WELCOME TO ALL OUT AFRICA! W elcome to your All Out Africa Volunteer Handbook & Guide. Going traveling will be an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You will learn, discover, grow, get active, make friends, take in nature, explore wildlife, immerse yourself in new cultures, get your adrenaline pumping and you will never be the same again! All Out Africa is made up of a group of companies based in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Botswana. We cater to people of all ages and backgrounds, looking for a wide variety of African experiences, from tours, volunteering, research and internships. Our goal is to share our passion for southern Africa s people, places and wildlife with the world and offer adventures that change lives. TOUR Want to see as much as possible whilst you are visiting Southern Africa? Whether you want to dive amongst Whale Sharks in the Indian Ocean, or ride in a open-air safari truck through Kruger National Park, All Out Africa Tours will give you an adventure of a lifetime. VOLUNTEER Our volunteers experience Southern Africa, it s people and culture more than OUR BRANDS any ordinary tourist. They work along side members of the community to build shelters, teach classes or learn a new game-- this experience is sure to give back as much as our volunteers put in. Combined with our adventure tours division, we also offer in-house adventure tours combined with volunteer and intern experiences; giving us totally unique products and the opportunity for clients to both give back and have a holiday. LEARN NEW this year, All Out Africa has taken learning to new levels! Step out of the classroom, and gain some exciting skills in your field, whilst living in southern Africa! Our Savannah Research Centre and Marine Research Center are perfect partners for university students and groups looking gain field training from the African Ecosystem. African Responsible Tourism Award GOLD Winner 2017 Over the last 12 years All Out Africa has enabled 500 international volunteers to contribute meaningfully to conservation through data collection and supported and trained over 100 local students in field-based conservation and ecological research, With activities in Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa they have supported the education of 15 local students at MSC level & more than 1000 undergraduate students from both local and international universities. DONATE All Out Africa is serious about our community. That is why we set up our Foundation to help us expand and sustain our projects from community development, childcare to Conservation. Our projects have received international recognition for their good work, including 60 scientific publications! Global Youth Travel Awards Finalist 2017 Judges were particularly impressed by AOA s socialentrepreneur approach to solving the problem of insufficient ecological information and capacity to enable successful conservation.
ALL ABOUT SWAZILAND WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM! Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, but also one of the most interesting with lots of fun and adventure. Swaziland is a microcosm of Africa with strong traditions, vibrant cultural festivals and friendly laid-back people. It is a country of scenic beauty and huge possibilities being located between South Africa and Mozambique and having relatively well developed infrastructure and a peaceful history and reputation. OUR WORK IN SWAZILAND Despite its stable history and peaceful reputation, Swaziland has the world s highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate which has taken its toll on the population leaving many children orphaned or vulnerable. It also has an unemployment rate of about 30% which rises to over 50% among the youth. These factors combine leading to approximately 63% of the population living below the poverty line. Young people in particular are increasingly becoming vulnerable to poverty; around 31% of children in Swaziland experience health challenges due to malnutrition, and on average children attend school for just seven years. Many of Swaziland s children have lost their parents and thus face food shortages, lack of adequate shelter and care, and most of all lack of attention and love. Our work here involves creating a brighter future for orphaned and vulnerable children and supporting local business and economic empowerment. We particularly focus on six Neighborhood Care Points (NCPs) where basic education, life skills and two meals a day are provided to vulnerable pre-school children. CULTURE & HISTORY Swaziland is Africa s last remaining true monarchy and UE IQ MB ZA MO SWAZILAND > H SOUTICA AFR in its unique laid-back way is steeped in Swazi culture and tradition. It is a scenic, hilly Kingdom with a friendly age-old way of life that captures the heart of anyone who takes the time to experience it. Swaziland has a rich culture and heritage, as well as some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. King Mswati III is the current King of Swaziland and head of the Swazi Royal Family. He was crowned King of Swaziland on 25 April 1986 at the age of 18, thus becoming the youngest ruling monarch at the time in the world. Together with his mother Ntfombi Tfwala, now Queen Mother, he rules the country as an absolute monarch. Swaziland s rich variety of landscapes and habitats gives it a profusion of fauna and flora, with the sheer number of species being mind-boggling by most European standards. The country is not large enough to offer lots of big game experiences, but it has some 17 protected areas which are home to a very wide range of species, including the sought after Big 5. You will be working in the rural areas of Swaziland, where modesty will be an important factor to remember as you work with local people. Making sure you dress appropriately will be important to gaining the respect of your partners. More information about the dress code will follow in the pre-flight guide. SWAZILAND WEATHER December is the hottest month in Ezluwini Valley with an average temperature of 32 C (90 F) and the coldest is July at 9 C (48 F) with the most daily sunshine hours in December. The wettest month is October with an average of 250mm of rain.
KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND SAVANNAH CONSERVATION As a volunteer you will experience hands-on field research relevant to the Conservation of savannah ecosystems in Africa. Join us and study birds, reptiles, ungulates, rodents, small predators, bats, vegetation and a variety of other plant and animal life in one of southern Africa s most unique Conservation areas within a global biodiversity hotspot. Investigate the interface among protected areas, rural communities and commercial agriculture in Swaziland s Lubombo Conservancy while based in the private Mbuluzi Game Reserve and also working in neighbouring Hlane Royal National Park and Mlawula Nature Reserve. Although savannah s are well represented in African Conservation areas, they are subjected to increasing degradation as a result of human influences through land use and climate change. Though well known for large charismatic game such as elephants, rhinos and lions, there are a variety of smaller species that are threatened and are arguably more important to the functioning of savannah s. Although this project is based in areas containing big game, our research activities are focused on a large variety of fauna and flora including birds, ungulates, small predators, rodents, reptiles, bats and vegetation. You can be involved in biodiversity monitoring, radio telemetry movement studies, small mammal trapping, mist netting to gain valuable field experience. ACCOMMODATION & MEALS During your stay you will be accommodated at the Savannah Research Centre located in the Mbuluzi Game Reserve*. Accommodation will be in 2-man tents, fitted with mattresses and pillows. Three meals a day will also be provided, some on a self-serve basis and others cooked for you. *Depending on availability, you may be placed a satellite research camp within a partner Game Reserve, and not at the main Savannah Research Centre in Mbuluzi. Please inquire for more information. PROJECT START DATES Arrival day for this project is the first Monday of the month throughout the year, with the exception of November & December when the project is closed. (Please ensure that your flight arrives BEFORE 1:00 pm) INCLUDED IN THE COST Comprehensive 24 hour, 7 day a week support from All Out Africa Research projects specifically designed to enable you to make an active contribution during your stay Developing research and field techniques which support any additional assistance which may be required 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 VOLUNTEER ROLE 2017 ARTA WINNER! 2017 GYTA FINALIST! The research may involve weighing, measuring, tagging and banding young birds (especially raptors), bats and reptiles (lizards and tortoises) to monitor their condition and enable the study of their population dynamics and dispersal. It also may involve fitting radio-transmitters to track the animals to determine their home range, distribution and movements. Some of the activities you will get involved in may include: Biodiversity monitoring Seasonal Savannah systems are under constant threat from human activities resulting in
biodiversity losses, shrub encroachment and pollution. Understanding and monitoring trends in plant and animal habitat use and population dynamics are critical in combating savannah loss and degradation. We use birds counts, acoustic bat monitoring, small mammal trapping, vegetation surveys and camera traps to investigate environmental change. Leopard tortoises Tortoises are being radio-tracked to better understand how they move though the landscape. We are looking at how changes in vegetation communities and different boundary types affect home range size and movement patterns. Helmeted guineafowl - One of only two species of guineafowl, little is known about how agriculture affects their habitat use and breeding success. Using GPS and radio-tracking technology in addition to nest monitoring, we are gathering valuable data on this important species. * Please note that the activities listed above are based on availbility and may vary by season. These are samples of activities that are volunteers are likely to participate in. WHERE YOUR PROJECT FEE GOES By signing up with us you are donating your time and skills to work directly with communities in need through a structured project. There are many benefits of volunteering through an organization like ours. Sometimes it is hard to find projects to support in a foreign country that are safe, worthwhile, and reputable. When you sign-up for one of our projects for 2 or 12 weeks, you become part of a bigger, sustainable plan that our team of qualified staff have carefully crafted. You will also receive travel and visa support, orientation, a safe place to stay, logistical support, in addition to clear expectations of the work you will do. This is why we charge a fee for volunteering or interning abroad. Your project fee goes towards a company you can trust, an experience that is worthwhile and an opportunity that will make a positive and sustainable impact on the community you have chosen to serve. DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER RESEARCHER 7:00 Wake up to see the sunshine and get yourself started for the day with hearty breakfast! 