Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
KenyaAbout
If you’re interested in actively helping the Maasai community and wildlife in Kenya you can volunteer to help the MWCT in the stunning Chyulu Hills National Park. Volunteer activities range from helping teach in local classrooms, assisting with healthcare facilities or helping to protect endangered species like lions, rhinos and elephants. The exact nature of the volunteering work will be allocated depending on your skills, experience and interests however you are guaranteed to have an enriching experience and find skills you never knew you had!
Before your placement MWCT will contact you to discuss your placement options and how best to match your skills, experience and interests with local projects.
A Typical Day - After breakfast at the camp you will make your way to your placement which could be at a local school to help deliver lessons, the local health clinic to assist with medical check ups or the wildlife reserve to help rangers carry out patrols and monitor wildlife. Volunteering within the wildlife reserve will require patience and the ability to stay out under the sun for long periods.
Quick Facts
Experience or requirements – There's no experience or qualifications necessary however you will need to have a sense of strong independence, patience and passion.
All volunteering placements are subject to CV Check, references and pre-placement interview
Minimum Commitment – 4 weeks
Working day – Monday to Friday 09.00 – 17.00
Price – $50 (Approx £39) per day. Free to guests staying at Campi Ya Kanzi
What’s Included? – Basic camp accommodation
Features
- Cultural Activities Included
- Incredible Views
- Accommodation Included
- Park and Conservancy Fees Not Included
Pricing
$50 (Approx £35-£40) per day
Includes accommodation
Your Accommodation
Volunteers have the option of basic accommodation provided through the MWCT camp for $50 per night. Please note that this does not include transfers to and from the camp which you will need to arrange yourself.
Thinking of taking some time for yourself during your trip to Kenya? The nearby Campi Ya Kanzi offers all inclusive, luxury safari accommodation before, during or after your volunteer experience. Volunteering at MWCT is free for guests staying at Campi Ya Kanzi during their placement.
Accommodation nearby
Campi Ya Kanzi
Based in the awe inspiring Chyulu Hills this 5 star Eco safari camp is dedicated to developing th... read more
About The Area
Situated in a unique location in Southern Kenya, close to the border of Tanzania, you will be based amongst the Maasai reservations with Chyulu Hill National Park to the East, Tsavo National Park to the South East, and Amboseli to the West. This area encompasses to 283,000 acres of pristine wilderness and is home to just about every African wild animal (except gorilla and chimpanzees!) and all set against a stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro rising up from the plains.
There are plenty of opportunities for adventure within the reserve with safari game drives, guided bushwalking and birdwatching as well as making new friends and learning about the Maasai culture and traditions so won’t be stuck for things to do.
Map
Activities and Nearby Adventures
- Cultural Activities
- Cultural Visits
- Safari Activites
- Walking Safari
- Eco Excursions & Tours
- Guided Wildlife Excursions
Meet the hosts
MWCT was founded by Luca and Antonella who work in partnership with professional conservationists and young Maasai Leaders. MWCT have a range of initiatives in place enabling the community to thrive through responsible management of the ecosystem as well as wildlife conservation work. The trust is now chaired by UNEP Champion of the Earth, Samson Parashina with the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, Edward Norton (yes THE Edward Norton!). The MCWT funds and operates local primary schools, health care facilities and conservation programs that promote sustainable, economic benefit to the whole community. Through their partnership with the local community they have helped educate over 8000 primary school children, provided healthcare to over 17,000 Maasai people, ensured the conservation of the land for wildlife and provided sustainable employment opportunities through ecotourism
Samson Parashina
Meet Samson Parashina, the acting President of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
Luca & Antonella
Luca and Antonella founded the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
How To Get There
Volunteers will need to make their own way to the MWCT camp from Nairobi International Airport. However if you plan to stay at the nearby Campi Ya Kanzi during your stay your accommodation will include transportation support and airstrip transfers.
Fly - The best way to get to Chyulu Hills is to fly to Nairobi Airport and take a air-transfer to the camp. The 6-seat Cessna 206 will fly you from Nairobi to the camp airstrip (transfer flights subject to additional cost $400 per person each way).
Drive - If you don’t like the sound of the small plane it’s possible to take a 4x4 transfer provided by the camp (4x4 transfer subject to additional cost $600 each way + $75 per person Tsavo National Park entrance fee). The journey will cover approximately 200 miles and take around 6 hours and can take a maximum of 4 people
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