Volunteering in South Africa

4-day Kruger Tour - Special Offer

2009-08-20T10:11:00.002+02:00

Would you like to spend some time on Safari in the most famous game reserve on the planet?

Book and join a 4-day Kruger Adventure Tour before the December 31st to take advantage of these discounted rates:

If you are joining from Johannesburg...
R4,900 - £390 - €460 - US$640 - Can$710 - Aus$780

If you want to travel from Cape Town, we'll include your return flights for only...
R6,950 - £560 - €640 - US$900 - Can$1010 - Aus$1100

There may be a surcharge for flights booked at short notice, or on some peak holiday dates, but we will inform you of this before you commit to making any payments.

This tour is a great way to add a new dimension to your South African experience and with the package we’ve put together you’ll be able to relax and concentrate on looking for lions, elephants and other wildlife without worrying about arranging meals, transfers or accommodation.

Speak to your volunteer coordinator at AVIVA house (if you already in South Africa of course!) or book online to reserve you space...

New FAQ: What is MyTrip™?

2009-08-20T10:09:00.002+02:00

MyTrip™ is a free personal planner that we provide to help you prepare for your volunteering adventure.

When you apply for a project, course or tour using our online booking form, we will reserve your placement(s) and email a unique MyTrip™ username and password to you by the very next working day or sooner.

When you login to MyTrip™ you will be able to check that you are happy with everything before you make a final decision about joining us in South Africa.

MyTrip™ includes a personalised 'To Do list' which shows everything you need to do, along with recommended dates to help you plan. Items on your list are automatically ticked off as you complete them so you can quickly see what's left to do.

You can use MyTrip™ to:

Check your full detailed itinerary
Check recommended arrival & departure dates...
Approve your quote & payment schedule...
Update your personal information...
Update your travel details (when you have them!)...
View useful information & maps...
Make secure payments online...
Get useful advice about our official Fundraising Pack...
Get in touch with other volunteers that will be in South Africa with you...
Find out how to qualify for discounts, and much more...

We believe MyTrip™ will add a great deal of value to your AVIVA experience, and provide you with the easiest way to prepare and plan your volunteering trip to South Africa.

To receive your unique MyTrip™ username & password, make a no obligation application today!

Volunteer Testimonial

2009-08-20T10:02:00.004+02:00

Sue Roberts - 61, from the UK
Project - Masigcine Children's Home
It was a fantastic experience but, unfortunately, the 3 months I spent in South Africe passed far too quickly. Working at Masigcine was a wonderfull experience and even though the work could be quite hard at times it was lots of fun as well. All the AVIVA staff were very helpful and looked after the welfare of the volunteers which is reassuring to family and friends back home.

AVIVA launches MyTrip™ for Volunteers

2009-08-13T11:27:00.007+02:00

After many months of hard work and preparation, we are pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new section on the AVIVA website especially for volunteers...

We believe MyTrip™ will add a great deal of value to your AVIVA experience, and provide you with the easiest way to prepare and plan your volunteering trip to South Africa.

MyTrip™ includes a personalised 'To Do list' which shows everything you need to do, along with recommended dates to help you plan. Items on your list are automatically ticked off as you complete them so you can quickly see what's left to do.

You can use MyTrip™ to:

* Check your full detailed itinerary
* Check recommended arrival & departure dates...
* Approve your quote & payment schedule...
* Update your personal information...
* Update your travel details (when you have them!)...
* View useful information & maps...
* Make secure payments online...
* Get useful advice about our official Fundraising Pack...
* Find out how to qualify for discounts, and much more...

Testing is now complete, so if you've already booked a project, course or tour with us, you should by now have received an email from Rholene containing your MyTrip™ login username and password.

If you haven't booked a placement with us yet, there couldn't be a better time to do so - book online now and we will email your MyTrip™ login username and password to you by the next working day or sooner...

We would love to know what you think of this new addition and anticipate that MyTrip™ will continue to develop as we find more ways to add value to your experience.

Please send your feedback and suggestions to ed@aviva-sa.com and we will enter your name into a special Thank You Draw for a R2000 discount - the draw will take place at the end of August and winners will be notified immediately!

Update from Cape Town

2009-08-07T16:11:00.002+02:00

Last month we hosted the the film and production crew from SABC2's Mind the Gap TV show as they visited SANCCOB, Home of Hope, Surf School, Baphumelele & Masigcine Children's Home to interview AVIVA volunteers.

The program focuses on educating young people (17-24 years of age) about finding a way forward between finishing school and the next stage of their lives. By featuring international volunteers on the show, the producers hope to encourage more young South African's to get involved in voluntary work, not only to provide a valuable addition to their CV, but also to contribute to their own communities, learn new skills and reap the personal rewards that only a life changing volunteering experience can provide.

AVIVA will feature in a number of upcoming episodes of the show, and whilst it only airs in South Africa, we will receive copies in due course, so for all the wonderful volunteers that bravely threw themselves in front of the camera last month, you will be able to see your 15 minutes of fame on our web site before too long!

In early July I visited the Endangered Wildlife Monitoring Project, which offers volunteers a unique opportunity to track and monitor wild dogs, black rhino, cheetah and elephant amongst others. During a busy three days I was lucky enough to witness wild dogs feeding on impala, tracked cheetah on foot and watched a rhino and her calf drinking at a waterhole from a hide only a few feet away. I also spent time with volunteers on the project as they demonstrated their new found tracking and GPS skills. One of the highlights was spending some time at a wild dog den where a litter of puppies had recently been born. The project has already attracted a lot of interest in the few weeks that it's been on our web site, and we will be adding an introductory video soon...

If you're in Cape Town next month, be sure to head down to Simon's Town from September 25-27th for the annual Penguin Festival - Live shows and rides, food and craft stalls raise money for environmental organisations like SANCCOB.

New in 2009 is the introduction of African Penguin Day (Sep 26th), a SANCCOB international initiative to raise awareness of this much-loved species. On the day, visitors can watch the release of several rehabilitated penguins and learn why these charismatic creatures are increasingly vulnerable to extinction.

Our wonderful web designer has been going flat out this month to complete work on the new MyTrip™ page for our web site. The results are very exciting and we have been thrilled to see it all coming together so well. It's been a lot of work, but we believe MyTrip™ will add a great deal of value to your AVIVA experience, and provide you with the easiest way to prepare and plan your volunteering trip to South Africa.

Testing is almost complete, so if you've already booked a project with us, look out for an email later this month which will contain your MyTrip™ login username and password - we'll be looking forward to hearing your feedback on this soon!

On Facebook we have added a new Masigcine Children's Home photo album and a video of Haylee Loughran taking time out from the children's home to skydive over Cape Town. And for all you footy fans, you'll be pleased to know we have only 307 days left until the FIFA 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa...

Last but by no means least, we would like to congratulate two of our Surf School volunteers, Jessica & Mark from Canada, on their engagement last month. Mark planned well in advance and proposed to Jessica while they were on top of Table Mountain, how's a girl to say no?!

Wishing you an amazing August!

Ed

Home of Hope Testimonial from Amy Duff

2009-08-07T15:58:00.002+02:00

Amy Duff - 21 from Ireland
I cannot believe my time is over in Cape Town. I settled in so well and the weeks have just flown by. This has definitely been the best time of my life. It has already changed my life in so many ways. I cannot begin to say what the past few weeks have made to me...

I worked with Home of Hope and they were the best 6 weeks of my life. All the AVIVA team are amazing, always there when you needed them, I never once felt unsafe in Cape Town. Ursula is probably one of the most kindest people I have ever met in my life. She is extremely helpful and really does have a heart of gold. She is definitely your mama Africa.

Volunteering abroad has definitely been the best time of my life. It has already changed my life in so many ways. Living and working abroad has helped me develop personally and professionally. I know I have become a more confident and caring person and finally know what career I want to go into.

The placement for me could not have been better suited to my needs. I had an unbelievable time working in Home of Hope. The warmth and generosity of the people I received from everyone was second to none.

I love South Africa. It is everything I imagined and more. This was a truly fantastic experience, physically demanding and emotionally draining but worth every second. The staff were ever so friendly and I’ve made some fantastic friends along the way and lived with some amazing people. It’s been a total eye-opening experience but I reckon if all I did as a volunteer was to make a child smile then I believe I’ve done a good job.

Perhaps the greatest experience was the children greeting you every morning with smiles on their faces. It cannot fail to change your outlook and attitude on life. I was constantly entertained and achieved a lot more than I thought possible. I got extremely attached to all the children, it’s hard not to. They really do steal your heart and make you laugh constantly.

Saying goodbye was probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do but I accomplished what I set out to do, making a difference to some children’s lives. I know I have left them memories and skills that they will never forget. Volunteering has probably been one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done.

