WIldlife volunteers complete survey season in Lapalala Wilderness Reserve

Wildlife volunteers from Australia have recently completed the summer survey season at Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. WorkTravelSA in association with its conservation partner, Wildlife Ecological Investments, implemented this conservation research project three years ago. Our wildlife volunteers have been instrumental in collecting baseline biodiversity data for reserve management. Volunteers from around the world are given the opportunity to volunteer in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas. Wildlife volunteers are accompanied by our qualified field staff and are responsible for data collection at various sampling points around this wilderness reserve. Volunteers wanting to join an African wildlife conservation project where they can make an active hands-on contribution to conservation need look no further. Data collected for this conservation research project at Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, enables reserve management to detect changes in the environment from an analysis of bird point counts and detailed habitat assessments which are done by our wildlife volunteers. Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, an area in excess of 34 000 hectares of pristine natural African bush veld, represents various unique habitats within the Waterberg region and is home to an abundance of wildlife and big game species. WorkTravelSA would love to hear from any interested volunteers that are keen to assist at any of our wildlife volunteering camps around South Africa.

Northern KZN Camp for Turtle Monitoring

Turtle monitoring is not always the ideal volunteer job in paradise as most marine volunteers may think. Turtle monitoring is an exhausting task which requires many hours of dedicated work by our marine volunteers, mostly in an isolated area or remote coastal location. Monitoring turtle nest sites is mainly a night time activity when turtles are most active, which means marine volunteers have to be prepared to make do with a lot less sleep! Counting hatchlings, collecting biometric data and marking nest sites can however be an extremely rewarding experience, especially considering the conservation benefit to both loggerhead and leatherback turtles which are both found in the area.  Marine volunteers stay inside the coastal reserve near the southern border of Mozambique.  Days are spent around camp entering data onto computers, doing camp chores or just enjoying the tropical summer weather and the surrounding African bush veld.  A huge bonus is that the marine volunteer camp is ideally located right on the beach!  Volunteers can swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean right at their door step and enjoy the cool evening breeze in the late afternoon…

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How about applying for a Hospitality Internship in South Africa?

WTSA places young (or sometimes older) international participants in hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts and Back Packers Lodges throughout South Africa!

Do you want to have the unique chance to experience South Africa as more than just a tourist and to share your own traditions and culture with people from South Africa? Then maybe working in the hospitality industry may be for you! Placements are available around the country in scenic tourist locations such as private game reserves, coastal resorts, boutique hotels, country houses and the wine lands.

All our establishments have been screened and vetted by our staff and you are assured of reputable establishments offering a rewarding experience with specific task management and work objectives.

WorkTravelSA arranges basic, entry-level position unless you have relevant and applicable study or work experience! Having experience can definitely influence the nature of your position.

With most positions you are given exposure to all operations and management of the establishment. Duties and responsibilities could include management, general supervision and daily operations, standard bar and waiter services, housekeeping, light maintenance work, food preparation, driving, guest excursions and entertainment. Most placements also incorporate local community or conservation initiatives with which you will be required to assist.

You would need to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks, regardless of the length of time you intend to travel afterwards. The maximum work period is 24 weeks!

So if you are interested and meet the following criteria email us at hospitality@worktravelsa.org for more information!

• Want to volunteer for at least 12 weeks,
• Do not mind performing menial or physical tasks,
• Have no difficulty adapting to new situations,
• Are flexible,
• Have no problem working in teams,
• Have no difficulty following orders and instructions,
• Do not mind being away from big cities.

If you are independent enough to live on your own, have an open mind, and have good English ability, then you are a good candidate. We are looking forward to welcoming you in South Africa!

Comments from past participants:

“Yes I would recommend it because it was one of the best experiences in my life. I had a lot of fun”……………………. Lukas from Germany

“Wow, what a fantastic time, I loved being in Plettenberg Bay”……… Carolina from Brazil

“Yes I would recommend it as it was such a good experience and I would never miss going to another country to get to know new people and new cultures”……………………Sophie from Germany

“Best time of my life”…………………… Laura from England

“Yes I would recommended it because my working time in the backpackers was an experience I will never forget, it feels like home after 3 months and I will definitely do it again”…………..Malte from Germany

What to expect as as Social Care Volunteer

Are you interested in a gap year after school? Do you wish to gain work experience to add to your CV? Do you have a passion for working with young children? Then why not choose to become a Social Care volunteer in South Africa..

