What the project does and why it needs you!
The Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary was founded over ten year ago to help end the age old conflict between rural farmers and elephant conservationists. Historically rural farmers have destroyed elephant habitats to plant crops. Elephants would then destroy the crops and the farmers would destroy the elephants to get revenge and protect their crops. This cycle of destruction had not gone unnoticed by local authorities and after lengthy discussions, community leaders came to a consensus. The agreement was that the community would forgo farming and instead use the land as an elephant sanctuary tourist destination.
The villagers work to maintain the elephant sanctuary and the proceeds from visitors are used to compensate the villagers for their efforts. Apart from elephants, the sanctuary is also home to a host of other wildlife including warthogs, impalas, bush backs, sable, cave buffalos and leopards! Other attractions in the sanctuary include petrified wood (the remains of a forest that flourished approximately 200 million years ago), a waterfall, cycads (endangered ancient plants-contemporaries of the dinosaurs) and a natural rock bridge over the Manolo River. The project needs volunteers to help with day to day park maintenance, the elephant dung recycling project and elephant monitoring.
Who is it for?
This project is perfect for animal lovers who can’t wait to get their hands dirty. You will need an open mind and to be willing to get involved in a range of activities. A love of elephant dung is recommended but not required!
What you’ll be doing
You will be involved in a range of activities including monitoring elephants, improving fencing, planting trees and collecting elephant dung and turning it into paper. Your typical work schedule with be from 9am to 5pm, with plenty of breaks throughout the day.
Where you’ll be staying
For your time in Mombasa you will stay in a guest house. While at the elephant sanctuary you will stay in tents, surrounded by wild animals. This is an awesome experience and offers you a perfect opportunity to experience the true African bush. You will be sharing a tent with one other volunteer however small tents may be able to be provided for people who want to stay alone. There are two bathrooms on the campsite and a Banda (a thatched roof meeting area) where you can relax, tell stories or enjoy your meals. Drinks are available for purchase at the site. There is a well stocked kitchen with cooks who will provide meals in a buffet style. The sanctuary is around 30kms away from the shops so any personal items you may need you should bring with you.
Project Advice
There are a few things that you should bring from home to help keep you comfortable while staying at the reserve. A flash light, sleeping bag, insect repellent, water bottle and rain coat are all a must! You should also bring some nicer clothes for when you visit with the community.
When you arrive
If you time your arrival to one of the designated arrival dates then airport pick-up is completely free. Please book your flight to arrive into Mombasa Airport, (airport code MBA). Should you require a different pick-up time or any additional nights at the orientation accommodation, for example if you arrive a day or two early, you can arrange this through the i-to-i office. The project is a two hour bus ride from your hotel in Mombasa.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Mombasa
Today you will arrive in beautiful Mombasa. You will spend the night at a local hotel.
Day 2: Orientation
After a relaxing morning you will have a full orientation and then head to the project in the late afternoon. You will have the evening free to socialize and get acquainted with your new rustic surroundings.
Day 3: Game drive and school visit
You will start the day with a brief orientation and an exciting game drive. You will have an opportunity to see all the wildlife the park has to offer. In the afternoon you will visit a primary school just across the road from the elephant reserve and get to participate in some classes if you are lucky! In the evening you will enjoy some quality time around campfire.
Day 4: Elephant dung project
Today you will finally be getting your hands really dirty. You will spend the morning collecting and preparing elephant dung to make paper. In the afternoon you will work in the field planting or fencing. This evening you will have a special treat, a cultural dance followed by more quality bonfire time.
Day 5: Game drive
Today you will go on a game drive through the Shimba reserve, one of Kenya's most unspoilt conservation areas, and visit Shedrick falls giving you a chance to spot some incredible animals incluidng the rare and beautiful Sable. In the evening you will return to the elephant reserve and enjoy an evening bonfire.
Day 6: Cow market and field work
You will visit the Kinango cow market today to experience a real indigenous market - a true rural Kenyan experience. In the afternoon you will work in the fields, watering plants or gardening. A relaxing evening around the bonfire is the perfect end to your eventful day.
Day 7: Elephant dung project
You will spend your last day working with the elephant dung and by the end of the day you will see the fruits of your labor by binding the dung paper and using it to make different items. In the evening you will celebrate all your hard work with a festive, final bonfire.
Day 8: Transfer to Mombasa
You will transfer back to the hotel in Mombasa and either make your own way to the airport or continue on to your next adventure.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation: Shared rooms in hotel and shared tents in elephant reserve
- Food: All meals
- Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
- Training: In-country orientation
- Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
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Kenya
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