EDGE of AFRICA

Edge of Africa combines visiting the breathtaking, malaria-free Garden Route with an authentic African experience for volunteers, gap year students and interns of all ages and nationalities.

Privately operating without any official funding, we offer safe, sustainable wildlife, environmental, sports, medical and community projects - all either self-initiated within existing organisations or independently established by our team. Volunteers are exposed to the colourful heritage, cultures and traditions our country offers, while actually making a tangible difference in the lives we touch.

As winner of 2010's Welcome Award for best South African tour operator, Edge of Africa guarantees an ethical, life-changing experience.

EDGE of AFRICAs uplifting projects offer you the valuable opportunity to contribute to South Africas heritage, while experiencing African culture in a way not quite possible when visiting the country as a mere tourist.

Based in Knysna, on the countrys famous Garden Route, EDGE of AFRICA is perfectly located to offer the best of the countrys fauna and flora (including the Big 5), forests, beaches and all the luxury amenities.

Depending on your area of interest, we have a number of placements which need caring and enthusiastic volunteers. Whether you are taking a gap year, are on a career break, studying towards a particular field and need experience or are merely wishing to do some charity work, we will position you to benefit the community / environment, as well as yourself.

Our community projects reach mainly underprivileged and disadvantaged people. Volunteers can assist with welfare foundations, charity, education, awareness and development - including working in preschools, teaching English and empowering the local community.

Our conservation programs give volunteers the opportunity to participate in wildlife and game reserve projects - assisting withanimal research, encountering the Big 5, working on eco trails and participating in general community conservation projects. A background in conservation is not necessary- just a passion for nature and an interest in Africa.

For the more active volunteers, our medical and HIV / AIDS awareness projects welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Nurses and doctors will benefit from the experience, while those with an interest in the HIV / AIDS pandemic in South Africa will really be able to help with our outreach programs.

For anyone wanting to assist with some hard (and easy) manual labour, consider contributing to our Build our Schools project and help us to uplift over 45 preschools in the area.

Combinations of the above projects are also possible. Please view our specific projects for more information on each program.

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Setting:
EDGE of AFRICA volunteers are based in one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa. After (what is for most people) a very long flight, volunteers are met by stunning views, impressive mountain passes, lush green forests and white sandy beaches on the way to the volunteer house in Knysna.
Knysna itself is nestled on the shores of the Knysna estuary - or Knysna lagoon, as it is more commonly known. Its the most biologically diverse estuary in South Africa and home to the Knysna Seahorse, the most threatened seahorse species in the world. Knysna is also an avenue to the Tsitsikamma Forest, which stretches from just west of George to the Tsitsikamma River near Humansdorp. This indigenous forest is ideal for walks and is home to numerous fauna and flora. The forest also houses the worlds most southerly elephants. Sadly, with only a handful of elephants left, the forest elephants are rapidly becoming part of Knysnas history, rather than Knysnas nature.
Knysna is a modern, friendly town with really something for everyone. It has all the necessary amenities, such as ATMs, medical support, internet cafes and a shopping mall - all within walking distance. The nightlife is varied and volunteers can be entertained by live bands, in chilled pubs, cocktail bars or fancy restaurants. Knysna hosts a number of popular festivals annually, such as the Knysna Oyster Festival, the Arts Festival, Pink Loerie Festival and the Community Beach Festival.
The Garden Route area offers a variety of leisure, sport and adrenaline filled activities. Take a stroll down to the waterfront and enjoy the all year round holiday vibe. Or take a ferry across the lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a guided eco-experience and breathtaking views of the lagoon, the mountains and Knysna town.
The area is also rich in wildlife. Just 40 minutes drive towards Plettenberg Bay lies The Crags, and the many fantastic attractions in Animal Alley include Monkeyland (the worlds first free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary, home to around 400 apes, monkeys and lemurs), Birds of Eden (the largest free-flight aviary in the world, home to over 3 000 birds of around 200 species) and Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre (where you will be offered a truly unique wildcat experience, as well as helping to fund Tenikwas Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre).
A boat trip around Plettenberg Bay offers a closer view to the areas marine life. After an exciting beach launch you will have the chance to see Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, some shark species, Byrds whales, Southern Right whales, Humpback whales (during season) and Cape Fur seals.
The famous BIG 5 is just 1.5 hours drive away, where a 2-hour guided game drive at the Garden Route Game Lodge will treat you to the sights of South Africas majestic animals, as well as some smaller game species. Addo Elephant National Park offers a truly wild feel - just four hours from Knysna. Its home to the highest concentration of African elephants in the world (over 400), as well as the other Big 5 species and many, many more.
For the adrenaline junkies, the Eastern Cape offers the worlds highest bungee jump (216 metres!) at Bloukrans Bridge, conveniently just 45 minutes drive from Knysna. Whether its hiking, mountain biking, beach strolls, horse riding or shopping, sightseeing and strolling through the arts and crafts stalls, the Garden Route area will definitely entertain all tastes and preferences!

Program:
EDGE of AFRICA is committed to ethical volunteering and responsible travelling - providing volunteer and internship placements in South Africa for gap years, career breaks, university internships, school groups and corporate team building projects. We comfortably accommodate all ages, genders, races and religions.
Make a direct impact on the local community and environment, while enjoying first hand exposure to the colourful heritage, cultures and traditions, plus all the sights and activities this beautiful country has to offer.
EDGE of AFRICA guarantees a life changing experience - in a safe, malaria-free, African environment.

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