During your time as a  Social Care volunteer you will partake in the normal every day life of a South African, explore the culture and people of South Africa with a different perspective than that of a holiday tourist. As a Social Care volunteer you will be working within various crèches, orphanages, Pre Schools and Primary schools. The ages of the children within the various crèches, orphanages and Pre Schools vary between 2-6 years, and the Primary School  children are between the ages of 6-13 years. Teaching experience and qualifications in social work are not a prerequisite. We need vibrant, hard working volunteers who express a genuine love and desire to work with children. These volunteers should come with exciting ideas in order to help the teachers plan and prepare daily activities for the children to enjoy.

If you are a qualified and/or experienced physiotherapist or an occupational therapist, then we are able to offer you a special social care project. This project is situated in the vibey town of Stellenbosch.

A typical day for a Social Care volunteers starts at approximately 08:00 am with a collection shuttle at your volunteer accommodation.  After a short and scenic drive you will reach your social care project between 08:30am and 09:00am. Your volunteer work generally* finishes shortly after the children’s lunch break, meaning your transport back to your accommodation will occur between 13:00pm and 14:00pm.

The daily social care activities range from handcraft work, painting, reading, writing, exercise therapy to changing of nappies. In some projects you are also required to support the staff with “soup kitchens” to help feed the less fortunate. Volunteers may also request to join the staff of the projects to their weekly church visits.

Weekends are free to enjoy and explore the beauty of Cape Town and nearby locations. Your volunteer support person will assist you in the planning of these excursions and introduce you to your local supermarkets and places of interest, allowing volunteers to experience the true South Africa.

Social Care volunteer work is needed throughout the year with new volunteers arriving on the 1^st or 15^th of each month.If you need more information,  feel free to contact us anytime via email or facebook.

* These hours may vary according to the individual needs of the project.

A Lion Capture at our Big 5 Conservation Project

 

It is necessary for conservation management, on occasion to capture and release wild animals. The methods, reasons and location vary each time. On this occasion, lions from a bordering reserve had broken out and were captured and placed in a holding pen awaiting relocation. We were invited by the reserve management team to assist with the relocation part of the operation…

“At first light we gather at the meeting point for debriefing on the plan of action. Lions from other territories that have been captured and placed in a holding pen are sensitive, they are trapped and on unfamiliar territory, so the whole operation must get carried out quietly and quickly. The veterinarian prepares his tranquiliser before getting to within sight of the animals. A small team goes in with the vet and we are instructed to wait till the lions are down to avoid unnecessary stress to the animals.

The ground under our feet erupts with agitated growls and rumbles, the lions voicing their non-approval of the team’s presence. The growls get more and more intense, then silence and the radio call comes through that we may now join and assist where we are needed. There is much work to be done. Blood samples are taken, measurements of the lions’ height and body girth, mouth and eyes are checked and hair is taken as a sample for DNA. Only when we are hands on do we fully realize the sheer magnificence and power behind these beautiful beasts. The size of their paws, claws and canines are overwhelming. Their 200+ kg bodies make us seem like dwarves.

The lions are rolled onto stretcher slings and loaded; lifting these massive cats takes some man power. Great care is taken in ensuring the lions are padded with straw in their narrow transport boxes to prevent injury, as they will spend the most part of their journey in a semi sleep induced state.”

Written by Caz Schiess, volunteer co-ordinator

Volunteering in Africa with WorkTravelSA will soon include Cape Town and Wildlife project combinations

Volunteering in Africa has taken on new meaning.  WorkTravelSA will from early 2012 offer combination projects where volunteers in Africa will be able to join a social care project in Cape Town, along with a wildlife conservation volunteer project in a proper big game reserve.  The social care projects, based around the greater city of Cape Town, will soon only be a 3 hour road journey from our new conservation volunteer camp in a big game reserve – home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopard and a host of plains game species.  Volunteers are now able to combine these projects during the time they volunteer in South Africa.  A combination of these unique and very different volunteer projects can now be done at a much reduced costs as the wildlife conservation camp is only a short road transfer from the vibrant city of Cape Town.  Keep checking for regular updates on development of our newest wildlife conservation project.

