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OVERVIEW
YOUR ROLE
RATES
DATES
GENERAL INFO
Brochure
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MARINE RESEARCH & WHALE SHARK CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP

8 - 12 Weeks | Mozambique | Conservation Project

Jump into the deep blue and help us protect these giants of the sea!

DESTINATION(S):

Mozambique

DURATION:

8 - 12 Weeks

INCLUDES:

Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff

START DATES:

1st Monday of the Month (every month except December)

PERFECT FOR:

Adventurers, students, gap year projects, Ocean lovers, scuba dive and marine life enthusiasts

RATES (FROM):

Please contact us for a quote
TailorMade
Cultural
Adventure 2
Adventure 1
Eswatini

PROJECT OVERVIEW

As an intern on the Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Project, you will gain experience in a broad range of data collection techniques and learn all about the conservation status and current research of some of the most at-risk marine species. You will gain dive experience and contribute towards our ongoing projects working with these animals, be trained for in-water data collection, receive tutorials in real-data analysis using the latest software, understand the nuances of citizen science and public engagement, get to know and work with local communities in Mozambique and so much more!

 Before departure, you will meet our staff in the field during an online project consultation to ensure your internship is catered to your requirements (research and work experience interns accepted) - whether you are a biology graduate, a current student at a university, taking a sandwich year during university, a part of a large university group or a postgraduate researcher, we can accommodate for all.

YOUR ROLE

Qualified divers are invited to join our resident Marine Biologist and Project Coordinator, along with project volunteers to involve themselves in all aspects of our Marine Research. Interns will receive presentations and tutorials about all our ongoing projects, be involved with data collection and entry, all while getting to know the beautiful beachside town of Tofo. Although SCUBA diving might not be essential for your personal project, we highly recommend participating in the SCUBA diving element to fully immerse yourself in our full range of research projects (pun intended!). You will be expected to be able to comfortably swim at least 200m unaided in open water. If you are not already dive qualified you can add a course to gain the necessary qualification - please enquire for the extra cost.

Below we have some examples of our ongoing research projects, which you can also use as inspiration for your own research plans and specialisation for the remainder of your stay.

All year round

Whale Shark

The Whale Shark component of the Project involves joining ocean safaris to snorkel with Whale Sharks in the open ocean. It involves taking underwater photographs for identifying the Whale Sharks as well as recording other ecological information. As a summary, you will collect the following information on the Whale Sharks:

  • Date, GPS location, surface and underwater conditions
  • Size, sex, scars/distinctive features, the behavior of the Whale Shark
  • You will take an ID photograph and identify each Whale Shark & record re-sightings
All year round

Dolphin

You will be collecting data which enables dolphin numbers and the behaviours to be recorded and uploaded onto databases to share with our Marine Partners.

Of particular interest in this study is dolphin the behavior in relation to tourism.

All year round

Coral Reef and Estuary

This involves carrying out underwater data collection on indicator species of coral fish and the condition and cover of coral and echinoderms on the reefs. Estuary areas are also studied and monitored.

You will be taught how to select a sample area and what type of data to record, then taught how this data is recorded and used in studies and monitoring.

All year round

Monitoring of various other species

Sightings of various species are noted and at different times there could be studies underway of a number of other species.  Other species studied and monitored at the Marine Research Centre at various times include seahorses, turtles, manta rays, guitar  fish - amongst others

June – October

Humpback Whales

Monitor the numbers of Humpbacked Whales on their seasonal migration up and down the coast. This involves sand dune based observations using binoculars and boat-based observations recording the numbers of Whales, the makeup of the pods and the behaviors witnessed. 

All year round

General Environment

A number of more general environmental awareness and clean-up activities will be also carried out during the project.  This could include collaboration with local wasted collection and recycling charity, beach clean ups and also regular micro-plastic surveys are conducted of random samples of the beach. 

Please note: The activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are volunteers are likely to participate in. We can not guarantee sightings of whale sharks or any other species.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN INTERN

07:00

Wake up at your beachside lodge, brush your teeth, grab your swim kit  and get ready to stroll along the beach in the sunshine to the dive centre where coffee and breakfast will be served!

07:30

Get prepared for your research dive – get your equipment together and head to one of the dive sites or you may go on an ocean safari and go searching for Whale Sharks and dolphins to take photo ID shots and record behavioural data

12:30

Break for lunch on the shaded beachside deck of the dive centre. After an action-packed morning, time to relax a little!

13:30

Go to the office and enter data from your morning dive into our databases of the research work.

14:00

Depending on the time of year – you may be collecting data on Humpback Whales from the top of the sand dunes, uploading photo IDs into the database, conducting turtle nest surveys or improving the beach environment with a clean-up collection.

18:00

Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax!

Itinerary for your experience

Week 1

Arrive on the Sunday before the first Monday of the month in Tofo. Be oriented to your accommodation, the dive centre, research centre, the staff, and Tofo. , receive initial presentations, and go out on your first dives and ocean safaris in Tofo. If you are not already qualified to dive, you can take the necessary course during this first week (extra cost applies

Week 2

Learn the data collection methods for our various projects and put it into practice during ocean activities. You will receive further presentations to help you gain understanding of the nuances of citizen science, Mozambique living, and the latest insight into all our most at-risk species in the region.

Week 3

Confidently collect and enter data for our ongoing research projects. Receive tutorials on data analysis on select projects (depending on time of year, your personal interests and projects) and put that analysis into practice. If applicable, by week 3 we expect personal projects to have started (depending on the plan agreed following your pre-departure consultation).

Week 4

Confidently collecting, entering, and analysing data for our ongoing and your own personal research projects. You will tend to use the mornings on or in the water and the afternoons entering, analysing, and, under the guidance of your in-field All Out Africa supervisor, beginning to draft your project report, social media posts, and other deliverables required by your course.

Weekends

Weekends are free time for you to enjoy! Below is a list of optional extras that you are able to arrange whilst in-country to make the most of your time in Tofo and Mozambique:

  • Surfing
  • Yoga
  • Freediving
  • Quad bike tours
  • Island dhow boat tours
  • Inhambane museum
  • Horse-riding on the beach
  • Kayaking

On days when you are not in the water, our social projects guide may take you on activities around Tofo such as Portuguese lessons, historical walking tours and/or local handicraft creation.

It is important to note that daily activities may change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control at any given time. Attention to the daily posted schedule will be vital.

