A hands-on 30-day conservation placement in St Lucia, South Africa. R3,000 per day (R90,000 for 30 days) covers board and lodging at St Lucia Eco Lodge, field supervision and all core program activities.
What you will do
- Coastal conservation: beach patrols, waste collection and marine debris monitoring along the St Lucia coastline.
- Ecological monitoring: tracking wildlife encounters, estuarine bird populations and wetland habitats across iSimangaliso.
- Community upliftment: educational support and mentoring in local schools and creches.
- Skills sharing: workshops and vocational training for local community members.
- Eco-tourism field support: assisting Shakabarker field guides on boat charters, educational tours and interpretive nature walks.
- Storytelling: weekly field photography, ranger stories and conservation updates for our news page.
Optional add-ons
- Eshowe Cultural & Forest Expedition
- Coffee Bay Wild Coast Expedition
- Return transfer: R5,000 per regional transfer
Mandatory kit list
Volunteers must bring:
| Category | Required equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear & packs | Hiking boots, daypack with water bladder | Dune trails, beach patrols, bush walks |
| Water & marine | Swimwear, snorkel mask, fins, dry bag | Cape Vidal marine sessions and water work |
| Night & weather | Thermal fleece / warm layers, rain poncho, headlamp / torch | Open-vehicle night safaris and squalls |
| Safety & medical | Personal first-aid kit, hat and SPF 50+, matches / lighter | Field safety, sun protection, emergency prep |
| Camp & media | Camping cutlery and crockery, smartphone or camera | Low-impact field lunches and social reporting |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the 30-day volunteer program?
R3,000 per day, R90,000 for the 30-day program. It covers board and lodging at St Lucia Eco Lodge, field supervision and all core program activities.
What does a volunteer do day to day?
Beach patrols and marine debris monitoring, wildlife and estuarine bird tracking across iSimangaliso, school and creche support, skills workshops, helping Shakabarker guides on tours, and capturing field photos and stories.
What must I bring?
Hiking boots, daypack with water bladder, swimwear, snorkel mask, fins, dry bag, warm layers, rain poncho, headlamp, personal first-aid kit, hat and SPF 50+, camping cutlery and crockery, and a smartphone or camera.
Can I add other trips?
Yes. Optional add-ons are an Eshowe Cultural and Forest Expedition and a Coffee Bay Wild Coast Expedition. Return transfers cost R5,000 per regional transfer.