General Info
The practice where you'll work deals mainly with domestic animals, but you may also get an occasional opportunity to help out at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital, which is much bigger. The Blue Cross is a charity-based organisation that deals with a wide range of veterinary procedures and if you spend time here, you should get exposure to larger animals such as cattle and horses.
Depending on your experience and confidence, you may be able to participate in basic and simple procedures under supervision, such as making blood smears, analysing urine samples, learning to prep surgical sites. There will be a variety of different jobs that you’ll need to assist with, including some not directly working with animals, such as attending to the upkeep and cleaning of the premises, or helping out with Reception. In short, anything and everything that needs to be done during the time you’re there.
Cape Town has everything to offer with its stunning beaches, great surf, penguins, great nightlife and of course Table Mountain! You must go to the top of the mountain ... If you don't fancy climbing it, there is a cable car to take you up in comfort. The city is permanently in the Top Five Tourist Destinations in the World, and deservedly so. It's beautiful, fascinating, and exciting.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
► An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa.
► You'll learn a lot from experts in your field about how they work in a cultural environment that's different to what you're used to.
► New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
► An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
► And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
The practice is fairly close to the heart of the bustling city, only a short walk away from the magical Gardens, where you can enjoy your lunch hour under the whispering trees and hand-feed squirrels scampering past… truly idyllic.
ACCOMMODATION:
A ten minute walk from the centre of the bustling Cape Town CBD is the quieter, more chilled out area of Green Point. Here we use St Johns Waterfront Lodge, one of the better known backpackers’ lodges for your accommodation. It is not only close to the city, but also to the famous V&A Waterfront (5 min walk) and literally a hop, skip and jump away from the ocean. Among a host of other activities, from here you can visit the world-famous Robben Island by boat, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 27 years!
Your food and accommodation is provided on this project. You'll get a monthly budget for food which is sufficient to cover basic meals, so that you have the choice of doing your own cooking or eating out.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:
• A 5- or 7-day Safari from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route, taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves
• Surfing Courses: In the buzz city of Durban.
• Paragliding Course: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.
• 5-Day Bush Survival Course: This is a fantastic experience and opportunity to see lots of wild animals in their native habitats in Game Reserves. You'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy learning some bush skills in the great outdoors!
This project can also be combined with any of our other projects in South Africa. That way you’ll get a good knowledge of two or more very different regions of the country.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903 502595
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.
