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Information & Programme Guide

•  Quick Guide •  Project Overview •  South Africa Guide

•  Weather Guide •  Afrikaans Essentials •  Travel & Safety Tips

Email: [email protected] Find Us On Social Media: Office: +27 (0) 21 554 0532 Facebook.com/VWIntl Cell: +27 (0) 74 602 2762 Twitter.com/VWIntl www.volunteerworldintl.com Pinterest.com/VWIntl

The Great White Shark Volunteer Program

The Great White Shark Project Program Quick Guide


Programme Overview

Daily interac,ons A variety of land and sea based conserva2on projects, close up encounters of many marine species

Loca,on: The Great White Shark Project, Gansbaai, nr Cape Town

Working Day: From approx 08h00 to 17h00 -‐ Monday to Friday

Arrivals: To Cape Town Airport on Sunday

Transfers: Included. Volunteers will need to arrive to Cape Town Airport on Sunday for overnight in Cape Town backpackers accommoda2on prior to early Monday morning transfer through to Gansbaai and the Great White Shark Project.

Dura,on: Volunteer at the Great White Shark Project for 1 week or longer

Age Limit: 18 years old +

All excursions and trips whilst on project Tips and gratui2es

Dedicated, experienced coordinator throughout your stay Medical Insurance

Accommoda2on in separate houses sleeping max 6 people Flights and Visas

All required training and instruc2on Monthly S2pend

Breakfast provided and lunch onboard boat Entertainment in free 2me and weekends

Transfers to/from project to Cape Town

Included: Excluded:

What’s Included?


The Great White Shark Project Program Overview (1/2)

South Africa, and the Gansbaai region in par2cular, are globally renowned as being loca2ons for some of the best opportuni2es to observe Great White Sharks and Southern Right Whales anywhere in the World. With the poten2al to view a huge variety of marine animals at close quarters combined with the ability to learn and gain huge insights into their plight, interac2ons and lives from hugely experienced on site Marine Biologists, the Great White Shark volunteer provides once in a life2me opportuni2es and experiences for anyone with an interest in and wan2ng to make a las2ng difference to Marine Conserva2on in a region of huge importance and biodiversity. When not at sea on the (subject to debate) Indian Ocean observing the diverse fauna on show, volunteers will also have an exci2ng range of ac2vi2es to be involved in – from the opportunity of aZending talks and videos regarding all aspects of the Trusts ac2vi2es from Great White Shark Biology to basic seamanship and photography, to assis2ng with conserva2on prac2ces and community outreach programs within the locality to simply relaxing around the pool with a beer and a braai with fellow volunteers – this is a genuinely fantas2c project sure to leave a las2ng mark on all those who visit!


§  Get up close and personal to a variety of marine species!

§  Visit a local school as part of the community outreach ini2a2ve

§  Cage diving and viewing of the Great White Sharks

§  Assist with regular beach clean ups and other conserva2on ini2a2ves

•  Help with preparing of the boat prior to launch

§  Have the opportunity of aZending regular lectures on a variety of themes

§  Gain the opportunity to view whales, dolphins and Great White Sharks amongst many other species in these hugely biodiverse waters

§  Visit Africas Southernmost point at Cape Agulhas

§  Go kelp diving at Stanford Cove or the Stony Point Penguin Colony

§  Amongst many, many more!

Volunteers to the ORCA Founda2on Marine Conserva2on Program are assured of amazing experiences and the chance to partake in the valuable conserva2on work undertaken by this highly respected organiza2on:

The Great White Shark Project Program Overview (2/2)


Accommodation ACCOMMODATION FACT FILE §  Live in shared houses each accommoda2ng max 6 people

§  Houses are located just a 10 minute walk from the project

§  Swimming pool onsite

§  Undercover braai area (barbeque for non South Africans!)

§  Pool table

§  Bikes for volunteers use

•  Satellite television + wireless internet are also included

How to book

Included: Included


Step 1 -‐ Choose your program & send us your applica,on

Browse through our fantas2c range of projects for the one that’s right for you, decide on your dates, fill in the simple applica2on form and send it across to us.

