Description

Mozambique truly is one of the most beautiful places on the East African coast with it's supremely white sandy beaches warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. After years of civil war Mozambique has started to really progress in it's tourism and eco-tourism activities and with developing health care and education systems there is a promising future for this once desperately poverty stricken nation.

Whale Shark and Manta Ray Conservation including Padi Diving Course in Mozambique

Volunteer in Mozambique on the Whale Shark and Manta Ray Marine Conservation Project and help with hands-on whale shark research, coral reef monitoring, humpbacked whale monitoring and turtle nest surveys. Explore one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations with a PADI Dive Course, which is included in the project.

The Whale Shark Marine Conservation Project involves gathering field data on whale sharks, coral reefs and other marine biodiversity to make recommendations for improving the conservation of marine life as well as creating general awareness about the marine environment. The project collaborates with the Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna and Tofo Scuba, both based in Mozambique as well as the Ecocean global whale shark database and a number of international marine research bodies.

Highlights

Diving

Mozambique offers some of the best diving in southern Africa with warm waters, varied and abundant marine life, uncrowded and uncommercialized sites and excellent visibility. The most popular location is the Bazaruto archipelago that has outstanding diving and snorkeling opportunities, including Manta Reef, Two-Mile Reef, Vengies, Rainbow Runner Reef and the Greek Temple. The waters offshore of the Inhambane area are also a snorkeling and diving paradise with pristine reefs and an abundance of manta rays and whale sharks. During the winter months (June to September) there is a chance of close-up encounters with the migrating humpback whales. Situated almost 25 miles (40km) off the coast of Maputo, Inhaca Island is a popular destination boasting beautiful beaches, some of the Mozambique Channel's best coral reefs, a historic lighthouse, marine biology museum and large areas of protected forest.

Fishing

Mozambique offers some of the world's best fishing and some of the most challenging big game fishing in southern Africa, particularly around Guinjata Bay and the deep waters of the Mozambique Channel. Marlin, sailfish and other huge fish weighing over 1,000 pounds (454kg) can be caught, however a catch and release system is encouraged to protect the natural resources. A number of centres along the coast also offer rock, surf and fly-fishing.

Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

Mozambique's wildlife population was all but decimated during the 14 years of war preceding 1990, and the country's parks have been battling to restore their game reserves ever since.

To achieve the conservation sustainability of Limpopo National Park, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe joined up three national parks crossing their borders to produce the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. A total of 147 species are known from the area, with a population of 3 000 white rhino present in the Kruger Park is the biggest anywhere, while the 300 black rhino is the second largest population. 1,500 lions, 2,000 spotted hyaenas, 8,320 elephants, 32,000 Burchell's zebra, 2,200 hippos, 5,000 giraffes, 1,500 warthogs, 17,000 buffaloes, 3,500 kudu, 1,500 waterbuck, 14,000 blue wildebeest and over 100,000 impala. It's a vast area which is largely undiscovered and is far less developed than the likes of the Serengetti.

Qualifications

Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit website for details.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
* Food: 3 Meals a day
* PADI scuba diving open water course and qualification. Other improvement courses for those qualified
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
* Daily transfers to and from your project.
* Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
* Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include snorkeling safaris and horse riding on the beach.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

Must be at least 18 years old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008