I know that I will look back on what I have done and I will be filled with a tremendous sense of achievement. At first I was scared but this is understandable, but the incredible memories and experience I have gained from this trip are unforgettable.

Richard and Eleanor who run Home of Hope are such an inspiration - keep up the fantastic work you do... I will most definitely be back.

Volunteering in South Africa is something everyone should do at some point in their lives. Volunteering with AVIVA though is a must.

Thanks for the great memories AVIVA, I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Lots of love
Amy xxx

AVIVA to appear on SABC2 show - 'Mind the Gap'

2009-07-20T08:35:00.004+02:00

'Mind the Gap' broadcasts on Fridays at 11am and focuses on educating young people (17-24 years of age) about finding a way forward between finishing school and the next stage of their lives. Specifically, the show encourages young people of all income groups - and most especially those who find themselves unemployed with no plans for the future once their schooling has come to an end - to take some time to explore opportunities in South Africa.

This week, presenter Lesley Musina will be interviewing twenty AVIVA volunteers and project staff at the following projects in Cape Town:

AVIVA volunteers will feature in future episodes of the show, so don't forget to tune in every Friday @ 11am!

Endangered Wildlife Project now available

2009-07-20T08:24:00.005+02:00

This project is unique in that we actively help to save endangered wildlife species by initiating, implementing and managing some of the most exciting monitoring projects in Southern Africa. Our work is focused on Cheetah, Wild dog, Black Rhino & Vultures. We also monitor Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Hyena, White Rhino and Buffalo.

As a volunteer, you will be actively involved in all the day-to-day aspects of the work we do, including:

Tracking and locating endangered species
GPS mapping of sightings - you will be taught how to use the GPS
Animal behavioral research
Creation and updating of animal identikits
Game counts

Other activities you may be involved in while working with the team:

Radio collaring of wild animals
Relocation & re-introduction of game
Night excursions to monitor animals like the hyena
Vulture counts and nest surveys
Bird ringing
Alien plant control
Community conservation work

We are an experienced, passionate, hands-on team and are looking for volunteers who want their contribution to be effectively utilized in genuine conservation efforts. If want to make a real difference and have an experience of a lifetime, then come and join our team!

For more information, please visit the Endangered Wildlife Monitoring Project page on our web site.

Wildlife Ranger Course testimonial

2009-07-20T08:04:00.004+02:00

Ram Krishnan - 22 from Australia

The perceptions people have about South Africa in some countries seem to be quite negative. So on arrival to Cape Town, I was prepared to meet my ride to the AVIVA house with an entourage of heavily armed men. But instead I was met with the cool and friendly Lyndon who was to escort me to my accommodation at Table View. He was so helpful, funny and nice. This was to set the standard for the rest of the time I spent in Cape Town.

I spent 6 of the most unforgettable and memorable weeks of my life in South Africa. While I was in Cape Town, activities such as Shark Cage Diving, or climbing Table Mountain, just to name a couple, were incredible. The other tours offered by AVIVA were also great and very informative and interesting. Cape Town is now one of my favourite places on Earth!!

Doing the 4 week ranger course - amazing. Every day in the bush was a new day of learning, adventure and excitement. You may never know what you may come across the next corner on a game walk or drive!! I really did not want to leave when the time came to go!

But the best thing about the trip is the fact that you get to meet and make new friends different people from all over the world.

Without the kind support and assistance of AVIVA staff, my trip to South Africa just wouldn’t have been the same, and I am very thankful for their help!

Great job guys, loved South Africa!

Question of the Month

2009-07-02T15:11:00.002+02:00

Here are the answers to our June quiz...

How many of the penguins rescued from Namibia were released by SANCCOB on May 21st?
Answer: 84

By July 2010, South Africa will be the only country in the world to have hosted the Cricket, Rugby & Football World Cup Competitions
Answer: True

Which celebrities have visited Baphumelele Children's Home?
Answer: Sir Elton John, Bono, Manchester United Football Team & Beyonce

The world's first heart transplant was carried out in South Africa in 1967 by Dr Chris Barnard
Answer: True

Which of the 'Big 5' animals is regarded to be the most dangerous in Africa?
Answer: Buffalo

Congratulations to our June winner, Alexandra Duba, who has won 2 Tickets for the Two Oceans Aquarium & lunch at the V&A Waterfront - you can claim your prize at any time!

New Competition for July... For a chance to win 2 Tickets for the Table Mountain Cable Car, try our new July Competition

Update from Cape Town

2009-07-02T14:42:00.005+02:00

In the southern hemisphere, the longest night of the year is now behind us, and we are already looking forward to spring and summer, explosions of wild flowers, hundreds of whales along the coastline, and long days filled with sunshine, cricket, and cold drinks on the beach.

Last week an Outlook reminder popped up to inform us that AVIVA was now 7 years old, a major milestone that might otherwise have been missed with this year being so busy! I won't repeat our full Facebook birthday announcement here, but if you are thinking of booking soon, please do so before the end of this month if you want to take advantage of our 7th Birthday discount of R700 (that's about £55, €65 or US$90).

Masigcine volunteers enjoyed an unusual day out last month taking the younger children to visit the Giraffe House in a packed AVIVA minibus. The children were introduced to a wide range of African wildlife for the first time, and were able to help with feeding a baby giraffe. We will be adding a photo album to our Facebook page soon. Another day out is planned tomorrow for the older children at Masigcine, so we will also have photos from that trip available on Facebook too.

Last month we enjoyed plenty of international football action with Brazil, Italy & Spain amongst the 8 teams in South Africa for the 2009 Confederation Cup, traditionally seen as a test of readiness for the World Cup next year. The tournament was regarded as an out and out success, receiving an encouraging rating of 7.5/10 from FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Brazil were the eventual winners, with some surprise results (USA 2 - 0 Spain!) and some excellent performances from the USA & South Africa along the way. As of today we have only 344 days until the FIFA 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa...

Many ex-volunteers will be familiar with an old friend of AVIVA's, Pat Cavendish O'Neill, author of 'A Lion in the Bedroom'. Pat celebrated her 84th birthday yesterday (June 30th), and after meeting Pat for the first time on a recent visit, four volunteers decided to spend a few extra days with her at Broadlands Farm.

During their stay, Rosie, Haylee, Zhwan & Hannah helped out at the farm looking after Pat's rescued dogs, baboons, vervet monkeys and chimpanzee. Each of the volunteers took along a copy of Pat's book for signing, and enjoyed stories from Pat's incredible life amongst famous friends that included Winston Churchill, JFK, Grace Kelly and Joy Adamson of Born Free fame.

We will be welcoming a long term friend of AVIVA back to Cape Town this month. Jayney Wolfson first joined us to volunteer at Baphumelele Children's Home in May 2005. She has since been back many times, with this being her 8th visit to Cape Town!

Next week I will be visiting our newest partner, The Endangered Wildlife Monitoring Project, which offers volunteers aged 18-70 an opportunity to carry out essential conservation work, with a focus on tracking and monitoring wild dogs, black rhino, cheetah and elephant amongst others. The project runs in collaboration with the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund and the KZN Wild Dog Project.

All going well, full details for this unique project will be on our web site before the end of the month. In the meantime we have added a new album to our Facebook page to give you an idea of what you'll be letting yourself in for!

Development for the new 'My Trip' section on our web site is going well with all the backend database work complete. Our talented web designer is now working on the accompanying web pages, so we should be ready to start testing in the next month or so. As soon as testing is complete, we will launch 'My Trip' and provide exisiting applicants with a unique username & password. If you are a current applicant, you will be able to logon and check out every aspect of your booking, update your personal & travel info, view your itinerary and much more...

Until then, on behalf of everyone at AVIVA, I wish you a wonderful month ahead, and hope to see you in Cape Town soon!

Ed

Endangered Wildlife Monitoring Project

2009-07-01T15:11:00.001+02:00

endangered-wildlife-03
Originally uploaded by AVIVA-volunteering

Check out our new project album on Flickr to see how volunteers can assist with essential conservation work in South Africa.

AVIVA celebrates 7 years of volunteering!

2009-06-26T16:16:00.003+02:00

From all of us at AVIVA, we would like to say a big thank you to every volunteer that has spent time with us in South Africa over the past seven years, and to all those volunteers that have already booked to join us this year or next!

To celebrate our 7th Birthday we are giving away a R700 discount with every new project booking received before July 31st, so please pass on the news to anyone that might be interested in joining us.

Thank you to all of you who have helped us to reach this milestone, we hope we'll be seeing you all again before our next birthday!

