Intern­ship Abroad South Africa: Research in Nature Conser­va­tion

Our programme offers a wide range of services to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Included in the price are your place in the programme, assistance with travel planning, travel insurance, accommodation, and participation in all research activities and training programmes. Additionally, a weekly trip to the town for shopping is included. Meals are not provided, so you will need to organise your own. Before departure, you will also receive a risk coverage certificate and a detailed information pack to prepare you thoroughly for your journey.

Yes, you should be physically fit, as tasks often take place in the field. It is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand regarding vaccinations and health precautions for travelling to South Africa. Good English skills are also required, as communication and all training are conducted in English. It is important that you can adapt to different living conditions and feel comfortable in a remote environment. An interest in conservation efforts to protect our environment and a willingness to engage with ecosystem observation are also necessary.

Yes, definitely. Valid travel insurance is mandatory and must be arranged before departure. Additionally, some medical preparations may be necessary prior to travel. As we cannot provide professional medical advice, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor regarding required vaccinations, medications, or other health precautions. For more detailed information on health and safety, you can also visit the website of the Foreign Office.

It is recommended to bring weather-resistant clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, a mosquito net, and possibly a camera for documentation. Binoculars can also be useful for birdwatching. Please also bring a Type-M adapter. A detailed packing list will be provided to all volunteers after booking their place.

The duration of participation is 8 weeks. Longer on request in individual cases.

Yes, the minimum age for participation is 18 years. However, there is no upper age limit as long as health requirements are met.

Yes, there are some rules to follow, including adhering to working hours, respecting local culture and the environment, and securing accommodation to avoid attracting animals.

Yes, travel to Nature’s Valley is your own responsibility. You can fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to George and then book a rental car or transfer service to Nature’s Valley. The drive takes about 35 minutes. We are happy to assist you with arranging your travel.

Upon arrival, you’ll have time to settle into your accommodation and explore the surroundings. The following day, there will be an orientation session to familiarise you with the projects and the region.

The group size varies depending on the season and project phase, but typically consists of a maximum of 8 people. This size allows for personal attention and good teamwork.

During the internship, you will be involved in various tasks including data collection and analysis, wildlife behaviour studies both on land and in water, and the identification and management of wildlife using camera traps and other techniques. You will also participate in vegetation and freshwater studies, as well as coastal and marine research, including the rescue of stranded marine animals. Additionally, you will contribute to bird research and ringing projects, as well as efforts to promote biodiversity and sustainability in urban communities.

The accommodation is a cosy wooden house in the remote area of Nature’s Valley. It has shared dormitory-style rooms with other volunteers. The accommodation is simple but comfortable and provides all necessary amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, sanitation facilities, and communal areas for relaxation. The house is set in nature, surrounded by forest and just a short walk from the beach. Wi-Fi and a washing machine are available.

Yes, it is possible to be accommodated with a friend or partner. However, this should be indicated in advance during registration so that room arrangements can be made accordingly.

Meals are not provided, so you will need to shop and cook for yourself. A weekly trip to town for shopping is organised where you can buy all necessary groceries. The accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen for meal preparation. It’s a great opportunity to cook together with other participants and share experiences.

Since you will be preparing your own meals, you can easily eat vegetarian. Local supermarkets offer a good selection of fresh and vegetarian foods, allowing you to cater to your preferences and needs.

The primary language of the project is English. All training, briefings, and general communication among volunteers and the team will be in English. It is helpful to have good English skills to communicate effectively and participate fully in all activities.

In your free time, you can explore the stunning nature of Nature’s Valley, go hiking, birdwatching, or relax on the nearby beach. There are also opportunities for social activities with other volunteers, such as game nights or joint excursions.

On your days off, you can take various trips such as visiting the Tsitsikamma National Park, taking a canoe trip on the Storms River, or seeing the impressive Bloukrans Bridge. The region offers many outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and wildlife observation. A visit to nearby towns like Knysna or Plettenberg Bay is also possible. Note that there is no public transport, so renting a car is the best option.

Yes, there will always be a contact person on site to support you with any questions, issues, or emergencies and help you navigate the new environment.

Additional costs mainly include food, recreational activities, and personal expenses. There are ATMs in nearby towns where you can withdraw money in the local currency (Rand) using international bank cards. Most shops and restaurants also accept card payments.

The accommodation has Wi-Fi, so you can easily stay in touch with family and friends through WhatsApp, email, or video calls. The mobile network in the area is also well-developed, allowing you to be reachable by phone.

Nature’s Valley has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. In summer (November to March), temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. In winter (June to August), it can be cooler, with temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Rain occurs throughout the year, but sunshine is frequent.

You will have access to an emergency contact list and be part of a WhatsApp group to receive contact details for your group. There will always be a contact person on site. At the start of your stay, you will receive all necessary information to handle various situations in South Africa. There are also several medical clinics and doctors in Plettenberg Bay for emergencies.