RATES

Pricing Details

Please Enquire

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • Research dives and ocean safari’s to collect data
  • Comprehensive 24 hours, 7 days a week support from All Out Africa
  • Comprehensive orientation to the country

What's Included

  • Internships specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
  • Support of project coordinator who is expert in their field which ensure the internship is valuable
  • All food and accommodation throughout your stay

What's Excluded

  • Flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Documents/Visas
  • Personal Trips
  • Daily Travel Costs to Your Project Placement

DATES & AVAILABILITY

This project starts on the first Monday of every month, except December.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

What To Bring

  • Mobile phone with roaming OR “unlocked”(Buy local network SIM on arrival)
  • Sunglasses/Sun hat/Bandanna/Sun cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack/rucksack for everyday
  • Small torch (a head torch is preferable)
  • Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer
  • Personal first aid kit/ Painkillers
  • Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
  • Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
  • Light waterproof jacket
  • Towel for use at your accommodation and a spare for the beach

Accommodation

  • Shared dorm room in a comfortable lodge
  • Bedding and bed linen provided
  • Hot showers
  • Clean toilets.
  • All meals provided, except lunches on travel days

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our interns come from all kinds of backgrounds and corners of the globe. We would expect you to be studying or have studied in a relevant field and/or have relevant experience to ensure you are able to make a worthwhile contribution.  Ask us if you are not sure about your suitability.  We expect you to have a dive qualification, minimun level Open Water Diver - but it is possible to include a dive course in your first week at extra cost

This can vary but typically you will start your day around 08:00am to arrive at your project and get started around 08:30. There is always a lunch break of at least one hour, and projects will resume in the afternoon with a finish time around 15:30. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore in the evenings and at weekends.

You are likely to be the only intern at your project but each month we have a variety of volunteers join us from all over the world. In most cases you will be staying at a lodge with shared accommodation with perhaps 2-6 volunteers. The volunteers will be involved in the same research projects and have roughly the same itinerary as you - though often they stay for shorter durations.

We get lots of young adults aged 18-25 on our programmes but we also often welcome those aged from 16 up and adults on a career break, adventure holiday or those who are retired. Sometimes we have amazing families who choose to volunteer as a vacation! Our projects are suitable for every age!

Please don't book your flights until we have confirmed your place and project dates.  For this project you must fly into Inhambane and your should plan your arrival for the first Monday of the month and your departure for the relevant Monday depending how many weeks you wish to stay.  Most flights arrive/depart in the afternoons, we are quire flexible with times at this project location.

Please check with your primary healthcare provider for the most current advice and let them know that you will be traveling to southern Africa. They may want to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date and may have health recommendations for you. Essentially, it is up to you to seek current advice and decide whether you want to want to get vaccinated or take any malaria prophylaxis.

Visa requirements will depend on your nationality and it is your own responsibility to check whether or not you need a visa, so make sure you check on your local governments’ travel site for the most up to date information. However, many nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry at the border form a small cost. If you are staying for longer periods our staff will help you with an extension in the country (there is a larger cost involved for this), or you can apply for a longer duration by using Mozambique's e-visa online application. You may still need to visit an official office in Maxixe to get your passport re-stamped after 30 days, though.

It is your own responsibilty to obtain sufficient insurance cover for medical emergencies and other mishaps that could occur on your trip. It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a valid travel insurance policy that will cover them for the duration of their stay.

By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of interning with an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find opportunties and projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for interning abroad.

Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.

BOOKING

Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.

- or -

BOOK NOW

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • As part of the project activities, you will complete an internationally recognised dive qualification during a normal 4-week program, along with 11 or 12 ocean activities (ocean safaris or research dives) depending on the dive course chosen. Numbers of ocean safaris and research dives are calculated accordingly for shorter/longer programs (typically 4 ocean activities per week - 3 dives and one ocean safari).
  • In order to carry out the activities required of you in the Marine Conservation Project you will need to be a capable swimmer (able to swim 100m unassisted) and snorkeler; being able to hold your breath to dive down would be an advantage.
  • Interns who have certain pre-existing medical conditions or are over 45 years of age must also bring a medical clearance letter from their doctor permitting them to dive. or have a physician sign their medical statement form.
  • Any Interns taking Lariam/Mefloquine/Mephliam/Tropicure (or any other derivatives) as anti-malarial treatment (prophylaxis) will not be permitted to dive, as it causes increased risks when diving. Please advise your doctor that you are going on a dive holiday and request another suitable anti-malarial treatment.
  • Accredited divers must bring their dive cards (listing their last logged dive) with them to the project site as proof.
  • Dive accredited Interns not requiring/wanting a dive course (tif already qualified) but who have not logged a dive within 6 months of their project will need to complete a Scuba Review before they can participate in their research dives. The cost of a Scuba Review is not included in the project cost and a small fee will be paid locally for this directly to the dive center we partner with.
  • The Open Water Diver certificate qualifies volunteers to dive up to 18 meters and some of our dive sites are between 20-30 meters deep. It is not essential to dive at these deeper sites, but should you wish to participate in deep diving (up to 30 meters) you will either need to complete a Deep Dive course at a small additional local cost, or there is also the option to complete an Advanced Open Water Diver Course at an additional cost.
  • Ask for our fish-list if you would like a head start on coming to grips with all the different species that you will be seeing on your dives!
  • All Participants on this project MUST fill out a diver medical statement form (ask us for this) and bring the form to the project. You will not be allowed to dive without completing and signing the form - the dive centre has extra copies of the form but any participant aged over 45 or with certain mecdical conditions will need to have their doctor sign it before they travel to Mozambique.

Discover your next experience

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TESTIMONIALS

Love the tours keep it up!

Romy Winkler Kruger to Cape

The highlights were seeing some of my favourite animals in their natural habitats and watching their behaviour

Volunteer (2017) Kruger to Coast Volunteer

Seeing animals, the campfire in the evenings, meeting new people and the guides were great!

Mari Volunteer (2017)

It was a pleasure working with you, and your professionalism was ever present. I would like to say a special thanks to Adriaan and Ruben for there part in the Kruger safari WOW what a team and a logistical triumph, they both deserve a pat on the back.

Russ World Challenge

Everything was very well organized and planned. I enjoyed it a lot. The guides were very friendly and helpful.

Kim Anne Heuer Kruger to Cape
]]> Marine Research Centre https://alloutafrica.com/learn/marine-research-centre/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:05:17 +0000 https://alloutafrica.com/?page_id=17825

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MARINE RESEARCH CENTRE

4 - 12 Weeks | Mozambique | Research Project

Conduct research in our well equipped centres being supported by our experienced scientists

DESTINATION(S):

Mozambique

DURATION:

4 - 12 Weeks

INCLUDES:

Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff

START DATES:

1st Monday of the Month (every month except December)

PERFECT FOR:

Marine biologists and students or marine biology, researchers, marine conservationists

RATES (FROM):

Please contact us for a quote

OVERVIEW

The Marine Research Centre (MRC) is located in Tofo, Mozambique which has stunning megafauna and microfauna including whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and sea horses, making it an exciting place to conduct research. The MRC is located overlooking the beach and next door is our accommodation and dive centre.

At our long-term research station in Mozambique, we offer field courses in marine ecology and data collection techniques. We have been working in Mozambique for over 8 years and have developed a strong program and a stable working environment with good in-country support. We regularly encounter a wide range of animals and have a global network of scientific collaborators to which our ongoing data sets are provided, alongside the free availability to Mozambican students and for use in government management plans.

See our internship programme or make an enquiry for a custom research proposal.