New Big Game Volunteering Camp near Cape Town

The WorkTravelSA team was asked to establish a new big game volunteering programme at a founder reserve in the Western Cape.  Our team visited this pioneer reserve earlier this month and had productive meetings with reserve management around a volunteer wildlife conservation programme.  Our scientific team is excited about finding answers for the many unique conservation questions raised at this reserve where big game was recently introduced into the western cape fynbos habitat.  Details of these conservation research projects and an exciting practical reserve management programme will be available in January 2012.  More updates to follow in coming weeks.

Gap Year and Volunteering Abroad Safety Travel Tips

One of the most exciting parts about traveling is the unknown factor. When you are in a foreign country, amongst different cultures or just away from home it’s always exciting to experience things that are outside ones comfort or cultural zones. Unfortunately these unknowns can be a negative thing too, crime is a very real thing and is something that one must be aware of.

WorkTravelSA.org has compiled a couple of abroad safety travel tips that will hopefully be of some use to any new travelers or volunteers.

1. Research

It’s always a good idea to do a little online reading on the country you planning to visit. A simple Google.com news (news.google.com) search on the country will also help in getting a better understanding of any possible political/government instabilities in your destination country.

2. Theft

• Cellphones

Unfortunately this is a reality in any country and it’s a good idea to be prepared for this. What we recommend is to make a list of important contact numbers that you will need to cancel a cellphone contract. An extra tip – it’s good practice to make use of password protection on your cellphone, which can prevent high phone bills. Each cell phone also has a unique identification code known as the IMEI code (pressing *#06# on your mobile will show it’s IMEI number) – keep record of this number in case your cellphone provider requires it.

• Credit Cards

Credit cards are very useful when traveling but can also be a threat. Once again it’s a good idea to keep record of some contact numbers in case the credit card gets stolen.
3. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must for anyone leaving their country. What is important to note is that gap year /volunteering travel insurance is different to your normal annual vacation insurance. It’s vital that you make sure your travel insurance company covers you while performing your gap year or volunteering tasks.

Highlight any health issues that you might have, these are all factors that can effect your insurance and if not mentioned it could prevent insurance payouts. Remember when you are in a foreign country you don’t want to have unnecessary hassles, especially when it comes to your health. So communicate as much as possible to the travel insurance people.

Health and Safety- Malaria Tips

Step 1 : Avoid Getting Bitten

Step number one of Malaria prevention is that if you don’t get bitten you won’t get malaria. Unfortunately the female Anopheles Mosquito that transmits malaria is a silent little mozzy and doesn’t buzz to warn you of its presence. Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day, but are usually they’re most active at dawn and dusk. Use repellent sprays and wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in the mornings and evenings. Mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing and it is therefore important to spray Insect Repellent on covered skin as well as non covered skin.

Step 2 : Take Anti Malaria Tablets

Please be aware that no Malaria Prophylactic is 100% effective as Malaria parasites do become resistant to various drugs. It is therefore vital that you consult with your local GP or travel clinic to advise you on the best prophylactic for you. Travellers should take prescribed Prophylactics regularly and continue to take the prescribed dosage of tablets even after they have left the Malaria Area.

Chloroquine, Proguanil and Maloprim : are not recommended as in certain parts of Africa ( north of South Africa ) have become Chloroquine resistant.

Mefloquine (Larium): Larium is a very effective Prophylactic but it needs to be carefully dispensed as patients with a history of psychiatric disturbances can get unpleasant side effects.

Malarone : This prophylactic has virtually no side effects and with a simple daily dose it is becoming increasingly more popular choice for travellers. In addition, Malarone has now been launched in the UK in a children’s formulation and is the first ever malaria tablet designed just for kids. The children’s version is chewable once daily dosage that only needs to be started one day before travel commences.

Our recommended choice of Prophylactic is Doxycycline – but would urge you check your personal suitability with your doctor prior to travel.

Doxycycline : This is an antibiotic and for many people it provides a perfectly good alternative to taking the traditional anti malaria tablets. However, Doxycycline can make you particularly sensitive to the sun, and the effects of antibiotics on contraception tablets are well documented.

Step 3 : Look out for symptoms and complete your course of prophylactics!

If on your return or during the remainder of your trip, you experience any flu like symptoms (nausea & vomiting, chills, fever, sweating, headache or muscle pain) you should take a malaria test just to be safe. Malaria responds well to early treatment. Remember to complete your prophylactic course – even after leaving a malaria area.