Best wishes from the team in Cape Town
Ed, Andrew, Lindi, Megan, Keenan, Ursula, Kim, Nomsa, Rholene, Chris & Carol xoxoxox

Penguin Rehabilitation Testimonial

2009-06-22T08:40:00.002+02:00

Stephen Thornburgh - 23, from Ireland
I spent 6 weeks volunteering with AVIVA doing the penguin conservation project and it was the 6 best weeks of my life. From the moment you arrive you are made feel welcome in the house and it starts the adventure immediately. The house is amazing and the atmosphere is everything you could hope for and more. I met some amazing people who will remain friends for life.

With the project itself you get to do pretty much everything from cleaning and feeding to giving medication and learning about penguins and other coastal birds. The whole experience is so different to anything I had done before so it really becomes something really amazing and unique.

I was lucky enough to be involved in the major penguin release recently and it was such a great experience that really topped off the 6 weeks nicely. You will have so many new friends and memories to take away from the time here that you cannot help but feel sad when leaving as the 6 weeks fly by. It was the greatest time of my life which was really made by the people you meet and the activities you can do like safari and shark cage diving.

Thanks goes to Ed, Megan, Ursula and Keenan who help make everything go so smoothly when you are there and take you in like part of their families. It was an absolute pleasure to have been involved with AVIVA and the people I met in South Africa, both locals and other volunteers. Do make the choice to come to AVIVA as you will not regret it at all and will not want to leave come the end.

First released penguin spotted in Namibia!

2009-06-17T15:53:00.004+02:00

It was a pink spot day on Mercury Island when a Namibian conservationist spotted the first African penguin, back home after a recent 4-week rehabilitation period at SANCCOB.

On June 8th, just 18 days after their release from Derdesteen Beach in Cape Town, the first of the 129 penguins was seen back at its original breeding colony on Mercury Island.

The same penguin had been spotted on Robben Island on May 25th (4 days after being released from Derdesteen Beach). This confirmed sighting gives him an actual swimming time of 14 days to cover 1019km, that's nearly 73km per day!

Getting ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup

2009-06-17T15:15:00.004+02:00

With under a year to go, South Africa is gearing up for the greatest World Cup of all time.

Here are just a few suggestions on how you can get involved!

Visit the official 2010 FIFA World Cup web site and register to keep up with all your favourite teams.

Visit the SA Government World Cup web site to keep up to date with progress.

If you're visiting South Africa, go to the visitor's centre at some of the new stadiums and learn how they are changing the face of our cities. Check out the Greenpoint Stadium visitor centre in Cape Town.

Learn the rules of football: Especially the offside rule - The more you know, the better it gets! Try FIFA's easy to read Laws of the Game for starters.

Get your 2010 tickets NOW: Tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been on sale since the 20th of February 2009 - and they've been going fast! Visit Fifa's ticketing website to book your tickets and witness history as Africa hosts its first soccer World Cup, and the best World Cup ever.

If you are planning to volunteer during the World Cup (June 11th - July 11th), start thinking about booking soon. Placements over June & July are popular every year, and as AVIVA will not be increasing prices for the World Cup period, demand is likely to be even higher than normal. Visit the AVIVA website for more details.

Penguin testimonial from Will Buttery

2009-06-03T09:39:00.003+02:00

Will Buttery - 19 from the UK

My time volunteering with AVIVA is one which I will never forget, and only for good reasons. I Volunteered for 6 weeks at SANCCOB, the penguin conservation project , and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.

I was hands on with the birds the whole way through, learning so much about their biology and life cycle. I quite enjoyed the first four weeks of my stay in the Table View house, being the only guy in a house with 18 girls. Though the friends I made there (both guys and girls!) will last a life time, and they made my trip what it was as much as the penguins did.

I just have to say a huge thankyou to Ed, Megan, Ursula and Keenan and all the rest of the team beind the scenes for some of the greatest 6 weeks of my life. I'll never forget it.

Question of the Month competition

2009-06-02T11:47:00.001+02:00

Here are the answers to our May quiz...

South Africa has how many official languages?
Answer: 11

South Africa has more kinds of wild animals than North & South America, or Europe & Asia together
Answer: True

Which of these countries shares a border with South Africa?
Answer: Namibia, Botswana & Mozambique

South Africa is home to the World's largest land mammal
Answer: True (African elephant)

South Africa is flanked by which oceans?
Answer: Atlantic & Indian oceans

Congratulations to our May winner, Rachel Driscoll, who has won a ferry trip & tour of Robben Island - you can claim your prize at any time!

New Competition for June...
For a chance to win 2 Tickets for the Two Oceans Aquarium & lunch at the V&A Waterfront,
try our new June Competition

Cape Town Events - Coming soon...

2009-06-02T11:42:00.004+02:00

Madame Butterfly Opera
Artscape Opera House - Clashing cultures, innocence destroyed and a final act too tragic for unsung words make Madame Butterfly the ultimate opera experience for first-time opera goers and seasoned experts alike.
May 23rd - June 6th

Swan Lake Ballet
Artscape Opera House - The greatest of all classical ballets ever choreographed, this masterpiece embodies mystery and romance portrayed in sublime, ethereal movement.
June 12th - 21st

British & Irish Lions 2009 Rugby Tour
Catch some of the world's best players in action at Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town...
June 13th - Lions v Western Province
June 23rd - Lions v Emerging Springboks

Cape Town Book Fair
At the Cape Town Convention Centre - Books, books and more books! Meet the authors and explore stands from over 250 exhibitors at one of Cape Town's most popular shows. Visit the Book Fair web site for more info.
June 13th - 16th

Alan Committie - Bigger! Better! Faster!
Theatre on the Bay - Join one of South Africa's top comedians for a hilarious look at all those strange quirky issues that create stress in our lives - business, the motivational speaker, hotels, travelling, shopping and why we all aspire to be superheroes...
July 7th - August 1st (selling out fast!)

Vodacom Funny Festival
The fifth annual stand-up comedy festival takes place at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch, where the best of local talent combines with top-class international acts to offer visitors five days of side-splitting entertainment.
July 15th - 19th

Cape Town Fashion Week
At the Cape Town Convention Centre - Africa’s largest gathering of fashion talent has grown into one of the premiere “new world” fashion weeks providing an international platform for designers from across sub-Saharan Africa.
August 13th - 16th

Defending the Caveman
Theatre on the Bay - Alan Committee stars in the all-time favourite "date comedy" that explores the reasons why guys don't like to ask for directions and why girls need so much cupboard space - if you really want to understand your partner, this show is for you!
September 22nd - October 17th (first night sold out)

Tickets for all these events can be obtained via the Computicket web site.

Update from Cape Town

2009-06-02T11:33:00.004+02:00

With winter upon us, we are already looking forward to the arrival of many more Southern Right Whales to our shores over the months ahead. Just this weekend, we witnessed the first mass beaching of 55 Pilot Whales in this area, with volunteers and conservationists battling desperately against high winds to save them. Unfortunately the whales that are helped out to sea seem to be heading straight back to the beach again.

A happier ending was to be found for 84 of the penguins that SANCCOB rescued from the Namibian coastline last month. Last week AVIVA penguin volunteers joined SANCCOB staff for one of the largest beach releases in recent memory. You will find photos of the event on our Facebook page along with a short video of the penguins being released back to the sea as they begin their long journey back to Namibia, an amazing day that attracted media attention from around the world.

We will be adding more Facebook content during June, and have a new Baphumelele video in progress for release in the next month or so.

This month we are looking forward to welcoming back Claudia Kumin from Switzerland - Claudia joined us last year for 10 weeks with the Surf School, 10 weeks with Baphumelele Children's Home & an overland tour. This time around Claudia will be spending 8 weeks at Masigcine Children's Home.

As of today we have only 374 days until the FIFA 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa - ticket sales so far have exceeded those for the previous World Cup in Germany at the same stage and preparations are all on track for an amazing first World Cup on African soil - If you're after tickets please don't delay!

If you've been considering joining Baphumelele Children's Home, you may be pleased to know that we have lowered the minimum age requirement to 18 years on arrival. We have a special 20% discount offer on Baphumelele placements beginning in June, July & August so this could be a great time to follow in the footsteps of Bono, Beyonce, Sir Elton John and the Manchester United football team...

If you are planning to join us this year or next, please don't forget that we have complimentary fundraising packs available for all confirmed volunteers - whether you're raising funds for your personal expenses, or for your chosen project, our pack contains everything you need to get you started - Please email your full postal address to rholene@aviva-sa.com if you would like a pack mailed to you.

Before I sign off, I can tell you that Fran, our talented web designer, is working on an exciting new addition to our web site. Already touted as a VIP lounge for volunteers, our new 'My Trip' section will provide you with everything you need to prepare for your South African adventure in one simple interface.

Once 'My Trip' goes live, volunteers will be provided with a username & password to access their itinerary, an automatically updated to-do-list, relevant trip information, and a useful facility for updating personal & travel information as you go. We'll keep you posted on developments and hope to see this become available within the next few months.