MARINE LIFE OF MOZAMBIQUE

  • Whale sharks
  • Manta Rays
  • Turtles
  • Dolphins
  • Whales
  • Stingrays
  • Guitarfish
  • Reef Sharks
  • Pelagic Rays
  • Seahorses
  • Reef Fish
  • Game Fish
  • Crustaceans
  • Corals
  • Sponges
  • Echinoderms
  • Nudibranchs
  • Eels

SAMPLE PROJECT

Field Methods in Marine Ecology

At our long-term research station in Mozambique, we offer field courses in marine ecology and data collection techniques. We have been working in Mozambique for over 8 years and have developed a strong program and a stable working environment with good in-country support. We regularly encounter a wide range of animals and have global network of scientific collaborators to which our on-going data sets are provided, alongside the free availability to Mozambican students and for use in government management plans.

Techniques include:

  • Reef health surveys – indicator species, coral cover, urchin density, abundance counts, biomass estimation
  • Large animal monitoring – photo identification, population estimates, residency/transience, migratory trends, injury recovery
  • Anthropogenic impact assessment – area usage mapping, monitoring of unsustainable catch, sustainable tourism, Code of Conduct development
  • Genetic studies – whale shark sampling, humpback whale sampling, khuls ray sampling, coral sampling, frogfish sampling
  • Biodiversity assessment – estuary monitoring, sea horse identification and density, usage of the inter-tidal zone
  • Behavioral studies – wildlife behavioral reactions to human interactions, humpback whale area usage during migration

Learning objectives:

  • Describe the diversity and physical processes that characterize the Southern African marine environment. Understand the challenges and importance of working in developing countries.
  • Discuss the biodiversity and key ecological processes occurring in specifically southern Mozambique, and in the sub-tropics generally.
  • Outline the ecological roles of key groups of organisms in the marine environment.
  • Consideration of the social issues of wildlife/coastal/marine ecosystem conservation and management. Be able to discuss the impacts, benefits and risks of the local peoples’ approaches to the environment, sustainable development and responsible tourism.
  • Develop critical-thinking regarding research project design, and understanding of a range of techniques.

Mini Projects and/or Theses:

The course may include time collecting data, writing up and presenting mini-projects.

Potential mini projects or undergraduate and masters theses include:

  • Assessment of dolphin behavior in response to human activity with a view to sustainable tourism encounters.
  • Humpback whale behavior usage of the coastal region.
  • Seahorse density and dispersal.
  • Economic and ecological value of specific marine lif.
  • Coral cover variability between inshore/offshore, shallow/deep, northern/southern reefs.
  • Alternative titles designed by incoming students/staff are welcomed.

General Activities:

Each month there are 20 days of on-water activities, lectures, tutorials and field techniques. Accommodation, food, office space and all equipment are provided. 16 on-water activities (involving PADI course if not already qualified, diving and/or snorkeling) plus 1 estuary visit are included per month.

Some of the papers All Out Africa have contributed to:

  • Williams J. L., Pierce S. J., Fuentes M. M. P. B., Hamann M. (2015) Effectiveness of recreational divers for monitoring sea turtle populations. Endang Species Res.
  • Pierce S.J, Mendez-Jimenez A., Collins K., Rosero-Caicedo M., Monajem A. (2010) Developing a code of conduct for whale shark interactions in Mozambique. Aquatic Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst.
  • Rohner C. A. et. al. (2013) Big fishes in hot water? Abundance trends and environmental influences on a coastal aggregation of manta rays and whale sharks. MEPS.
  • Rohner C.A et. al. (2012) Population structure, size at maturity and growth rates of whale sharks measured with laser photogrammetry in southern Mozambique. Marine Biology.

WHY PARTNER WITH US

What makes All Out Africa a great partner for your study abroad group?

  • We believe in creating a true partnership between our two organisations, and will provide prompt support and assistance to allow you to facilitate bookings and respond your needs. Our customer service is exceptional and responsive, and we can tailor make a package to suit your group, budget and learning outcomes.
  • We have proven experience hosting thousands of students and volunteers across our four destinations on multiple projects spanning community development, childcare and conservation
  • Worthwhile & authentic projects – Your students will create a real impact and gain a genuine sense of contribution through working on long-term sustainable projects and research activities that are important for conservation and development.
  • The humanitarian and conservation elements of our projects are implemented alongside our registered NGO – All Out Africa Foundation. Our projects have received international recognition for their good work including 60 scientific publications
  • We offer an unrivalled volunteer and intern experiences – our unique combination of project locations offer a mix of safety, cultural immersion and environmental splendour
  • All Out Africa is a family of dedicated, passionate people. Our staff are qualified, highly skilled and experienced to ensure every single client gets the most out of their time with us
  • Your clients will be surrounded by All Out Africa staff throughout all elements of the experience as we own and manage the volunteer, tour and accommodation operations
  • Our adventure tours division offers in-house tours combined with volunteer and intern experiences; giving us totally unique products to offer and the opportunity for clients to both give back and have a holiday experience
  • Our accommodation division offers in-house lodge accommodation that has won numerous awards; they are safe, comfortable and clean, with great amenities and provide nutritious meals to your clients
  • We are flexible and can offer customised experiences and group arrangements to respond to client requests
  • We offer a loyal long-term partnership – we are a personal organisation, owner-run and highly responsive but with the geographical reach to offer great variety and the experience from our 12 years of operation to ensure sustainability and success

INCLUDED IN FEE

  • Safe comfortable accommodation & 3 meals a day for the duration of the experience
  • Airport collection upon arrival by All Out Africa staff and airport transfer for departure
  • Comprehensive orientation upon arrival including health and safety briefing
  • A local tour to understand local culture and engage with the community
  • 24 hour support , 7days a week from All Out Africa staff throughout the experience
  • Training on tasks and activities and daily project guidance from our experienced & well qualified project co-ordinators
  • Materials and equipment required for volunteer/intern placements
  • Communications, transport and other operational costs for the projects and in case of emergency
  • All logistics, administration and support from our head office team

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds and corners of the globe. If you have a special expertise you can offer we love that! But you don’t need any experience to volunteer on our projects.

This can vary but typically you will depart from your accommodation around 08:00am to arrive at your project and get started around 08:30. There is always a lunch break of at least one hour, and projects will resume in the afternoon with a finish time around 16:00. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore in the evenings and at weekends.

Each month we have a variety of volunteers join us from all over the world. In most cases you will be staying at a lodge with shared accommodation with perhaps 4-20+ other volunteers, however, these volunteers may be split amongst several different volunteer projects during the day. This is a great opportunity to meet and mix with volunteers who have different interests, but still get to have an intimate project experience!

We get lots of young adults aged 18-25 on our programmes but we also often welcome those aged from 16 up and adults on a career break, adventure holiday or those who are retired. Sometimes we have amazing families who choose to volunteer as a vacation! Our projects are suitable for every age!
Please don't book your flights until we have confirmed your place and advised you on which airport you must fly to and on any time restrictions you must stick to in order to meet our transfers.

Please check with your primary healthcare provider for the most current advice and let them know that you will be traveling to southern Africa. They may want to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date and may have health recommendations for you. Essentially, it is up to you to seek current advice and decide whether you want to want to get vaccinated or take any malaria prophylaxis.

