Description

Kenya, a country with some of the most amazing wildlife in the world, provides some fantastic tourism opportunities for the country. Unfortunately, the majority of the Kenyan people have not benefited from the tourism trade over the past 20 years. By volunteering in Kenya you can help to change this. One project that seeks to conserve Kenyas iconic wildlife whilst also providing Kenyans with the opportunity to benefit from the tourism opportunities that their native wildlife brings is our Masai Mara lion, wildlife research and conservation project. This project provides you with the opportunity to help conserve lion populations by carrying out vital research and also to assist in a school which provides local people with the knowledge they need to become guides and benefit from the tourism in the area. Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

*Masai Mara Lion, Wildlife Research and Conservation Project

Volunteer in Kenya and get the opportunity to work directly with members from the Masai Mara community to develop and implement solutions to conflict between the people living on the land and the wildlife in the area. As a volunteer you will be working to preserve the culture, the land and the vast array of species living together within the region. As land for both the people and the wildlife becomes constricted by urbanisation it becomes more and more important to find a strategy for coexistence. Part of this project is setting up a conservation area which gives the Masai a reason to help in preservation efforts by bringing much needed tourism investment directly to their community.

The core aims of the project is to monitor the lion population and movements of the prides within the conservation area, monitor the interaction between the lions and villages and educate and create awareness within the community on the importance and value of lions.

Highlights

*Climb Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak, stands at 5,199m. Mount Kenya is probably one of the most impressive hikes in the world, with mountain forests containing elephants, buffalo and even lions. Due to its rugged glacier summits and unique forests, UNESCO has declared Mt Kenya a world heritage site. The safest time to climb Mt Kenya is during the dry season between December and February.

*Safari in the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park

If you go to Kenya a safari is a must, as these national reserves define Kenya. It is not easy to choose which of the many parks and reserves to visit, but the Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are the most spectacular and youll have a big chance there to encounter all of the Big Five animals (rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes). As these are the most popular, you may want to choose Saiwa Swamp National Park, which draws little to no tourists, but its small and only accessible by foot. Aberdare and Mount Elgon national parks also draw few tourists, despite magnificent landscapes and good opportunities for wildlife viewing. One tip if you can go between July and October you will see the great wildebeest migration, one of Earth's spectacular shows!

*Visit a Masai Mara Tribe

Many of the tribes in Kenya still live like their ancestors generations before them. You can go on a cultural visit and have chai tea with eldermen who will show and tell you about their way of life. They also want to perform traditional dances in which they have great pride. It's a vibrant colourful day giving you a real cultural insight.

Qualifications

Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit website for details.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Volunteer dormitories at the local school.
* Food: 3 meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Weekly laundry service
* Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
* Daily transfers to and from your project.
* Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
* Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include; Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park and Aberdare National Park, as well as trips to the Kenyan Coast, Nairobi's Elephant and Giraffe Sanctuaries.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

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 at least 18 years old

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

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