Volunteer in Africa | Pathfinders

Volunteer Adventures details – Volunteering, Diving & Sailing – Adventure Travel & Volunteer in Mozambique

Location Vilanculous, Bazaruto – Mozambique (Beach/Sea) Expedition length 12 Days Age limit Minimum 17 years, unless accompanied by an adult Fitness required Minimum Expedition fee £ 695 US$ 1355

Diving & Sailing Volunteer Adventure Travel in Mozambique

Day 1: Arrive in Vilanculos. As you fly in to land in this coastal village you will be greeted with incredible sights of the Indian Ocean and tropical islands below. Palm trees will wave you in as you arrive. Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our base camp, which will be followed by orientation and familiarization. Settle in to your comfortable thatched bungalows at our beach camp and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 2 – 4: Guvuru River Canoe Experience. Leave our beach camp and our team will drive the group inland to the Guvuru river launch site where we will embark on our canoe experience that will take you through winding and beautiful inland African waterways for the next two days until we mouth out into the Indian Ocean where more of our project team will be on hand to meet you. The canoe trip involves camping on the banks of the river overnight, under the supervision of our experienced professional guides. Our project translator will also travel with the group and interpret when we stop off and visit with local villagers on some occasions. Your final night will be at Bartholomew Diaz Lodge at the mouth of the Indian Ocean where your canoe trip ends.

Day 5: Transfer back to Vilanculos. When you arrive back at our beach camp and have had refreshments you will have the chance to go into town and explore the vibrant local market, or hang out at one of the many tourist spots, playing volleyball or just socializing.

Day 6-7: Island dhow safari. Island after island, shimmering drops of white and green on a table of azure blue, Mozambique is with out doubt one of the last enchanted secrets of this modern world.  It’s unspoiled, untouched and unbelievably beautiful.

Day 8-9: Island diving experience (No diving experience necessary). Experienced instructors will guide you through your open-water or advanced diving certification and you will then spend some time exploring the Bazaruto Archipelago under their guidance.

Day 10-11: Community volunteering. This project is facilitated by our sister organisation African Impact, and has a very rural feel and involves various aspects of community work and development in and around the coastal town of Vilanculos. We support a number of different community development initiatives, mornings are spent at a village preschool and afternoons are rotated around various community projects involving rural home-building, orphan care work, skills development, adult literacy and others. The projects are always evolving so will be at different stages, volunteers should be prepared to be involved in a wide diversity of project work as things evolve and develop, all of which are moving the project towards a common goal.

As a result of the February 2007 Cyclone Favio which devastated this area, we were involved in the immediate post-cyclone relief work and have since been involved in local home-building for disadvantaged and disabled villagers which we are still continuing with.

Day 12: Depart Vilanculos. One of our project staff will take you to the airport.

Adventure activities

The Volunteering, Diving & Sailing – Adventure Travel & Volunteer in Mozambique includes the following adventure activities:

World Heritage Site, tropical waterways, traditional Arab sailing dhow and community volunteering projects in Vilanculous.

Included in your Volunteer Adventures cost

Wondering what is included in your Diving & Sailing tour? Check out the list below.

• Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as teaching materials, sports equipment, supplies, etc. as well as the development of the actual programme.
• Transfer from Vilanculos Airport to the project accommodation in town
• River exploration experience
• Island Dhow experience
• Two day diving experience in the Bazaruto Archipelago
• Orientation and introductions to project work upon your arrival
• All daily transportation whilst in Mozambique
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day
• Assistance in your projects by various staff and project managers

Excluded from your Volunteer Adventures cost

While planning your Volunteering, Diving & Sailing – Adventure Travel & Volunteer in Mozambique trip, take note of the following excludes:

• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement (expected to include cover for repatriation)
• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/Internet and telephone calls
• Soft drinks, wines and spirits
• All visas for border crossings
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary with us in Mozambique

Orientation & arrival

Upon your arrival in Mozambique your Pathfinders crew will give you a detailed introduction and orientation of what your Mozambique Experience entails.