Visa requirements will depend on your nationality and it is your own responsibility to check whether or not you need a visa, so make sure you check on your local governments’ travel site for the most up to date information. However, many nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry at the border. If you are staying for longer periods our staff will help you with an extension in the country.

It is your own responsibilty to obtain sufficient insurance cover for medical emergencies and other mishaps that could occur on your trip. It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a valid travel insurance policy that will cover them for the duration of their stay.

By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering with an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad.

Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.

BOOKING

Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.

- or -

BOOK NOW

Discover your next experience

Explore Tours
Explore VOLUNTEERING
Explore Our Destinations

TESTIMONIALS

Love the tours keep it up!

Romy Winkler Kruger to Cape

The highlights were seeing some of my favourite animals in their natural habitats and watching their behaviour

Volunteer (2017) Kruger to Coast Volunteer

Seeing animals, the campfire in the evenings, meeting new people and the guides were great!

Mari Volunteer (2017)

It was a pleasure working with you, and your professionalism was ever present. I would like to say a special thanks to Adriaan and Ruben for there part in the Kruger safari WOW what a team and a logistical triumph, they both deserve a pat on the back.

Russ World Challenge

Everything was very well organized and planned. I enjoyed it a lot. The guides were very friendly and helpful.

Kim Anne Heuer Kruger to Cape
]]> Kruger to Coast Volunteer https://alloutafrica.com/volunteer/kruger-to-coast-volunteer/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:37:56 +0000 https://alloutafrica.com/?page_id=17741

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GENERAL INFO
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KRUGER TO COAST

4 - 12 Weeks | Eswatini, South Africa + Mozambique | Tour/Volunteer/Safari/Wildlife/Nature

Give back to others, see spectacular sights and cultures and have fun on a life changing experience.

DESTINATION(S):

Eswatini | Mozambique | South Africa

DURATION:

4 - 12 Weeks

INCLUDES:

Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff

START DATES:

1st Monday of the Month (every month except December)

PERFECT FOR:

Adventurers, students, gap year projects

RATES (FROM):

Please contact us for a quote

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Kruger to Coast Adventure Tour will take you through some of the best that southern Africa has to offer in terms of wildlife, culture and beaches.

Begin in Eswatini where you will get involved in grassroots community projects and make an active contribution to improve the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Embark on a 5-day camping safari through the world-famous Kruger National Park to spot big game. Venture to tropical Mozambique where you spend time on world-class Indian Ocean beaches.

Not only will you have the amazing opportunity to see some of Africas most incredible wildlife, snorkel with Whale Sharks and paddle to tropical palm-fringed islands but you will also have the opportunity to participate in an important community development projects.

YOUR ROLE

There are 3 distinct parts to this travel experience each with its own interesting flavour.

In Kruger National Park, you will be joining a camping safari holiday. Here your days will be spent on game drives searching for the incredibly diverse wildlife that this world-renowned national park has to offer, while at night you will be camped out under the African stars, sitting around a crackling campfire listening to tales of the African bush. While In Kruger, your guide will teach you about the animals and plants of the African Savannah and how important it is to protect this beautiful but fragile Eco-system.

When you arrive in the beautiful mountainous Kingdom of Eswatini your role will switch to volunteer as you get involved in projects that aim to uplift the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Volunteers have the option of choosing the following projects:

Childcare which involves assisting the teachers at our Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP’s), which act as pre-schools for orphaned and vulnerable children (6-week option only)

Savannah & Wildlife Conservation

This project involves conducting multiple types of research with different species. Some of the conservation activities are conducted at specific times of the year whilst others are conducted all year round. Our coordinating project scientists will teach you how to assist with data collection throughout your project duration.

Building

This involves projects such as laying bricks for new classrooms or maintaining the gardens at our NCPs

Sports

This includes assisting with running sporting activities with our NCP children including swimming lessons (depending on the season)

Childcare

This involves assisting the teachers at our Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs), which act as pre-schools for orphaned and vulnerable children - (6-week option only)

The final week of your experience is spent on the beautiful golden sand beaches of sunny Mozambique. After two weeks of hard work in Eswatini it’ll be time to relax in this tropical climate and swim the blue waters of the warm and inviting Indian Ocean. Mozambique is a colorful and vibrant African country like no other and it is here that you will get to spend the last days of your trip -a wonderful finale to an inspiring tour.

* Please note that the activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are volunteers are likely to participate in.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you work with children, you will be in the rural areas where modesty will be an important factor. Please make sure you dress appropriately- failure to do so may result in you missing a day of volunteering. More information about the dress code will follow in the pre-flight guide.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER

07:30

Wake up to see the sunshine, jump in a hot shower and get yourself started for the day with breakfast!

08:30

Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day.

09:00

Participate in your volunteer project assisting with fun activities.

12:00

Time to either return to your accommodation for lunch, or eat the packed lunch you made that morning!

14:00

Begin your afternoon’s work with a full stomach & enthusiasm

16:30

Return back to your accommodation and share your day’s adventures with other volunteers, maybe even a quick swim in the pool!

18:00

Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax!

Itinerary for your experience

Day 1

Fly into OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you by road from Johannesburg to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Day 2

The second day begins with an informative presentation that will brief you on all you need to know about the culture and country, how to effectively contribute during your volunteer experience and what to expect on the tours.

In the afternoon you will embark on a Cultural Tour where you will visit the museum to learn about Swazi history and culture and then will walk around a real Swazi village to experience day-to-day life in Eswatini. The tour finishes with a local culinary delight – a traditional Swazi braai!

Day 3 - 7

Conservation tour, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is probably Africa’s most famous Conservation area. Spanning nearly 20,000 km2 it covers a vast array of habitats and associated wildlife. It has an aura of ancient times and offers some best opportunities to view Africa’s big game. We venture on a 5-day tour into the heart of Kruger Park including four nights camping in the park and unlimited game drives exploring the vast wilderness with the expert guidance of one of our wildlife guides.

Previous groups have had great sightings of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, wild dog, giraffe, zebra to name just a few animals! There is an abundance of wildlife and birds to be spotted on your Kruger safari. You will also have the exciting opportunity to take part in a guided Bushwalk (optional extra) as well as experience a night drive where you’ll go in search of nocturnal wildlife.

You will depart Kruger for the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini.

Day 8 - 20

Volunteer Projects, Eswatini.

You will spend the next 10 days volunteering on your selected project (Orphan Care/Building/Sports Development).

  • Teaching basic English and maths to children
  • Organizing the children at meal times
  • Organizing creative games & craft classes to stimulate minds
  • Organizing sports days for exercise and fun
  • Participating in swimming and other sports
  • Making clay bricks and preparing land for structures
  • Building structures including roofing
  • Fencing and developing gardens to provide vegetables for the children

* Please note that the activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are volunteers are likely to participate in.

If you are a 4 weeks Kruger to Coast volunteer you will not be involved in the Teaching and day to day care of children at the Neighbourhood Care Points. As the children become very excited about new arrivals, the frequent change-over of volunteers disrupts the study and the impacts on attachment issues experienced by the children. 6 and 8 weeks Kruger to Coast volunteers, however, will have the chance to participate in assisting with the teaching and care of the children.