8:00 Travel to your placement and get ready to begin your day 8:30 Participate in your chosen project 13:00 Time to either return to your accommodation for lunch, or eat the packed lunch you made that morning! 14:00 Begin your afternoon s work with a full stomach and enthusiasm this may involve returning to your morning activities, conducting other research or mountain bike game cycles through the reserve 16:30 Return back to your accommodation, time to shower off the dust and share your day s adventures with other volunteers! RESERVE YOUR GROUP WITH A 10% DEPOSIT! 8 Weeks Starting At $2250 *Prices listed in US Dollar. For special prices, group rates or custom placements please email for a custom quote. ITINERARY FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE Day 1 Fly into OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg where you will be met by All Out Africa staff members who will transfer you by road from Johannesburg to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Day 2 The second day begins with an informative presentation that will brief you on all you need to know about the culture and country, how to effectively contribute during your volunteer experience. Day 3 The third day begins with an early start as you are transferred to our Savannah Research Centre in the east of Swaziland in Mbuluzi Game Reserve. Here you will meet your knowledgeable research coordinators and will receive a thorough orientation to life at the camp and the research activities. Day 4-5 and other weekdays for the duration of your stay. You will spend these days assisting with research and Conservation activities. For 4 Week Option Day 29 Return Home Sadly all great adventures must come to an end and on your final day you will leave the backpacker lodge in Swaziland and transfer by road to Johannesburg. Airport transfer is included and facilitated by All Out Africa if on the designated departure day. For 4 Week+ Option Day 29 Onwards Continue with your volunteer project as described in days 3-5, giving you more time to contribute to your project. NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE Local transport fares to your projects Medical/Travel insurance All flights & visas
KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND WHERE WILL I STAY FOR SAVANNAH CONSERVATION? The Savannah Research Centre (SRC) hosts our Conservation work and team and is located in the Lubombo Area of Eastern Swaziland, within Mbuluzi Nature Reserve. The camp has semi-permanent tents with mattresses and pillows, but your own sleeping bag is required. The reserve has no lion, elephant or rhino, making it a relatively safe environment to explore on foot or by bike! Flush toilets and hot showers are on-site, and there is limited electricity provided by a solar power and a generator. Lanterns are provided although a headlight or torch is still very useful to bring. The camp also has a house with an area for lectures/study, a kitchen and deck area to relax and an awesome campfire MEALS Volunteers, interns and students receive 3 meals a day when joining an All Out Africa experience. These meals are provided at the SRC and are eaten together on the communal decking area. Breakfast is self-service from a selection of items including cereals, bread, fruit, yogurt, eggs and spreads. Lunch too is self-service from items such as bread, ham, cheese, salad and fruits. Dinner is a cooked meal which clients may assist with cooking on a rotational basis. Types of dishes served include pasta, stir-fry, braai (BBQ) and stew. Vegetarians and most food allergies can be catered for. In order to fully support you during your experience, please advise us at time of booking if you have any food allergies or preferences, so we can cater for these in our meal plans. We will do our best but be prepared your food selection may not be as varied as other participants. If your food allergies/preference are quite restrictive, we may require you to pay an additional fee to allow us to cater for you. *Accommodation for this project is based on availability. During peak season, it is possible that Savannah Conservation volunteers may be placed at a satellite research camp within a partner Game Reserve.