Wherever you are, we hope you have a wonderful June, and look forward to seeing you in South Africa soon! Ed

Surf School testimonial from Richard Wernert

2009-05-25T10:35:00.003+02:00

Richard Wernert - 23, from the Netherlands

I’ve spent nearly four months in SA and it’s been all great. I just had so much fun and made so many new friends over there. It started with the first 6 weeks volunteering at the surf-school project in Muizenberg (Cape Town). The project is so great and even for a bad surfer, as I was, it’s still a great experience.

I went there during May/June which are winter months in SA. It’s a bit colder, but that doesn’t stop the kids from coming over and surfing. Giving those kids some time to relax was so good and satisfying.

After my time in Cape Town, I went on to travel through SA and its neighbouring countries (Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe). I can definitely recommend this to everyone who is planning to do some volunteer work in SA.

AVIVA is such a great organisation and they helped with so many aspects. It starts with Ursula (in my case) picking you up from the airport. It ends with Ursula (again in my case) bringing you to the airport. They helped me with planning my travels, helped me to get started in Cape Town, warned me not to get drunk and hitch-hike.... and with so much more.

I can do nothing else than to thank Ursula, Keenan and Kim (for anyone staying in the Obz House) and all the others for the great times. If you are planning a trip to SA, then volunteering with AVIVA is a great way to start and give something back to the country.

Lightning Storm over Cape Town

2009-05-22T10:24:00.003+02:00

Check out our latest photo album on Facebook showing some amazing scenes from yesterday morning's lightning storm over Cape Town, absolutely stunning!

Penguin Beach Release

2009-05-22T10:06:00.006+02:00

Just a few weeks ago, SANCCOB rescued 129 oiled African penguins from the Namibian coastline.

Yesterday, 84 of the birds were released back to the sea from the beach, an amazing event which attracted a great deal of attention from local and international media including National Geographic.

This was an immensely rewarding day for the SANCCOB staff and AVIVA volunteers who have spent so many hours rehabilitating the penguins these last few weeks.

You can watch the penguins as they begin their long journey home to Namibia in our new penguin video, and on our Facebook page we have added a new penguin release photo album covering the day's events.

Baphumelele testimonial from Lisa McAllister

2009-05-12T13:31:00.003+02:00

Lisa Marie McAllister - 24 from the USA
My experience with AVIVA can only be described as positive, uplifting, inspirational and motivating. From the moment I decided to go, the AVIVA staff were there to help me and provide me all the information I needed to plan a safe, fun and rewarding trip. This was my first time travelling alone and my first time out of the country and I couldn't have had a better experience.

The house in Observatory exceeded my expectations and Kim, Keenan and Ursula, who I interacted with on a daily basis, were more than staff--we became lifelong friends.

The projects AVIVA offers, along with the accommodations and tours they provide, made for the best deal I found on the internet. After months of research, no other project or organization could even compete and I am so happy that I made the choice that I did. AVIVA really does have something for everyone--whether you are travelling on a budget or have a little more spending money-AVIVA can accommodate you. They also have so many different projects to choose from: animals, the environment and working with children, that choosing just one was the hardest part!

Volunteering with Baphumelele Children's Home led to an experience that I had only hoped to have. I learned so much about the culture and people, and the children taught me more about myself than I probably taught them. The handprint I left in the volunteer flat is nothing compared to the handprint those children left on my heart. I think of them every day and cannot wait to return someday, not just to Baphumelele, but to join AVIVA & the staff in another of the amazing projects offered.

I also made lasting friendships with many of the other volunteers through AVIVA. Frances Abbott (U.K) and I hit it off right away and she came to visit me over Christmas break here in the U.S. I was so thrilled to see her again after only 8 months since South Africa! And now I have the opportunity to go visit her for a week and I couldn't be more excited. I can't wait for more adventures with her as we travel together and we have agreed to try to visit each other as often as financially possible! Breanne Smith (Canada) and I, although we only volunteered together in passing (maybe a week or two together) remain close. In fact, we decided to volunteer together in New Orleans, a trip we planned while sipping wine with friends and chatting in the Obz house in South Africa. We met down in Louisiana and had another great experience together as we built houses in St. Bernard Parish and then stayed a few extra days to celebrate Mardi Gras New Orleans style! She is planning to visit me again in July, and once again, I couldn't be more thrilled!

These are just two of the many people I am still in contact with. I think of Kim all the time as we had so much fun together and she loved how loud I was (I think!) in the house. Thanks to technology, also known as, Facebook, I can wish my South African friends Happy Birthday or ask how they are doing, whenever I want, which is awesome and more reliable than snail mail. I can also keep track of the new projects provided by AVIVA and start making plans for another trip, sooner rather than later, I hope. I am so blessed to have met and enjoyed so many different people's company and stories and can't wait to go back and have a completely different experience next time.

Spreading the word about this unique and powerful organization is just another way to make a difference, especially in your own country. If everyone told just one interested person, imagine the amount of people that would visit the website and maybe make a donation or sign up for a project themselves. Just because the trip is over, doesn't mean the movement should stop. I thank AVIVA everyday for making it possible to realize my potential and dreams. Volunteering doesn't stop here. It is has invoked in me the interest of non-profit organizations and, as cliché as it sounds, really changed my life. I am even thinking of earning a non-profit certificate so that I can make those dreams possible. I dreamed of going to South Africa, and thanks to AVIVA and a little fundraising, I did it. Now, the sky really is the limit. Thank you AVIVA and thank you to the beautiful children at Baphumele Children's Home. I'll be back, I promise.

Home of Hope testimonial

2009-04-28T09:47:00.003+02:00

Auðna Margrét Haraldsdóttir - 19 from Iceland

I did AVIVA's Home of Hope project for 6 weeks and LOVED it.

I arrived in Tableview in the evening so everyone was really tired (including me after a 36 hour trip!) so I didn't really talk to anyone and got a bit worried about not making any friends at the project...these worries proved to be unfounded the following day!

Megan (the ultimate Housemum) totally saved me when my second overland tour got cancelled on me. She helped me find a new one (a freakin' awesome one!) and stayed in touch with my parents while I was on the road.

Everyone at the AVIVA team takes really good care of you. From Keenan who picked me up at the airport, Ursula who drove me back and forth in search of a Foreign Exchange, to Ed who let me tag along on a visit to all the AVIVA projects in Cape Town.

I never once felt unsafe in Cape Town, which by the way has to be the most beautiful city in the world!

The things I miss most from Africa though are my babies (of course!) and all the people I met through AVIVA. I made some really GREAT friends in the Tableview house whom I can't wait to go and visit (free housing all over the world...sounds good eh?)!

Volunteering at Home of Hope has helped me realise what I want to do with my life, what really matters and that I'm not nearly as shy as I thought I was!

Nothing's worth more than that smile in the morning or cuddle in the evening, I literally had to be dragged out of HOH on my last day!

More volunteer photos...

2009-04-24T07:58:00.007+02:00

Want to see more photos of AVIVA volunteers in South Africa?

Try one of the following links for thousands of images from our projects, volunteers at work, rest & play, and amazing shots from around South Africa.

Many of these photos have been taken by volunteers themselves, maybe we will see your own photos here soon!?

Visit the Photo & Video pages on the AVIVA web site
Become a fan on our Facebook page for the latest photos
Visit our Flickr page and browse through images by category

Home of Hope testimonial from Cat Wilde

2009-04-24T07:21:00.008+02:00

Visiting South Africa and volunteering at the Home of Hope was most definitely the best decision of my life. AVIVA are a wonderful organisation and make you feel very at home and look after you completely. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff of AVIVA and in particular Megan is a credit to you, who in her own words looks after 'her babies' so well.

'My Angels' at the Home of Hope have left a massive footprint in my life and I will always have a very special place for them in my heart, I love every single one of them. They are such special babies and I miss them dearly but am enjoying watching them grow from afar.

South Africa is a beautiful country and it is very difficult not to fall in love with it! I highly recommend visiting South Africa through AVIVA and doing something very worthwhile that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

I miss you all and am busy planning my next trip to come out to see you all!!

Love Cat x

AVIVA volunteers assist with Penguin Rescue

2009-04-23T09:41:00.003+02:00

During the last week, 130 oiled African penguins have been rescued from the islands along the southern Namibian coastline, following an unidentified oil spill.

Following a plea for help from the Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to assist in saving the lives of 130 oiled African penguins off the coast of Luderitz in Namibia, SANCCOB (Southern AfricaN foundation for the Conservation of COastal Birds) mobilized its team of experts and volunteers to move the penguins 1,300km to their centre in Cape Town for essential treatment.

African penguins are listed as ‘vulnerable’ to extinction on the RED DATA list and there are only 27 000 breeding pairs of these charismatic birds left, down from 4 million at the turn of the century.