During this time you will also be supported to obtain your visa to enter Mozambique (the cost of a visa is not included in the program cost) and will also visit the Mantenga Cultural Village where you will have the chance to experience traditional Swazi culture and lifestyle as well as witness traditional dancing and singing. You will also be invited to participate in learning the local dance moves!

Day 21 - 26

Mozambique is world-famous for its idyllic tropical beaches on the Indian Ocean. As a former Portuguese colony that has come out of a prolonged civil war, it is now booming as quite possibly Africa’s top beach destination. Tofo is a laid-back beach village in southern Mozambique and offers some of the best opportunities in the world to snorkel in the wild with the world’s biggest fish – the Whale Shark. With diverse coral reefs, Whales, Manta Rays, dolphins and nesting turtles Tofo is a marine paradise and yet it is relatively close to the vibrant historic trading port of Inhambane.

We venture on a 7-day tour to Tofo where you will experience the laid-back beach lifestyle of this colorful and vibrant country. You will take an ocean safari to snorkel with the magnificent Whale Shark and also have a full day kayak trip across the blue waters to the palm-fringed islands in the Inhambane Bay. If you are a certified diver you will have the opportunity of exploring the spectacular fish life of the coral reefs! There is also the option to take part in an Internationally Accredited Open Water or Advanced Dive Course (extra cost) should you wish to dive. Here you’ll have the opportunity of exploring the spectacular fish life of the coral reefs and the chance to find the “Tofo Big 5” – Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, turtles, dolphins and Humpback Whales.

There are plenty of optional extra activities including beach horse rides, quad biking, mangrove kayaking, surfing, body boarding, deep sea fishing and catamaran cruises. A beach party or two is par for the course and some chill time on the beach is guaranteed Mozambique is a true gem on the east African coastline, an unspoiled paradise waiting to be explored!

Day 27

Travel back to Eswatini.

Day 28

At the Lodge in Eswatini you will have a full day to relax, pack up and make preparations for your departure the following day (4-week volunteers).

4 WEEK OPTION

Day 29

Sadly all great adventures must come to an end and on your final day you will leave the backpacker lodge in Eswatini and transfer by road to Johannesburg to catch your flight.

6 WEEK+ OPTION

Day 28 - 40

Ezulwini, Eswatini On returning to Eswatini from Mozambique, you will head back to your assigned volunteer project and have more time to contribute to your project.

Airport transfer is included and facilitated by All Out Africa.

RATES

Pricing Details

Please Enquire

What's Included

  • Comprehensive 24 hours, 7 days a week support from All Out Africa​
  • Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
  • All food and accommodation throughout your stay

What's Included

  • Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensure the volunteer experience is valuable
  • Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role as a volunteer, upon arrival
  • Tour guide for the duration of your tours

What's Excluded

  • Flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Documents/Visas
  • Personal Trips
  • Daily Travel Costs to Your Project Placement

DATES & AVAILABILITY

This project starts on the first Monday of every month, except December.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

What To Bring

  • Mobile phone with roaming OR “unlocked”(Buy local network SIM on arrival)
  • Sunglasses/Sun hat/Bandanna/Sun cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack/rucksack for everyday
  • Small torch (a head torch is preferable)
  • Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes(You can easily buy toiletries on arrival in Eswatini & Cape Town)
  • Personal first aid kit/ Painkillers
  • Boots &/or sturdy trainers
  • Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
  • Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
  • Light waterproof jacket

Accommodation

  • During your stay, you will be accommodated in a variety of lodges as you tour Southern Africa, but your home base will be the award-winning Lidwala Lodge in Ezulwini Valley.
  • Three meals a day will also be provided, some on a self-serve basis and others cooked for you.
  • Hot showers
  • Clean toilets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds and corners of the globe. If you have a special expertise you can offer we love that! But you don’t need any experience to volunteer on our projects.

This can vary but typically you will depart from your accommodation around 08:00am to arrive at your project and get started around 08:30. There is always a lunch break of at least one hour, and projects will resume in the afternoon with a finish time around 16:00. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore in the evenings and at weekends.

Each month we have a variety of volunteers join us from all over the world. In most cases you will be staying at a lodge with shared accommodation with perhaps 4-20+ other volunteers, however, these volunteers may be split amongst several different volunteer projects during the day. This is a great opportunity to meet and mix with volunteers who have different interests, but still get to have an intimate project experience!

We get lots of young adults aged 18-25 on our programmes but we also often welcome those aged from 16 up and adults on a career break, adventure holiday or those who are retired. Sometimes we have amazing families who choose to volunteer as a vacation! Our projects are suitable for every age!
Please don't book your flights until we have confirmed your place and advised you on which airport you must fly to and on any time restrictions you must stick to in order to meet our transfers.

Please check with your primary healthcare provider for the most current advice and let them know that you will be traveling to southern Africa. They may want to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date and may have health recommendations for you. Essentially, it is up to you to seek current advice and decide whether you want to want to get vaccinated or take any malaria prophylaxis.

Visa requirements will depend on your nationality and it is your own responsibility to check whether or not you need a visa, so make sure you check on your local governments’ travel site for the most up to date information. However, many nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry at the border. If you are staying for longer periods our staff will help you with an extension in the country.

It is your own responsibilty to obtain sufficient insurance cover for medical emergencies and other mishaps that could occur on your trip. It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a valid travel insurance policy that will cover them for the duration of their stay.

By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering with an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad.

Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.

BOOKING

Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.

- or -

BOOK NOW

Discover your next experience

Explore Tours
Explore VOLUNTEERING
Explore Our Destinations

TESTIMONIALS

Love the tours keep it up!

Romy Winkler Kruger to Cape

The highlights were seeing some of my favourite animals in their natural habitats and watching their behaviour

Volunteer (2017) Kruger to Coast Volunteer

Seeing animals, the campfire in the evenings, meeting new people and the guides were great!

Mari Volunteer (2017)

It was a pleasure working with you, and your professionalism was ever present. I would like to say a special thanks to Adriaan and Ruben for there part in the Kruger safari WOW what a team and a logistical triumph, they both deserve a pat on the back.

Russ World Challenge

Everything was very well organized and planned. I enjoyed it a lot. The guides were very friendly and helpful.

Kim Anne Heuer Kruger to Cape
]]> Volunteer & Beach https://alloutafrica.com/volunteer/volunteer-beach/ Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:08:15 +0000 https://alloutafrica.com/?page_id=17698

FAST FACTS
OVERVIEW
YOUR ROLE
RATES
DATES
GENERAL INFO
Brochure
BOOK NOW
BEACH & VOLUNTEER

4 - 12 Weeks | Eswatini + Mozambique | Tour/Volunteer/Beach

Give back to others, see spectacular sights and cultures and have fun on a life changing experience.

DESTINATION(S):

Eswatini | Mozambique

DURATION:

4 - 12 Weeks

INCLUDES:

Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff

START DATES:

1st Monday of the Month (every month except December)

PERFECT FOR:

Adventurers, students, gap year projects

RATES (FROM):

Please contact us for a quote

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Combine travel with giving back to others with our volunteer packages; help alleviate poverty, make new friends and experience the wonders and life in another country, all whilst supported by our experienced staff and staying in comfy accommodation.