Step 2 -‐ Confirma,on of availability, official quota,on and deposit payment

We will then check availability with your chosen program(s) and if all okay, reserve your placement with the project and send you a quota2on. We will hold this reserva2on for 1 week to give you 2me to go over the i2nerary and make sure you are 100% happy with arrangements -‐ if all is in order, simply make payment for the deposit to finalize your reserva2on. VWI uses Paypal to accept payments offering our volunteers a range of payment op2ons, 100% security and payments in local currency!

Step 3 -‐ Start planning, final payment and packing your suitcase!

Then, sit back, start planning and looking forward to the vaca2on of a life2me! Payment of the balance is only due 6 weeks before your arrival leaving you plenty of 2me to then pack your suitcase with all the last minute essen2als!

Volunteering with VWI is as easy as 1-2-3!

We strongly believe volunteering and the planning of your volunteer visit should be as straighdorward and easy as possible, as such, our applica2on and booking process is structured to be as simple as can be! We are also always on hand and available to offer advice or answer any ques2ons you may have and share our extensive knowledge -‐ a major part of our full service commitment to help you make the most of your stay!

STEP 1: Choose your

program and fill in the application form (don’t worry

- its obligation free!)

STEP 2: We confirm back to you availability

- if youre 100% happy, pay a 20%

deposit to reserve your

place

STEP 3: Pay the full

balance 6 weeks prior to arrival

and sit back and look forward to the holiday of a

lifetime!

The Weather Report

Rainfall

18 19 17

15

12

9 8 9 11

13 15

17

25 25 24

21 20 19 18 18 19 20 22

24

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Gansbaai Climate

Average Low Average High


Summer Winter Autumn Spring

The Great White Shark Volunteer Program enjoys a loca2on right at the heart of a region widely regarded as being at the worldwide forefront of Marine Conserva2on Research. Blessed with a consistent year round ‘Mediterranean’ style climate with hot, dry summers and cooler, weZer winters, Gansbaai and the Western Cape region in general is a great year round venue for volunteers. The region rarely experiences extremes of temperature though it is not uncommon for temperatures in the summer to reach well into the 30’s -‐ winter temperatures remain moderate with frosts also being excep2onally rare except for higher ground where snow is not uncommon!

Travel & Safety Tips


COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Is AIDS/HIV an issue? AIDS/HIV is an issue within South Africa but fortunately one that can be easily avoided. Standard precau2ons and a common sense approach will ensure that this issue is never a problem for our volunteers.

Is Malaria an issue? Gansbaai and the Western Cape are malaria free zones thus no risk is faced by volunteers

Are there any inocula,ons needed?

There are no specific inocula2ons required for travel to South Africa but as general good travel prac2ce, we recommend you are up to date on both Tetanus and Polio vaccina2ons

Is it safe to drink the water? Yes -‐ South Africa has some of the best treated and safest tap water anywhere in the world. Very rural areas may be an excep2on to this but at all of our projects, the drinking water is 100% safe.

Is crime an issue? No. Volunteers should remember though to exercise a common sense approach to travel outside of their chosen projects and avoid unnecessary display of expensive jewellery, cameras etc.

OTHER GENERAL ADVICE

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance!

Peace of mind is priceless and unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. Make sure you are fully covered for any eventuality -‐ for further advice, check out our travel insurance page on the website.

Sunburn Even in the depths of winter, sunburn is likely to be the biggest health hazard you will face on your trip and luckily, is completely avoidable! Be sensible, pack and apply appropriate factor sun cream regularly to avoid unnecessary discomfort!

Pack light and embrace the ‘backpacking’ culture

Volunteering isn’t about lugging round heavy suitcases full of designer clothes -‐ leave the unnecessary luxuries at home and give yourself the chance to find out who you really are.

Leave ,me to explore South Africa

Make the most of your visit and see all that South Africa has to offer -‐ from Table Mountain to the Kruger Park, there are opportuni2es not to be missed for everyone here both on and off projects!

Fortunately, tourists visi2ng South Africa on the whole enjoy very safe, memorable experiences whilst enjoying all this amazing country has to offer. As with travelling to any foreign country though, a ‘common sense’ approach and understanding of local cultures will generally ensure your stay remains hassle free -‐ the below guide should help in assuring your stay remains one to remember for a life2me -‐ and for all the right reasons too!

