Volunteering project in monkey rehabilitation centre Riverside in South Africa
On february 17 of this year I flew to South-Africa. One day later my project began close to Tzaneen, not far from Johannesburg. It was in a monkey rehabilitation centre, Riverside, where more than a hundred monkeys were staying.
The volunteering project
Together with roughly 20 other volunteers I cleaned the enclosures of the baboons and the vervet monkeys. We also took care of the small monkey babies, and we arranged all the food in the morning and afternoon. That meant cutting fruit and vegetables. During the day sometimes new food arrived that needed to be cleaned and put in a small barn or in a cold room. Also, one of our best tasks was to play with the small monkeys. It was as much fun for them, as it was for us. Sometimes we did also catch small bugs and collect grass for all the different cages.
Travel story
This project lasted 6 weeks. After this amazing adventure I took the bus to Johannesburg, where 3 weeks of travelling began. What beautiful places I have seen, so unbelievable! Too much to tell. First a wonderful walk in the Drakensbergen, followed by a stop in Durban. I went to the fishes in Marine World, saw a soccer game in a big stadium and went snorkeling. After that I travelled through Chintsa, East London and Port Elizabeth. Also, Mosselbay was very interesting. I spotted great white sharks from really close in the ocean, and saw big beautiful elephants. My last stop in Cape Town was the best. I visited Robben Island, saw another soccer stadium, a few museums, a zoo with penguins and of course the Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope.
What beautiful places I have seen, so unbelievable! Too much to tell.
Amazing experience
On April 21, 9 weeks were over and I flew back to the Netherlands. I had a wonderful time in an interesting big country. For travelling, I thank the hop on- and off-Bazbus, who drove me from hostel to hostel. A perfect safe and handy system. South-Africa, you were amazing!
Karel
