8 - 12 Weeks | Mozambique | Conservation Project
Jump into the deep blue and help us protect these giants of the sea!
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DESTINATION(S): |
Mozambique |
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DURATION: |
8 - 12 Weeks |
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INCLUDES: |
Airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation and support from local staff |
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START DATES: |
1st Monday of the Month (every month except December) |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Adventurers, students, gap year projects, Ocean lovers, scuba dive and marine life enthusiasts |
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RATES (FROM): |
Please contact us for a quote |
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Do I need experience to join this project?
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
How long is the work day?
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.
How many people will I be working alongside?
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.
What is the typical age of participants on the programme?
When/how should I book my flights?
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.
Do I need any vaccinations?
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.
What about visas?
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.
What about travel insurance?
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.
Where does your project fees go?
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.
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Phone/WhatsApp:
+268 7865 4029 -
Email:
bookings@alloutafrica.com -
Office Details:
All Out Africa Projects, Lidwala Lodge,
Roki Centre, MR 103, Ezulwini, Eswatini -
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8h00 - 17h00
Sat - Sun: CLOSED
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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.
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