Rehabilitate African Penguins in Cape Town

  South Africa

• Cape Town: 
Cape Town (Kaapstad)

Dates: Available throughout the year

Description: With opportunities to take part in regular boat release programs at Robben Island and exposure to a variety of local seabirds, this Penguin Conservation Centre is an immensely enjoyable and rewarding environment for nature lovers.

As well as learning about the life-cycle and conservation of the endangered African Penguin, you will also be very 'hands - on' as you are taught how to catch, hold, feed and tube feed these wonderful birds each with their own individual characters! You will care for the weak, the strong, the cheeky and the just plain daft and when the sun is high you will probably find yourself longing to join them in the pool too!

The centre is located on the banks of Flamingo Vlei with wonderful views of Table Mountain. The Vlei is also home to an amazing variety of water birds including resident Pelicans, Cormorants and a colony of Pink Flamingos. Close by are the popular beaches of Blouberg and Big Bay, famous for the 'postcard' views of Table Mountain.

This is a very special and rewarding experience that will suit reasonably fit nature lovers of all ages.

Highlights: Volunteer Testimonial from Samantha Wong - 21 from the UK

"Its impossible to put into words the tale of my South African experience. I spent a beautiful 6 weeks working with the African penguins at SANCCOB, exploring Cape Town and all its treasures, and getting to know the friendly locals. My trip was everything I had hoped for and much much more...

I could not have asked for a better project to join and AVIVA made the whole process so easy. The personal attention that each volunteer receives is priceless, and I would whole heartedly recommend AVIVA as the company of choice for anyone who wishes to volunteer in South Africa.

I left having fallen in love with the country, its culture, the penguins...but most of all with the people. I made some great friends out there and have come home with countless photos, souvenirs, but most of all, beautiful memories. Thank you AVIVA for everything!

So, all that is left to say is what are you waiting for?!?! Volunteer! It'll be one of the best things you ever do, but I warn you.. 6 weeks is most definitely not long enough and as soon as you fly home you'll be planning your next trip out. Its true what they say about South Africa it definitely gets under your skin!"

Cost in US$: USD 1,510 for 6 weeks

* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the AVIVA team.
* A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle.
* An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
* A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simons Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the worlds most beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africas recent political history before and after Apartheid. Includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africas second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Chocolate, Cheese & Wine tastings and lunch are included.
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
* Our booking service for attractions, events and tours.
* A donation to SANCCOB (payable by AVIVA).
* A letter of reference from SANCCOB to accompany your Resume/CV
* An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to SANCCOB.

If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night (AVIVA House option) or R220 (Homestay option). This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date.

You have two choices for accommodation;

AVIVA House in Table View is a secure home from home for our SANCCOB & Home of Hope volunteers with comfortable beds, 24/7 Internet access, a spacious lounge with a Satellite TV & DVD, a fully equipped kitchen, lockable cupboards and a large garden complete with a braai and a large swimming pool. Self-service breakfasts are also provided.

The Family Homestay option includes all your meals, daily transfers to and from SANCCOB and a laundry service. This family home also cares for approximately 70 rescued cats, and penguin chicks that are too young to be with the adult birds at SANCCOB. If you are not keen on, or are allergic to cats, we would strongly recommend that you take the AVIVA House option. This is also the only accommodation option available for volunteers aged under 18 years.

The AVIVA House option also includes:

* Accommodation at AVIVA House in Table View.
* Self-service breakfasts for the duration of your stay.

The Family Homestay option also includes:

* Family accommodation close to SANCCOB.
* All of your meals.
* Laundry Service.
* Daily transfers to and from SANCCOB.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement: Widely regarded to be one of the world's leading volunteer organisations, AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing international volunteers with rewarding, life changing experiences in South Africa. AVIVA provides full in-country support, all in-country transfers, accommodation, meals on most projects and a wide range of other benefits. Pre-arrival support is also second to none, with quick response to all enquiries, and expert assistance from their Cape Town based team every step of the way. AVIVA is the only volunteer organisation that provides a free personal trip planner & comprehensive fundraising assistance for volunteers. Previous experience is not required as all necessary training and supervision is provided. Since 2002, AVIVA have hosted volunteers of all ages and backgrounds from over 50 countries. So whether you are a student, taking a career break, or have retired and are looking for a way to travel & make a real difference, the AVIVA team would love to see you in South Africa. Visit AVIVA's web site to learn more, or make a no obligation application using their online booking form...

Year Founded: 2002