Combine Volunteering and Adventure Travel in South Africa

  South Africa

Cape Town (Kaapstad),  Jeffreys Bay,  Rural Areas,  Waterberg

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 14 May; 11 June; 16 July; 13 Aug

Description: ISV's South African Program
International Student Volunteers is excited to offer students the opportunity to volunteer and travel throughout South Africa, one of the most exciting countries on Earth. ISV launched its first ever South African programs in 2009 and projects featured community development options in unique coastal township regions as well as conservation options in wildlife sanctuaries. ISV's adventure tour covers the wild north and the famous coastal Garden Route and Cape Town in the south. You will see wild animals face to face and partake in the most spectacular adventure activities South Africa has on offer. Turn the TV off because this will beat the discovery channel any day!

About ISV
International Student Volunteers Inc, is a US-based non-profit organization that offers globally minded participants the unique opportunity to combine meaningful volunteer projects and adventure travel. ISV has offices all over the world to look after over 4, 000 participants who volunteer with us every year. ISV volunteers come from all countries and you don't have to be a student to participate. ISV offers programs in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, Eastern Europe, South Africa and Ecuador. Because of ISV's strong educational focus, many university students apply to receive academic credit for their involvement in the program.

About South Africa
South Africa has a turbulent history, resulting in a great divide between rich and poor. Many South Africans live in poverty and struggle to meet everyday needs. Greater infrastructure development is a priority to meet basic human needs of the many South Africans living in townships. Carefully structured volunteer programs provide a means to make a real difference through community development. You can help by volunteering to help with township renewal which involves focused work on school buildings and playgrounds, urban renewal projects, water and sanitation development.

South Africa has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, but many of its unique animals are on the verge of extinction due to hunting, culling, urban expansion and poor land practice. Make a difference to one of the world's most unique countries with ISV and have an African Adventure you won't forget.

Volunteer Projects
ISV has two key projects in very different parts of the country. You could be working on the Wild Coast or in the expansive North East of South Africa.

Wildlife Sanctuary: Make a difference to South Africa's wildlife!
As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in restoring and enriching of one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa. You will be volunteering on much needed restorations of the wildlife enclosures and infrastructure. Plus, you and your volunteer team will help with the daily care of many of the animals such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena and vultures. You will also spend time in a local school promoting environmental awareness to local children so they may practice valuable lessons in conservation in their daily lives.

Community Development: Help South African communities!
Here's your chance to make a real difference to a community that needs your help. This project will complement a bigger vision to redefine the face of the Cintsa East Township through new infrastructure, housing, water, sanitation and the building of a high school. Through smaller micro-projects, you will be involved in tasks such as urban renewal, township greening and school playground building. This is an amazing chance to make a difference and help empower the local people who live in this township.

Adventure Tour
Participants will travel along South Africa's stunning Garden Route between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town discovering the world famous surfing mecca Jeffrey's Bay, the rugged coastline and indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma National Park, the limestone caves and countryside of Oudtshoorn (ostrich capital of the world), Table Mountain and the exciting city of Cape Town. You will then fly to northern South Africa and explore the wildlife havens for elephant, lion, rhino and many other species at Kruger National Park, and take in the spectacular vistas of the Panoramic Route around Blyde River Canyon. You will have the opportunity to participate on activities such as:

    * Surfing at the world renowned Jeffrey's Bay
    * Horseback riding along deserted ivory colored sand beaches
    * Discovering the wild coastline and waterfalls of Tsitsikamma National Park
    * Exploring high in the treetop canopies of Outeniqua Yellowood trees
    * Ocean kayaking among the Cape Fur seal colony in Plettenberg Bay
    * Visiting Oudtshoorn, ostrich capital of the world and exploring the countryside by bicycle
    * Squeezing through tunnels and beholding the wonders of the limestone formations of the magnificent Cango Caves
    * Bungy jumping 216 m (648 ft) the highest bridge bungy in the world!
    * Rappelling from Table Mountain, overlooking the city of Cape Town
    * Wildlife viewing via morning, afternoon and evening game drives in Kruger National Park
    * Taking in the breathtaking views from the Panoramic Route nearby to Blyde River Canyon
    * Visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years
    * Sandboarding in the Atlantis Nature Reserve
    * Experiencing the fun nightlife in Cape Town including a cultural night of food, music and dance at Moyo African Village

Highlights: Experience the magic of South Africa's wildlife parks as you get up close and personal with the 'top five' - buffalo, rhino, leopard, lion and elephant.

Why Travel with ISV?
* Combine meaningful volunteer projects with exciting adventure travel
* ISV has support offices in every program country we operate in
* Trained staff to guide your project and tour
* Group travel you will make friends from across the globe and not be alone
* Educational learn a lot and possibly receive academic credit (if applicable)
* ISV is not a sending agent we run our own programs with our own trained staff to ensure you have the most amazing experience possible.

Qualifications: No qualifications are necessary; ISV will give you all the training you need. To maximize your experience it is preferable you can speak English fluently. You do not need to speak the language of your host country, as you will have bi-lingual project and tour leaders to guide your experience. Minimum age is 18 years old by the time of departure. This program is open to everyone, not just students.

Cost in US$: Progam prices vary - please see our website

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Despite our name, any person may volunteer with ISV as long as they are over 18 years old. The majority of our participants are 18 to 30 years old, but we welcome anyone who wishes to join us and make a difference. You do not need any special skills to volunteer with ISV. We just ask that you are willing to give back to your host country; you are willing to learn as much as you can about the people, environment and issues facing your host country, and are ready to make the best friends along your adventure of a lifetime.

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to South Africa in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

International Student Volunteers's Mission Statement: To create an environment that combines conservation, community development, education and recreation into the ultimate adventure travel program for anyone who desires to make a difference by volunteering in local communities abroad.

Year Founded: 1981