Support

Throughout your Mozambique Experience you will have the support and guidance of our experienced coordinators and professional guides and instructors, who will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

Accommodation

You will be staying at our rural camp in rustic yet comfortable thatched bungalows, located on the beach. Facilities include a kitchen, lounge/dining area, garden area, braai/bbq area, volleyball court and pool deck.  Each bungalow consists of 2 twin bedrooms and a bathroom with toilet and shower.Members of our project team will be staying on the same property, so that they are always available to you for any questions or issues you may have. During the river expedition the group will be camping with all equipment and professional supervision provided.

Meals

Meals for the Diving & Sailing Volunteer Adventures are as follows:

You will be provided with three wholesome meals a day. 
Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals/porridge, toast, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be cooked for you by one of the crew. Note: Please advise us of any specific dietary requirements before you arrive! Please also remember that you will be on a rural placement and food will be quite simple, but plentiful and nutritious.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

How to get there

Participants to arrive in Vilanculous on the first Sunday of the month.

Popular search terms

Diving & Sailing, Volunteering, Diving & Sailing – Adventure Travel & Volunteer in Mozambique Mozambique , World Heritage Site, tropical waterways, traditional Arab sailing dhow and community volunteering projects in Vilanculous.

Article Source: http://www.pathfindersafrica.com/volunteer-adventures/diving-sailing/

Volunteer in Africa | Pathfinders

Pathfinders Africa offers a variety of wildlife courses in Africa. Our wildlife school offers nature conservation courses, field guide courses, wildlife management courses, wildlife photography courses and our most popular: the game ranger course. Africa is waiting for you to experience all she has to offer. We invite you to join us for one of our exciting Africa wildlife courses.

Choose from our range of Africa wildlife courses. From a 10-day introductory course to a 1-year wildlife management course.

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course – Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Increase your knowledge of the African bush and cultures as you explore the mighty Zambezi River by canoe, camping on the riverbanks and islands of this ancient river by night, surrounded by elephants and other wildlife, and paddling towards the Victoria Falls amongst the complex waterways by day. Your Bush Awareness course is led by professional guides at Hwange National Park and will introduce you to the idiosyncrasies of the African bush and give you a deeper understanding of the fragile relationships between man and beast. Walk with lions at our breeding and rehabilitation programme at Antelope Park in the Zimbabwe Midlands. You will spend your final week at a unique black rhino-breeding programme with the chance to work hands-on with these proud beasts.

Wildlife Courses details – Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river – Zimbabwe

Volunteer Adventures

• Africa Wildlife
• Bush and Beach
• Cape Town
• Diving & Sailing
• Wildlife & African Culture
• Zanzibar & Great Migration

Wildlife Courses

• Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course
• Field Guide Wildlife Course
• Game Ranger Course
• Trails Guide Course
• Wildlife Conservation Course
• Wildlife Photography Course

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Expedition Types

• Volunteer Adventures
• Wildlife Courses

Expedition Lengths

• Between 7 and 21 days
• Less than 7 days
• Longer than 21 days

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Increase your knowledge of the African bush and cultures as you explore the mighty Zambezi River by canoe, camping on the riverbanks and islands of this ancient river by night, surrounded by elephants and other wildlife, and paddling towards the Victoria Falls amongst the complex waterways by day. Your Bush Awareness course is led by professional guides at Hwange National Park and will introduce you to the idiosyncrasies of the African bush and give you a deeper understanding of the fragile relationships between man and beast. Walk with lions at our breeding and rehabilitation programme at Antelope Park in the Zimbabwe Midlands. You will spend your final week at a unique black rhino-breeding programme with the chance to work hands-on with these proud beasts.

Wildlife Courses details – Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river – Zimbabwe

Location Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe (Bush) Expedition length 23 days Age limit Minimum 17 years, unless accompanied by an adult Fitness required Minimum Expedition fee £ 1535 US$ 3065

Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course / Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river

Week 1: Pathfinders Zambezi River Canoe Experience

As you pioneer your way down the mighty Zambezi River in a canoe, your days will be filled with breathtaking sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a plethora of other wildlife.  Your evenings will be spent around the campfire enjoying the rush of the wild African night and stories from your professional guides.

Day One: Your drive into the Zambezi National Park will take approximately 2hrs from the Victoria Falls, 50km’s of it will be a game drive in an open vehicle.  On arrival at “Tsowa Camp” there will be an introduction, you will set up camp for the night, do a bush walk and a quiet evening will be spent around the campfire, on the banks of the Zambezi River and quite possibly in the presence of elephants, hippos and other wildlife.