The Beach & Volunteering Tour will take you through some of the best that southern Africa has to offer in terms of culture, sand and surf. 

Begin in Eswatini where you will get involved in grassroots community projects and make an active contribution to improve the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Not only will you have the amazing opportunity to participate in an important community development projects, but you will have a week to explore, relax and enjoy tropical Mozambique!

YOUR ROLE

There are 2 distinct parts to this travel experience each with its own interesting flavor. When you arrive in the beautiful mountainous Kingdom of Eswatini your role will be as a volunteer as you get involved in projects that aim to uplift the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Volunteers have the option of choosing one of the following:

Child Care

This involves assisting the teachers at our Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP’s), which act as pre-schools for orphaned and vulnerable children

Building

This involves projects such as laying bricks for new classrooms or maintaining the gardens at our NCP’s

Sports

This includes assisting with running sporting activities with our NCP children including swimming lessons (depending on the season).
Please note: The activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are volunteers are likely to participate in.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER

07:30

Wake up to see the sunshine, jump in a hot shower and get yourself started for the day with breakfast!

08:30

Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day.

09:00

Participate in your volunteer project assisting with fun activities.

12:00

Time to either return to your accommodation for lunch, or eat the packed lunch you made that morning!

14:00

Begin your afternoon’s work with a full stomach & enthusiasm

16:30

Return back to your accommodation and share your day’s adventures with other volunteers, maybe even a quick swim in the pool!

18:00

Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax!

Itinerary for your experience

Day 1

Fly into OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you by road from Johannesburg to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Day 2

The second day begins with an informative presentation that will brief you on all you need to know about the culture and country, how to effectively contribute during your volunteer experience.

Day 3 - 5

Day 3 - 5 and other weekdays You will spend these days volunteering on your project.

Day 21 - 26

Mozambique Beach & Whale Shark Tour.

We venture on a 7-day tour to Tofo where you will experience the laid-back beach lifestyle of this colorful and vibrant country. You will take an ocean safari to snorkel with the magnificent Whale Shark and also have a full day boat trip in a traditional dhow across the blue waters to the palm-fringed islands in the Inhambane Bay.

Day 27

Travel back to Eswatini.

Day 28

Ezulwini, Eswatini. At the Lodge in Eswatini you will have a full day to relax!

4 WEEK OPTION

Day 29

Return home. Sadly all great adventures must come to an end.

5 WEEK+ OPTION

Day 28 - 40

Ezulwini, Eswatini. On returning to Eswatini from Mozambique, you will head back to your assigned volunteer project and have more time to contribute to your project.

Airport transfer is included and facilitated by All Out Africa

RATES

Pricing Details

Please Enquire

What's Included

  • Comprehensive 24 hours, 7 days a week support from All Out Africa​
  • Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
  • All food and accommodation throughout your stay

What's Included

  • Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensure the volunteer experience is valuable
  • Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role as a volunteer, upon arrival
  • Tour guide for the duration of your tours

What's Excluded

  • Flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Documents/Visas
  • Personal Trips
  • Daily Travel Costs to Your Project Placement

DATES & AVAILABILITY

This project starts on the first Monday of every month, except December.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

What To Bring

  • Mobile phone with roaming OR “unlocked”(Buy local network SIM on arrival)
  • Sunglasses/Sun hat/Bandanna/Sun cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack/rucksack for everyday
  • Small torch (a head torch is preferable)
  • Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer & wet wipes(You can easily buy toiletries on arrival in Eswatini & Cape Town)
  • Personal first aid kit/ Painkillers
  • Boots &/or sturdy trainers
  • Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
  • Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
  • Light waterproof jacket

Accommodation

  • During your stay, you will be accommodated in a variety of lodges as you tour Southern Africa, but your home base will be the award-winning Lidwala Lodge in Ezulwini Valley.
  • Three meals a day will also be provided, some on a self-serve basis and others cooked for you.
  • Hot showers
  • Clean toilets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds and corners of the globe. If you have a special expertise you can offer we love that! But you don’t need any experience to volunteer on our projects.

This can vary but typically you will depart from your accommodation around 08:00am to arrive at your project and get started around 08:30. There is always a lunch break of at least one hour, and projects will resume in the afternoon with a finish time around 16:00. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore in the evenings and at weekends.

Each month we have a variety of volunteers join us from all over the world. In most cases you will be staying at a lodge with shared accommodation with perhaps 4-20+ other volunteers, however, these volunteers may be split amongst several different volunteer projects during the day. This is a great opportunity to meet and mix with volunteers who have different interests, but still get to have an intimate project experience!

We get lots of young adults aged 18-25 on our programmes but we also often welcome those aged from 16 up and adults on a career break, adventure holiday or those who are retired. Sometimes we have amazing families who choose to volunteer as a vacation! Our projects are suitable for every age!
Please don't book your flights until we have confirmed your place and advised you on which airport you must fly to and on any time restrictions you must stick to in order to meet our transfers.

Please check with your primary healthcare provider for the most current advice and let them know that you will be traveling to southern Africa. They may want to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date and may have health recommendations for you. Essentially, it is up to you to seek current advice and decide whether you want to want to get vaccinated or take any malaria prophylaxis.

Visa requirements will depend on your nationality and it is your own responsibility to check whether or not you need a visa, so make sure you check on your local governments’ travel site for the most up to date information. However, many nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry at the border. If you are staying for longer periods our staff will help you with an extension in the country.

It is your own responsibilty to obtain sufficient insurance cover for medical emergencies and other mishaps that could occur on your trip. It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a valid travel insurance policy that will cover them for the duration of their stay.

By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering with an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad.

Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.

BOOKING

Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.

- or -

BOOK NOW

Discover your next experience

Explore Tours
Explore VOLUNTEERING
Explore Our Destinations

TESTIMONIALS

Love the tours keep it up!

Romy Winkler Kruger to Cape

The highlights were seeing some of my favourite animals in their natural habitats and watching their behaviour

Volunteer (2017) Kruger to Coast Volunteer

Seeing animals, the campfire in the evenings, meeting new people and the guides were great!

Mari Volunteer (2017)

It was a pleasure working with you, and your professionalism was ever present. I would like to say a special thanks to Adriaan and Ruben for there part in the Kruger safari WOW what a team and a logistical triumph, they both deserve a pat on the back.

Russ World Challenge

Everything was very well organized and planned. I enjoyed it a lot. The guides were very friendly and helpful.

Kim Anne Heuer Kruger to Cape
]]> Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation https://alloutafrica.com/volunteer/marine-research-whale-shark-conservation/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:33:15 +0000 https://alloutafrica.com/?page_id=17629

FAST FACTS
OVERVIEW
YOUR ROLE
RATES
DATES
GENERAL INFO
Brochure
BOOK NOW
MARINE RESEARCH & CONSERVATION

2 - 12 Weeks | Mozambique | Conservation Project

Jump into the deep blue and help us protect Mozambique's precious marine life

DESTINATION(S):

Mozambique

DURATION:

2 - 12 Weeks

INCLUDES:

 Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff

START DATES:

 1st Monday of the Month (every month except December)

PERFECT FOR:

 Adventurers, students, gap year projects

RATES (FROM):

Please contact us for a quote
TailorMade
Cultural
Adventure 2
Adventure 1
Eswatini

PROJECT OVERVIEW

As a volunteer, on the Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Project, you will help carry out the Marine Research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of our coordinating project scientist.

