For Teaching:

Lydenburg, in the Mpumalanga province, is a beautiful picturesque old town. The town itself is going through a renaissance at present due to the recent mining of platinum and chromite.

The roads leading to Lydenburg are all scenic and wind through the beautiful mountains – this includes the infamous highlands pass called the Long Tom.

The town is on the road to the Kruger National Park along the Great Panoramic sight seeing route The route takes in the Blyde river canyon, Echo caves, Pot Holes, Berlin Fall and God’s Window – all of which are on the ‘must see’ tourist attractions of South Africa.

Lydenburg remains a ‘segregated’ town having changed little since the end of aparthied in the nineteen nineties.

We are looking for volunteers who will be sensitive to this situation as the white Afrikans control the economy and the local black people are left to the more menial tasks.

In contrast Umtata is in Eastern Cape province. This is a more cosmopolitan and modern city with a lot more for you to do. The city enjoys malls that accommodates every kind of fast food outlet.

Umtata is only two hours away from East London. East London is venue for some of the 2010 Soccer World Cup group matches.

The Wild Coast is only 90 kilometres away on one of the many excellent highways that connect South Africa.

For Marine Research:

The placement is weather dependant. Also the state of the tides is important.

On days off there are the opportunities to go quad biking, horse riding and to visit the wineries in the local area.

Volunteers need to cook for themselves. They will need to visit the local supermarket for their provisions. We suggest GB£150 for four weeks.

There is a local APSA bank where there is an ATM machine. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash anywhere in South Africa.

There is a local industrial set up in the local area that has 20 local ladies working. There is the opportunity for volunteer input here to help with stitching industry – making small bags, purses, school uniforms etc.

On the second weekend in South Africa volunteers will be invited to return to Cape Town. Leaving on the Friday and returning on the Monday volunteers will stay at The Backpack hostel run by Tony and Lee. This will be at the volunteers own expense.