Overview
Volunteer Holiday in Kenya

Journey to the edge of Tsavo West National Park, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, to live alongside villagers who have given up poaching and charcoal burning to conserve their natural heritage and wildlife. Harsh environmental conditions, unreliable rainfall and limited opportunities create significant challenges for communities of ex-poachers endeavouring to generate sustainable incomes in place of the bush meat trade. As a volunteer you will assist with the construction of infrastructure essential to alternative livelihoods being implemented within these communities. After all your hard work helping conserve Tsavo's big game, enjoy a 4 day safari through the stunning Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks to witness the wildlife you're helping local communities to protect.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

I was sad to be leaving but very proud of what we had achieved in the short space of time we were there and touched by the welcome we received from everyone we met. I hope to return soon and see the progress made by the community.

Kate Litt, London, UK

What Difference Does This Project Make?

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 prioritised 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 Mt Kilimanjaro and relax around the campfire after a hard day's work; learn about the human-wildlife conflict and the challenges of conservation in Africa; experience Kenya's incredible and diverse culture and history.

Location

The rural villages of Kidong, Kasaani and Mahandakini are located just outside the border of Tsavo West National Park, in South-Central Kenya. Taveta, the closest town and trading centre, is a 6 hour journey from Mombasa and sits on the border between Kenya and Tanzania. Safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania, as well as trips to Mount Kilimanjaro, can all be accessed from this scenic region of East Africa.

Field Conditions

Project accommodation is basic, sleeping on earthen floors in breezy local style buildings (bandas) within the villages we work in. Bucket showers and bush latrines are standard and there is very limited access to electricity. Basic but nutritious food will be prepared on a rotational basis with locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables available daily. During your safari you will be accommodated in shared tourist lodge accommodation with modern amenities and served international cuisine.