The oiled penguins are the result of an oil spill from an unknown source around the Mercury, Ichaboe, Halifax and Possession islands just off the coast of Luderitz. Poor visibility, heavy mists and high swell have made it impossible to determine the cause of the oiling, but according to Jessica Kemper, seabird biologist at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, ‘the water around Mercury Island’ was frothy with foam on Thursday last week and our island technician based there could smell the oil. On Friday, the Ministry’s patrol plane spotted patches of oil close to Halifax Island, extending about 30 km north towards Ichaboe Island. Every day we have been discovering more oiled penguins at these four islands‘. Jessica Kemper and SANCCOB CEO, Venessa Strauss, had been monitoring the situation as it was developing and on Thursday last week they reached a joint decision to move the birds to SANCCOB rehabilitation centre in Cape Town which is equipped to handle up to 2 000 oiled birds.

On Monday, Venessa flew up to spearhead the evacuation and and arrived back in the truck with the penguins on Tuesday. An experienced rehabilitation team, headed by SANCCOB’s veterinarian, Dr. Tertius Gous, was standing by to take care of the penguins after their 20 hour journey by road.

AVIVA volunteers Diny van de Loo, Will Buttery & Stephen Thornburgh helped to unload the new arrivals and assisted with checking the birds, and administering essential fluids and injections before settling them into their temporary homes at SANCCOB.

Baphumelele testimonial from Lauren Ochsenreiter

2009-04-21T09:52:00.002+02:00

Lauren Ochsenreiter - 20 from the USA
Traveling to South Africa and working at Baphumelele was the most incredible experience of my life. You go there to help, to make any small difference you possibly can, and you leave changed in ways you didn't think possible. I think of and miss the children every single day, look at their pictures regularly and am often brought to both laughter and tears in doing so.

Living in Obz/Cape Town and working with an international group of volunteers was an invaluable experience and provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to know people from around the world while at the same time exploring everything (and there's lots!) Cape Town has to offer. My six weeks there was not nearly enough time for me, and I know I will be back.

AVIVA offers a truly unique travel and volunteer experience and does so incredibly professionally while also offering personal attention and assistance in every way possible. I can not say enough about the service that the AVIVA staff provides; they genuinely want to ensure that you have the best experience possible while in South Africa, and in my opinion they succeed tremendously at doing so.

Home of Hope testimonial from Joyce Kuijper

2009-04-21T09:43:00.001+02:00

Joyce Kuijper - 23 from the Netherlands
My experience in South-Africa was AMAZING! I did the Home of Hope project, and what they do for those kids is just mind blowing. As a volunteer I really felt that I helped in making a diffrence in their lives.

The Tableview House where I stayed was beautiful. I really felt at home there. Megan was amazing, she will do anything for you, which I found out when I got really sick! She really was my home away from home mom! And South-Africa itself is a stunning country. The people are so friendly, you will have no trouble at all making new friends! I really had a life changing experience there.

It changed me as a person, I found myself and I definitely grew up a bit. And AVIVA really took good care of everything. From start to end, you really helped making me feel at home in South-Africa for 3 months!

Wild Coast Schools testimonial from Alice Bell

2009-04-21T09:40:00.003+02:00

Alice Bell - 19 from the UK
This was the most fulfilling and worthwhile thing I have ever done. This whole experience put everything in to perspective for me and made me realise my small worries at home were nothing compared to the people I met over in both Cape Town and Cinsta.

It is a life changing experience and has contributed vastly to the choices I have made since I have been back, for example, I have gone in to pediatric nursing to see if I can help children over here. I would truly reccomend this experience to anyone and I will definately be returning very very soon!

Baphumelele testimonial from Ellie Varney

2009-04-21T09:36:00.003+02:00

Ellie Varney - 22 from the UK
I spent six weeks at Baphumelele after travelling for ten months and it is an experience I will never forget for many reasons. Spending time with the children was wonderful, they are so loving and very funny at times - leaving Baphumelele after 6 weeks was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do!

The carers at the home work really hard to provide the children with a safe and caring environment and it was good to work alongside them all. The ability to work hard, have a good sense of humour and an open mind are essential to this project!

The staff at AVIVA were fantastic, they were always happy to give advice and help with anything and looked after us very well at Christmas! I'm really happy that I chose AVIVA, no other organisation offers the friendliness and activities for a resonable price and I would definitely use them again!

Home of Hope testimonial from Sophie Petrie

2009-04-21T09:32:00.003+02:00

Sophie Petrie - 19 from the UK
AVIVA is a fantastically run and well co-ordinated company. I loved every single second of my time in South Africa and AVIVA must take 100% responsibility for that, they are fab!
Home of Hope is such a wonderful place and the children have truly changed my life...

AVIVA featured in Company Magazine

2009-04-06T08:27:00.006+02:00

AVIVA recently featured in the UK's Company Magazine (March issue) with an article on volunteering at our Baphumelele Children's Home project and SANCCOB Penguin Conservation project near Cape Town.

Company's senior writer (Katie Mulloy) spent a few days with us last November to interview Home of Hope, Baphumelele and Penguin volunteers, and to visit Baphumelele, Masigcine Children's Home, and both AVIVA Houses in Cape Town.

AVIVA volunteers Katie Sears, Claire Le Cras, Gina Owens and Iona Crook are quoted here... You can download the full article with the links below:

March 2009 cover
AVIVA article - page 1
AVIVA article - page 2
AVIVA article - page 3

Cape Town events coming up...

2009-04-03T12:25:00.008+02:00

Just a few of the many exciting events coming up in Cape Town...

International Cricket - South Africa v Australia
Watch the two best teams in the world battle it out at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, the most beautiful cricket ground in the world...
April 9th - One Day International

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon
Around 20 000 runners from around the globe traverse 56km of open road along the South African shoreline, flanking both the Indian and Atlantic oceans in a race dubbed “the world’s most beautiful marathon”.
April 11th

Coca Cola Zero Fest Concert
Featuring Oasis, Snow Patrol and many more...
April 13th

Super 14 Rugby
The best teams from South Africa, Australia & New Zealand compete for the top spot...
May 2nd - Stormers v Chiefs
May 9th - Stormers v Western Force

British & Irish Lions 2009 Rugby Tour
Catch some of the world's best players in action at Newlands Rugby Stadium in Cape Town...
June 13th - Lions v Western Province
June 23rd - Lions v Emerging Springboks

Cape Town Fashion Week
Africa’s largest gathering of fashion talent has grown into one of the premiere “new world” fashion weeks providing an international platform for designers from across sub-Saharan Africa.
August 13th - 16th

Tickets for all these events can be obtained via the Computicket web site.

Wild Coast Schools - Volunteer testimonial

2009-04-03T12:22:00.002+02:00

Ruth Gibbs - 19 yrs - from Victoria in Australia
Project: Wild Coast Schools - 4 weeks - January to February

"The Wild Coast Schools project was an awesome experience. The kids and the people from the village were all such beautiful people and all the other people involved in running the project were great. If I had any question or anything at all they were there to help me I felt like I was really safe the whole time. I only did the project for 4 weeks but it really was a great 4 weeks. Thanks AVIVA!"

Question of the month - April

2009-04-03T12:19:00.002+02:00

Last Month's Results: During March we asked...

Which benefits of volunteering are, or were, most important to you?

With an enthusiastic response from newsletter subscribers and many previous volunteers, the following replies came out as the top 7...

1. Improve my understanding of other cultures.
2. Provide many lasting good memories.
3. Expose me to many new and exciting experiences.
4. An experience that goes far beyond normal tourism
5. Opportunities for self-growth.
6. Enable me to make a direct contribution to a worthwhile cause.
7. Great way of making new friends.

Congratulations to our March winner, Kimberly Scharf from the USA, who has won 2 * R200 vouchers for a sumptuous African dinner at the popular Mama Africa Restaurant in Cape Town - you can claim your prize at any time!

New Question for April...
For a chance to win a Table Mountain Cable Car & City Bus Tour combination trip, try our new Question of the Month

Update from Cape Town

2009-04-03T12:17:00.002+02:00

Already we are a quarter of the way through the year, and there are only 432 days left until the FIFA World Cup kicks off in June next year - having requested tickets for some of the games in the first lottery ticket sale phase, I will be amongst many thousands of fans around the world hoping to receive some good news from FIFA this month.

March has been an excellent month for many of our projects, and bookings for the remainder of this year are going very well. If you are thinking of joining us in the next few months, please be sure to get your applications in soon to avoid disappointment!

We were very pleased to welcome our first ever school group to South Africa last month. The group hail from the 'School of the Woods' in Houston, Texas and consists of two teachers (Andrew & Brandie) & six students (Meghan, Samantha, Julia, Olympia, Leslie & Colin, aged between 15 and 17). After an action packed week with us in Cape Town, the group enjoyed an exciting program at the Balule Conservation Project near Kruger Park.

