South Africa
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We are a backpackers hostel, catering to international travellers (usually aged between 22-35), but more and more we're seeing older people and families coming to stay too. It's an owner-run hostel, we opened in 1999 and it's a very popular place for people to stay and highly rated on review sites. The hostel is located close to the town centre, an easy stroll of only 15 minutes and super close to the scenic cliff path for views out over Walker Bay and whale watching. Located 120km from Cape Town. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, Hermanus is considered by most South Africans and tourists as one of the BEST places to visit and it's a wonderful place to live too! July to December we have Southern Right Whales in the bay, which is a huge attraction and of course this area is famous for Great White Shark cage diving, which we arrange for our guests too. This backpackers is split over three buildings, pretty close together - it's busy place in season and keeps us on our toes, but there's a solid team of permanent staff to handle the 'admin' side of things, so our volunteers are usually there to add an extra pair of hands wherever needed.
Gardening
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Help with Computers/ Internet
We're located 120km from Cape Town, right on the coast in the most beautiful and safest part of South Africa, the existing staff are South Africans, both Afrikaans, English and Xhosa too, so you'd get a real insight into South African lifestyle and culture if you come.
We're potentially needing someone to help our existing full-time staff, we're a busy backpackers lodge that sleeps around 70 people over three buildings, we could really use an extra pair of hands. Taking them to their rooms, showing them the local map and getting them orientated, lend a hand with in house laundry once house keeping has left for the day. Occasionally, when desperate we'll need some help cleaning the rooms, although this is rare. You'll need EXCELLENT spoken and written English skills, this is not a job for someone who's trying to learn English. We'll need a friendly, smiling, enthusiastic person.
We're looking for at least a two month commitment, that way volunteers can settle in, learn the routines, bond with the permanent staff and enjoy their time here as well as be productive.
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
We can provide a room for our volunteers, they'll be sharing together, but not necessarily with guests - there's plenty of place to store your belongings, so it's safe. Front gate access via security pin code too - so strangers don't walk into this hostel and we don't accept locals to come party here. You'll have access to communal bathrooms, self-catering kitchen facilities, food storage cupboard/fridge, tv lounge, garden, swimming pool, free wi-fi. It's only short stroll into town where there's supermarkets etc . We can't guarantee a meal if we've not got one on the go, but we'll give you an allowance for food if that's the case, we don't want to you starve.
Hermanus is a world famous tourist location, from July to December is each there are Southern Right Whales in our bay, so strolling along the scenic cliff path during this time you'll see the whales in the bay, also dolphins and other sea life. We arrange Great White Shark cage diving tours, sea kayaking, whale watching boat tours etc etc. As an incentive, all our volunteers get to do those activities at a reduced rate. We also have stunning hiking routes, beaches, surfing places and there's horseriding stables, learn to kitesurf etc etc. The town is safe, beautiful and a paradise for anyone who enjoyed the outdoor life, particularly walking.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
