The Conservation Program
This program is currently closed due to the pandemic.
This amazing conservation project was created with the goal of helping to preserve the beautiful natural environment of Cape Town and its surrounding areas. Projects could include hands on conservation work in parks and reserves, or working on initiatives that revolve around educating future generations on conserving the environment. This aspect is run through educational camps and activities established to promote sustainability for the future. The majority of projects are very well structured and well managed, with most projects government funded or subsidized through donations. Volunteers should have a love of the outdoors and a willingness to get their hands dirty, and they will at times be working in unpleasant weather conditions. For volunteers who love working with children and like to work as part of a team, the awareness camps and programs aspect of this placement would be ideal.
Goals of this Project:
- To preserve the beautiful natural environment of the Cape Town area
- Work on projects that will make a positive difference to the environment
- Educate locals and children on the importance of conservation to their environment
- Enable inter-cultural exchange between international volunteers and the local communities
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. Like many conservation programs, a willing volunteer labor force is essential to its success. Volunteers on this program could be involved in a multitude of research, conservation and education activities. From working with children on education programs to counting animals for research purposes, every day will be different. Regardless of the task, volunteers can be assured that they are making a very real and significant contribution to conservation by participating in this worthwhile project. For international volunteers who want to make a difference to our planet, this program provides the opportunity to work on initiatives just outside Cape Town, and help to protect Southern Africa’s natural environment.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and could undertake the following tasks:
- Assist with path clearing projects
- Assist with removing alien vegetation
- Facilitate awareness and education programs for people of different ages
- Assist with research projects (counting animals, etc)
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to give their time and energy to help protect the natural environment of South Africa. This 'hands-on' project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in conservation/environmental studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in this field. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
Project Location
The Environmental Protection Program is based just outside of Cape Town, a city known for its spectacular beauty, from iconic Table Mountain to its stunning white-sand beaches, picturesque surrounding wine country and vibrant cafe and restaurant scene. Volunteers on this placement will be excited by all they can experience while based just outside the city, while also working on an important environmental protection program.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Cape Town airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their assigned accommodation where they will join a short welcome session. On Monday, volunteers attend the full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in South Africa. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa (CODE: CPT)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers joining our Environmental Conservation team in Cape Town are accommodated with one of our carefully selected local host families- which are perfectly located in the safe and convenient area of Grassy Park in the outer suburbs of the city. In most cases they provide the volunteer with a private room, but during busy periods you many need to share with other volunteers. The families are experienced in hosting international volunteers and will take very good care of you.
Staying with a local South African family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have plenty of experience in hosting international volunteers.
On working days, volunteers are provided with breakfast daily while at their home stay house. Lunch and dinner can be purchased at local eateries. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 32 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- A negative Covid-19 test result, taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure. Those arriving without this will be tested and placed in quarantine (at their own cost) until a negative result is achieved/obtained.
- All incoming passengers will be screened upon arrival, for Covid-19 symptoms
- All arrivals are asked to download the Covid Alert SA App. Information on this is available here: https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covidalert/