Summary
Volunteering project at an elephant research and conservation project.
Project location
Near Plettenburg Bay, Western Cape.
Length of project
From 1 – 12 weeks.
Group/individual basis
You will travel as an individual, but join a group of other participants from around the world.
Support
Help and advice from our UK office throughout. Local support from nominated staff member at the project.
Includes
- The organisation of rewarding voluntary work with African elephants
- Pre-departure information covering work issues and advice about life in South Africa
- Meeting at George airport and transfer to the project
- Return transfer to the airport
- Accommodation
- One transfer per week to Plettenberg Bay
- Full orientation and induction before you begin
- One night sleeping in the elephant boma for stays of 4 week or more
Not included
- Flights
- Travel and medical insurance
- Any home country transport (eg. taxis and buses)
- Food
Accommodation
Shared accommodation in safe, comfortable house with kitchen and lounge area. Internet access available. Due to park insurance reasons, the accommodation must be an alcohol free zone. Please note, there are cats that live at the accommodation, so if you have allergies you should take medication with you.
Travel arrangements
Fly to George airport (GRJ). You will be met at airport and taken to the elephant park by private transport.
Pre-departure information
You will receive thorough information on your My Oyster account covering project expectations, preparation, health and safety, responsible travel and arrival arrangements at least 4 weeks before departure.
Medical
Vaccinations may be required. We recommend that you visit your doctor or travel nurse as soon as possible to discuss what you might need to have.
Please be aware that Oyster staff are not able to give advice on your medical background or the type of vaccinations that you might need.
You can get useful medical advice relating to your destination on the ‘Fit For Travel’ website.
You must inform Oyster of any pre-existing physical or mental health conditions. Oyster staff may ask for you to provide a letter from your Doctor before continuing with your booking.
Insurance
You must take out a full travel insurance policy as soon as you can before departure. This must cover you for personal accident, medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation, lost luggage etc. We strongly recommend that you organise your travel insurance upon booking your place. We can introduce a policy with Global Travel Insurance to UK citizens, details of which can be found in your MyOyster account, once you have completed your booking. If you are not eligible for this insurance, please read through it to have an idea of what you need to be covered for.
Any risk factors
African elephants can present a risk to humans, but the Park has strict safety protocols in place. When visiting the elephants you will always be accompanied by an experienced ranger. South Africa has a relatively high level of crime, but much of this is centred in the townships. The project would not involve visits to any high risk areas. Moreover, the accommodation is well-secured, with members of staff living on site. Other potential risks include poorer road safety and sunburn during the summer months. Our pre-departure briefing gives advice on staying safe and making wise choices. There is risk of infectious disease, so appropriate vaccination is essential.
Downtime
Participants will be able to travel independently during their time off, as long as they accept that they will be outside Oyster’s jurisdiction, make appropriate insurance provision and inform others. It is important to let staff know when you are due to return and keep them updated if your plans change.
Accessibility
This project could accommodate those with minor physical disabilities. Please discuss with destination manager before booking.
Financial Security
When you book with Oyster you can rest assured that your money will be protected and you will not be stranded abroad in the very unlikely event that our company becomes insolvent. If your booking includes a flight arranged by us, your whole trip will be subject to ATOL protection. If we have not booked your flight then your trip will be just as safe, since it will be insured through International Passenger Protection Ltd.