Marine Conservation & Kruger Volunteer Program

As a volunteer on the Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Project you will help carry out the marine research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of our co-ordinating project scientists. You will join other volunteers on the project to collect the data via scuba dives, ocean safaris, and beach walks off the coastline of Tofo in Mozambique. You can expect an excellent diving, snorkelling and beach experience whilst gaining first hand marine research skills and contributing to a worthwhile project.

You will help on a multitude of research projects, which include: monitoring of whale shark numbers, behaviour and ecology and taking underwater identification photographs; monitoring the condition of coral reefs and indicator species of reef fish. You will also be trained to take ID photos of manta rays and other threatened marine species to aid population assessment and monitoring. At certain times of the year you will help survey humpback whale numbers and turtle nesting activity as well as other indicators of the health of marine biodiversity. You will conduct beach clean-ups and other general environmental activities, and will help upload and analyse the field data. 

After your volunteer experience you will travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland and have a few days to explore its mountainous beauty and culture, before heading to the world famous Kruger National Park on your five day camping safari to spot big game.

Highlights

The highlights of this incredible experience include:

• Snorkelling with the world’s largest fish – whalesharks
• Learning about the diverse species and megafauna, and contributing to their conservation
• Learning to dive and experiencing the magic of the underwater world
• Observing the migration of magnificent hump back whales
• Gaining hands-on experience of marine research techniques and analysis
• Safari in Kruger National Park in search of Africa’s famous Big five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino
• Sunset/night drive in Kruger, a great time to spot the large cats

Optional extras

You can also add one of the following to your adventure of a lifetime prior to or upon arrival:

• A sunset horse ride, surfing or yoga lessons on beautiful Tofo beach
• Cultural village tour in Swaziland, learn about the history, cultural beliefs and experience a life in a local village
• Bush walk in Kruger, to see some of the smaller creatures that reside in Kruger up close and personal

Included in the cost

• Comprehensive 24 hour, 7 day a week support from All Out Africa
• Volunteer projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay
• An internationally recognised dive qualification (not included for 2 week volunteers)
• Research dives and ocean safari’s to collect data
• Support of volunteer project coordinators who are experts in their fields which ensures the volunteer experience is valuable
• Comprehensive orientation to the country, its culture and your role as a volunteer upon arrival
• All food and accommodation throughout your stay
• Tour guide for the duration of your tours, imparting their expert local knowledge and spotting lions in Kruger
• Donation to our non-for-profit foundation which supports our humanitarian and  community and conservation activities

Volunteer role

The product involves conducting multiple types of research with different species. The following is a summary of the type of research and conservation activities you may be involved with. Some of the activities are conducted at specific times of the year whilst others are conducted all year round. Scuba dives and ocean safaris are accompanied by our co-ordinating project scientists to assist with data collection

In order to carry out many of these activities you will need to be able or willing to learn to scuba dive. An open or advanced internationally recognized diving course is provided in the cost of the program to facilitate this (not included in the two week option).

You will also need to be a capable swimmer (able to swim 100m unassisted) and snorkeler. Being able to hold your breath to dive down would be an advantage but is not required.