MARINE CONSERVATION: SOUTH AFRICA
TRAVEL
Local flights from main centres within South Africa (for example, Johannesburg and Durban) will be organised to Cape Town International airport. Land transfers from Cape Town are approximately 2.5 hours to the town of Gansbaai. Small groups and school trips can travel on flexible dates whereas individual volunteers (18+) will be transported early on Monday mornings. International flights: Please note that all international volunteers will need to arrive to Cape Town the Sunday before their Monday pickup. In addition, do not book return flights before 19h00 on the last day of your programme.
CLIMATE
Average day temperatures in summer (Dec – March) range from a minimum of 15°C to a maximum of 28°C. In winter (May – Aug), average day temperatures are 17°C to 23°C, but during a cold front it can get as low as 10°C. Cape winters tend to see more rain, but there are still plenty of sunny days with clear blue skies. There are times, particularly in winter, when there may be no sea-days due to the weather. In these circumstances, alternate activities and excursions can be explored (although some will be for your own personal account).
DIETARY NEEDS
Special diets are catered for whenever possible, so please contact us for special requests. Local grocery stores are accessible for individual volunteers who will be doing some of their own self-catering.
PACKING LIST
This will be provided at the time of booking to assist with the dilemma of what to bring. Clothes are climate dependent but the general rule is to layer, (especially in winter), and to make sure to pack a swimming costume and non-slip shoes.
ITINERARY
A typical programme for all our volunteers will include a range of research and conservation projects that provide a comprehensive marine experience. A sample 7-day school group itinerary can be sent to you upon request. It is important to note that the itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to a particular group’s interests and needs. For example, one particular school group may be interested in conducting research activities that can later be incorporated into a school project. The opportunities are endless and our conservation experts are more than happy to work together with you to build an unforgettable experience.
SCUBA DIVING
For our individual volunteers (18+), with a minimum two week stay, you have the opportunity to participate in a NAUI accredited SCUBA diving course. This is your chance to enjoy kelp dives, blue and mako shark diving and research dives! This is an optional extra, and cost includes registration, the e-learning package (done prior to arrival), all equipment and dives. Medical approval is required prior to arrival. Contact us for more information.
HEALTH & MEDICAL
All participants should obtain their own medical advice prior to arrival and are required to have medical insurance in the case of an emergency. Gansbaai is not a malaria area.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Wifi is provided for free at the volunteer lodge .