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Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum 24 years
Highlights of this Programme
- The chance to do something for less fortunate people and experience other cultures
- To challenge yourself and achieve personal goals
- To become part of a community totally different to your own
- To work with elephants at a sanctuary and take part in a wildlife safari
- To take part in a wide range of extra activities including diving and mountain climbs
- To learn new skills to build and enhance your CV
- To create life long memories and friendships
The Volunteer Project
The project was formed as a partnership with a village community hidden away in the Kenyan bush, 4km from the Indian Ocean and is committed to a sustainable development plan. As a result this project has undertaken, with the help of the volunteers, major improvements to the village school, the creation of employment for local villagers and supported the local economy.
With the numbers at some of the village schools rising from 150 to over 600 since the introduction of free education, we really have our work cut out…or rather you do!
Your Role as a Volunteer
You can participate in The Real Kenya Gap Experience for 1, 2 or 3 months. The longer you stay, the more you will become involved in the project work, the local community and the experience, with more time to enjoy everything that Kenya and this programme has to offer. The basic programme that all participants will receive includes:
- A 2-day Orientation of the local area with basic Swahili lessons
- Community and Wildlife Project work
- 3 day Big Game Safari in a Kenyan National Park
- Approximately 3-4 days working at the Elephant Sanctuary
- Regular trips to the Beach and Diani town and beach parties
- A snorkelling tour and cultural visit
- A wide range of optional activities including PADI diving and Mountain climbs
- For volunteers staying longer than 4 weeks, you will also get involved in our Marine and Primate conservation schemes
On a personal level you are going to make lifelong friendships and strong bonds with the African community and be in no doubt that you have made a difference. You will be accepted as part of the community and days playing sports and exploring the mangroves with the local kids will be a big part of the memories that stay with you forever and make the experience unique.
1) The Community Projects: The major feature of The Real Kenya Gap Experience is the role you play in assisting with local community projects and it is likely that you will find this the most rewarding part of your programme. The core projects focus on education and initiatives, which benefit the local schools and their constantly expanding classes. At the beginning of the project there will be a group discussion to identify what needs to be achieved in the community.
The following list provides you with a feel for what you will be involved with:
- Renovation and painting
- Construction of classrooms and desk making
- Building fences and perimeters
- Tree planting and other development: i.e. Playgrounds and sports pitches
- Teaching, coaching and playing sports with local children from the schools
- Occasional renovation work at a local Orphanage
You will be expected to give 100% to the project work and be prepared to get your hands dirty mixing cement, bricklaying, painting and tree planting. Desks need to be made, fences erected and there is a lot to be done with the playground and sports facilities and coaching. You will be integrated into the teaching rota and the rewards of standing in front of a class of young African children are hard to put into words.
Seeing hundreds of children singing their thanks to you is a life experience that you will never forget!
2) The Wildlife Projects: Did you know that 25% of all of Africa’s Game is located in Kenya? You will take part in a local safari within the Shimba Hills and some exciting work at the nearby Elephant Sanctuary. This is normally as part of a 5-day stay at the Wildlife Camp where the safari is an integral part of your day-to-day wildlife project work.
- Wildlife Safari: You can opt to take part in a 3-day safari in Tsavo National Park. Here you will look out for all the Big Game, which are regularly seen. Accommodated in tents within the Park, you will be driven out every day in 4x4 vehicles: It’s rough, it’s dusty and it’s everything you could want from a Safari!
- The Elephant Sanctuary Project: This is a community-based programme, whereby local people have “leased” their property to a community based trust, which manages the sanctuary for the benefit and preservation of the elephants. Here you will experience the real Africa by camping amongst the bush; although the camp is very basic, the stunning location more than makes up for it.
Specific activities at the sanctuary could include:
- Assisting at the elephant dung papermaking facility
- Signage and marking on game trails
- Maintenance of the Sanctuary and boundary fencing and assisting new developments
- Wildlife education for local communities to avert human/wildlife conflict
- Elephant Research work to include logging, naming and identifying elephants and herds and reporting on welfare and behavioural patterns
- Visiting the little school close to the sanctuary
8 and 12 Week Volunteers
Volunteers for these durations are offered the exciting opportunity to experience our new Primate Research and Marine Conservation Projects:
- Forest Primate Research: Run in partnership with The Colobus Trust and WWF, our Primate Conservation Course is designed to provide the opportunity for you to learn new skills and make a valuable contribution to the protection of Kenya’s monkeys. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in conservation, or simply have a passion for wildlife, this course offers an enlightening insight of how to conserve these amazing animals.
- Marine Conservation Project: The coastal ecosystem of Kenya is rich in biological resources including long white sandy beaches, diverse coral reefs and mangroves and abundant marine and terrestrial wildlife. During this project, you will take part in spotting Whale Sharks, Dolphins & Turtles whilst enjoying shoreline safaris & helping in beach clean-ups. You will also help in the environmental education workshops with local schools and children.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Kenya you will have the support and guidance of our coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact on of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Orientation
Upon arrival in Kenya you will have a comprehensive two-day orientation, which will include an introduction to the local area, information about you role on the project, a health and safety briefing and basic Swahili lessons. This will be a great chance to also have a lot of fun and get to know your fellow volunteers.
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