Kenya, Nakuru5/5 (2 reviews)
Ecovolunteering in Kenya
In Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, join an eco-responsible farm: care for the animals, observe monkeys and birds, and help raise awareness among local villagers.
- Where
- Nakuru, Kenya
- Length
- From 2 to 4 weeks
- Minimum age
- 18 years old
- Language
- English basic
- Departures
- Every Friday and Saturday
from €1,290 for 2 weeks
Check availabilityTalk to the teamNo commitment. Anaëlle, Amélie or Maëlia will reply.
The project
The farm is located in a rural area, in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Home to a highly diverse flora and fauna, the farm has embraced an eco-responsible approach since opening to the public in 2008, implementing actions that contribute to biodiversity conservation and local development.
The “Family” projects are suitable for children from 4 years old. Our advisors will provide personalized recommendations based on your children’s ages, the destination, and the type of mission.
Main Missions of Eco-Volunteers
- Property maintenance to ensure that the animals, staff members, and future eco-volunteers enjoy proper comfort. You will assist the horse keepers in cleaning the stalls of the various farm animals.
- Inventory of animal and plant species and study of the behavior of both domestic and wild animals (particularly monkey families, but also tree hyraxes and birds). Participate in monkey and bird observation.
- Making harnesses specifically designed to reduce pain for donkeys, along with awareness campaigns for the local population.
- Waste collection during village and natural site visits, as well as some gardening activities.
- Introduction to Swahili, conservation education, lessons on animal behavior, Kenyan ethnic groups, and local cuisine.
- Cultural visits, hikes, excursions to Nyahururu (Thompson Falls, hippos, Saint Martin Mission), Mary’s Village (Catholic mission and basilica), Igana Viewpoint, and the Berea tea and coffee farm, as part of your ecotourism experience in Africa.
You will generally work from around 8:15 AM to 11:45 AM, and then from 2:00 PM to around 4:00 PM.
A project we follow
Projects chosen with care and followed through regular visits on site.
Accommodation and meals
The camp is simple and rustic, with 6 bandas (African Kalenjin-style huts) consisting of one bedroom and one bathroom. It has 3 double rooms and 3 twin rooms. Shower with hot water (wood heating). Solar panels for electricity. Spring water on tap. A triple room is available for a couple with a child.
The restaurant at the edge of the lake can accommodate 16 people. The cook serves simple and varied meals (local and international cuisine). The atmosphere is warm, relaxed and family-like. The place is conducive to reconnecting with nature and oneself.
Additional information
Family volunteering
This eco-volunteering trip can be done as a family with your children. Ideally from 7 years old, which will allow your children to fully experience the programme with the locals.
Practical information to prepare your departure
- You will receive a supply kit for the children and a T-shirt.
- Hiking boots, sportswear, comfortable clothing, a cardigan, a sweater, a rain jacket (it often rains) and your toiletries. Towels and sheets are provided.
- Have your programme materials printed and take the time to watch the explanatory videos before departure.
- If you want to buy local souvenirs, set aside some spending money.
- Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), to be obtained online before departure.
Budget
How long are you going for?
Arrivals on Saturdays, departures on Friday evenings
What is included
- Airport pick-up and return transfer (Nairobi)
- Accommodation
- Three meals a day
- Filtered spring water
- All supervised and guided activities
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visa
- Activities and personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks and sodas
Where your money goes
Donations are reinvested in full and directly into the local associations. How the costs break down
See the budget week by week
| Length | Total programme budget |
|---|
Getting ready to leave
Your application
An up-to-date CV and a cover letter describing your background and what brings you here.
Conditions to take part
- From 18 years old to travel alone; in a family, children take part accompanied by their parents.
- Intermediate level of English (understanding and speaking).
- Travel insurance required.
What we ask of volunteers:
- Adaptability.
- Ability to live in a group.
- Spirit of initiative.
- Good physical condition.
- Love of nature and domestic and wild animals.
- Desire to discover Africa and its inhabitants.
Insurance
For any project abroad, Freepackers requires travel insurance covering accidents, illness, repatriation and third-party liability. With Chapka Cap Student, you get 5% off.
Online language lessons
With Clic Campus: video lessons and an e-learning platform, from home.
Questions
What kind of accommodation is provided for a family?
You stay together, in private rooms, shared houses or comfortable local guesthouses.
Is it a safe trip for children?
Our projects are selected with safety in mind. Families get a reassuring setting and supervised activities. The days are designed to include young and old alike, with a flexible pace and time to discover things together.
Can you join a project as a family?
Yes. For families who want to travel together, we offer programmes designed to welcome children from the age of 4, 10 or 15 depending on the project. Our programme pages say whether they are open to families; otherwise, contact our team to find out more.
Another question? Ask the team, and someone who knows the project will answer.
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