Ecology Conservation in Kenya

  Kenya

Nakuru,  Nanyuki

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: This placement gives you a hands-on role in helping to conserve the rich natural resources of Kenya! It is a great opportunity to experience conservation work in three very distinct areas of Kenya. With a government committed to the preservation of Kenya's environment, new programs have been initiated all over the country. Volunteers are needed at projects such as the reforestation scheme in the foothills of Mount Kenya, at a wildlife conservancy in the Rift Valley, or with the forest department of Menegai Hill to help with plant care and awareness campaigns.

The project is focused not only on the long-term reforestation of a badly affected region, but also works with the local community on grassroots involvement and awareness-raising programmes.

It aims to build up bare areas of hillside, which used to be wooded, to protect wildlife and to safeguard the essential water supply to over seven million people, which depends on the protection of the surrounding forest, and is seriously threatened by the environmental impact of such drastic deforestation. It is hoped that reforestation will encourage the indigenous animals back to the area, such as elephant and buffalo, not to mention many bird species. The project was started by local subsistence farmers, who also volunteer daily at the project. They will welcome you into their project and their community and enjoy meeting people from different cultures.

Your main role as a volunteer will involve the general maintenance of planting seeds, replanting saplings, weeding and maintaining the seedbeds, so you will need to be prepared for physical, hands-on labour. You will also be collecting seeds from the forest, collecting soil, and potting seed bags. Along side local volunteers, you will work in the tree nursery preparing, planting and watering seed beds and taking care of the seedlings. In the planting seasons (March to May and August to November) you will help to plant the seedlings in the foothills of Mount Kenya, local schools, and other community areas. You may have the opportunity of going into schools with the volunteers members to educate children about the environment. There may also be opportunities for building work, construction, and clearing currently unused areas of land.

Highlights: Now's your chance to roll your sleeves up and make a difference! This conservation project is a rare opportunity to get hands-on with crucial conservation work in a stunning rural environment.

Deforestation is a huge issue throughout Kenya, where fires, illegal logging and expanding communities have encroached into limited forested areas. As a conservation volunteer, you'll be living in the slopes of rural Mount Kenya and will spend your time helping to preserve the rapidly diminishing indigenous and exotic species of trees, by getting involved with a variety of activities. As you plant trees, build seed beds and help with facilities maintenance, youll spot elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, leopards and even monkeys deep in the forest! You may also become involved in helping to educate the local community about just how detrimental the deforestation is.

Your weekends will be completely free to explore the stunning wilderness! It's a perfect opportunity to walk to the local caves and if you fancy spotting a bird or two, guided bird watching tours are available. If you fancy something more energetic, there's a nearby soccer pitch where the local team play in the evenings and welcome new talent! There are game parks and reserves within easy reach, while Nairobi is only three hours away by public transport.

Qualifications: Independence, enthusiasm, willingness to work hard.

Cost in US$: $995 for 1 week; $175 for each additional week

When you arrive we provide: pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date welcome orientation regularly-inspected accommodation well-researched, quality placement, support of in-country i-to-i team. You will always have: access to our emergency support team 24/7 assistance of the global i-to-i staff guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994