My wife and I also enjoyed an amazing holiday in Kruger last month with some very unusual sightings including a hyena eating a crocodile, a herd of elephant playing at a water hole chasing hippos and birds, and a young male lion attempting to mate with a female who was decidedly not interested at the time, maybe she was just shy. During the course of our stay we were able to gather enough photos and video footage to put together a Kruger Tour video - work in progress now, so please be sure to check this out later in the month if you're thinking of spending some time on the 4-day Kruger Adventure Safari while you are here.

AVIVA recently featured in the UK's Company Magazine (March issue) with an excellent article on volunteering at our Baphumelele Children's Home project near Cape Town. Company's senior writer (Katie Mulloy) spent a few days with us last November to interview Home of Hope and Baphumelele volunteers, and to visit Baphumelele, Masigcine Children's Home, and both AVIVA Houses in Cape Town. A copy of the article is in the post and will appear on our Facebook page and Blog soon.

Our penguin volunteers have been busy last month, not least so because they took part in an official 'Earth Hour' event at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town last week. Dressed as penguins, they joined SANCCOB's Pedal for Power team in an effort to create enough electricity to power the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra's entire performance on the Earth Hour night itself.

On the subject of penguin volunteers, we would like to congratulate Diny van de Loo on celebrating her 58th birthday in style by learning to Paraglide on Blouberg Beach last week. Diny is almost three weeks into her project now and has been making great use of her free time including two skydiving trips!

There are plenty of great events coming up in Cape Town soon with the Two Ocean's Marathon, Oasis & Snow Patrol in concert and the British & Irish Lions rugby tour amongst them. After watching South Africa triumph over Australia in the test cricket last month, we will be in the crowd to cheer them on for the One Day International in April too. If you're in Cape Town already, why not speak to your volunteer coordinator (Megan or Kim) and ask about booking tickets for a real South African cricketing experience. Even if you don't understand the game, you'll love the atmosphere, the crowd and the stadium!

April is a great month to be working in South Africa as we have no less than 5 public holidays to look forward to, including one for the elections on the 22nd. Even though time will be short, we are still planning two visits to see Pat Cavendish O'Neil during April, and this coming Thursday some of the (non-arachnophobic) volunteers will be joining me for an evening walk on the slopes of Table Mountain looking for rare and interesting spiders such as the 'Net-Casting spider', which literally casts its web over any unsuspecting bugs that happen to enter its target zone.

I hope you have an amazing April, and if you have already paid your deposit and are considering raising funds for your trip or project, please don't forget to send us your postal address and we'll send you a complimentary Fundraising Pack to help you on your way!

Take care, Ed

Penguin volunteers pedal for Earth Hour

2009-03-27T12:14:00.003+02:00

Penguin volunteers at SANCCOB made a unique contribution to the WWF EARTH HOUR by taking part in the Earth hour Corporate Cycling Challenge at the V&A Waterfront on the Thursday, 26 March.
The aim was to generate enough power, so that the entire performance by the Cape Philarmonic Orchestra during the actual Earth hour, will be powered by the energy that was generated during the cycling challenge...

Balule project testimonial from Nicola Williams

2009-03-16T11:17:00.004+02:00

AVIVA volunteer Nicola Williams (27 from the UK) describes her 3-week stay at the Balule Conservation Project in February and March...

Life in Paradise - through the eyes of a volunteer.

Located in the Balule Nature Reserve, the aptly named Paradise Camp (well it's definitely my idea of Paradise) is a slightly rustic, but comfy, camp, it even has flushing toilets and showers, open air of course; no doors or walls but a stick screen to provide a degree of modesty from human eyes, the wildlife on the other hand are free to stop and stare, or you'll be joined by a millipede or two or some other creature as you go about your business! There is also electricity when the sun shines (which thankfully was often during my stay) thanks to the odd solar panel, what more do you need in paradise?

Paradise Camp is proud to claim that it is one of the only camps to not have a fence surrounding it, meaning that all creatures great and small, friendly or fierce are free to roam where ever they please (quite rightly too!). One evening, after returning from an excursion into the local town of Hoedspruit, we discovered that the creatures of the area certainly do exercise their right to roam.

As we got out of the Landover we could see a light from the game viewing tower. John (the research assistant who had been left in camp for the day) called to us to warn us that the camp appeared to have some new guests. We all made it up the tower and listened (being mere mortals and only having small torches our eyes could tell us nothing), sure enough you could hear the tell tale sound of branches being broken punctuated by the deep tummy rumbles of an elephant located just behind the left hand toilet (why oh why hadn't I gone to the loo in town???).

As we continued to listen we could hear another elephant, this time near one of the cabins, so going to bed AND going to the toilet were both out of the question, may as well make ourselves comfy on the tower. Another elephant could then be heard near the car park. We believed that they were the three adult males we had been photographing earlier that day near to the camp. They had obviously heard about Craig Spencer’s fabulous cooking skills over the camp fire (he's won awards for his skills so I'm told), or maybe they felt sorry for John whom we abandoned in camp, or maybe it was those irresistible marula trees that had brought them into camp, either way they weren't in a hurry to move so we sat and enjoyed their company.

I stayed in one of the five wooden cabins built on stilts that are scattered in the bush and made sure that every evening I monitored my intake of water due to the proximity of my hut to the toilets and the all creatures great and small right to roam rule. The other two main 'buildings' (very open and wooden sums them up best) are the game viewing tower, the perfect location for a drink as the sun goes down and it provides a stunning 360 degree view over the bushveld out towards the Drakensberg Mountains, and which accommodates the kitchen beneath it. Then there is the office where the ever so slightly eccentric scientists/rangers/researc

hers get their work done.

I should really make a formal introduction to the men that make up Paradise Camp. Craig Spencer is the scientist (yes a slightly mad one) who analyses the data, writes the papers and does other important scientific things, He has a number of degrees behind him and a wealth of experience in the conservation of wildlife that is best explained by the man himself. Spencer is a lean, tanned, enchanting eyed, charismatic character who is passionate about the protection of wildlife. In my opinion the world needs more people like him to ensure a secure future for our wildlife. Next we have Craig Fox, the blue eyed English gent. He is a trained ranger and now puts his skills towards collecting data for Spencer. His drives are a daily education with continuous commentaries given on the various creatures we encountered. His passion for elephants is endless, although he may have been struggling for words one day whilst we quietly watched (and I recorded) a musting male elephant passing in front of the Landover, the silence was broken by Fox saying "now that's quite the shlong he has there!". He also shares the same ideals as Spencer concerning wildlife conservation. Last but not least there is the humble research assistant, John Slabbert. He is staying at Paradise for a year completing his degree. I am still trying to steal his job so won't lavish too much credit to him, although without him I wouldn't have a clue how to work out standard deviations.

There are a number of aspects to the research and work that goes on at Balule. There are basic things such as maintaining roads (put a saw in my hand and I am a happy woman removing trees from our path!); erosion work; monitoring boreholes to check ground water levels are not being affected by the various lodges; monitoring the need (or lack thereof) of water holes, to more in depth research such as identifying elephants in the area which they collaborate with other researchers to establish movement patterns, herd sizes etc; tree monitoring to establish how much damage to trees is done by elephants which will hopefully prove the idea that elephants are environmental moulders rather than environmental destroyers; and finally game counts which are carried out almost daily and will hopefully cut out the need for disruptive and expensive aerial game counts and give more accurate information on the number and composition of mammals in Balule, and then can be used as a future way for counting game in other areas. This data will be given to the head warden so he has hard facts behind future management policies. Spencer says it will take five years to collect all the data he needs.

One piece of data we had to collect was a visibility index (the science behind it is best discussed with Spencer but essentially was done to establish the average distance from the Landover into the bush where we would usually spot the animals on game counts). The process meant we had to have an implement that somewhat resembled an impala. John and I spent a rainy afternoon creating said contraption. Basically we attached the skull of a male impala (horns as well) to a stick measuring the average height of an impala. The next few days were spent stopping at random points along the five routes we use for game counting and running off into the bush wielding the impala skull on a stick, all in the name of research I assure you and no strange voo-doo going on despite appearances.

There were far too many highlights during my three week stay at Paradise. One of the major events that left me with sleepless nights occurred two weeks into my stay. Spencer returned from one of the lodges clutching a box which he told me was my project for my final week, in his words I was to "keep it alive". Inside the box was a cloth which I carefully unwrapped to find a tiny baby squirrel. Its eyes were barely open and it easily fit into my hand when I made a loose fist. After a degree of 'faffing' by the men, the sensible woman in camp (did I mention that I was the only woman there at the time??) dismantled a biro and used the tube with my thumb over the end to create suction to make a feeding device.

