £350 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. However, the veterinary element can only be incorporated into projects of 4 weeks or longer.
Start Dates and Availability:	Available from beginning March to the end October.
Requirements:	No qualifications needed, just a big heart and a love of animals and their conservation. Minimum age 17. 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 Polokwane Airport ►Transfer to your accommodation ►Daily transport to and from your project ►Return transfer to Polokwane Airport ►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.
Who can do this Project?	All projects are open to all nationalities. 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.

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 and the important contribution it is making to wildlife conservation and protection.
The unique and very rare opportunity to to participate in game captures, to gain some practical, hands-on veterinary medicine experience and to practice conservation with wild animals in a Game Reserve setting.
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!

BOOK NOW! SEE ALL PROJECTS IN SOUTH AFRICA info@travellersworldwide.com

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WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION

Work on this project will give you experience across many areas, including some veterinary experience, participation in some game captures and some community work. You may also get involved in other conservation-related fields, including wildlife monitoring. The amount of time you will have in the different areas will vary depending on the length of time you are there and what type of work is taking place or is required at that time.

Here are some examples of what you may be able to participate in:

VETERINARY EXPERIENCE:
The Project works with a number of veterinarians, all of whom are very well established. This part of the programme will give you a taste of assisting a wildlife vet and conservation experts in their day-to-day activities. You'll accompany the vet and help them on their wide range of different duties.

You might assist a vet with the diagnosis and treatment of various injuries, conditions and diseases of animals, monitoring the animal's health and providing support to the vet. However, this will depend on the wildlife vet you join and what is happening at the time you are there.
Veterinary procedures can range from operations in the field with wildlife, to working on livestock or within specific wildlife breeding facilities and, due to the isolated environment, you may also be involved in assisting domesticated animals in certain cases. This could entail treating domesticated animals either belonging to the reserves, farms or people living in the local communities. These domesticated animals are often at risk to the dangers associated in the rural South African environment, such as attacks by wild species including snake bites.
Farming is a major part of the South African economy and, depending on the vet you are placed with, you may also find yourself assisting with management, vaccinations and diseases controls. Some of the vets are working with pioneering technology like ultrasounds and other procedures and, therefore, this is a unique learning opportunity.
Many vets work alongside the game capture, providing the essential experience required when darting animals because of the specialised drugs used. Normally you’ll assist with the immobilisation and ensuring that the animals being treated are comfortable. You also assist in monitoring their condition before the animal is transported.
Other opportunities can include going out on emergency call-outs to assist in many different situations. The call-outs do happen often, but obviously cannot be guaranteed as they are unplanned events and can be very exciting.

GAME CAPTURES:
This is a particularly exciting element on this programme! Game captures are a regular occurrence between March to October. You'll work with a dedicated local team that specialises in capturing and relocating wildlife. This activity is vital for wildlife conservation and management.

Captures are done for a number of reasons and an essential part of managing the continued existence of wildlife in the region. Some of the objectives include:
1. Restocking animals into new areas;
2. Retaining the population and diversity of the local wildlife through careful handling of general and endangered wildlife
3. Game capturing also has huge economic and employment benefits to the local community.

Game captures will also give you a unique opportunity to the reality of conservation in the region as well as the long term objectives they are working towards to ensure a positive impact to both wildlife and local communities. You'llbe able to get much closer to the animals than would normally be possible, as well as being able to observe their behaviour and movements.

Although game captures occur regularly during the dry winter period, they can be subject to the weather, especially the wind, and to the animals themselves, so patience and flexibility is essential.

COMMUNITY WORK:
The Project works closely with the local community to help preserve and protect the local environment and endangered wildlife from major problems in the region, such as illegal hunting. Each week you will be helping on a local community project for a few hours. Work might include helping at the local school or community centre where many past volunteers have run special workshops and classes about the local environment and wildlife. Other projects have also included building a football pitch and community centre, both of which have helped create employment as well as social sports and recreational activities. All the community activities have developed stronger relations with the community and have had been of massive benefit to both the people and the wildlife.

