youth conservation program

THE DISCOVER eden youth conservation program

These 11-day courses are tailor-made to suit your school calendar.

We host a minimum of 8 students per course, with a mandatory staff member from each school required to attend (at no cost).

We limit the number of school groups we host yearly, so book early to avoid disappointment!

The Discover Eden Youth Conservation Program is specifically designed for schools to expose learners to the impacts people have on their environment and how to live more sustainably. The course is also very useful for those looking to explore a career in marine biology or conservation ecology. With a wide range of field-based components interspersed with topical theoretical discussions and lectures, this short course gives you the hands-on experience you have been looking for to see what being a biologist is all about. Participants come out being much more aware of the global environmental issues we face today and what individuals can do to make a difference. Conducted with fully accredited guides and partners, the course is designed to be a safe, easy-to-take-part-in, fun learning experience for your school to offer.

This activity-packed program addresses topics such as shark, seal, bird, and cetacean research and conservation, the global ocean plastic pandemic, the interface between development and coastal conservation in the marine sector, and game reserve management, ornithology, botany, biodiversity conservation, and mammal ecology in the terrestrial sector. 

Food, accommodation, and ground transport are all included in this package. Schools will need to send one staff member per group (at no cost for the course).

Please note: Due to the unpredictability of nature and the weather, the days and activities stated below may be switched around or substituted to give you the best experience possible.

YOUTH CONSERVATION PROGRAM OUTLINE

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Day 1

ARRIVE 

Your friendly Discover Eden Guide will pick you up at Cape Town Airport in the Western Cape Province. We will then make our way to our overnight accommodation, at a guest house in a quiet residential suburb not too far from the airport. After settling in, you will head out to do a short scenic hike to get you your first pics for the trip. You will be able to freshen up before dinner and spend some time getting to know your guide.

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Day 2

TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM & CULTURAL TOUR

A quick orientation session will explain everything that lies ahead. We then head to the Two Oceans Aquarium where you will be taken on a special ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the aquarium by one of the aquarium biologists after which you will have time to explore the aquarium at your own pace. A visit to the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of South Africa’s most visited cultural and historical attractions will be followed by a unique experience to immerse you into South African culture and history. 

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Day 3

KIRSTENBOSCH & TABLE MOUNTAIN

Start the day with a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, one of the world’s seven natural wonders. After lunch, spend the afternoon with one of the country’s top botanists exploring the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Here you will learn about Fynbos, one of the six plant kingdoms of the world, and about its ecology and conservation. 

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Day 4

MARINE SCIENCE IN CAPE TOWN 

Spend an incredible day getting to grips with the science behind marine biology. You will cover a range of topics presented by top marine scientists. Immerse yourself in free-dive research in a marine biodiversity hotspot, learning the techniques needed for your future career. If the conditions are too rough for underwater work, there is still lots to learn, such as conducting a shark egg beach search or participating in a rock pool biodiversity survey. Finish the day visiting a local African Penguin colony and learning about these endangered birds!

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Day 5

GARDEN ROUTE DRIVE & KNYSNA 

After breakfast we make our way along the scenic Garden Route to Plettenberg Bay which is your last stop for the tour. Plettenberg Bay is a world-renowned hotspot for conservation – a Mission Blue Hope Spot, a BirdLife International Important Bird & Biodiversity Area and includes two Marine Protected Areas. Along the way you will visit the Knysna Heads. Settle into your Plett accommodation and if time allows visit a local beach. 

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Day 6

BIRD RINGING & RAPTORS

Start the day with an early morning bird ringing (banding) session to get up close and personal with some feathered friends. You will learn about local bird research, why birds are ringed (banded), and how to safely hold and release them. After lunch, head to Raptor Rescue, a well-known raptor rehabilitation center, to learn about raptor rehabilitation and conservation. Participate in a special raptor rehabilitation workshop and watch a live flight show. 

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Day 7

BOAT TRIP & ROBBERG 

Kick the day off with a boat trip out to sea with Ocean Safaris with the goal to spot some whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and a range of seabirds. After lunch you head off to Robberg Nature Reserve for a hike. This hike will keep you enthralled! Apart from great wildlife and the best views of Great White sharks from land anywhere in the country, it is also home to the amazing Nelson’s Cave where early man lived 125,000 years ago.

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Day 8

TRAVEL TO GAME RESERVE

The last few days of your trip will be spent learning about game reserve management and large mammal conservation. After a scenic drive to the reserve, settle into your accommodation, then head out for your first experience of a game drive to spot wild animals. Revel in a spectacular African sunset and see a starscape unaffected by light pollution!

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Day's 9 - 10

GAME RESERVE EXPERIENCE

Over the next two days, you will learn about research and conservation efforts to conserve wildlife in South Africa. Survey plants, clear away alien invaders, learn how to identify spoor and track animals, and do game drives to see as many animals as you can spot. Learn about tracking animals, long-term monitoring and about cutting-edge conservation efforts taking place.

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Day 11

DEPARTURE

Today is a sad day as we have to say goodbye. After breakfast, we will take you to the airport, where you will start to make your way back home. We are sure this experience will benefit you throughout your school career and will never be forgotten.