Unfortunately at the time the only thing we had suitable to feed him was a protein shake (used by John to help bulk his muscles!) and ended up being the inspiration behind the squirrels name, Arnie, after the ultimate muscle man Arnold Schwarzenegger (sadly not you John). Thankfully Arnie took to the strawberry flavoured protein shake and the new feeding device, although he expressed no opinion to his new name. For the next week I constantly had a squirrel attached to me, usually down my cleavage (well it was warm down there and meant my hands were free!).

Every two hours I fed him, we progressed onto normal baby food which was just as much of a hit as the protein shake. At night I had to hold him in my hand after I learnt the hard way that leaving him wrapped up in the cloth for two hours with no external body heat was not a good idea. When I woke to feed him he was cold and still, I feared he was going to die, but after half an hour of being cuddled he was warm again and wanting food. Occasionally I would wake up and realise I had moved my hand and feared moving in bed not knowing where Arnie was, every time he had managed to crawl up beside me and curl up in a ball of warmth, I was exhausted!

Thankfully someone donated a hot water bottle to us which made sleeping possible again and stopped the fear that I had rolled on top of him in the night. In just a week Arnie flourished, he became more hairy, especially his tail, and finally he went to the toilet (which had been a real worry for the first three days). He even started to eat mashed up bananas. He loved to be touched and would lift up his arm so you would scratch him in the right place. I was worried about what was going to happen to Arnie when I left, but the three men about camp assured me they would look after him (they have raised and released other abandoned creatures in the past) and after watching them with him (the two Craigs even took to licking his head like the mother would have done) I felt secure.

Although I will brush over the tears I shed as I got on the plane and had to leave little Arnie tucked up in Foxes shirt pocket. Hopefully they will be successful in rearing him to adulthood and when he is ready he will probably disappear back into the bush. Don't worry he is not destined to a life in a cage.

We had many close encounters with the wildlife during my stay; being approached by two male white rhino; watching a herd of 30-40 elephants come to the dam for a drink and play; seeing two male elephants fighting; occasionally being mock charged by various elephant who disagreed with having their photo taken; watching Spencer flea from the tracker seat at the front of the Landover to the back after coming across a rather upset and trumpeting loan elephant at night (we did get close); having three male lions walk right next to us in what suddenly felt like an overly open and exposed game viewing Landover; catching a male lion following a female lion one evening looking like they were intending to mate; sitting in the camp with solifuges (sun spiders) and scorpions running around our feet; watching a large black mamba snake rear up out of the road as we drove past; stopping by a family of jackals being amazed by the boldness of the juveniles who walked up to us to get a better look; seeing elegant giraffe stare at us through long eyelashes; getting close to herds of buffalo, impala and zebra; glimpsing hippos in the dams and river; catching rare day sightings of a pair of civets; the list could go on and on.

There are many things that I will miss about Balule and Paradise Camp, that will forever stick in my mind such as hearing the leopards and lions calling whilst we sat around the camp fire, the spectacular storms, the millions of stars on a clear night, the wildlife and of course my baby squirrel. But what will really last a lifetime is the education provided by Spencer, Fox and John, and the dedication they offer to keeping wild areas wild protecting the creatures that live there. Sadly man can destroy an area in a matter of days but to conserve, it takes lifetimes. Thankfully there are people like Craig Spencer, Craig Fox and John Slabberg doing such work. Thank you guys for an unforgettable three weeks

Nikki Williams

R2000 Discount Winner!

2009-02-28T10:41:00.003+02:00

Congratulations to Logan Troutman from the USA, you have won a R2000 discount off any project, course or tour on our web site - you can claim your prize at any time!

All Facebook, Newsletter and Blog subscribers are automatically entered into the draw each month - for extra chances to win, make sure you become a fan on our Facebook page too!

Question of the Month

2009-02-28T10:34:00.002+02:00

Last Month's Results: During February we asked...

If you could jump on a plane to South Africa right now, which 5 of the following would you most like to experience while you are here?

These came out as the top 5...

1. Visit Kruger National Park
2. Whale Watching
3. Go Sky Diving near Cape Town
4. Visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach
5. Visit the Townships

Congratulations to our February winner, Jill Comerchero, who has won a return trip on the Table Mountain Cable Car, and a visit to Robben Island - you can claim your prize at any time!

New Question for March... For a chance to win a sumptuous African dinner at the popular Mama Africa Restaurant in Cape Town, try our New Question of the Month - we have 2 vouchers worth R200 each, for you and a friend or fellow volunteer!

Masigcine Children's Home testimonial

2009-02-28T10:30:00.002+02:00

Amanda Watchorn - 20 yrs old - from Winnipeg in Canada

Masigcine Children's Home - 6 weeks - January to February 2009

"I went to South Africa to make a difference, to change someone's life, and I hope that I did. But what I didn't expect is how much my life would change as well. Volunteering at Masigcine Children's Home was the most rewarding and most impacting experience of my life, and AVIVA made it all possible"

Update from Cape Town

2009-02-28T10:07:00.002+02:00

Whether you're a football (soccer) fan or not, there is no denying that World Cup Fever has landed in South Africa, and judging by the hundreds of thousands of ticket applications already received by FIFA from supporters around the globe, 2010 is going to be a year to remember for everyone.

This is welcome news for all South Africans who will benefit from improved infrastructure, new jobs, and a legacy that will far outlast the four week competition. Tourism is still in it's infancy in South Africa, and I believe this will be a key area in providing much needed jobs for the country's unemployed.

We are under no illusions that the World Cup will be a cure all for everyone - Orphaned and abandoned children will still need food, shelter, education and a caring family environment to help them be all that they can be. South Africa's wildlife and unique habitats will come under increasing pressure, requiring even greater contributions from NGO's and government to ensure they are protected for future generations.

Local and International Volunteers will continue to play a vital role in South Africa's ongoing transformation, even more so during the tough economic times that we now find ourselves in. We see the difference that volunteers make on a daily basis, and the feedback we receive from projects around the country only goes to reinforce how much volunteers are appreciated by over extended project staff and the children and wildlife in their care.

This was no more apparent than when I visited Baphumelele & Masigcine Children's Homes recently to film with some of the volunteers. For an insight into what it's like to be a volunteer, please be sure to check out our New Masigcine video featuring AVIVA volunteers, Amanda and Jennifer from Canada. The video was 'released' only yesterday and is now available on our web site and Facebook page.

This month we're looking forward to seeing ex-volunteer Tereza Šedivá from the Czech Republic when she returns to Cape Town. As a 16 year old, Tereza first volunteered with us in July 2004, spending many happy weeks with the penguins at SANCCOB. This time she returns with her boyfriend and sister for a holiday, and I'm sure she will be eager to show them around and catch up on everything that has happened over the last five years.

This month my wife and I are lucky enough to be spending our (late!) Christmas holiday in one of our favourite places, Kruger National Park. Days filled with exciting wildlife sightings, stunning scenery, game drives, bush walks, simple food on the fire and no cellphones, it doesn't get any more relaxing than this.

On behalf of everyone at AVIVA, I hope you also find some time to take a break this month, and if you're thinking of joining us in South Africa any time soon, we're available to assist you all the way - call us, chat to us online, send us an old fashioned email, or use our simple booking form to apply online, we would love to hear from you!

Best wishes from Cape Town

Learn Xhosa with Mama Tofu

2009-02-20T13:12:00.005+02:00

Watch the latest video addition to our web site and learn how to say hello in Xhosa with 89 year old Mama Tofu.

This is just one of the activities that Wild Coast School volunteers get to experience as part of their orientation.

Go to AVIVA's Video Gallery

2010 World Cup ticket sales launch today!

2009-02-20T08:58:00.003+02:00

The first phase of ticket sales for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa kicks off today at 13:00 South African time!

It only took me 2 minutes to register for the FIFA Club this morning, and that included editing my profile and avatar (which looks nothing like me by the way, they just don't have my hair type available!). Once registered, you can keep up with all the latest World Cup news, enter competitions, keep track of your tickets, play fantasy World Cup and lots more...

Use the links below to find out more about the ticketing process, and register yourself with FIFA to make sure you don't miss out on those all important tickets!

Official 2010 FIFA World Cup web site

Sign up for the FIFA Club

"The fervour is already palpable within South Africa and all around the world: everyone wants to take part in this extraordinary event. Our ticketing policy has been drawn up to reflect our determination to ensure that FIFA's flagship competition is accessible to all football fans. We hope that you will come and enjoy the game!" said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.

"The start of the ticket sales kicks off the chance for fans from all over the world to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a FIFA World Cup match in South Africa. We have strived to give everyone a fair and equal chance to access a ticket, so that that all people around the world have a possibility to enjoy the wonderful celebration that we will have next year," added Danny Jordaan, CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa.