You will join other volunteers on the project to collect the data via scuba dives, ocean safaris and beach walks off the coastline of Tofo in Mozambique. You can expect an excellent diving, snorkeling and beach experience whilst gaining first hand marine research skills and contributing to a worthwhile project.

In order to carry out many of these activities, you will need to be able or willing to learn to scuba dive. An internationally recognized diving course (Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver) is provided in the cost of the program to facilitate this (not included in the 2-week option).

You will also need to be a capable swimmer (able to swim 100m unassisted) and snorkeler. Being able to hold your breath to dive down would be an advantage but is not required.

YOUR ROLE

The project involves conducting multiple types of research with different species. The following is a summary of the type of research and Conservation activities you may be involved with. Some of the activities are conducted at specific times of the year whilst others are conducted all year round. Our co-ordinating project scientists will teach you how to assist with data collection throughout your project duration.

Some of the activities you will get involved in may include:

All year round

Whale Shark

The whale shark component of the Project involves joining ocean safaris to snorkel with Whale Sharks in the open ocean. It involves taking underwater photographs for identifying the Whale Sharks as well as recording other ecological information. As a summary, you will collect the following information on the Whale Sharks:

  • Date, GPS location, surface and underwater conditions
  • Size, sex, scars/distinctive features, the behavior of the Whale Shark
  • You will take an ID photograph and identify each Whale Shark & record re-sightings

We are lucky to have whale sharks present in Tofo Bay area all year round, although sadly, their presence has declined since we started monitoring, and sometimes they can be absent for weeks at a time.  Generally, volunteers will particpate in one ocean safari per week looking for whale sharks and sightings are not guaranteed.

All year round

Coral Reef and Estuary

This involves carrying out underwater data collection on indicator species of coral fish and the condition and cover of coral and echinoderms on the reefs. You will be required to learn to identify a select group of reef fish which you will be looking for on dives.

Estuary areas are also studied and monitored. We make excursions to the estuary at least once per month and here we are monitoring seahorses.

You will be taught how to select a sample area and what type of data to record, then taught how this data is recorded and used in studies and monitoring.

June – October

Humpback Whales

We monitor the numbers of Humpbacked Whales on their seasonal migration up and down the coast. This involves sand dune based observations using binoculars and boat-based observations recording the numbers of Whales, the makeup of the pods and the behaviours witnessed. 

All year round

Various Other Marine Species

Sightings of various species are noted and recorded and at different times there could be studies underway of a number of other species.  Species studied and monitored at the Marine Research Centre at various times include dolphins, reef sharks, leopard sharks, turtles, manta rays, sting rays, guitar  fish - amongst others

All year round

General Environment

A number of more general environmental awareness and clean-up activities will be also carried out during the project.  This could include collaboration with local wasted collection and recycling charity, beach clean ups and also regular micro-plastic surveys are conducted of random samples of the beach. 

Please note: The activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are volunteers are likely to participate in. We can not guarantee sightings of whale sharks or any other species.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER

07:00

Wake up at your beachside lodge, brush your teeth, grab your swim kit  and get ready to stroll along the beach in the sunshine to the dive centre where coffee and breakfast will be served!

07:30

Get prepared for your research dive – get your equipment together and head to one of the dive sites or you may go on an ocean safari with snorkel kit and go searching for Whale Sharks and dolphins to take photo ID shots and record behavioural data.

12:00

Break for lunch on the shaded beachside deck of the dive centre. After an action-packed morning, time to relax a little!

13:00

Data management time! Enter your dive data, such as photo IDs,GPS location, behavioural, notes, videos.

14:00

Sometimes ocean activities are scheduled in the afternoons.  More often, it is likely to be an educational presentation or possibly an office or land based activity - depending on the time of year – you may be collecting data on Humpback Whales from the top of the sand dunes, conducting a micro-plastics survey from random samples of sand form the beach or improving the beach environment with a clean-up collection. When all the work is done, sometimes you might be offered a portuguese lesson or a game of beach volleyball to end the day.

15:00

Usually the days activities are wrapped up around 15:00 -15:30, at which point volunteers are free to head to the beach, maybe for a late afternoon surf lesson or back to the lodge to relax by the pool.

18:00

Enjoy a delicious evening meal and relax!

Itinerary for your experience

Day 1

Fly into Inhambane Airport, usually connections are available from OR Tambo Airport Johannesburg or Maputo Mozambique where you will be met by a driver who will transfer with you to your accommodation.

Day 2

Your orientation will start with a presentation by the coordinating project scientists to prepare you for your upcoming activities. You will also receive information about the local area and practicalities such as how to get around.

Day 3 - 5

Begin your scuba diving course which usually lasts between 4 & 7 days depending on weather conditions. This is an internationally accredited course and upon completion you will get a certificate permitting you to scuba dive to 18m anywhere in the world. Those who already hold an Open Water Diver qualification will complete an Advanced Open Water Diver course (qualifies you to dive to 30m). 

If you are a 2-week volunteer on the program or already qualified to Advanced Open Water Diver level you will begin the activities described under day 8-13 on the itinerary instead. 

After scuba class you will be treated with a series of interesting educational talks on some of the amazing megafauna you will be swimming with over the next few weeks including how to ID several different kinds of fish species.

Day 6 - 7

At weekends there is time to explore the stunning palm-fringed beaches of Tofo: relax, surf, swim and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. During the first weekend you may also be completing your dive course, depending on how quickly it has been possible to get through all components of the course.

Day 8 - 10

Once your dive course is completed you will officially be an assistant scientist! Your dives in the morning/afternoon will be for the purpose of collecting data and the second part of the day you will be responsible for logging the relevant data into the proper database for safekeeping and analysis at a later date.

On days when you are not in the water, you may be tasked with conservation activities such as monitoring for Humpback whales, conducting micro plastics survey on the beach, a beach clean, an educational presentation to local school children on the work of MRC and why it is important, visiting other local organisations involved in conservation work around Tofo or possibly some community based activities such as Portuguese lessons, historical walking tours and/or local handicraft creation.

It is important to note that daily activities may change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control at any given time. Attention to the daily posted schedule will be vital.

