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Great White Shark and Whale Research and Conservation

Location South Africa
Start Date Every Monday
Duration
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The Project

Get up-close and personal with Great White Sharks in this unique conservation project focussed on researching the ocean’s greatest predator. South Africa’s Gansbaai coast, and the nearby Dyer Island reserve have the densest population of Great White Sharks in the world. This beautiful but much maligned creature has been hunted to near extinction, and the efforts of the marine biologists working on this projects are helping the world to better understand why it is important to save the species, and how it can be done. Changing perceptions from ‘man-eater’ to fascinating king of the seas is central to the project and volunteers work across both the research vessels and tour boats in support of the work carried out here. For 6 months of the year the area also forms a corridor for the migration of humpback and Southern Right whale, and marine researchers turn their focus to documenting the movement of these magnificent mammals.
Why the project needs you

Scientists believe that populations of Great White Sharks have declined in several areas by up to 90 percent over the last 40 to 100 years. Films like Jaws have turned public perception to fear the presence of sharks in the seas, when in truth fewer than 60 shark attacks occur each year, with less than 10 people in the world dying from their injuries in that time. Conversely, over 6.5 million sharks are killed by man every year, placing many species on the vulnerable and endangered list. Only education and a better understanding of their role in the marine ecosystem can turn the tide of interest and support for these creatures, and your help is invaluable.

Project Location

Gansbaai is a small town 3 hours east of Cape Town. Regularly considered a weekend-retreat fro Capetonians, the waters team with whales and sharks, that can often be seen very close to shore - and sunset whale-watching evenings are a favourite pastime for locals and visitors alike. The volunteer house is short walk from the harbour of Kleinsbaai, the suburb of Gansbaai where the project takes place. Evening can be spend relaxing after long, exhausting days, but volunteers also like to opt for visit the local bars and restaurants of the town.
Project Facts

• Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
• Cost: £1095 ($1916) for 2 weeks, £299 ($523) for every additional week
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Gansbaai, South Africa
• Project Activities: Assisting on tour boats
• Working hours: Monday to Friday 08.00-17.00
• Project availability: Project begins every Monday and is open all year round
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house at project. 1 night in single or twin room in Capetown
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Transfer from Capetown to Gansbaai
• Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided.
• Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinators
• Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities (activity price may be extra).
What is not included

• Food - volunteers will be provided daily transport to the local supermarket to pick up their own supplies. A kitchen in provided at your accommodation.
• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Your life outside the project

The small town of Ganbaai, 3 hours east of Cape Town is best renowned for the waters between the shore and Dyer Island, where the world’s highest density of Great White Sharks can be found. Visitors flock into the bay each morning to join the cruises on the bay. The Volunteer house is located on the outskirts of the town, in an area called Kleinsbaai, very close tot he project. Volunteers on this project tend to spend time after an exhausting day at wok relaxing in the volunteer house or visiting local bars and restaurants.
At weekends, there are countless trips available, from travel into Cape Town to visits to the local wine regions. Volunteers like to get together and organise excursions, and there is always plenty to do.
Ideas for Independent Travel

Kruger National Park

This is South Africa's largest game reserve and one of the oldest in Africa. The park is now part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The best time to go is during the dry season (May - September) when the plains are sparse and animals are easier to view.

Drakensburg Mountains

The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa, known as the barrier of spears is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous world heritage site. There are a number of adventure activities that you can do including rock or ice- climbing, abseiling, white water rafting or take a helicopter ride to view the Drakenberg mountains from above.

Surfing in South Africa

South Africa is renowned around the world for it's many surfing hotspots due to the mix of beautiful coastal scenery and high quality surf. There is a strong surfing culture and way of life that is very contagious due to the friendly people and their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Whether you are a novice or more experienced you will love surfing in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Especially great during the winter months of June, July, and August, surfers come here for a great ride and for the renowned blue flag beaches.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.