Volunteer Vacation in Kenya, East Africa

  Kenya

Rural

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Visit our website for upcoming start dates

Description: Work alongside local community members of 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. After the hard work you can then relax and enjoy a 4 day safari through the stunning Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks to view the animals you're helping local communities to protect.

How this program makes a difference:

The bush-meat trade poses one of the greatest threats to the sustainability of Africa's wildlife. Under this WSPA initiated project, three of the most notorious 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. GVI 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 Tsavo West National Park.

Highlights:
- Get up close to the African game such as elephant and lions you have helped to protect whilst on safari in Tsavo, Kenya's largest National Park 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 Mount Kilimanjaro and relax around the campfire after a hard days work
- Learn about the human wildlife conflict and the challenges of conservation in Africa
- Experience Kenya's incredible and diverse culture and history

Qualifications: No special training or qualifications are required as all training will be provided in the field.

Cost in US$: USD 1,790

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-65

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Maximum 8

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998