I'm really glad you're thinking of going to UCT. It is definitely one of the best universities in South Africa, and is recognized worldwide for its outstanding academic quality! Not to mention the location which is absolutely stunning, and I hear they have an incredible marine department; you'll love it!

Although I am no expert in the marine biology domain, here are a few links that you will most likely find useful:

- Oceans Research – Marine Research in South Africa. Great website for internships and projects in the marine biology domain: http://www.sampla.org/

- South African Association for Marine Biological Research: http://www.saambr.org.za/

- The Oceanographic Research Institute: http://www.ori.org.za/

- AVIVA, Volunteering in South Africa; Whale & Dolphin Research: http://www.aviva-sa.com/whale-dolphin-research-pr...

There are plenty of others, but just start with those and see from there!

Have you read my article on the Hermanus Whales? If not you really shoud!

In terms of the PADI, it would certainly help to get it beforehand but it is by no means a must…as long as you dive with expert divers you'll be just fine with the basics!

Winter months are best to go on a safari (May-August). For whale watching, consider the months of August-September (during the peak season)!

Hope this helps…

Take care and keep in touch,

Michael

PS: Feel free to follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Africafreak Cheers

I'm really glad you're thinking of going to UCT. It is definitely one of the best universities in South Africa, and is recognized worldwide for its outstanding academic quality! Not to mention the location which is absolutely stunning, and I hear they have an incredible marine department; you'll love it!

Although I am no expert in the marine biology domain, here are a few links that you will most likely find useful:

- Oceans Research – Marine Research in South Africa. Great website for internships and projects in the marine biology domain: http://www.sampla.org/

- South African Association for Marine Biological Research: http://www.saambr.org.za/

- The Oceanographic Research Institute: http://www.ori.org.za/

- AVIVA, Volunteering in South Africa; Whale & Dolphin Research: http://www.aviva-sa.com/whale-dolphin-research-pr...

There are plenty of others, but just start with those and see from there!

Have you read my article on the Hermanus Whales? If not you really shoud!

In terms of the PADI, it would certainly help to get it beforehand but it is by no means a must…as long as you dive with expert divers you'll be just fine with the basics!

Winter months are best to go on a safari (May-August). For whale watching, consider the months of August-September (during the peak season)!

Hope this helps…

Take care and keep in touch,

Michael

PS: Feel free to follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Africafreak Cheers

I was wondering if you have any information about the marine environment in that area. In addition, I would like to hear about other ecological must see spots to visit.

Are there any places doing marine research that need help or places that I can volunteer that involve marine animals? Unfortunately, I don’t have a scuba certification yet since I’m only in my sophomore year at UNC. Would it help to get PADI certified beforehand? Right now I’m still in the preliminary stages of planning my trip but it will most likely have to wait for next year in either Fall or Spring semester.

Is there a peak time for animal watching that I should take into account? I’ve done some traveling in Hawaii, Alaska, Italy, France, and Costa Rica but have never been to a place like South Africa it sounds like an exciting country especially for a national geographic animal junkie. Hope to hear from you!

Thanks Again,

Alexa aka. animaljunkie

What do you think is still missing? Any ideas/suggestions on what could be improved upon? Is there anything in particular that you might be looking for (in terms of articles, interests, etc.)?

I’m very open to all your comments and suggestions…

Remember I’m doing this not only for myself, but also (and mostly) for all of you guys out there…

If I can help in any way, please do let me know…

Thanks again,

Michael aka Africafreak

Thanks for the blog. I’m a fan!