Project: Nature and Wildlife Conservancy
Theme: Human & Wildlife Interaction
Location: Tsavo West National Park
Length of placement:;-open
Accommodation::;- Lodge & Camps at Tsavo National park
Preferred languages: English
Volunteer groups: Single, Partners,Groups
Area attractions: Kenyan Wildlife, landscapes and culture

The park is located on south eastern Kenya, 240km from Nairobi along the western side of Mombasa-Nairobi highway. The savannah ecosystem comprises of open grasslands, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges.

Major wildlife attractions include Elephant, Rhino, Hippos, Lions, Cheetah, Leopards, Giraffes, Buffalos, diverse plant and bird species including the threatened corncrake and near threatened Basra Reed Warbler. 

SIZE / LOCATION
9065 Km² / South Eastern Kenya, Inland from Mombasa

CLIMATE

• Temperature ranges from 20-30 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm.
• Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Recent Volcanoes, lava flows and caves with potential for geological and cave exploration and hiking. Mzima Springs & underwater hippo and fish watching,

WILDLIFE

• Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dogs, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Lion,Crocodile, Mongoose, Hyrax, Dik- dik, Lesser Kudu, and Nocturnal Porcupine. Prolific birdlife features 600 species.

VOLUNTEERS ACTIVITIES

De- snaring
De-snaring is removing wire snares or traps that poachers set across animal tracks to capture and kill wildlife. The poachers set the wire strategically with the aim of trapping  the animal by the neck so as to suffocate it. This is a very cruel method as it is  a slow and agonizing death for an animal.
For this reason we search for the snares at poacher’s hot spots and remove them.

Bush patrols
Daily Game drives to the Park with the help of sanctuary rangers volunteers  make bush patrols to monitor animals for their safety from poachers. This patrol helps to identify any injured animal or orphan which can easily die for lack of treatment and tender care. Volunteers take record of such incidences and report the case to the Kenya Wildlife Service which is in charge of all the wildlife in Kenya.

Guiding and giving talks to tourists
In the sanctuaries we have two hotels and camp lodge in which tourists spend their holiday while viewing wildlife. Volunteer’s help in guiding the tourist to where animals have been spotted for example the big cats and to make sure the animals are not crowded by the tourists thus interfering  with their freedom in their habitat.
Volunteers are also involved in giving talks to tourists on animal behaviors in their habitats and importance of conservation. They will also develop presentations on animal’s interactions during evening times in the hotels.

Research on Human-Wildlife Conflict
The wildlife  especially the elephants do cross over to the neighboring community farms and the outcome is  massive destruction thus creating hostility towards wildlife.
Volunteers will be involved in researching sustainable solutions on this conflict and developing alternative source of income for the communities.

Community Outreach and Education
Wildlife conservation goes hand in hand with tree planting, for animals depend on trees for their survival. In the sanctuary we have indigenous seedlings to plant in the sanctuary and to give to the communities. For this reason volunteers have special visits to the communities to talk about conservation and to plant trees.

School visits
Volunteers will be involved in education on wildlife and strengthening environmental school clubs on conservation. More ideas are welcomed to run this program effectively.

Elephant Paper Dung
An Elephant Dung paper project was launched in conjunction with Kenya Wildlife Service to create harmony between the wildlife and the community through utilization of the Elephants waste into a more productive and viable activities.

The concept of Elephant Dung Paper products will no only help creating revenues but also support conservation efforts by changing community’s attitude towards wildlife, especially elephants.

/ REQUIREMENTS

 We are looking for dedicated, mature and motivated volunteers that have a caring attitude towards wildlife and conservation. Volunteers should be of average  physical fitness and willing to get their hands dirty.

• no specific qualifications are necessary for this program

• minimum age is 18 years

• any experience with animal is beneficial

• a genuine interest for nature and wildlife

• Getting Here

  You will need to fly into Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Kenya. From here you will be transferred to the Nairobi Hotel for your first Night of Accommodation.

  This will allow you time to relax and get a good night’s sleep after your long flight, before heading out the following morning into the African bush.

  You will be joined by a staff member who will travel with you to the project site using local public transport up to Voi where you will change to one of the project vehicles that will take you to Tsavo Conservation Project

  What’s included in the programme

  • - Transfers to and from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
  • - Escorted transfer to Tsavo Conservation Project
  • - First Night B & B accommodation at a hotel in Nairobi
  • - All accommodation during your stay
  • - All meals during your stay
  • - Full support and assistance from your co-ordinator throughout your time on your placement

 / FEES

Our projects start on the 3rd of every month but you can always check with us for any changes. However, arrangements could be made for anyone who wants to come on different dates due to unavoidable situations.

Weeks	US $ Dollars
2 weeks	US$ 1,399
3 Weeks	US$ 1,599
4 Weeks	US$ 1,799
Extra Week	US$200

What’sExcluded in the programme

• The personal costs you need to meet are: Your flight to and from the country, visa fees, vaccinations, and travel insurance.
  
• Visa fees US$25