Day Two: There will be an early morning nature walk followed by a wholesome bush breakfast. Your Guide will then give the group an in-depth safety talk and demonstration on how to paddle, and other vital information for your river navigation. The day will be spent canoeing downriver through grade one and two rapids (Sansimba Rapids), exploring channels, game viewing and animal identification. The night stop will be made at Impala Jenna Camp where the group will set up camp and enjoy dinner by campfire on the banks of the mighty Zambezi.

Day Three: Your third day will be spent paddling; navigating the river’s numerous channels, negotiating small rapids and fast currents – Your destination being the jungled and enchanting Chundu Island before you are caught up in the splendour of the sun setting over the silent river.

Day Four: Awaken to watch the sunrise.  We begin the final 18km stretch towards the Mighty Victoria Falls.  This paddle carries the group closer to the Falls, again with the chance to explore channels amongst beautiful islands. Return to the Victoria Falls town where the group will enjoy the extravaganza of a traditional African Meal at the infamous ‘Boma – place of eating’.

Days Five – Six: Your next two days will give you a chance to explore the mighty flowing waters that make up the World’s largest waterfall of the Victoria Falls, such as white water rafting, river cruises and bungee jumping. Elephant-back safaris, cultural African dinner extravaganzas, flights over the Victoria Falls and much more.

Week 2: Pathfinders Bush Awareness Course and Hwange National Park Conservation

From the Victoria Falls you will be transported 2 hours by road to our camp on the border of Hwange National Park. The world-famous Hwange National Park covers over 14,000 square kilometres and abounds in wildlife, including the Big 5. Hwange’s elephant population alone is in excess of 40,000. There are over 20,000 buffalo and approximately 300 lions as well as rhino and leopard.  Our Miombo volunteer camp is ideally placed right on the boundary of this park. ‘Customs, Culture and Bush Awareness Course’ will be oriented around preparing travellers to Africa for the onset of the customs and culture of Africa. It will introduce you to the flavours and tastes of the food; create awareness towards the sites and sounds of the bush… and instruct you on how to fully understand and appreciate the temperament of this tremendous continent.

Part of Week 3: Antelope Park (4 nights)

We have included this 4-night stop at our lion rehabilitation headquarters as a holiday section of your programme. You will be transferred from Hwange National Park to Antelope Park, which is a 6-hour trip by road. Antelope Park is the perfect place to relax after your time in the bush. Along with canoeing the river, horseback riding and game viewing, you will be able to:

• Walk alongside lions as part of the pride and enjoy the exhilaration of being part of a hunt as the young cubs learn to stalk their prey
• Visit younger lion cubs if there are any in camp at the time
• Experience the African bush in a very special way on this private reserve. Explore the savannah grasslands on horseback or whilst riding on African Elephants
• Have horse-riding lessons from our experienced guides

Rest of Week 3 & part of week 4: Imire Black Rhino Conservation Programme

From Antelope Park you will transfer through to Harare. In Harare you will be met by Reilly Travers and transferred 1.5hours by road to the conservancy where you will have the chance to experience the bush through Riley’s experienced professional guides’ eyes, as well as work hands-on with the Rhinos and Elephants that the conservancy is so proud of.Imire Safari Ranch is honoured to be the custodians of Zimbabwe’s black rhino. So far they have returned 10 rhino back to the Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe. As the rhino adjusted to their new environment, so they were released. The females have bred successfully within the Park and Imire’s black rhino project continues.

Adventure activities

The Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river includes the following adventure activities:

Included in your Wildlife Courses cost

Wondering what is included in your Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course tour? Check out the list below.

• Project fee, which entails financing which goes directly back into the projects that you are involved with. This project fee facilitates funding for items such as food for lions and elephants, radio tracking and collaring equipment
• One week Zambezi River canoe experience
• One week bush awareness and conservation experience in Hwange National Park
• All transfers for the duration of your expedition. Victoria Falls – Hwange – Antelope Park – Imire
• All airport pick-ups and drop-offs
• Boma Cultural Dinner Extravaganza in the Victoria Falls town
• Various wildlife activities at Antelope Park, including Lion walks, cub viewing, horse ride, elephant ride
• Assistance in your projects by various trained guides and staff during your stay
• Any wildlife education talks that take place during your trip and that you might wish to partake in
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at our respective Safari Camps
• Unlimited tea, coffee and juice throughout the day
• Laundry service during your stay
• Cleaning staff to attend to your room each day

