Rural Development VolunteerVacation in Kenya

Volunteer for 14 days on critical construction projects and then go on a 7 days safari to view the big game you're helping to conserve.
Work alongside local community members of Amboseli or Tsavo West National Park, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro to support development in rural Kenyan communities. Harsh environment with low rainfall and limited work opportunities have forced communities to hunt wildlife for the bush meat trade. As a volunteer you will help with the construction of infrastructure essential for local villagers to find other ways to make a living in a sustainable way and so conserve Africa's big game.

Location

The rural villages of Ol-Choro, Kawavuya, Rongai, Nkabobo, Bondeni, Sonkoro, Tingani, Murtot and Misigio are located just outside the border of Amboseli National Park, in South-Eastern lowlands of Kenya. Loitokitok, the closest town and trading centre, is a 8 hour journey from Mombasa;4 hours from Nairobi and sits on the border between Kenya and Tanzania.
OR
The rural villages of Kidong, Kasaani and Mahandakini are located just outside the border of Tsavo West National Park, in South-Central Kenya. Taveta, the closest town and trading centre, is a 6 hour journey from Mombasa; 8 hours from Nairobi and sits on the border between Kenya and Tanzania.
Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, as well as trips to Mount Kilimanjaro, can all be accessed from this scenic region of East Africa.

Highlights

Get up close to the African game such as elephant and lions you have helped to protect whilst on safari in Amboseli &Tsavo, Kenya's largest National Parks network; live and work alongside the warm and welcoming ex-poaching communities in rural East Africa; contribute to long-term sustainable development; enjoy iconic views of Mt Kilimanjaro and relax around the campfire after a hard day's work; learn about the human-wildlife conflict and the challenges of conservation in Africa; experience Kenya's incredible and diverse culture and history.

The Project Background

The bush-meat trade poses one of the greatest threats to the sustainability of Africa's wildlife. Under this Kentan Safaris & partners initiated projects, poaching communities have come together to learn the value of wildlife conservation and sustainable development. Nowadays, the challenge is to build capacity to successfully engage in alternative livelihoods. Kentan Safaris and other partners has been assisting with the development of sustainable livelihood programs through community education for the past two years, however the absence of essential infrastructure to support these programs is hindering the progress of these income generating projects.

Your work as a volunteer building prioritized infrastructure will contribute to the completion of the remaining elements necessary to ensure the long term success of these sustainable alternative livelihood programs. Thus, you will not only be supporting the hard-work of these reformed poachers, you will also be contributing to the conservation of East Africa's wildlife in Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks.

Field Conditions

Project accommodation is basic, sleeping on earthen floors in breezy local style buildings (bandas) within the villages we work in. Bucket showers and bush latrines are standard and there is very limited access to electricity. Basic but nutritious food will be prepared locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables available daily. During your safari you will be accommodated in shared tourist lodge accommodation with modern amenities and served international cuisine.

Destinations

» Kenya Safaris

» Kenya Beach holidays

Community Responsibility

Scheduled Safaris and Tours