PROGRAM FEE S & DURATIONS 2018 ADVENTURE TOURS 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 MOZAMBIQUE & VOLUNTEERING - - $2094 $2314 $2534 $2840 $3243 $3646 KRUGER TO COAST MARINE RESEARCH & WHALE SHARK CONSERVATION KRUGER & VOLUNTEERING $1527 $1761 $1943 $2163 $2383 $2684 $3087 $3490 Sports, Child Care OR Building - - $2502 $2722 $2942 $3259 $3662 $4065 +Add Diving Certification - - $2802 $3021 $3241 $3681 $4121 $4560 MARINE RESEARCH & KRUGER - - $3803 $4023 - - - - KRUGER TO CAPE - - - - - $4273 - $5138 SWAZILAND 2 3 4 6 8 10 SOUTH AFRICA 3 4 6 8 10 12 MOZAMBIQUE 2 3 4 6 8 10 EXTRA 4 INCLUDING DIVE COURSE - $2650 $3022 $4043 $4646 $5564 $2084 QUALIFIED DIVERS EXTRA 4 CHILD CARE - - $1535 $1975 $2266 $2669 $911 TEACHING - - $1535 $1975 $2266 $2669 $911 BUILD A FUTURE $1127 $1362 $1535 $1975 $2266 $2669 $911 SPORTS DEVELOPMENT $1127 $1362 $1535 $1975 $2266 $2669 $911 SAVANNAH CONSERVATION $1940 $2350 $2593 $3331 $3623 $4251 $1530 INTERNSHIP PROJECT - - $1535 $1975 $2266 $2669 $911 EXTRA 4 CHILD CARE $1312 $1482 $1914 $2197 $2593 $2989 $896 TEACHING & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT $1312 $1482 $1914 $2197 $2593 $2989 $896 SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES $1312 $1482 $1914 $2197 $2593 $2989 $896 INTERNSHIP PROJECT - $1482 $1914 $2197 $2593 $2989 $896 $1890 $2444 $2817 $3837 $4440 $5368 $2084 CHILD CARE - $1758 $1902 $2466 $2642 $3111 $1169 MARINE RESEARCH & CHILD CARE - - - $3672 $4209 $5016 $1657 MARINE INTERNSHIP PROJECT (DIVE COURSE NOT INCLUDED) - - $2817 $3837 $4440 $5368 $2084 * Custom durations, project combinations and group rates are available upon request. Please email any inquires to bookings@alloutafrica.com
BOOKING FORM We are excited to meet you in person, so let s get you booked! Please complete this form and return it to your representative OR bookings@alloutafrica.com. Let us know if you have any questions along the way! FULL NAME NATIONALITY PASSPORT NO. DATE OF BIRTH (DAY/MONTH/YEAR) TELEPHONE NUMBER EMERGENCY CONTACT (RELATIONSHIP/NAME/CONTACT NUMBER) EMAIL ADDRESS * When you book your flights, please send complete flight details (time, date, flight number etc) to bookings@alloutafrica.com PROJECT NAME DURATION () ARRIVAL MONTH CHOSEN METHOD OF PAYMENT (CIRCLE ONE) WIRE TRANSFER CREDIT CARD QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE HOBBIES WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR JOINING OUR PROGRAM? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALL OUT AFRICA? HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN BEING A GUEST WRITER FOR OUR BLOG? Join our Facebook community to find other volunteers, ask questions and get ready for the adventure of your life! www.facebook.com/groups/aoavolunteercommunity/