Wildlife Conservation & Tracking

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Stay just a few minutes walk to Lake Nakuru National park!
  • Be part of the team conserving the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
  • Help with ecological monitoring and conducting censuses

Highlights

  • Stay just a few minutes walk to Lake Nakuru National park!
  • Be part of the team conserving the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
  • Help with ecological monitoring and conducting censuses
  • Assist with tracking wildlife
  • Learn all about conservation work from local specalists


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This program is ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of Giraffes, Birds, Colobus Monkeys.

    Overview

    Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife that freely roams the savanna, playing a significant role in the country’s economy, including at the grassroots level. Unfortunately, many remote communities live in close proximity to wildlife, leading to human-wildlife conflicts that displace ...

    About the program

    Overview

    Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife that freely roams the savanna, playing a significant role in the country’s economy, including at the grassroots level. Unfortunately, many remote communities live in close proximity to wildlife, leading to human-wildlife conflicts that displace animals from their natural habitat. To promote a healthy co-existence between wildlife and local communities, various organizations have established conservancy areas. As a participant in this program, you will work closely with our conservationist to support the conservation efforts’ objectives.

    Your activities will include ecological monitoring, conducting censuses, tracking wildlife, and collaring among other activities. Throughout your work at the conservation site, you will be accompanied by a wildlife specialist who will guide you through your schedule and train you on the activities. Importantly, a local community resides within the conservancy, and meaningful interactions with the locals will help you understand their co-existence with wildlife and the impact of conservation efforts.

    As a participant in the Nakuru Wildlife Conservation Program, you will play a crucial role in various activities aimed at protecting and preserving the natural environment. Here is an overview of your responsibilities:

    Wildlife Conservancy:

    • Introductory Game-Drive: Begin your journey with a thrilling game drive that will familiarize you with the geography of the conservation area. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes while observing the diverse wildlife that calls this place home.
    • Rothschild Giraffe Tracking and Ecological Monitoring: Join the conservation team in tracking the endangered Rothschild giraffes. Contribute to ongoing research efforts by collecting data on their behavior and habitat, helping to ensure their survival.
    • Removal of Invasive Plant Species: Assist in the removal of invasive plant species that have encroached upon the grazing areas. By eliminating these plants, you will help restore the balance of the ecosystem and create a healthier habitat for wildlife.
    • DC Pulse Electric Perimeter Wall Inspection: Take part in the important task of inspecting the electric perimeter wall. Check for voltage faults and clear any overgrowth that may interfere with the electric pulse. Your efforts will contribute to the security and protection of the wildlife within the conservancy.

    Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy:

    • Full Game-Drive Fauna and Flora Education: Embark on a comprehensive game drive within the Soysambu Wildlife Conservancy. Immerse yourself in the rich diversity of wildlife and learn about the unique flora and fauna present in the area, with a special emphasis on birds.

    Dundori Tree Nursery:

    • Nurturing Tree Seedlings and Assisting Local Women: At the Dundori Tree Nursery, you can learn about the processes involved in nurturing tree seedlings. Work with local women to assist them in their efforts to conserve and grow trees. Your assistance will help with reforestation and environmental sustainability.
    • Hike through Dundori Forest Reserve with Tree Planting: Take a memorable hike through the enchanting Dundori Forest Reserve.  Embrace the beauty of the forest by planting indigenous trees, which will have a long-term impact on the ecosystem and promote a greener environment.

    Menengai Crater:

    • Hiking in Menengai Crater Forest and Ecological Education: Explore the enthralling Menengai Crater Forest while learning about the unique ecosystem that thrives within. Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings while planting tree seedlings that will help preserve this amazing area.

    Location

    Nakuru is a city in Kenya that is located in the Great Rift Valley region. It is the fourth-largest urban area in Kenya, with a population of over 500,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery,  including Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to a wide variety of  wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Nakuru is also a hub for agriculture and is one of the largest producers of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, in the world. Additionally, the city has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Nakuru Agricultural Show and the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival.

    Project Tasks

    • Gain invaluable, practical experience in wildlife conservation.
    • Assist the local staff by providing an extra hand.
    • Be part of the team conserving the endangered Rothschild giraffe.


    Typical day

    Daily Schedule Timings:

    • 07.00: Fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast at the accommodation center.
    • 07.30: Depart from your accommodation to begin your program activities.
    • 08.00: Begin the day's activities, which will vary depending on the location and objectives.
    • 10.00: Take a refreshing tea ...

