Conservation Work with Colobus Monkeys Near Mombasa, Kenya

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year

Description: Why not spend some time with these wonderful monkeys near some of the most beautiful beaches in Kenya. You will be making sure that the monkeys can cross the roads safely by maintaining existing bridges or building new ones and watch the fruits of your labour as the little lovelies swing from branch to branch.

* What the project does and why does it need you!
The Colobus Conservation Trust was started in 1996 in response to the conflict between people and monkeys, its main aim being to make a safer environment for the monkeys by constructing bridges across road and connecting forests on either side. These bridges help the monkeys travel from one side of the forest to the other without the danger of being run over by vehicles. The project also rescues injured monkeys, treats them and then rehabilitates them back into the wild. It is a non government organization which depends on donations and with the help of the volunteers the project will be able to achieve its objectives towards the conservation of the monkeys.

* What you'll be doing
You will be involved in a variety of activities including maintaining the bridges and speed signs, trimming trees so that none are near any power lines, educating local hoteliers in the area on how to deal with the monkeys and not see them as a nuisance. You will also get involved in planting indigenous tree species during the rainy season and will help on anti poaching operations by removing any snares laid in the forests. You may also be involved in local education by visiting the schools and helping to educate the children about monkey conservation.

Your working hours will be Monday to Friday 08.00am to 5.00pm with an hour break for lunch.

* Where you'll be staying
You will be staying in a basic but clean guesthouse accommodation in shared rooms, located at the project. There is running water, hot water, a shower and one bathroom has a bath and western style toilet!

* What you'll be eating
Three meals a day are included. Breakfast will usually consist of bread, eggs and tea, lunch and dinner will be a mixture of local dishes including curry, salad, chapatti, ugali and rice. Vegetarians are welcome.

* Advice and what to bring
Due to the nature of the project your clothes will get dirty and the work is hard so please bring heavy duty items such as boots, shirts, trousers and don't forget the heavy duty gloves too!

* When you arrive
If you arrive on one of the designated arrival dates then airport pick-up is completely free. Please book your flight to arrive into Mombasa Airport (MBA). Should you require a different pick-up time or any additional nights at the orientation accommodation, for example if you arrive a day or two early, you can arrange this through the i-to-i office. You will be staying overnight with the orientation meeting on Sunday at 10.30am.

Transport to the project will be by public transport and will take approximately 1 hour.

Highlights:
* Know that your work will help conserve the monkey population
* Experience the beautiful white sands of Diani beach nearby
* Watch the monkeys swing effortlessly through the trees
* Get a chance to swim with dolphins!
* Experience fascinating Kenya

Qualifications: Who is it for?
This perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors, has a passion for conservation and of course, loves monkeys!

Cost in US$: USD 1295.00 for 1 week, USD 600.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

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

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: 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 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 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