Conservation Work at an Elephant Reserve near Mombasa, Kenya

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: As part of this project you will be collecting elephant dung and turning it into paper. We bet you've never done that before! However, that's not all you'll be doing. Throughout your week living and working in an elephant sanctuary you will go on game drives, help the reserve through mending fences and general maintenance and also get to experience a local cattle market - an incredible Kenyan experience. In the evenings you'll gather around the campfire to hear some great stories and learn to dance like a Kenyan.

What the project does and why it needs you!
The Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary was founded over ten year ago to help end the age old conflict between rural farmers and elephant conservationists. Historically rural farmers have destroyed elephant habitats to plant crops. Elephants would then destroy the crops and the farmers would destroy the elephants to get revenge and protect their crops. This cycle of destruction had not gone unnoticed by local authorities and after lengthy discussions, community leaders came to a consensus. The agreement was that the community would forgo farming and instead use the land as an elephant sanctuary tourist destination.

The villagers work to maintain the elephant sanctuary and the proceeds from visitors are used to compensate the villagers for their efforts. Apart from elephants, the sanctuary is also home to a host of other wildlife including warthogs, impalas, bush backs, sable, cave buffalos and leopards! Other attractions in the sanctuary include petrified wood (the remains of a forest that flourished approximately 200 million years ago), a waterfall, cycads (endangered ancient plants-contemporaries of the dinosaurs) and a natural rock bridge over the Manolo River. The project needs volunteers to help with day to day park maintenance, the elephant dung recycling project and elephant monitoring.

*Day 1 - Arrive in Mombasa
Today you will arrive in beautiful Mombasa. You will spend the night at a local hotel.

*Day 2 - Orientation
After a relaxing morning you will have a full orientation and then head to the project in the late afternoon. You will have the evening free to socialize and get acquainted with your new rustic surroundings.

*Day 3 - Game drive and school visit
You will start the day with a brief orientation and an exciting game drive. You will have an opportunity to see all the wildlife the park has to offer. In the afternoon you will visit a primary school just across the road from the elephant reserve and get to participate in some classes if you are lucky! In the evening you will enjoy some quality time around campfire.

*Day 4 - Elephant dung project
Today you will finally be getting your hands really dirty. You will spend the morning collecting and preparing elephant dung to make paper. In the afternoon you will work in the field planting or fencing. This evening you will have a special treat, a cultural dance followed by more quality bonfire time.

*Day 5 - Game drive
Today you will go on a game drive through the Shimba reserve, one of Kenya's most unspoilt conservation areas, and visit Shedrick falls giving you a chance to spot some incredible animals including the rare and beautiful Sable. In the evening you will return to the elephant reserve and enjoy an evening bonfire.

*Day 6 - Cow market and field work
You will visit the Kinango cow market today to experience a real indigenous market - a true rural Kenyan experience. In the afternoon you will work in the fields, watering plants or gardening. A relaxing evening around the bonfire is the perfect end to your eventful day.

*Day 7 - Elephant dung project
You will spend your last day working with the elephant dung and by the end of the day you will see the fruits of your labor by binding the dung paper and using it to make different items. In the evening you will celebrate all your hard work with a festive, final bonfire.

*Day 8 - Transfer to Mombasa
You will transfer back to the hotel in Mombasa and either make your own way to the airport or continue on to your next adventure.

Note: Minimum numbers apply for this trip; please contact us for more information.

Highlights: Project Advice
There are a few things that you should bring from home to help keep you comfortable while staying at the reserve. A flash light, sleeping bag, insect repellent, water bottle and rain coat are all a must! You should also bring some nicer clothes for when you visit with the community.

Qualifications: Who is it for?
This project is perfect for animal lovers who can't wait to get their hands dirty. You will need an open mind and to be willing to get involved in a range of activities. A love of elephant dung is recommended but not required!

Cost in US$: USD 1260.00 for 1 week

* Accommodation: Shared rooms in hotel and shared tents in elephant reserve
* Food: All meals
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

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