Eco-volunteer programme is tailored for individuals wishing to gain practical experience in the field of
primate and ecological conservation, or who just want to help a good cause. You will become involved in feeding and cleaning the monkeys in rehabilitation, hand rearing orphaned animals, de-snaring the local forest, planting trees on the colobus corridor, conducting pest management assessments in nearby hotels and contributing to numerous long-term Colobus Conservation projects.
As an Eco-volunteer you will not need any prior experience as we will teach you everything you need to know. All we ask is that you are enthusiastic, self-motivated, interested in conservation and have a love of wildlife. You will generally work under the supervision of a member staff or a long-term volunteer (Eco or Research depending on your interest). If you have specific skills or interests we are happy to try and utilize them during your stay. No matter what you do, you can expect the work to be hot, challenging, dirty and hands-on but it will most definitely be rewarding and appreciated!
Eco-volunteers will need to be 18 years of age or above on arrival. Ideally you will be studying towards a degree in a relevant subject including Primatology, Biology, Conservation, Botany, Ecology or other natural Sciences. We also value volunteers with skills/experience in teaching, marketing, plumbing, electrics, fundraiser, animal carer to name a few.
Ideally, we like a commitment of 3 months from our eco-volunteers, but we understand
that this is not always possible, therefore you are welcome to apply for a shorter period if your time frame does not permit this length of stay.
Colobus Conservation was established in 1997 as a not-for -profit organisation to promote the conservation of the colobus monkeys and address the threats to its survival. The organisation works in partnership with local communities to promote the conservation of the colobus, along with other endemic primate species, and the unique coastal forest habitat on which they depend. Today Colobus Conservation programmes focus on habitat conservation and community links as well as human/primate conflict
management, welfare, education and research. These form the basis of the work a volunteer will be involved in during their stay with Colobus Conservation. Our objectives and work is recognised nationally by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and internationally by AZA Colobus Species Survival Plan (SSP), Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) accreditation. We are also supported by well known conservationists Jonathon and Angela Scott through their role as Patrons.
Sustainability
What’s Included
Please note airport transfers are included in the volunteer donation for Eco volunteers. Researchers are most welcome to request us to arrange your airport transfer but you will be responsible to cover the cost of this transfer at Ksh 3,500 each way from Mombasa or approximately Ksh 800 from Ukunda.
What’s Not Included
When travelling to Kenya, you will need to get a tourist visa for your entry into the country. Although you will be a volunteer of Colobus Conservation, you will in effect be on holiday. Entry visas are for a maximum three month period, however, once in the country, it is fairly straightforward to extend this to a six-month visa, for an additional Ksh 4,000. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport (please check with your embassy that this option is still available) or you can apply online here.
All volunteers must have medical insurance. Travel insurance is recommended but is at your discretion. Due to recent security issues within Kenya, some international volunteers have found obtaining the required insurance difficult and expensive. There is an in-country option available to international travellers offering competitive rates and coverage. Contact AIG for further details at www.aig.com or aigkenya@aig.com You will need to send confirmation of travel/medical insurance prior to arrival and you must provide us with a copy of your medical arrangements.
Trip Itinerary
There are a variety of projects underway at Colobus Conservation at any one time.
Activities you may be involved in include:
- Feeding primates awaiting release
- De-snaring
- Cleaning cages
- Primate orphan care
- Community education programmes
- Community outreach
- Primate release monitoring
- Primate behaviour data collection
- Human-primate conflict resolution
- Emergency Vetenarine Care and quarantine
- Primate census
- Tree growth surveys
- Cage enrichment design/provision
- Forest restoration
- Research
- Colobus Conservation Publicity
- Fundraising
There are a variety of long-term projects or general operations that eco-volunteers can become involved in. Volunteers will be allocated specific duties dependent upon individual experience, interest and current openings. However, all volunteers should be willing to help out with any aspect of Colobus Conservation’s work when required and to change topics if a crisis arises. Volunteers work alternate 5 day — 6 day weeks and Saturday and Sunday are considered a normal working day. A typical work day is 8am—5pm with a one hour lunch break. However, volunteers should be willing to be on-call at all times, in case of an animal welfare or orphan emergency. You should be prepared for often challenging
and hard work, and in the case of orphan care, around the clock feeding. You will be given 1-2 days off per week which can be variable according to volunteer numbers and animal care work load. Your time off can be used to visit local attractions, go on safari or relax on the beach or in the local spa. We strongly recommend volunteers to take time to go on safari and if you wish to be away for longer than
your volunteer days allow, simply consult with the Conservation Manager. Volunteering is a rewarding experience and the more you put into this opportunity, the more you will get out of it. Working together with like minded individuals you will be able to see first hand how your actions benefit Diani Forest and it’s wildlife.
For further information visit Eco-volunteer Researcher Handbook
Program And Price
The volunteer donation we request covers all your accommodation requirements including
a bed in a single sex 4 bed dormitory, three meals a day, two of which are prepared by our cook, housekeeping, laundry, airport transfers, drinking water, security, training for your role and a much needed financial contribution for the monkeys and Colobus Conservation programmes. For further details see the accommodation
section.
Volunteer donations are calculated in the local currency, Kenyan Shillings. For the
most current and accurate exchange rate please consult your bank but as a rough
guideline:-
£1 = Ksh 120
(US)$1 = Ksh 100
(AUS)$1 = Ksh 80
1 Euro = Ksh 110
If you stay for 6 months then you will contribute the same as a research
intern of Ksh 11,000 per week for your whole duration.
Length of Stay/ Total Donation in Kenya Shillings
- 2 weeks 71,500
- 3 weeks 82,500
- 4 weeks 110,000
- 5 weeks 137,500
- 6 weeks 159,500
- 7 weeks 181,500
- 8 weeks 203,500
- 9 weeks 225,500
- 10 weeks 231,000
- 11 weeks 247,500
- 12 weeks 264,000
- Each additional week 11,000
