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Photography and Conservation
Volunteer Program
St. Lucia, South Africa
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Comments from our Volunteers |
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Volunteer Activities |
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Contribute to a photographic database documenting iSimangaliso Wetland Park |
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Take photos of elephants, rhinos, and other wild animals in their natural habitat |
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Teach local South Africans about the importance of conservation |
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Get involved in local conservation programs |
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Improve your photography skills through a course taught by an experienced wildlife photographer |
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Immerse yourself in local Zulu culture |
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| Volunteer Program at a Glance |
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Start Dates:
January 12th, February 9th, March 9th, April 6th, May 4th, June 1st, June 29th, July 27th, August 24th, September 21st, October 19th, November 16th.
Program Length:
4 weeks |
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Program Cost:
US $2755
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Cost includes:
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Airport pick-up and drop-off |
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3 day photography course |
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On-site orientation |
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All daily transportation to and from the program |
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Accommodations at volunteer house |
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3 meals per day |
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In-country support and program coordination |
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Volunteer donation to program |
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Requirements:
Enthusiasm for photography is essential. Photographic knowledge and experience is helpful, but not necessary. Volunteers will need to bring their own photographic equipment. |
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What Volunteers Can Do: |
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Volunteers in the South Africa Photography and Conservation Program will help to create a photographic database to document the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St. Lucia. The volunteer photographs will also be used to educate the local Zulu community about the importance of preserving indigenous plants and wildlife. Volunteers will attend a photography course taught by an experienced wildlife photographer to prepare for taking pictures of wild animals such as rhino, elephants, and possibly even leopards. |
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Why Volunteer in South Africa? |
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South Africa is known around the world for its unique landscapes, ecosystems, and animal species. Unfortunately, conservation often takes a backseat to the country's pressing social and political problems. Fortunately, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park has been established to protect an important stretch of land on South Africa's east coast, and has been declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Encompassing almost half a million acres, it is a stunning and ecologically diverse area where five different ecosystems join, including savannahs, wetlands, swamps, and beaches. The park also boasts a number of rare and exotic animal species, including lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. The local communities surrounding the park often lack environmental awareness and involvement in conservation programs, and can benefit greatly from volunteer efforts to educate about the importance of these issues. |
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St. Lucia Photography and Conservation Program Goals: |
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In order to preserve indigenous plant life and wildlife, it is essential to get local communities involved. What is lacking in the current educational curriculum is a detailed photographic database of the wildlife in the St. Lucia area. The goal of this program is to create a database which will be used for educational purposes. As a volunteer, you will contribute to this goal by taking photographs of as many wildlife species as possible. You will photograph large animals such as elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, as well as smaller creatures such as chameleons, insects, and some of the 521 bird species that call this World Heritage Site home. The best pictures will be included in our database. The program is a unique opportunity to encounter some of Africa's most beautiful animals on a daily basis, to improve your photography skills, as well as to contribute to conservation efforts. |
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Airport Pickup and Orientation: |
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Upon arrival in St. Lucia volunteers are picked up at the airport by program staff. Once at the program site, volunteers attend a comprehensive orientation program with the volunteer coordinators that will include: a 3-day wildlife photography course taught by an experienced wildlife photographer, an overview of the aims of the program and the role of volunteers, an introduction to St. Lucia and the surrounding area, and a basic Zulu language and culture course. |
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Transportation: |
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Airport pick-up and drop-off |
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Local transportation between the volunteer house and program locations |
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Accommodations: |
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You will stay at our large and comfortable program house situated in the middle of St. Lucia. It is a fully furnished house with a large lounge, satellite television, barbeque area, garden, and a swimming pool. The house is staffed with cooks and maids. Rooms are shared between 2 to 4 people. Volunteer staff will stay at the same property. Accommodations are available starting 2 days prior to the volunteer program. |
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Meals: |
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You will be provided with 3 meals a day, except Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch. |
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In-Country Support: |
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Throughout your placement you will have the support and guidance of our experienced volunteer coordinators. You will also be provided with 24-hour field support and assistance. |
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St. Lucia Excursions: |
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Excursions are not included in the volunteer program, but volunteers are encouraged to travel and explore during free time. The program coordinators and staff are available to assist you with making travel arrangements and reservations.
Recommended area excursions include:
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Game drives in the beautiful Hluhluwe and Umfolozi National Parks |
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Visits to the beach, and snorkeling at Cape Vidal |
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Whale, dolphin, and sea turtle viewing (seasonal) |
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Hippo and crocodile cruises on the St. Lucia Estuary |
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Weekend trips to the stunning Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kosi Bay, or Mozambique |
Excursion prices vary from US $20 to $300 |
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Insurance for Volunteers: |
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BridgeVolunteers provides emergency travel insurance for participants. For more information, please read our Insurance page. |
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