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Penguin Conservation
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Penguin Conservation

With opportunities to take part in regular boat release programs at Robben Island and exposure to a variety of local seabirds, SANCCOB is an immensely enjoyable and rewarding environment for nature lovers.

As well as learning about the life-cycle and conservation of the African Penguin, which is still an endangered species, you will also be very 'hands - on' as you are taught how to catch, hold, feed and tube feed these wonderful birds each with their own individual characters! You will care for the weak, the strong, the cheeky and the just plain daft and when the sun is high you will probably find yourself longing to join them in the pool too!

The centre is located on the banks of Flamingo Vlei with wonderful views of Table Mountain. The Vlei is also home to an amazing variety of water birds including resident Pelicans, Cormorants and a colony of Pink Flamingos. Close by are the popular beaches of Blouberg and Big Bay, famous for the 'postcard' views of Table Mountain.

This is a very special and rewarding experience that will suit reasonably fit nature lovers of all ages, though if you do have an aversion to fish or guano you may want to consider an alternative project!

You have two choices for accommodation;

AVIVA House in Table View is a secure home from home for our SANCCOB & Home of Hope volunteers with comfortable beds, 24/7 Internet access, a spacious lounge with a Satellite TV & DVD, a fully equipped kitchen, lockable cupboards and a large garden complete with a braai and a large swimming pool. Self-service breakfasts are also provided.

The Family Homestay option includes all your meals, daily transfers to and from SANCCOB and a laundry service. This family home also cares for approximately 70 rescued cats, and penguin chicks that are too young to be with the adult birds at SANCCOB. If you are not keen on, or are allergic to cats, we would strongly recommend that you take the AVIVA House option. This is also the only accommodation option available for volunteers aged under 18 years.

What's included?

  • Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
  • A comprehensive welcome brief from a member of the AVIVA team.
  • A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in and an opportunity to let your friends and family know you have arrived safely.
  • An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
  • A full-day Peninsula tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.
  • A half-day Cultural tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africa’s recent political history before and after Apartheid. Includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africa’s second largest township after Soweto.
  • A full-day tour to the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Wine tastings and lunch are included.
  • Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.
  • Our booking service for attractions, events and tours.
  • A donation to SANCCOB (payable by AVIVA).
  • A letter of reference from SANCCOB to accompany your Resume/CV
  • An attractive certificate recognising your contribution to SANCCOB.
  • If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night (AVIVA House option) or R150 (Homestay option). This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Cape Town before your planned arrival date.

...the AVIVA House option also includes:

  • Accommodation at AVIVA House in Table View.
  • Self-service breakfasts for the duration of your stay.

...the Family Homestay option also includes:

  • Family accommodation close to SANCCOB.
  • All of your meals.
  • Laundry Service.
  • Daily transfers to and from SANCCOB.
African Penguins with Table Mountain in background Table Mountain from Blouberg Beach close to SANCCOB Cleaning an oiled penguin Alex, Kim and Angela at SANCCOB Oiled penguins Teresa from the Czech Republic learns to feed the penguins Penguins in their natural habitat at Boulders Beach, one of the stops on your Peninsula Tour A Cape Cormorant observes penguins exercising in the pool Penguins enter the pool for their daily exercise period Volunteers administer fluids to weak penguins
To view a larger version of the photo gallery, click here.
This project is open to all applicants aged 16 years or older on arrival. 
A good understanding of English is required and reasonable physical fitness is recommended.
If you are under 18 you must select the Homestay option.
Placements are scheduled throughout the year with a minimum stay of 6 weeks - you can add increments of 2 weeks to extend your stay to a maximum of 12 weeks.
Staying at AVIVA House
May 23 2008Runs for 6 weeks
May 23 2008Runs for 8 weeks
May 23 2008Runs for 10 weeks
May 23 2008Runs for 12 weeks
June 6 2008Runs for 12 weeks
Click here to view more upcoming dates.
Staying at the Homestay
May 23 2008Runs for 6 weeks
May 23 2008Runs for 8 weeks
May 23 2008Runs for 10 weeks
May 23 2008Runs for 12 weeks
June 6 2008Runs for 12 weeks
Click here to view more upcoming dates.
See the summary at the bottom of this page or download the Penguin Conservation project sheet for more information on the wide range of activities and benefits included with this program. The detailed project sheet (in Adobe pdf format) is quite large and may take a minute or two to load...
When we have emailed you to confirm availabilty, you are welcome to pay your deposit by credit card, bank transfer or cheque to secure your placement - your balance only needs to reach us two weeks or more before you arrive in South Africa.
Staying at AVIVA House
DurationTotalDeposit
6 weeksR 11750 R 3000 
8 weeksR 15050 R 3000 
10 weeksR 18350 R 3000 
12 weeksR 21650 R 3000 
Staying at the Homestay
DurationTotalDeposit
6 weeksR 13050 R 3000 
8 weeksR 16550 R 3000 
10 weeksR 20050 R 3000 
12 weeksR 23550 R 3000 
All prices are quoted in South African Rands, please hover over the orange arrows to view prices in your own currency.
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