Excluded from your Wildlife Courses cost

While planning your Big5 Wildlife Conservation in Hwange, Victoria Falls and Zambezi river trip, take note of the following excludes:

• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Flights to the Victoria Falls International Airport at trip start and departing from Harare International airport at trip end
• Email and telephone calls made during your placement (charged out at cost)
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Zimbabwe e.g. visiting the Victoria Falls; White Water Rafting; Bungee Jumping
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement which is expected to include cover for repatriation

Orientation & arrival

Upon arrival at each base camp you will be given a thorough orientation by our experienced guides/staff

Support

Throughout your Experience, you will have the full support and guidance of our coordinators and professional guides, who will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

Accommodation

Week 1 – Canoe Trip: Camping on the riverbanks and islands of the river in comfortable 2-man dome canvas tents.

Week 2 – Bush Awareness Course: You will be based at our beautifully situated volunteer base on the boundary of the National Park – Miombo Safari Lodge, in rustic yet comfortable rooms shared between 2 or 3 people.

Week 3 – Antelope Park: You will be staying in twin standard room accommodation overlooking the dam at the main camp.  You will use the shared camp ablutions. Your room will be cleaned daily by the housekeeping staff, and free use of the laundry service is available.

Rest of Week 3 & part of week 4 - Imire Black Rhino Conservation Programme: You will be staying in comfortable twin or triple room accommodation in a thatched volunteer farmhouse near a lake. Two communal sitting rooms with fire-places are where everyone meets in the evening to relax and talk about the days events.

Meals

Meals for the Big 5 Wildlife Conservation Course Wildlife Courses are as follows:

3 meals a day on the river canoe trip and at the respective Safari Camps.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

How to get there

Fly direct to Victoria Falls Airport from Johannesburg International Airport, where you will be met by a Pathfinders staff member on arrival.

Volunteer in Africa | Pathfinders

Please take note that health and travel vaccination information given below is intended to be used as a guide only. For confirmation on the vaccinations you’ll need for travelling to Africa, please consult your doctor or pharmacist before departing on your expedition.

Bear in mind that on all our expeditions, you’ll have round the clock support from Pathfinders for the duration of your placement, and you’ll be under the supervision of our Pathfinders expedition leaders in each destination. They are experienced in living in the African bush and so will be able to provide useful medical or general health advice.

In addition, staying in groups with your expedition leaders, eating a healthy diet and taking the necessary health precautions (as well as having all your travel vaccinations done before you leave) will reduce the risk of infection of most of the diseases outlined below.

Some of the more common diseases present in Africa are listed below, along with means of avoiding them through travel vaccinations i.e. immunisation, and medication.

Illness & Disease – Find out about holiday vaccinations and other health precautions you should take for travel to Africa.

Numerous illnesses and diseases are present throughout Africa and many of them have similar symptoms. With most serious diseases found in Africa, vaccinations have been developed as a form of protection. Some travel vaccinations can result in different side effects depending on the person, but if you’re planning on travel to Africa, you should always get specialist advice from your doctor or travel clinic. Many countries have clinics that specialise in tropical disease. If you are careful about hygiene when it comes to eating and drinking, the risk of contracting most prevalent diseases can be greatly reduced.

However careful you are though, you might still be susceptible to some form of stomach upset, which can be caused simply by the change in diet or climate, but these usually clear up within a few days.

AIDS/HIV in Africa

AIDS/HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are prevalent throughout Africa and it goes without saying that very strict precautions should always be taken.

Local health workers deal with AIDS victims regularly and, contrary to popular belief, they do realise the dangers involved in using unsterilised needles and in a town hospital or clinic you are unlikely to be at risk.

Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) in Africa

Bilharzia these days is curable but it is still advisable to take precautions. Some protection can be found by steering clear of still water pools, dams and some lower lying rivers, using an insect repellent such as DEET before swimming or paddling and drying yourself off thoroughly with a towel.
Cholera – For most African countries, cholera is a public health problem. It is a bacterial disease transmitted mainly through contamination of food and water, but human to human transmission is rare. If you are in an area where there is poor sanitation and hygiene, you should only drink pre-packaged drinks (in cans or bottled) with no ice. You should only use water that has been boiled. You should also avoid raw and undercooked fish or other seafood, vegetables and salads.

