Roots of the Garden Route South Africa
Various projects around the coastline, wetlands, rivers and mountains of the Garden Route

4 - 12 weeks Age: 18+ From £1217 Contact Us Apply Now!

Location

Buffalo Bay in Sough Africa is less than 20km from the up-market town of Knysna where all amenities are available such as cash machines, medical support, shopping malls etc. There will be plenty of opportunity for volunteers to spend time shopping and exploring the quirky fast-developing town.

The nightlife in Knysna is varied and there is definitely something for everyone, from live bands, chilled clubs, posh restaurants, or you could visit the shebeen and party with the locals! It is also home to a number of festivals held annually such as the Knysna Oyster Festival, the Arts Festival and the Pink Loerie Festival

Climate - Knysna and the surrounding area has a Fynbos-Coastal Climate, we get rain throughout the year, hot summers- where temperatures reach 40 degrees celcius and mild winters, where snow can be seen on the Outeniqua Mountains occasionally.

Environment - The Garden Route is extremely rich in coastal and mountain forests, hills and valleys of fynbos, interlocked freshwater systems, salt marshes, turquoise estuaries and expansive white beaches. Knysna is known as the Gem of the Garden Route and if famous for it’s magnificent views and diverse surroundings.

Project Life

Week 1: Reforestation with the Rastafarians

• You will be working side by side with Maxie who is head of the Rastafarian Community. Leo and Paul are the two trail guides. They are all very knowledgeable, colourful, entertaining and warm people and are truly proud of their project, The River Trail.
• Kayalethu is the township situated on a north facing hill with incredible lagoon and forest views where the Rastafarian community live. Visiting Kayalethu is an eye opening experience, with its brightly painted, often “recycled” houses, narrow streets and vibey community. Cows, dogs and pigs wander across the streets where children play with home made wire cars, shop owners sit outside their shops on wooden crates, and the music is alive.
• Introduction of non-indigenous pine and gum trees to the area for the building and furniture industry, along with the growth of the townships, has decimated the natural fynbos and forests, and seriously threatened all the creatures that live there. The Rasta community is determined to reverse the damage by removing alien plants, replacing indigenous flora and so draw back indigenous animal species, sun birds and small duiker. Through their efforts they are creating a sense of pride and responsibility in the townships and volunteers to this program will make friends for life!

Week 2: Coastal & Forest Wildlife Monitoring:

• The Garden Route is true to its name and is famous for its diversity and beauty with spectacular scenery and a mild climate. It has a pristine coastline, huge wetlands, and rivers, mountains crowded close to the shoreline, tall indigenous forests, vividly coloured wild flowers, proteas, pincushions and the unique fynbos. The bird life is prolific. It is one of South Africa's Prime destinations and has a high rate of development. Unfortunately this puts a huge amount of pressure on the natural habitat and species of the area.
• We work in conjunction with the National Parks and Endangered Wildlife Trust to monitor various rare or endangered species. Volunteers work with zoologists and researchers in an interesting variety of wildlife monitoring projects and spend a great deal of time in the enchanting natural forests, on white beaches and dunes and near the amber coloured mountain rivers.

Week 3: Workshops with Local Kids

• Workshops – Make Learning Fun: You will be involved in an exciting program for groups of kids of all ages in local schools, and will be given all the support you need in order to feel capable and confident. A team leader runs the workshop and each volunteer goes through a list of activities with groups of between 5-10 kids. This is very informal and the emphasis is on nature appreciation and biodiversity awareness. Activities will include observing little nocturnal animals, and the beautiful bright green Knysna Loerie. There are workshops on insects, the structure of plants, the relationship between ants and the Brenton Blue butterfly, and learning about the tiny endangered Knysna Lagoon seahorse! The kids love the interaction with volunteers in a relaxed and fun environment.
• Underprivileged Children – Seeing things differently : Once a week our team visits underprivileged kids who live and work on the streets or in an orphanage. We spend the day with them, and through our conservation program we hope to strengthen their self esteem and give them a sense of purpose and direction in their lives. Every bit of attention or involvement you give them will have a hugely positive impact on their lives for a long time to come! Taking them on hikes, watching nature videos with them or tending to their garden at the centre, are all part of the program. They too love the interaction with volunteers - their response and enthusiasm is so rewarding, and so are their eager smiles, warm and laughter!

Week 4: Community Work

• Our policy is to involve the community as much as we can in whatever we do, and this requires giving a little back to them where we can, and where it is needed.
• The charity organization we have chosen is an Orphanage. It is not big, nor well furnished, but it is understaffed. The permanent staff takes care of all the babies and children with great love and dedication. We offer our help in the form of labour – and will do whatever is required to maintain the Orphanage, to help prepare the children's meals, to bath the babies, or to simply be there to hold them and play with them. It is an awesome experience although it is hard work! These children thrive on love and attention and give so much back with their smiles and playful antics.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation
There will be very little ‘roughing it' on this project. We place volunteers in fantastic backpackers quite literally on the beach! Buffalo Bay Backpackers (BBB) is located next to a marine reserve and close to Buffalo Bay Beach which is the most popular surfing beach in the area.

Meals
3 meals a day provided. We can cater for specific meal requirements if informed prior to your arrival.

Dates and Duration

Flights and Transportation

• International flights are not included
• Please arrange your flight to arrive at – George airport.

The easiest way to get to Knysna is to fly into Johannesburg and catch a connecting flight to George. Alternatively you can fly into Cape Town but the connecting flights into George are less frequent. We recommend that you check the availability of flights into George before confirming your international flight as you may find that none are available and you may end up staying over in Johannesburg.

Safety and Insurance

• All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
• 24 hour support is provided by our local partner.
• Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.

Eligibility and Skills Required

• Minimum age 18 yrs
• A positive attitude, plenty of enthusiasm and energy.
• Applicants should have an interest in new cultures & the environment as well as working with communities in a third world country.
• We realize that each volunteer that joins us has different skills and varying specialties to offer. Should you feel that you can contribute beyond our itinerary, please inform us so we can use your skills accordingly

Contributions

• 4 weeks: £1217
• Each extra week: £280