South Africa - Useful Info:

Included:

SOUTH AFRICA FACTS - KEY INFO Time Zone GMT + 2

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR) US $1 = Approx. 10 ZAR

Popula,on Circa 52 million (2013)

Capital City Pretoria (Execu2ve)

Cape Town (Legisla2ve)

Ethnic Groups

80% Black African

9% Coloured

9% White

Official Languages Afrikaans, English, Xhosa + local tribal dialects

Interna,onal Dial Code +27

Drive on the: Leq

Electricity (plug) type: 220/230V -‐ 3 Round Pin Plug


Afrikaans Essentials

Included: Included


Some useful Afrikaans phrases: Goeie more Good morning

Goeie middag Good aqernoon

Goeienaand Good evening

Dankie Thanks!

Hallo Hello

Totsiens Goodbye

Wat is jou naam? What is your name?

Volunteer World Interna2onal strongly encourages our volunteers to take the opportunity to develop an understanding of the local peoples and cultures you will experience throughout your stay in South Africa as we believe this will thoroughly enhance your visit. Whilst by no means essen2al as most South Africans do speak excellent English as at least a second language, what beZer way could there be to immerse yourself in the local culture to get the most out of your volunteering trip than to learn some of the local language?

Ja Yes

Nee No

Asseblief Please

Hoe gaan dit met jou? How are you?

Goed, dankie Fine thanks

Kan jy Engels praat? Do you speak English?

My naam is… My name is…

Waar is… Where is…?

Hoe feel…? How much…?

Goeie more! Asseblief

Totsiens! Dankie!

Wat is jou naam?

Baie dankie!

Suggested Packing List

Included: Included


Through experience, we highly recommend avoiding packing everything but the kitchen sink! South Africa, especially with current rates of exchange against the major currencies, is a great place to shop and with great malls and plen2ful access to ATMs so you should always be able to find anything you may need.

Remember before you leave though to let your bank know that you are travelling so you will be able to use your cards abroad -‐ likewise your cell phone! Data and roaming costs can be high so we highly recommend purchasing a local SIM card upon your arrival for cheap local calls and internet access -‐ these are easy to top up at a variety of garages/malls and provide a great way of sending texts or instant message to loved ones back at home!

DOCUMENTATION

Passport Trip I2nerary & Documents

Flight 2ckets Visas (if required and for stays of 90+ days)

Contact details for us here at VWI Insurance Policy Documents

SUITCASE ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST

Camera (+ memory card & spare baZeries!) MP3 Player & Charger

Laptop Plug adaptors (3 round pin)

Personal Medica2on Credit Card + Wallet

Driving Licence (for car hire -‐ if required) Currency (we suggest carrying approx R3-‐500 in change)

Basic First Aid Kit Polarising Sunglasses

Cell Phone (make sure to ac2vate interna2onal roaming* prior to departure!)

High factor sun cream -‐ don’t forget, even in winter South Africa has hot sunny days and it is very easy to burn!

A warm jacket/jumper -‐ it can get cold in the evenings, even in summer! A cap (essen2al for midday game viewing!)

Appropriate clothing. Remember, you will be living and working in the heart of the South African bush which is no place for high heels or expensive trainers! Sturdy walking shoes and hard wearing trousers are definitely the order of the day, especially for the bush walks!

Contact Numbers to Note:

Included: Included


Find us on Social Media

Useful Local Numbers: Important numbers to bring with you:

VWI Office +27 (0) 21 554 0532 Your bank/card issuer

VWI 24/7 Emergency +27 (0) 74 602 2762 Travel Insurers

Ambulance 10177 Next of kin

Police 10111 Cell phone company

Fire Service 10111 Local consulate

Volunteering is a sociable thing and we’re no different here at VWI. Connect with us on social media for updates from our projects, news from around South Africa -‐ even occasional special offers to reward our followers!

www.facebook.com/VWIntl

www.youtube.com/channel/UCkvxQ4zaZZSTHLiG07ujUVw

www.twitter.com/VWIntl

www.pinterest.com/VWIntl

www.linkedin.com/company/volunteer-world-international

www.plus.google.com/u/0/b/100069290808078608375/+Voluntee

rworldintlSouth_Africa/posts

And finally, from all at VWI…


The VWI Team Cape Town

To You, The Volunteer We know you wont find beZer pricing, knowledge or service for volunteering in South Africa -‐ we hope you like what you see and choose to spend your stay in South Africa with Volunteer World Interna2onal to enjoy the very best this spectacular country has to offer! Yours in volunteering,