All applicants who register correctly by the end of the first sales period will have an equal opportunity to obtain tickets, as this sales phase is not on a first come, first served basis. A random draw will be conducted on 15 April to determine which applicants receive tickets for oversubscribed matches.

AVIVA photos now on Flickr

2009-02-16T10:42:00.002+02:00

We have loaded over 1000 volunteer and project photos to our new Flickr page and will be adding many more each month...

View AVIVA photos on Flickr

Planetarium - amazing value!

2009-02-16T10:24:00.004+02:00

This weekend my wife and I visited the SA National Museum in Cape Town for the Wildlife Photographic Exhibition (well worth a visit, see details in previous post), and bought a combination ticket for R20 (that's about £1.30, €1.50, $2), which gave us access to the excellent Planetarium show too.

If you have the time, we would highly recommend heading down to the Museum and Planetarium before the photographic exhibition ends on March 15th, great value, and an opportunity to brush up on the night sky before you head off to Kruger. Details of current shows at the planetarium below:

THE SKY TONIGHT

An interesting live lecture on the current night sky is presented every Saturday and Sunday. You will receive a star map and be shown where to find the constellations and planets that are visible this month.

Saturday - 13:00
Sunday - 13:00

A BASIC GUIDE TO STARGAZING

Drawings by the acclaimed cartoonist, Tony Grogan

Monday to Friday – 14:00
Tuesday evening – 20:00 (& sky talk)
Saturday and Sunday – 14:30

In this 45-minute presentation we give you a basic understanding of the night sky and how it changes throughout the year. We introduce some easily recognisable constellations, explain the nature of stars and the galaxy in which we live, and give basic information on using binoculars and small telescopes.

Wildlife Photography Exhibition

2009-02-16T09:52:00.005+02:00

Don't miss the world’s most prestigious wildlife photographic exhibition, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, owned by London’s Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine at the Iziko South African Museum.

This year the exhibition attracted a record-breaking 32 351 images from 82 countries, from both amateur and professional photographers. The exhibition includes 83 of the very best images, across 17 categories, chosen for their originality, creativity and sheer drama.

Venue: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town (next to the Planetarium).
Time: 10h00 – 17h00, seven days a week.
Entry fee: R15 per adult, R5 for students and pensioners, no charge for children under 16.

South Africa ranked number one

2009-02-11T08:43:00.002+02:00

It's official - South Africa ranked as the top gap year destination last year, moving up from fourth place in 2007.
Source: March issue of South Africa's Fairlady magazine

AVIVA website - new features!

2009-02-10T15:17:00.002+02:00

Check out our web site for some great new features added today...

Clearer pricing in six major currencies
Download our full 'at a glance' project price list
Free monthly competition
Video Gallery
Online Chat buttons an all pages

AVIVA Video Gallery

2009-02-10T14:49:00.003+02:00

We are pleased to announce the introduction of a new Video Gallery to our website - check out our current videos and check back for new project and volunteer videos coming soon...

Official Cape Town visitors' web site

2009-02-10T14:29:00.002+02:00

Cape Town Tourism have launched a brand new web site which caters specifically for visitors. Check out Cape Town's top 100 attractions, and find a wealth of information on a wide range of adventure activities, things to see, places to eat and lots more!

Vote for Table Mountain!

2009-02-06T15:15:00.001+02:00

Table Mountain is one of South Africa's iconic landmarks and it has been nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Help us to put Table Mountain where it belongs and register your vote here!

Question of the month competition

2009-02-03T11:51:00.002+02:00

Every month, we will be inviting you to complete a quick survey question (or two!) and in return we will enter your name in a draw for some great prizes.

This month we are giving away a double prize with a spectacular Table Mountain Cable Car trip and a visit to Robben Island up for grabs...

Check out our online survey here for your chance to win!

Closing date for entries is Feb 28th 2009 - the winner will be announced in early March and prizes are valid until Feb 28th 2010

Events in Cape Town

2009-02-03T11:43:00.003+02:00

We have lots of exciting events coming up in Cape Town, including the Coca Cola Zero Fest concert on April 13th which will feature Oasis, Snow Patrol and a wide range of international and local bands for a 12 hour music marathon. International Cricket and Super 14 Rugby will also feature strongly over the next few months so you will find some useful dates for these below.

Beauty and the Beast
January 30th-March 8th
Get ready to be swept away by one of the most popular and captivatingly romantic stories ever told in Disney's multi-award winning musical.

International Cricket - South Africa v Australia
March 19th - The 5-day test gets underway
April 9th - One Day International
Watch the two best teams in the world battle it out at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, the most beautiful cricket ground in the world...

Super 14 Rugby
February 14th - Stormers v Sharks
February 20th - Stormers v Reds
February 28th - Stormers v Blues
March 14th - Stormers v Lions
The best teams from South Africa, Australia & New Zealand begin their annual quest for the top spot...

A night with Dame Edna
March 10th-22nd at the Artscape Arena
Spend an unforgettable eveing with housewife, superstar and international style icon, Dame Edna Everidge!

Coca Cola Zero Fest Concert
April 13th - Cape Town
Featuring Oasis, Snow Patrol and many more...

Tickets for all these events can be obtained via the Computicket web site

Latest R2000 discount winners!

2009-02-03T11:39:00.002+02:00

With the newsletter taking a rest in the New Year, we have two Competition winners to announce this month - don't forget to become a fan of our Facebook page to maximise your chances of winning future prizes.

This month's R2000 Discount Winners are...

Mark Auchincloss - from Ireland
Anne-Marie O'Reilly - from the UK

Congratulations! We hope you both enjoy your R2000 discount and we look forward to seeing you in Cape Town later this year!

February Update

2009-02-03T11:28:00.002+02:00

Welcome to our first newsletter of what has been a very busy year so far. During January we have been delighted to see an increased number of applications coming in, more than for any month in the last year, and a welcome boost for the many wildlife and community projects that have been affected by the current economic climate, thank you to all of you!

In early December, Rholene & I headed off to the Balule Conservation project for a few memorable days in the bush and were treated to the closest elephant encounter either of us have ever experienced, with our vehicle almost surrounded by a herd which included a watchful matriach and some very inquisitive youngsters. We also joined volunteers on a variety of game drives which gave us an opportunity to explore more of this beautiful region, and to see some of the amazing wildlife that abounds there.

A late night around the Balule camp fire also brought rewards with the sounds of lion, hyena and jackal close by, and the pounding of hooves next to the camp as a mixed herd of zebra & giraffe passed by after midnight. Even with a fullish moon, the night sky was pretty spectacular, so if you spend a couple of weeks or more here you are in for a visual treat. Life at Balule is very rustic, so if you enjoy basic living (with a cold water hose for a shower!) and plenty of fresh air this could be the perfect experience for you.

Before joining Balule, I was fortunate enough to spend a night at Thornhill Lodge, one of the stop-offs on the 4-day Kruger Adventure tour. Besides the excellent hospitality and food provided by Glen and his team, I also enjoyed a stunning game drive with some of the other guests, which included a wonderful twenty minutes in the middle of a large herd of buffalo. The morning of my departure was extra special as I was able to rescue a wolf spider that was busy drowning in the pool. See our Facebook page for a new album showing photos from Balule & Thornhill, including some close-ups of the wolf spider drying out on a tree.

Our first Masigcine Children's Home volunteers arrived in early January and they have already made an excellent impression on the children, staff and careworkers at the home. Needless to say, Masigcine is looking forward to welcoming many more AVIVA volunteers, as we are looking forward to seeing Masigcine go from strength to strength in the years ahead.

We have received an extraordinarily high number of applications for the Wildlife Ranger Course and Tamboti this month, with Masigcine Children's Home also making a good showing alongside other popular projects like Baphumelele and Home of Hope. Placements during July & August are filling up quickly so if you are looking to join us on any project then, we would recommend booking soon to avoid disappointment.

We have also added start dates for most projects through to the end of 2010 to make sure we are able to cater for all you long term planners and for those volunteers that want to make sure they are in Cape Town for the FIFA World Cup next year (June 11th - July 11th 2010).

With February already under way, we are looking forward to joining Pat Cavendish O'Neil for lunch this week, with a minibus full of volunteers who will meet Pat, her many rescued dogs, baboons, vervet monkeys, and of course Kalu, her rescued chimpanzee. Pat is a well known figure in South Africa with her autobiographical book 'A Lion in the bedroom' hitting the bestseller lists after it's release a few years ago.

Our first Masigcine volunteers!

2009-02-03T08:01:00.005+02:00

Amanda & Jennifer from Canada became our first Masigcine Children's Home volunteers when they joined us in January.