1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. africa

Elephant
Conservation &
Environmental
Restoration
South Africa
Volunteering-done
right!
Page 1
About Us
Why choose to volunteer
on this programme?
EDGE of AFRICA combines a visit to breath-taking
Africa with a life-changing volunteer experience.
EDGE of AFRICA started making a direct positive
impact on the lives of underprivileged South Africans
and the country’s environment in 2007, since then
EDGE of AFRICA branches have also been opened in
Madagascar and Zimbabwe. Our award winning,
organisation has continued to grow from strength to
strength and now boasts the involvement of
volunteers from over 30 different nations globally.
 Make a tangible difference to
sustainable conservation
projects
 Educate local people about
nature and conservation
 Gain new skills and enhance
your employability
 It is a life changing experience
Who should apply?
About our Elephant Conservation
& Environmental Restoration
Programme
Specific qualifications are not required,
although this Initiative would definitely be of
interest to and benefit those studying or
working in the field of conservation.
You will have the opportunity to make a real and
tangible difference to sustainable conservation
projects. Not only will you work hands on with
meaningful local conservation projects but you will
also participate in educating the wider community
about conservation and nature – as well as learning
a great deal yourself!
Volunteers need to have a passion for
conservation and nature and a love for working
with the community. Volunteers need to be
hard working, mature, motivated and able to
show initiative. Good health and physical
fitness are also required. Volunteers also need
to be confident with speaking English.
You will be exposed to all aspects of conservation.
You will assist with a variety of conservation
projects, including assisting at an Elephant
Sanctuary; working on environmental restoration
projects; assisting with a recycling exchange
incentive scheme for children; experiencing one of
South Africa’s most famous National Parks (4
week placements only); and educating the
community about conservation and nature.
Page 2
Comfort level
Comfortable
You will have access to all amenities
including running water, electricity. Most
bankcards work at local banks (VISA,
MasterCard, AMEX) and you will have access
to the Internet. You will also find that you
can purchase almost anything at local shops.
Elephant Conservation &
Environmental Restoration
Much of Africa’s elephant population resides in
restricted areas or in semi-captive situations. You can
help provide a safe haven for rescued elephants by
assisting with the upkeep of a local sanctuary and
contribute to on-going behavioural research
South Africa is home to diverse and beautiful habitats
ranging from expansive wetlands to lush indigenous
forests and stunning coastal areas. Help us to protect
and restore these habitats whilst working in some of
the world’s most beautiful areas
Typical Weekly Schedule
Saturday
Arrival & Orientation
Sunday
Time off to recover from jet lag and explore the
area
Orientation & Training/Conservation Workshop
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Recommended for those who enjoy
having access to restaurants and
shops as well as daily communication
with friends and family at home.
“I have had an amazing
experience that I will never
forget! I never thought I would be
able to get so close to the
elephants!”
Fiona C, United Kingdom, Elephant
Conservation
&
Environmental
Restoration.
Elephant Sanctuary
Environmental Restoration
/Recycling Swop Shop
Elephant Sanctuary
Environmental Restoration
Optional Excursion
*Timetables may vary depending on your arrival day and time of year.
Page 3
Knysna,
South Africa
concentration of Wild Elephants in the
world (we visit Addo approximately once a
month and you can join us!)
 You can fly into Cape Town, and spend a
few days exploring the city before hopping
on the Bus and coming to Knysna, seeing
more of the Western Cape on your way
(this is FREE for all Knysna Volunteers!).
 You can combine any of our Knysna
initiatives and have a full, unique
volunteering experience
Knysna- South Africa’s
favourite town!
 We have some of the most picturesque
beaches, lagoons and forests that South
Africa has to offer
You will be part of a very close-knit
community that will welcome you to the
growing volunteer family
 Our community is much safer than some of
the larger townships in bigger cities, with
many friendly locals who know and care
about the EDGE of AFRICA volunteers
 Knysna town is full of restaurants and
coffee shops, as well as a small waterfront
with great shops
 The area offers every activity you can think
of, from beautiful hikes, boat trips, animal
experiences and for the more adventurous,
is close to the highest bridge bungee jump
in the world!
 Knysna is only a 4 hour’s drive to Addo
National Park; home to the highest
Available Add-Ons
 Cape Peninsular Tour
 Cape Winelands Tour
 Cape Town City Sightseeing Tour
 Addo National Park 3 day Trip
 Day Excursions in the Knysna Area
Page 4
Accommodation
The Knysna volunteer house is basic but comfortable
and cleaned daily by our hardworking House
Manager. It is full of character and has spectacular
views over the mountains.
Facilities Include:







Hot Water Showers & Electricity
Communal Kitchen
Communal Lounge Area with TV/DVD Player
Comfortable Dorm Style Sleeping Arrangements
Unlimited Wi-Fi and computer access
Outdoor braai (barbeque) area & Hammocks
Private & Family Rooms Available on Request
Arrival and
Departure
Information
On departure, your project coordinator will
transport you to the airport and/ or assist with any
further travel arrangements. If you are travelling
further through Africa we are more than happy to
provide any advice or support in planning your
onward journey.
Please ask EDGE of AFRICA for
confirmation of arrival and departure
dates before booking your flights!
We will provide you with a comprehensive PreDeparture pack when you confirm your booking
with us that will outline all our recommendations
for flights, packing and in-country advice.
EDGE of AFRICA has a global travel services partner
that can assist with all your travel plans including
offering a best price guarantee on flights! If you
are flying into Cape Town, we can assist with
organising your Cape Town stay including
accommodation and tours.
You will either need to fly into Johannesburg or
Cape Town and catch a connecting flight to
GEORGE (GRJ). It is our nearest airport. You can
also get the BAZ BUS from Cape Town which is a
good way to see the area if you have time before
your arrival date. If you decide to arrive into Cape
Town, a bus ticket is included FREE of charge and
we can help book this for you.
Page 5
Get Started!
What’s Included?
1. Ask us for a Booking Form and we will email it
 All project operating costs, equipment, tools
and resources
 Return Bus Ticket from Cape Town to Knysna
 Pick up & drop off from arrival points
(George/ Knysna)
 24/7 emergency support
 Orientation & Training
 Accommodation in our Volunteer House
 3 Meals a day
 Project Related Transport
 Project T-shirts
 Dedicated coordinators to assist you daily
 Project support and feedback sessions
throughout your stay
 Assistance with optional activities and tours
 Assistance obtaining a local SIM Card for your
phone
 Additional cultural and outdoor activities on
Friday afternoons (and some evenings)
 Free, unlimited Wi-Fi and computer access in
the volunteer house
 Post-project involvement, and an exclusive
return volunteer discount
to you. You then need to fill it out and send it back
to us.
2. You need to make sure that you confirm the exact
arrival/departure dates with EDGE of AFRICA
before you book your flights.
3. Once we have received your 25% deposit we will
send you a pre-departure form which you need to
fill out (with all your flight details, food
requirements etc.). We will also send you a predeparture information pack detailing everything
you need to know about your trip.
4. You
may have to fill in some confidentiality
agreements and indemnities before your arrival
depending on your project.
5. Full payment is due 14 working days before your
arrival.
We're also on all the main social media
channels, including:
Facebook : www.facebook.com/EDGEofAFRICA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/EDGEofAFRICA
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/edgeofafrica
Please sign up and follow us!
Contact Details
Office: +27 (0)44 3820122
Fax: +27 (0)86 615 1857
E-mail: [email protected]
Page 6
Address: EDGE of AFRICA - Suite 88
Private Bag X31 - Knysna – 6570, South Africa.