Wildlife Volunteering abroad
Wildlife volunteering and conservation in Kenya│Sri Lanka
Maasai (Mara) Rangers, Kenya
Kakamega Forest, west Kenya
Turtles, Kenya (east coast)
Turtles Rescue & Rehab, Sri Lanka
Volunteer with turtles in Kenya│Sri Lanka
Kenya (East Coast)
Turtle nest beach & community
1 - 12 pax │ages 18+│2 wks $550
Volunteer 4-5 days/wk│2-12 weeks
Project Description:
Volunteer with a grass roots community organisation recognised by the Kenyan government since 2009.
This community based project operates in 2 coastal communities to safeguard turtle nesting beaches, restore the mangrove forests, and grow incomes through management of mangrove resources, such as crab farming, and developing tourism in this coastal environmental jewel.
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Volunteers propagate & plant mangroves, monitor turtle nest sites, beach cleanups, and support the rehabilitation of turtle by-catch; and support crab farming in the creeks. Volunteers also identify mangrove creeks for canoe tourism, maintain walkways, work with tourists, as well as offering administrative and social media support. School outreach explains the importance of this work to children for the future.
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You’ll be met at the airport in Nairobi by our local partner, given an orientation, and taken to the project. You’ll stay with a host family, be fully supported throughout your time in Kenya and have opportunity to explore the local and wider area.
You can also join other projects in Kenya if you would like to.
Sri Lanka (Colombo)
Turtle Rescue & Hatchery
1 - 4 pax │ages 18+│2 wks from $200
Volunteer 1-5 days│2-12 weeks
Project Description:
The turtle sanctuary was opened in 2000 by the fishermen to care for turtles they found maimed by entanglement in nets. The centre is also a hatchery, and relocates eggs from nearby beaches, called to them by hotels, the navy or police to escape predation by dogs, monitor lizards, and humans. This is becoming more necessary given the loss of beaches since 2015 due to nearshore dredging for construction.
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We recommend this project for 1-3 days, depending on the time of year. Turtle nesting season is in November, and the rest of the year is spent maintaining the turtles that are brought in, or and are at the sanctuary.
Join us for teaching, or dental electives year round, and enjoy this project as well.
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Our volunteers love this wildlife conservation volunteering, and we recommend this as something you do on arrival, or before leaving from another project.
The project is set in a popular location in Colombo, with plenty of accommodation and food options, and a transport.
Our partners in Colombo will support you throughout.
Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in Kenya
Kenya
Maasai Wildlife Rangers
1 - 4 pax │ages 18+│2 wks $550
Volunteer 4-7 days/wk│2-12 week
Project Description:
Live with the Maasai tribe, an indigenous community whose traditional ways of life makes them the symbol of Kenya. Support wildlife conservation on the Maasai Mara with the Maasai rangers. Manage domestic animal movements, and work to minimise human animal conflict
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The Maasai Rangers monitor the movements of wild and domestic animals on their tribal lands on the Maasai Mara, on which a nature conservancy has been established.
You’ll join them on patrols, and working with Maasai tribes people to avoid human-animal conflict,
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You will live with the Maasai and take part in their lives. There is also opportunity to participate and contribute to a range of community activities and supportive programs.
You can find out more about these on our community development page
Kenya
Kakamega Forest Wildlife Conservation
1 - 12 pax │ages 18+│2 wks $550
4-5 days/wk│2-12 week
Project Description:
Develop and protect the natural, cultural and heritage resources of the remnants of the last forest of its type in east Africa.
Other activities include practical non-chemical pest and disease management, identification of herbs for pest and disease management in crops, village seed selection and storing, and at times, making Langstroth and Kenya top bar hives
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Carry out reforestation projects (including nursery management - grafting, planting), as well as conservation work (butterfly, & fish farming, monitoring bio-diversity and habitat restoration), as well as supporting the development of agro-forestry with the local Luhya community. You will also conduct school outreach programs to inform about forest management, restoration, and sustainable agriculture,
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You will live in a homestay during your volunteering, where you will join in and find out about local culture and customs. You will also be fully supported throughout your stay.