WILDLIFE MONITORING:
There will also be occasions when you may be involved in wildlife monitoring and surveillance with a team member. This could include:

tracking and locating a particular species
mapping the sightings
collecting data
setting up camera traps or
assisting with ongoing game counts.

These are all essential activities needed to ensure the efficient and smooth management of a game reserve. This part of the programme will give you the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural habitat.

BOOK NOW! SEE ALL PROJECTS IN SOUTH AFRICA info@travellersworldwide.com

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ACCOMMODATION

You'll live on the Game Reserve in one of their lodges. The lodges are comfortable and have electricity and running water.

On some occasions you might even stay in one of the tents. Each tent has a wooden deck with an en-suite, open-air bathroom. There is no electricity at the camp, but it is lit by firelight and paraffin lamps in the evening, which amplifies the night atmosphere of being in the African bush.

Evening entertainment is usually based around board games, playing cards and socialising around the camp fire. The camp has a rustic charm which encourages an atmosphere of laid back relaxation....the way Africa was meant to be experienced!

There will be times when you'll travel away from the Reserve and accommodation will vary on those occasions.

FOOD:
While on the Reserve, all food is provided and volunteers prepare their own meals according to a set menu with ingredients and instructions. Sometimes breakfast is prepared at different locations in the bush.

If you are based away from the Game Reserve (i.e. when you are accompanying the Vets around to other reserves), your accommodation will be provided but food will be to your own account and expense.

BOOK NOW! SEE ALL PROJECTS IN SOUTH AFRICA info@travellersworldwide.com

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

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.

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

BOOK NOW! SEE ALL PROJECTS IN SOUTH AFRICA info@travellersworldwide.com DOWNLOAD THIS INFORMATION in .pdf How to Fundraise for your Program

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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.

EXPLORING AND SIGHTSEEING:

KWAZULU-NATAL: 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!

ACTIVITIES IN CAPE TOWN:
Adrenaline Activities - Enjoy exciting and “real” adventures with an adrenaline twist!

Abseiling
Sandboarding
Deep-sea Angling
‘Kloofing’ (insanely jumping off very high cliffs into pools of water!)
Paragliding
Helicopter flips
Bungee jumping (just up the coast)
…..and a LOT, LOT more!!!!

Township Tours - A visit to one of the many townships surrounding the city is an experience that will open your eyes to the way in which the biggest portion of Cape Town's population are living. Take a township tour of Langa, the oldest township in South Africa or Khayelitsha, the second largest township in South Africa. Township tours will usually be co-led by a resident in the area, showcase local industry and community projects and include a visit to a township bar or 'shebeen'.

Two Oceans Aquarium - Located in the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium has lots of display tanks, interactive experiences, a touch pool and the highly popular predators tank.

Cape Winelands - Wine lover or not, a visit to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must as the region is one of breathtaking beauty and majestic mountain backdrops. Rolling vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch homesteads ... as well as some of the country's best wines.

TRAVEL:

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

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REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK:

HELEN PURDY
British
Conservation: Game Capture in Limpopo

On 14th September I left the UK for my first ‘non-holiday trip’ abroad. I’d chosen to join a Rhino Capture project in the Limpopo region of South Africa followed by a week spent on the Zulu Cultural Tour in KwaZulu-Natal. My main aims on the trip were to see lots of wildlife, push myself out of my comfort zone and have the trip of a lifetime. I certainly did the first two although not so sure about the last one as I’ll explain later.

Arrival:
I arrived tired but excited and was met at the airport by Anthony’s wife Emma and Elisa and taken on the long drive back. We arrived just after sunset and I had my first taste of the wonderful unpredictability of the place when we were held up en route by a buffalo who didn’t want us to pass!

