Description

This is a unique opportunity to experience conservation and back-to-basics bush living where you will be helping with research and carrying out vital conservation work for animal populations in Kenya. You will be involved in the daily monitoring and conservation work of Big Cats and Elephants, working alongside the traditional Massai community, amongst the abundant wildlife in this part of Kenya.

Highlights

Volunteer Role

Rombo - Olowuaru Bush Project
For the first part of your program, you will spend 2 weeks in Rombo, on the Bush Project. You will accompany both the Researcher and a local Maasai guide either by foot or in a vehicle on data collecting surveys of all animal species within set transects and blocks within the region. The aims of this project are to monitor the predator prey relationships of the animal populations, and gain understanding of human / wildlife conflict and the affect it is having on the lion population. The lions in this region have been mistreated over the years and sightings are very rare, you may not actually see a lion, but will be active in recovering fresh scat and making casts of prints for our continuing data collection. This data is crucial for the project to be able to assess the conservation needs of the lions in this area to be able to increase their confidence so that they will become more active and be visible during the day.

Oloibor Elephant Project
Your two weeks working on the elephant project will be from the main Olowuaru Camp in Rombo. You will be involved in the daily monitoring of elephant herd activity between Tsavo East National Park and the Tanzanian border near Oloibor, some 25km form the main camp This is a new project and it's aim is to gain an understanding of the movements and behavior of a population of elephants that have not been studied before. You will be involved in the following:

* Data collection with our Research Project Leaders
* Tracking and recording elephant evidence and movements
* Counting and recording elephant numbers, group make up and location using GPS equipment
* Recording animal numbers of other large mammals in the vicinity
* Individual identification and family group research
* Habitat and human population surveys within the elephant range

Qualifications

Minimum of 18 years.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from USD 1,279.00

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• Food
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

What's Included in the Program

* Transfers to and from Nairobi International Airport
* Escorted transfer by public transport and project vehicle to camp
* First and last night bed and breakfast accommodation at a hotel in Nairobi
* All accommodation during your stay
* All meals during your stay on camp and in Loitokitok
* Full support and assistance from your coordinator throughout your time on your placement

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Anthropology
• Eco-tourism
• Veterinary
• Wildlife Surveying

This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide and Asian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

We offer over 250 projects and travel options in over 35 countries. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap. Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we also want to make sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisers have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005