    Typical day

    Daily Schedule Timings:

    • 07.00: Fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast at the accommodation center.
    • 07.30: Depart from your accommodation to begin your program activities.
    • 08.00: Begin the day's activities, which will vary depending on the location and objectives.
    • 10.00: Take a refreshing tea break to re-energize yourself for the rest of the day's activities.
    • 10.30: Resume your program activities, contributing to the conservation efforts.
    • 12.30: Break for lunch, where you'll enjoy a packed lunch at the site, surrounded by nature.
    • 13.00: Continue with program activities or prepare for upcoming tasks during this time.
    • 15.00: Depart the site and return to the accommodation center, where you can relax and unwind.
    • 19.00: Dinner will be served at the accommodation, capping off each eventful day.

    Prepare to embrace your role as a wildlife conservationist as you immerse yourself in Nakuru's incredible natural wonders.   We can make a difference in preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations if we work together.

    **You are expected to participate in relevant activities for a minimum of 5 hours a day**

    *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 


    Free-time activities

    There are several things to do near Nakuru, Kenya. Here are some options:

    1. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park: This park is home to a large population of flamingos and other bird species. It’s also a great place to see lions, leopards, and rhinos.

    2. Take a hot air balloon ride: Get a bird’s-eye view of ...

    Free-time activities

    There are several things to do near Nakuru, Kenya. Here are some options:

    1. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park: This park is home to a large population of flamingos and other bird species. It’s also a great place to see lions, leopards, and rhinos.

    2. Take a hot air balloon ride: Get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery around Nakuru with a hot air balloon ride. This is a popular activity that offers amazing views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru.

    3. Hike Menengai Crater: This dormant volcano is a popular hiking destination. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the hike itself is challenging but doable for most people.

    4. Visit Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site: This museum and archaeological site offers a glimpse into the prehistoric history of the area. You can see ancient tools and artifacts, and learn about the early human settlements in the region.

    5. Explore Hell’s Gate National Park: This park is named for its geothermal activity and is a great place to see natural hot springs and geysers. You can also hike through the park’s stunning scenery and see wildlife like baboons, zebras, and giraffes.

    6. Go on a safari: There are several safari options near Nakuru, including drives through Lake Nakuru National Park and private conservancies that offer a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Program fees include:
    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You must arrive between 08:00 to 13.00 on Saturday or Sunday. If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge an additional fee for the extra night’s accommodation.

    If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation, and for a private transfer.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

    From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 3.5 hours by car.

    Accommodation

    You will be accommodated in our volunteer house, with 2-4 sharing a room. Hot showers, safety boxes and bed linin are provided (no wifi). All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and use all resources with restraint, especially electricity. Sometimes there are power cuts during the day, which is part of village life. There is an available water supply. You will have meals provided and rooms cleaned on the weekends, but you will also be expected to clean up after yourself and play your part in keeping the accommodation neat and organised. The location is very close to the green steds international school and is a few minutes walk to the Lake Nakuru National park Southern gate. It is around 15KM from Nakuru town.


    Food & Beverages

    Food served will mainly be Kenyan food, which consists of vegetables, potato, eggs, bread, pancakes (commonly known as “chapati”) and fruits such as oranges, bananas and avocados.


    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Kenya. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Kenya provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Kenya you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Kenya. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 1,166€
    2 weeks 1,281€
    3 weeks 1,715€
    4 weeks 2,228€
    8 weeks 4,009€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 5,785€
    Average fees 824€/week

    Program fees

    824€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Lauren

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

    Meet your organization

    Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


    WHO WE ARE

    Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

    We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

    SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
    All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

    Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

    AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
    As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

    We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

    The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

    In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

    SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
    With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

    All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

    Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

    Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

    SUPPORT

    From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

    On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

    FUN!
    Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

    GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

    204 reviews · rating4.7

    Norina Elina Burri rating3.8

    2024 at Wildlife Conservation & Tracking

    Ich bin für zwei Wochen im Wildlife Projekt gewesen. Wir haben Rothschildgiraffen getracket, Kaktus entfernt und Bäume gepflanzt. Zudem durfte ich noch an einer Marketingexkursion teilnehmen und bin zum Lake Navaisha gefahren. Die Unterkunft war gemütlich und sehr sauber. Mit den anderen ...
    The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
    What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
    I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
    There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
    What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Kenya > Nakuru

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    Contact Lauren
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    English

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