Diarrhoea & Sickness

For most people, a bout of traveller’s diarrhoea is inevitable while traveling in Africa. Diarrhoea can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal cramps. Most standard medical kits should include rehydration salts and temporary diarrhoea medication.

Hepatitis A in Africa

This is a viral infection of the liver that is passed on through poor personal hygiene, poor sanitation and intimate contact. In most cases, the disease is contracted by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food stuffs but it is possible to catch the disease by touching an infected object or from the hands of an infected individual with poor sanitation habits. The same advice should be taken of avoiding eating raw vegetables and poorly cooked fish, and boiling or sterilising all drinking water in order to reduce the likelihood of contracting the disease.

Hepatitis B in Africa

Hepatitis B is present throughout Africa, but it is only normally transmitted through blood and other body fluids and sexual contact. As a rule of thumb, the Hepatitis B vaccination will protect you but it is only necessary if you are likely to have medical treatment, including dental treatment using local facilities, or intend having sexual contact with residents which we do not recommend under any circumstances.
Typhoid – This is a bacteria found in contaminated food or water that is transmitted by humans usually by person-to-person contact. A vaccination for typhoid is recommended for all visitors to Africa.

Yellow Fever in Africa

Yellow Fever is passed on to humans by mosquitoes and it is advisable to have the vaccination if you intend to travel to Africa. If you have been to a country which contains incidents of Yellow Fever infections, most other countries in the world will require you to show an International Certificate of Vaccination as proof that you have had the yellow fever vaccination.

Malaria in Africa

Malaria is the most widely prevalent disease in Africa and in most African countries, preventative measures should be taken. Although it is impossible to protect yourself completely, you can reduce the risk of getting a serious bout of the disease that becomes life threatening.

Some form of preventative drugs (get the latest advice from your doctor/ pharmacist or a Tropical Diseases Hospital) should be taken to lower the risk of contracting malaria. You should cover exposed skin with clothes between dusk and dawn, use a mosquito repellent and mosquito net and avoid from still water and dark damp places. Malaria can take from a week to several months to incubate and symptoms can vary from headaches, flu-likes aches and pains to disorientation and high temperatures.

Vaccinations & Immunisations

Planning your travel vaccinations & immunisation should be done well before your trip’s departure date. Cholera and yellow fever vaccinations are compulsory in some African countries and you will need to have an International Certificate showing your immunisation against them. You should also consider having certain other travel vaccinations as a matter of preventing yourself from contracting them.

Yellow fever vaccination - Many countries in Africa will require you to show proof that you are immunized, especially if you are arriving from another infected area or country. Even if it is not mandatory, a yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to countries where yellow fever is a risk. The current Yellow Fever vaccine lasts for 10 years. Contact your physician or travel clinic for further details and latest advice.

Hepatitis A vaccination – Africa is a high-risk area for Hepatitis A. If you are visiting any country in Africa, it is therefore recommended that you get the travel vaccinations for it.
Tetanus – Immunisation is recommended for all travelers to Africa. Protection lasts for up to 10 years.

Typhoid vaccination – is present throughout Africa and therefore if you are planning travel to Africa, you should consider getting the vaccination. Two different typhoid vaccinations are available. Injectable Vi (single dose), lasts up to 3 years and is new to the market, while Oral typhoid capsules which require annual boosting.

Hepatitis B vaccination – Hepatitis B is only passed on through sexual contact or contact with contaminated blood, needles and syringes. A Hepatitis B injection is therefore only recommended if you plan to receive medical treatment abroad or anticipate having sexual contact with local inhabitants.

Personal Medical / First Aid Kit

While we bring well-equipped medical kits along on all our expeditions, if you are travelling overland in Africa and to remote regions in African countries, a small medical kit can be extremely useful.

The suggested contents should include Malaria tablets (get advice from your doctor or pharmacist), soluble aspirin, a course of antibiotics, re-hydration salts, plasters and bandages, potassium permanganate crystals, water purification tablets and other drying antiseptic, iodine and sunscreen. Other essential items include scissors, tweezers, a thermometer, and a torch are also essential items.

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