As an environmental volunteer on our Savannah Conservation Project, you’ll support the work of local conservationists to protect wildlife in the Soysambu Conservancy. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do:
Your work will be divided into five main categories:
Threatened species research
Our primary focuses are to:
We then share this knowledge with other reserves. This is pioneering research for giraffe and big cat conservation in Africa that could determine the fate of this species and subspecies, as lion populations fall and only a couple of thousand giraffes remain in the wild.
Our giraffe and lion conservation work in Kenya goes a long way in maintaining a habitat where the wild animals can flourish and breed in peace. It also allows for a better kind of interaction between humans, livestock, and wildlife.
Set up camera traps
As most animals, especially lions, are very active by night, camera traps help us study their natural habitats, behaviours, and movements. You will be involved in setting up these cameras around the reserve. This will also serve as the perfect way to do mammal inventory. Inventory helps measure the success of our efforts, when counting a populations’ potential growth. This is important for giraffe and big cat conservation
Community outreach
In addition to working in the reserve, you will also participate in a community outreach once a week on a Thursday. The outreach activities vary upon the needs of the community at the time. They could include:
Invasive plant removal
Alien plant species are a big problem in Kenya. They destroy endemic plants that provide a habitat for the local wildlife. You’ll help remove these plants. You’ll also help clear and maintain trails to make sure visitors don’t wander off the dedicated paths. This helps protect indigenous plants.
Maintaining natural water holes for animals
You will help maintain water holes and boreholes. This will ensure that water is constantly stored for the animals, and is vital to their survival during times of drought.
You usually work five days a week. Depending on the activities, you may be required to start earlier, finish later, or work over the weekend.
Work is divided up among all the volunteers using a weekly schedule. On a typical day, you can expect to work from 8 am to 12 pm. Then, you will have a break with some time to eat, sleep, read and relax. After this, at around 2 pm, you will go back out to work in the afternoon, when the heat starts to abate.
Workdays are usually split into physical and non-physical days, both of which are crucial for savannah conservation efforts. You’ll alternate between days for digging, cutting, and general physical labor. This is followed by days for collecting data, GPS mapping, and species research.
Evenings are spent cooking and eating, playing games, and preparing for the following day.
Trained local staff are on hand to supervise activities and provide support, and will accompany you wherever you go on the reserve. You will also be able to take part in workshops designed to teach you about different aspects of this Wildlife Conservation Project and the environment.
Since you will be sharing accommodation with your fellow volunteers, you will be able to spend your evenings and weekends getting to know each other better.
Volunteering in Kenya is the perfect opportunity to explore this extraordinary country. With such a vast array of different activities, you’re sure to find plenty of ways to fill your evenings and weekends.
A trip to East Africa wouldn’t be complete without a safari. You can see wildlife like elephants, lions, and even the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, as you explore the savannahs.
Our projects are based in Nanyuki, which is known as the gateway to Mount Kenya. With this majestic mountain on your doorstep, it’s worth taking a day to hike around the base.
You can spend evenings at buzzing restaurants, listening to live music and trying some of the local dishes. Kenya also has must-see markets, with bright textiles and hand-carved sculptures.
You can spend your free time exploring independently or travel with a group. With so many volunteers joining us throughout the year, you’re sure to make some new friends and travel buddies during your trip.
Accommodation
Food (three meals a day)
Travel and medical insurance
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
Transport to and from your work placement
In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
A supervisor/mentor at your work placement
Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
Access to our local office with internet connection
Certification of project completion
Access to our alumni services and discounts
A cultural awareness course
A Projects Abroad staff member will be there to welcome you when you arrive at Nairobi Airport (NBO). From the airport, you will travel on a shuttle bus to Nanyuki, and then be taken to your host family. If you arrive at the airport late at night, you will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Nairobi and take the shuttle the next day. Depending on traffic, this will be a three to four hour drive.
Your airport transfer is included in the cost of your project fee, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses.
You'll stay at shared accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers in the reserve. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and share the experience of living in African savannah together.
The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable.
A Projects Abroad staff member will be there to welcome you when you arrive at Nairobi Airport (NBO). From the airport, you will travel on a shuttle bus to Nanyuki, and then be taken to your host family. If you arrive at the airport late at night, you will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Nairobi and take the shuttle the next day. Depending on traffic, this will be a three to four-hour drive.
Your airport transfer is included in the cost of your project fee, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses.
Giraffe & Lion Conservation
Help protect endangered animals in the Savannah. Work with conservation experts and preserve biodiversity for future generations!
$959/week
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