RATES

Pricing Details

Please Enquire

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • An internationally recognized dive qualification (Not included for 2-week volunteers)
  • Research dives and ocean safari’s to collect data
  • Comprehensive 24 hours, 7 days a week support from All Out Africa
  • Orientation to the country, local area and project activities

What's Included

  • Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
  • Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensure the volunteer experience is valuable
  • All food and accommodation throughout your stay

What's Excluded

  • Flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Documents/Visas
  • Personal Trips

DATES & AVAILABILITY

This project starts on the first Monday of every month, except December.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

What To Bring

  • Mobile phone with roaming OR “unlocked”(Buy local network SIM on arrival)
  • Sunglasses/Sun hat/Bandanna/Sun cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Day pack/rucksack for everyday
  • Small torch (a head torch is preferable)
  • Toiletries/ Hand sanitizer (limited availability locally)
  • Small, basic personal first aid kit
  • Flip flops/Sandals/Swimwear
  • Fun &/or casual wear for the weekend!
  • Light waterproof jacket
  • Towel(s) for use at accommodation, dive centre and on the beach - NONE PROVIDED
  • padlock to secure your belongings in locker at accommodation and dive centre (available on site at a small cost)

Accommodation

  • Shared dorm room in a comfortable lodge
  • Bedding and bed linen provided
  • Hot showers
  • Clean toilets.
  • All meals provided, except lunches on travel days

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds and corners of the globe. If you have a special expertise you can offer we love that! But you don’t need any experience to volunteer on our projects.

This can vary but typically you will depart from your accommodation around 08:00am to arrive at your project and get started around 08:30. There is always a lunch break of at least one hour, and projects will resume in the afternoon with a finish time around 16:00. You'll have plenty of free time to relax and explore in the evenings and at weekends.

Each month we have a variety of volunteers join us from all over the world. In most cases you will be staying at a lodge with shared accommodation with perhaps 4-20+ other volunteers, however, these volunteers may be split amongst several different volunteer projects during the day. This is a great opportunity to meet and mix with volunteers who have different interests, but still get to have an intimate project experience!

We get lots of young adults aged 18-25 on our programmes but we also often welcome those aged from 16 up and adults on a career break, adventure holiday or those who are retired. Sometimes we have amazing families who choose to volunteer as a vacation! Our projects are suitable for every age!
Please don't book your flights until we have confirmed your place and advised you on which airport you must fly to and on any time restrictions you must stick to in order to meet our transfers.

Please check with your primary healthcare provider for the most current advice and let them know that you will be traveling to southern Africa. They may want to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date and may have health recommendations for you. Essentially, it is up to you to seek current advice and decide whether you want to want to get vaccinated or take any malaria prophylaxis.

Visa requirements will depend on your nationality and it is your own responsibility to check whether or not you need a visa, so make sure you check on your local governments’ travel site for the most up to date information. However, many nationalities are able to obtain a 30-day tourist visa on entry at the border. If you are staying for longer periods our staff will help you with an extension in the country.

It is your own responsibilty to obtain sufficient insurance cover for medical emergencies and other mishaps that could occur on your trip. It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a valid travel insurance policy that will cover them for the duration of their stay.

By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering with an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12-weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff has carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad.

Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve.

BOOKING

Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.

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BOOK NOW

INTERNSHIP

As an intern on the Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Project, you will help carry out the Marine Research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of our coordinating project scientists.

You will join other interns on the project to collect the data via scuba dives, ocean safaris, and beach walks off the coastline of Tofo in Mozambique. You can expect an excellent diving, snorkeling and beach experience whilst gaining first hand Marine Research skills and contributing to a worthwhile project.

Whether you are looking to gain experience to add to your CV, need to fulfil University requirements or just have experience to contribute, we like to make our internships as beneficial for each intern as possible. That’s why we want to know in advance if you have a special interest, expertise or goals to achieve whilst you’re completing your internship with us.

Please send an email to the Research Coordinator at jule@alloutafrica.org to confirm that we are a good fit for your internship needs.

INTERN ROLE

An intern, although also not being paid, is different from a Gap-year volunteer as they are expected to bring some knowledge and/or experience in the area they are working in.

There are fewer internship posts available so competition for these is higher. Interns will be working at a more career-focused strategic level and developing local capacity to work effectively and with meaning, as well as gaining valuable hands-on, practical experience during their placement.

Interns are also expected to take on more responsibility and to create their own goals and seek activities to be involved in or lead. They will also have a mentor assigned to them to guide them during the internship.

The project involves conducting multiple types of research with different species. The following is a summary of the type of research and Conservation activities you may be involved with. Some of the activities are conducted at specific times of the year whilst others are conducted all year round. Our co-ordinating project scientists will teach you how to assist with data collection throughout your project duration.

In order to carry out many of these activities, you will need to be able to scuba dive and have some marine science knowledge already.

As an Intern, you will primarily be responsible for directly assisting the marine biologist on site. This may include working as a lab assistant and helping the intern researchers with species identification and/or lab procedure. Depending on your skill level and expertise, your internship may also include working on an independent research project.

* Please note that the activities listed above are based on availability and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are interns are likely to participate in.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • As part of the project activities, you will complete an Internationally Recognized Dive Qualification during a normal 4-week program, along with 11 or 12 ocean activities (ocean safaris or research dives) depending on the dive course chosen. Numbers of ocean safaris and research dives are calculated accordingly for shorter/longer programs.
  • In order to carry out the activities required of you in the Marine Conservation Project you will need to be a capable swimmer (able to swim 100m unassisted) and snorkeler; being able to hold your breath to dive down would be an advantage.
  • Volunteers who sign up for a 2-week project must have either their open or advanced water dive certification.
  • Volunteers who have pre-existing medical conditions or are over 45 years of age must also bring a medical clearance letter permitting them to dive.
  • Any volunteers taking Lariam/Mefloquine/Mephliam/Tropicure (or any other derivatives) as anti-malarial treatment (prophylaxis) will not be permitted to dive, as it causes increased risks when diving. Please advise your doctor that you are going on a dive holiday and request another suitable anti-malarial treatment.
  • Accredited divers must bring their dive cards (listing their last logged dive) with them to the project site as proof.
  • Dive accredited volunteers not requiring/wanting a dive course but who have not logged a dive within 6 months of their project will need to complete a Scuba Review before they can participate in their research dives. The cost of a Scuba Review is not included in the project cost and a small fee will be paid locally for this directly to the Dive Center we partner with.
  • The open water certificate qualifies volunteers to dive up to 18 meters and some of our dive sites are between 20-30 meters deep. It is not essential to dive at these deeper sites, but should you wish to participate in deep diving (up to 30 meters) you will either need to complete a Deep Dive course at a small additional local cost, or there is also the option to complete an Advanced Water Course at an additional cost.
  • Ask for our fish-list if you would like a head start on coming to grips with all the different species that you will be seeing on your dives!
  • All Participants on this project MUST fill out this PADI form and submit the final document along with their booking form before they travel to Mozambique.

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TESTIMONIALS

Love the tours keep it up!

Romy Winkler Kruger to Cape

The highlights were seeing some of my favourite animals in their natural habitats and watching their behaviour

Volunteer (2017) Kruger to Coast Volunteer

Seeing animals, the campfire in the evenings, meeting new people and the guides were great!

Mari Volunteer (2017)

It was a pleasure working with you, and your professionalism was ever present. I would like to say a special thanks to Adriaan and Ruben for there part in the Kruger safari WOW what a team and a logistical triumph, they both deserve a pat on the back.

Russ World Challenge

Everything was very well organized and planned. I enjoyed it a lot. The guides were very friendly and helpful.

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