Dolphin (throughout the year) Another species monitored on
ocean safaris is dolphins. You will be collecting data that enables
dolphin numbers and behaviors to be recorded and uploaded onto
databases to share with our Marine Partners. Of particular interest
in this study is dolphin behavior in relation to tourism
Coral Reef and Fish (throughout the year) The coral reef monitoring
involves joining scuba diving and carrying out underwater data
collection on indicator species of coral fish and the condition and
cover of coral and echinoderms on the reefs. As a summary, on
these research dives you may carry out the following activities:
- Recording indicator species of reef fish
- Collect ID photos of megafauna including mantas, turtles and
Leopard Sharks
- Coral reef quadrants to assess the cover and condition of
different coral groups and echinoderms
- Collection of photos of nudibranchs (sea slugs) to help develop
a species list for Mozambique
Turtles (November to March) You may help survey turtle survival
and you may be lucky enough from November to February to monitor the nesting of turtles on beaches in the areas around Tofo. Historically,
loggerhead turtles have nested here in significant numbers and
although these, as well as green turtles, leatherback turtles, and
hawksbill turtles, are sighted in-water, their nesting has declined
dramatically owing to poaching. In the last 8 years, little to no nests
have been found in the area. The surveys involve working to patrol
the beaches, recording nest sites, finding shells- sizing them, and
taking GPS points for data collection on poaching in the area.
Seahorses (throughout the year) This project will involve traveling
to the nearby Inhambane Estuary and snorkeling in relatively shallow
waters to evaluate and monitor the seahorse population. The seahorses
are counted, and photos are taken to identify the size of the seahorses, with data then then entered into a database to allow for analysis.
Humpback Whales (June – October) You may help monitor the
numbers of humpbacked whales on their seasonal migration up and
down the coast. This involves sand dune-based observations using
binoculars and boat-based observations recording the numbers of
whales, the makeup of the pods, and behaviors witnessed.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Fly into Inhambane Airport, usually, connections are available from OR Tambo Airport Johannesburg or Maputo Mozambique (more details in “Arrivals” section in the Mozambique Destination Brief) where you will be met by an All Out Africa staff member who will transfer on the short journey to your accommodation.
Day 2-5
Your orientation will start with a presentation by the co-ordinating project scientists to prepare you for your project. You will then be shown around Tofo and Inhambane.
If necessary (or if you've added a dive course add-on), hereafter you will do an open water scuba diving course which usually lasts between 4 and 7 days depending on conditions. This is an internationally accredited course and upon completion, you will get a certificate permitting you to scuba dive to 18m anywhere in the world. Once the course is completed you will have the time & skills to focus on the project activities.
If you are a two-week volunteer on the program or already have both open and advanced dive qualifications, you will begin the activities described under Day 8-13 on the itinerary instead.
Day 6-7 and all other weekends
At weekends there is time to explore the stunning palm-fringed beaches of Tofo: relax, surf, swim and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. During the first weekend, you may also be completing your open or advanced water certificate.
Day 8-12 and all other weekdays
You will begin your project activities, which can include any of the research activities outlined in the volunteer role section of this brief.