Camp:
In daylight I got to see the camp properly following an introduction to the wake up system comprising the hornbills, francolins and babblers! As an experienced camper I loved the camp. The twin tents are small but sufficient and the open air bathrooms are delightful. The hot water usually comes from lighting the attached donkey but we managed hot showers courtesy of the hot morning sunshine – very environmentally friendly! The communal area is furnished with comfy chairs along with the dinner tables and has a library of books and magazines kindly donated by previous guests. It’s lit by paraffin lamps at night when the volunteers add twinkling head torches to the glow.

The kitchen is fully equipped with all the non-electrical essentials including a gas operated fridge and the cooker complete with kettle and toasting pan. Louis produces delicious lunches and dinners Mon – Fri and us volunteers try to meet his standard at the weekends. Fish finger Mondays become legendary within camp and the vetkoek is a treat too!

Daily Routine:
Each day starts by clambering onto the truck at 6.30am following the optional breakfast. Some people make the most of the toast and cereal while others choose to emerge bleary eyed straight from their tents to the truck.

The basic routine during my stay was to report at the main house first thing to hear the day’s plans and for those wanting to charge batteries to drop them off at the stables. Our main first task was to feed the roan and sable antelope so we loaded up the pickup with pea grass and feed bags and drove to drop it off at the boma. The rest of the morning was usually spent tracking the animals ie the rhino and or the buffalo. On the way we’d also check the waterholes and due to the recent arrival of the rhinos we were taking extra care to keep an eye on them. Sometimes we’d do fence checks to ensure the electric fence was working and to fill any holes dug underneath by the less satisfied residents.

Riding along on the back of a bakkie or the safari truck was very relaxing; just tootling along with the wind in your teeth and camera at the ready for any wildlife surprises. I particularly enjoyed the faster rides on a decent bit of track standing on the bakkie but it was just so good to be in the open air all day every day.

Following lunch at 12pm the volunteers usually had a siesta until 3pm during which people would shower, wash clothes, read books or sleep. Our group took to having a group nap where we all lay strewn around the floor.

The afternoon session started at 3pm and usually involved more animal tracking. Often Anthony would take the afternoon trip and we would end the session with a visit to track and, if we were lucky, to sit with Rebecca the cheetah. She is so beautiful and enigmatic and it’s a real privilege to be able to get close to her. You really do have to pinch yourself to remember that she’s a wild animal who just tolerates you because of Anthony’s time investment and hard work.

Special Times:
I had a fantastic stay due to the people, the wildlife, the scenery and the sunshine. It would have been great anyway and the rhino capture and relocation was an amazing experience but I was fortunate enough to have the added pleasure of a trip in the helicopter on the game count. Having always been wary of even banking in a plane I was a tad apprehensive about the helicopter ride and especially of embarrassing myself by throwing up. I needn’t have worried though because after the first 30 minutes of flying I was even able to let go of the seat next to me! After that it just got better and better and even when we banked around with my shoulder facing the ground through the open door I loved it. (Incidentally I didn’t even notice the banking on the plane journey home!)

I saw amazing sights on the flight such as sixteen giraffes running together and a couple of brown hyena and although Howard the pilot wasn’t so keen I enjoyed the spectacle of the gemsbok hurtling along.

FThere were other highlights during my stay such as hiding from poachers in an electric storm, looking after Eli, the orphaned eland and, of course, there was the notorious chicken incident too, but there’s not enough space here to do them justice.

I absolutely loved my time on this project, I even stayed on an extra week and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. It’s a beautiful, relaxing, fascinating, enjoyable introduction to South Africa for anyone who is happy to live simply and to muck in with whatever is happening. The days have a basic structure but the unpredictability of life on a game reserve keeps things interesting.

You are well looked after and Anthony is very generous with his time, knowledge and patience, but beware his sense of humour and any suggestions of tasting animal dung are best taken with a pinch of salt!

So was this the trip of a lifetime? I don’t think so, this is just the start ...

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VETERINARY, WILDLIFE GAME CAPTURE AND CONSERVATION IN LIMPOPO IN SOUTH AFRICA