Kaya Environmental Volunteering in Ghana

  Ghana

• Other Cities in Ghana: 
Cape Coast

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: The first Saturday of every month

Description: If you are an outdoors adventurous type and conscious about the problems facing the earth then an environmental project is for you. Our projects from around the world range from forestry development, ecosystem preservation, national park development to botanical research. Not only will you be involved in education and research but also hands on activities within national park development and maintenance of ecosystems.

Eco-tourism in Ghana

Support local community eco-tourism projects which provide a financial incentive to local community members to protect their natural resources. Rural community-based ecotourism is a proven and effective way of reducing poverty, whilst protecting precious cultural and natural resources of Ghana. This project grows and develops eco-tourism businesses and helps to promote awareness of environmental responsibility and the benefits of sustainable, earth-friendly sources of income.

Environmental Education in Ghana

Kaya volunteers work to promote environmental awareness in local schools and communities. The project aims to ensure that all segments of the population understand ecological systems and how they can protect, improve and sustain Ghana's environment for present and future generations. To achieve this, we help the educational institutions of the Cape Coast to incorporate environmental education into their curriculum. Communities are taught to carry out sustainable practices with the surrounding environment to improve the health and economy of local citizens.

Highlights: Ghana, a developing country on the west coast of Africa, lies a few degrees north of the equator and is considered the country closest to the center of the world. Ghana has a fantastically diverse landscape with hundreds of miles of beaches, rain forests, mountains and the largest man-made lake in the world, Lake Volta. Thanks to its amazing wildlife, beautiful scenery and welcoming population, Ghana is becoming more and more popular among adventure travelers and world explorers. Nature lovers will appreciate the beautiful palm-fringed beaches and lush national parks along the Gold Coast, most notably the Kakum National Park.

Safari in Ghana:
Compared to the likes of Kenya or Namibia, Ghana is lesser known for its wildlife safari, but its diversity of species is no less impressive. It has 16 National Parks and several natural reserves and protected areas, comprised of varied ranges of habitat. These include wetland lagoons, salt pans along the Gold Coast and tropical guinea rain forest. Ghana is home to about 99 species of mammals including the largest land mammal, the African Elephant; there's also the hippopotamus, lion, leopard, hyena, chimpanzee, baboon, buffalo, antelope, 7 species of monkey, and much more. One can also spot about 750 species of birds in Ghana.

Wli Waterfalls:
Wli, the highest waterfall in western Africa, is one of Ghana's most unforgettable sights. First admire the sheer grandeur of the fall itself - the spectacular white water of the Agumatsa River thundering over 60 meters down steep cliffs into a large pool below. Second are the massive mountain formations comprised of soaring peaks and rock walls, which are part of the Akwapim-Togo Mountains.

Surfing in Ghana:
Due to the Southern ocean swells that hit the Western coastline of Ghana, surfers can find some of the cleanest, most orderly and thus rider-friendly waves on earth. The combination of perfect waves, warm water and no crowds, as well as the endless activities to see and do in and around the picturesque fishing village of Busua, creates the ideal place to learn how to surf.

Browse through the fishing villages and traditional market towns that dot the coastline, and don't forget to bring your camera to snap pictures of the Winneba fishing fleets and the Mankessim Posuban shrine. This English-speaking country provides volunteers with a wonderful introduction to Africa; it is politically stable, safe, affordable and characterized by its warm friendly people.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ghana Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008