Dolphin and Whale Research in South Africa with Travellers Worldwide!

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description: Worthwhile, enjoyable, and exciting project is based in Plettenberg Bay, a stunning beach resort near Knysna on the famous Garden Route in South Africa. Here you'll assist with research on Dolphins and Whales and work in a beautiful and temperate environment, where you can go from mountain to beach in half-an-hour!

There is easy access to many of the country's most beautiful beaches and nature parks, while the ocean is home to bottlenose and humpback dolphins and Cape Fur Seals, common dolphins, killer whales, Bryde's and mink whales, southern right whales every day, as well as humpbacks.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Director of the Centre (who will supervise your work) hails from Zimbabwe and is one of the world's foremost authorities on dolphins and whales. The Centre has undertaken over 30 research programmes by a network of scientists and post-graduate students, and over 145 publications have been produced. Your work in this Centre is varied and extremely worthwhile.

During your stay on the project, and depending on the length of time your project is for, you'll be given a a course in Marine Mammal Biology and Research. Amongst other things, the course will cover a lot of basic information about marine mammals and will be divided up into different modules.

Each module will include lectures, practical workshops, collection and analysis of data. The course will run for four weeks and if you're staying for longer than 4 weeks, you'll be able to use yourr new-found knowledge to get involved with ongoing projects, help with training and aid with collection of data for ongoing projects. A small 'exam' will be written at the end of the course and you'll receive a certificate.

YOUR WORK IN BRIEF
Some of your work could include the following: Research is done on all the different species and some of the data is gathered by going out on the research boat, or possibly even the tourist boat, to take photographs of the dolphins and whales. The photographs are to provide fin profiles for identification.

After a trip out on the research boat, you'll go back to the lab to catalogue the photos for identification of the different individuals. This provides valuable information on the animals' migration patterns and social groups and habits. The more multi-sightings of individuals they are able to record, the more they can learn, including sizes of babies, thus providing information on their stages of growth.

Taking skin samples from Humpback whales for analysis. This work is most prolific from May to November, but does takes place throughout the rest of the year as well, but on a lesser scale.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa.
--> You'll learn an enormous amount about Dolphins and Whales from one of the world's foremost experts.
--> New skills in research, conservation and working on the ocean.
--> More confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture plus invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> The satisfaction of contributing to research which could affect the preservation and conservation of marine animals
--> And best of all ... AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
Add to your travel experience in Africa by doing some additional exciting activities, such as:
--> A 5- or 7-day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route:
Taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
--> Surfing Courses:
In the buzz city of Durban.
--> Paragliding Course:
Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.
--> 5-Day Bush Survival Course:
This is a fantastic experience and opportunity to see lots of wild animals in their native habitats in Game Reserves. You'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy learning some bush skills in the great outdoors!

This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in South Africa. That way you'll get a good knowledge of two or more very different regions of the country.

Highlights: WHAT TO DO NEXT
Talk to us - We're there to help you.
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It's as easy as that.

ACCOMODATION
You will be staying in a beautiful wooden cabin about 7 km outside the town of Plettenberg Bay, set in the most stunning surroundings. The property shares boundaries with the Knysna Elephant Park and often you'll wake up to elephants just a few metres away, hanging their heads over the fence.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length of stay. Starts at 149.

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: Our projects are open to those ages 17-77+!!

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995