Vivisto. Unique, once in a life time gap year and career break experiences in Africa, Australia, USA, New Zealand and Canada. http://www.vivisto.co.uk Copyright 2006 Vivisto Ltd.   Conservation With limited availability on our Conservation programmes, we have now reduced our prices, to help fill those last remaining placements. Prices are held for 2008 bookings made before the end of April 2008. Our Conservation and Animal Rehabilitation programme has just begun the first stages rehabilitating two Caracal cubs, that are just one month old. The two cubs are being excellently looked after by our volunteers.  Community Over 140 people in and around Pletteberg Bay, including our volunteers, children from the local primary school and business owners from around the Bay took part in the annual beach clean up from Poortjies  to Roberg beaches. last week.  The recent floods had left the beaches full of debris. Now with just a little help, the beaches can once again be enjoyed by all. The Volunteer house on our Kids in Africa Programme has had yet another face lift with a new roof and verandah for our co-ordinators and volunteers to enjoy.  Our creche continues to receieve Montessori training for the teachers. The results continue to be a success, with more and more children graduating to Primary School.  Surfs up! 22nd September 2008 - our confirmed date for our 2008 Surfing Instructor Course. We have just 15 placements available, where you can learn to surf and get qualified as an SSA level 1 surf instructor. (A qualification recognised by the BSA). You'll spend your 12 weeks visiting the most awesome beaches along the garden route in South Africa, gaining the skills and hours you need in the water to pass your examination. You will of course also gain your life savers qualification at the same time. Interested? Click here for further information.     Water, Water, Everywhere Our FGASA level 1 Game Ranger course ,in Namibia recently saw an extensive amount of rainfall. This caused a few issues with the usual mode of transport, the ever faithful 4x4 and so resulting in the use of a boat as the only mode of transport in and out of the camp for a couple of weeks.......the hippo's didn't seem that bothered though!     TEL: 0845 603 5719 EMAIL: info@vivisto.co.uk or Contact Us VISIT: www.vivisto.co.uk http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=36 http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=36 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:53:27 EDT Kariega Volunteer Newsletter I was recently at Kariega Game Reserve's Volunteer programme for 8 weeks and had the experience of a lifetime. After living and working in London for six years, I felt the need to get back to basics and experience a different pace of life and South Africa certainly provided that and much more. When I arrived at the reserve the landsacpe was the first thing that took my breath away and is something that is impossible to describe to anyone who hasnt seen it for themselves. The volunteer programme is run by a fantastic  bunch of people who will go out of their way to to help with anything. They have the perfect balance of work and play in everything we do and the volunteer house felt like home from the first day I arrived. I was lucky to be involved in so many activities during my time, each one providing something different and creating another memory to take home. I thoroughly enjoyed getting stuck into some real manual labour removing black wattle trees, clearing old fence lines and brush pile burning....and I go home with a whole new set of practical skills. You also get the opportunity to get up close to the animals and will remember the thrill of the elephant herd walking right past the vehicle and the lions coming to check us out, forever. We also got the chance to be involved in a Rhino capture on the reserve, which was amazing and I will never forget how the rhino skin felt or the adrenalin rush we got whilst attempting to get it into the crate. Despite the fact that you live in the middle of the reserve you never take it for granted and everyday brings new surprises. Outside the reserve there is also the opportunity to try out some activities including horse riding, skydiving and deep sea fishing....which really helps tp broaden the experience even further. I leave Kariega a different person and have faced many personal fears and challenges throughout my stay. The mermories of the experiences, people, surroundings and adventures will stay in my heart forever and I encourage anyone to go to Kariega and see it all for themsleves. It will definately be worth it, I can assure you. Joanne Freeman http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=35 http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=35 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:01:39 EDT Sadly, our main food sponsors for children that attend Siyakula Creche in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, have closed down due to poor fishing in the local area. They have been feeding these children on a daily basis for the past 5 years. Unfortunately, this now means that out of 187 children who attend the creche, only 20 currently have sponsorship. It costs approximately £90 per year to feed a child for a year. So, if you are interested in sponsoring a child, or you think you know someone who may be, then please email us at info@vivisto.co.uk with the reference 'Sponsor a Child'. Thank you to all those who have already helped out!   Working in association with Qolweni Community Trust, Ocean Blue Adventures and The ORCA Foundation http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=34 http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=34 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 08:28:35 EST We will be there to answer all your questions at various Gap Fairs throughout 2008. Our first is at Winchester College on the 14th February. Further dates and venues TBA. Plus, you can now see more photos and chat with people that have been on our programmes on facebook. Simply type Vivisto and you'll find us! Hope to see you there. http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=33 http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=33 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:50:31 EST Need a relaxing break, away from the 9-5? We are soon to be launching an exclusive yoga retreat in the North East of Brazil. Our English, fully qualified instructor will be helping you relax and unwind as you enjoy yoga sessions throughout the day with stunning views across crisp, white sandy beaches. Not only will we provide you with all your transfers, luxury accommodation and travel insurance, we'll also supply you with three healthy meals a day and your yoga instruction on a daily basis. You'll have the option to stay from one week and up to a month! Please contact us for more information and watch this space for further information.   http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=32 http://www.vivisto.co.uk/news-details.php?ID=32 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:53:21 EST