Wildlife Research And Community Development… (trip)
Wildlife Research And Community Development In Kenya
- Shimoni, Kenya
- Volunteer Vacations
“I would recommend GVI because firstly, I think volunteering is a valuable way to get involved and make a real… ”
| from $3,155* per person | 35 Days | Year-round |
| Basic accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Global Vision International | 24 people max | |
Join this multi-focused
expedition in Kenya and volunteer on dolphin research programs,
terrestrial wildlife projects and teaching projects
This volunteer expedition combines wildlife conservation and
research with community work. Based in the exotic Shimoni Archipelago,
on the coastal border between Tanzania and Kenya, East Africa, you will
divide your time between the island Wasini, Shimoni village and
satellite camps on the borders of national parks. Here you can take part
in dolphin, turtle, and seasonal humpback whale research, as well as
primate research with Angolan Black and White Colobus monkeys in the
coastal forest. Volunteers will have the opportunity to journey in-land
to the heart of East Africa’s savannas, working alongside rural
communities to develop livelihood alternatives to wildlife poaching and
so protect Kenya’s big game
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Locations visited/nearby
Kenya
2 testimonials about this trip
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Reviewer: Kylie Butler
located in
Australia
I would recommend GVI because firstly, I think volunteering is a valuable way to get involved and make a real contribution to something you care about. It is also a great way to get to see another country and interact in a community. I would recommend GVI specifically, because I have seen myself the progress made from one expedition to another so I know it’s not just a token effort, and when you are paying quite a lot of money to volunteer, you want to know the work you are involved in is worthwhile.
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Reviewer: Camille Royal
located in
Australia
My time in Kenya with GVI confirmed for me what I’d always known…that I was madly in love with Africa and was correct in studying Social Science at university. Ultimately, I want to work in Africa for an organisation such as GVI which aims to address the conflict between human settlements and the natural world.
3 testimonials about the provider, Global Vision International :
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Reviewer: Carolyn
located in
United States
I've been to Guatemala 3 times now, with GVI--and I'll go back. I've tutored English, taught Fifth graders in Spanish, and built stoves. Each volunteer stint has been amazing. I entered in to worlds so different from mine at home. The children, the families, the host families, the other volunteers were all amazing each time I have gone. Everyone gives their all, works and plays together. I'm over 60 and though most of the volunteers are a lot younger, the sense of community was great. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a meaningful way to dig in deep and give, while gaining so much more than you give. Can't wait to go again and see the kids in the schools, the families, GVI staff, and meet a new group of volunteers.
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Reviewer: Haley
located in
United Kingdom
I can't believe it's been a month since I returned from my 10 weeks in South Africa. I had the most incredible time working at the Ikhayalethemba Sanctuary and can't wait to go back! The children are incredible, and I can't even begin to explain how amazing the program was. I spent my entire year volunteering around the world. I was initially working with a different program which was very cheap and it showed. I didn't realize until I started with GVI how much I was missing in my other programs. While GVI does initially seem a little pricey, you really see where your money goes. I wouldn't have it spent any other way. I felt so safe, happy, and stress-free during my entire 10 months in Cape Town. Unfortunately, all volunteer programs don't have that luxury. So, I just want to thank GVI for asking for the money necessary to do the amazing things they are doing for our world and for the people who want to volunteer to make it better! I can't wait to be a part of it again very soon!
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Reviewer: Lisa
located in
United States
Volunteering with GVI was definitely one of the most incredible experiences of my life! I spent 10 weeks doing the Wildlife and Community Expedition in Kenya, and loved every bit of it! Before I left, the staff were very helpful over the phone and by email, and were quick to reply to any questions or concerns I had. Once I arrived in Kenya, the staff there were also super friendly and knowledgable, and really played a big part in making this whole experience wonderful. We got great training and I always felt confident going into the field. It didn't take long before the small village of Shimoni felt like home, with the kids greeting you with "Jambo!" and high-fives every time you went by. From teaching english at the primary schools and singing songs with fifty kindergarteners to teaching chicken farming to ex-poachers in Tsavo, every bit of the work we did was rewarding. Snorkelling the beautiful reefs of the Kisite-Mpunguti marine park was absolutely incredible and seeing a pod of bottle nose dolphins was always exciting. Days in the forest could be tough, but no day was ever boring, and you could always feel like you accomplished a lot at the end of the day. I really feel that GVI is making a difference in Shimoni and Mkwiro, and would do the expedition again without hesitation. I definitely recommend this project for anyone looking for an adventure and an amazing experience!
Itinerary
What Difference Does This Expedition Make?
The GVI Kenya Expedition is making a difference by supporting our partners, including Kenya Wildlife Service, in three focus areas; cetacean research, community development and Terrestrial ecology studies. Through education, environmental awareness and current wildlife monitoring studies, our collaborative work has been building capacity within the communities, assisting them in developing sustainable tourism practises and protecting cetacean and primate species within the area. Volunteers choosing to join this project will divide their time between all areas of this multi-focused programme and will ultimately aid conservation of some of Kenya’s most critical ecosystems in harmony with sustainable development of tourism and local communities.
Highlights
Assisting local and international researchers to monitor wildlife; camping out under the African stars; living on an African island; developing your knowledge of marine studies, including about dolphins and whales; experiencing the amazing mega-fauna of the archipelago that includes whale sharks and manta rays; studying primates in a biodiversity hotspot; learning bush and navigation skills; exploring beautiful national parks that are filled with a variety of spectacular flora and fauna; spending a week with former wildlife poachers surrounded by Tsavo West’s big game, Mt Kilimanjaro and Lake Chala; integrating with Kenya’s diverse tribal communities, experiencing their cultures and learning Swahili.
Location
If you are looking to go on an adventurous expedition that takes you to a truly exotic location, this is the one for you! Shimoni is a peninsula located next to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Protected Area, which lies at the tip of the Pemba Channel, 76km south of Mombasa, as part of a large bay area which makes up the Shimoni Archipelago. With stretches of white sand beaches, fringing coral reefs and scattered with islands, Shimoni is a tropical haven and divers’ paradise. The expedition’s main base is located on Wasini Island, which is situated alongside the famous Kisite National Marine Park. A satellite base is located in Shimoni Village where volunteers can study primates in the coastal forest. Volunteers spend a week camping and working on the edge of Tsavo national park to work with former wildlife poaching community groups, in conjunction with the local partners.Field Conditions
Accommodation on the main base is in shared housing that has a large communal banda where volunteers can eat and have lectures. The communal area has a beautiful view of the channel and Mkwiro beach. The base will have limited electricity, powered by solar panel and backed up by a generator. Volunteers can wash either in the ocean or using bucket-style showers on the base. The satellite base at Shimoni comprises a large house situated in the middle of Shimoni village with access to mains electricity and showers. Wholesome and varied meals will be cooked on a rotational basis.More information from Global Vision International :
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