The project
The Maasai tribe is a unique tribe because of their long-preserved culture, including the Maa language. Despite education, civilization and Western cultural influences, the Maasai cling to their traditional way of life, which has made them a symbol of Kenyan culture. As a volunteer you get the opportunity to discover the distinctive culture, clothing style and territory of the Maasai along the game reserves of Kenya and Tanzania. They are a smaller tribe that makes up only 0.7 percent of Kenya's population. The Village Center for Nature, Culture, Conservation and Education offers volunteers the ultimate opportunity to explore, learn and connect with the Maasai community and their culture. Volunteers contribute to preserving the rich culture and can learn to communicate and live like the tribe. The Maasai Nature Reserve is managed according to a model that protects the fragile ecosystem and benefits the landowners, the Maasai people. The major focus of the nature reserve is on improving livestock through sustainable livestock management programs. The habitat consists of wooded savannah with open plains and the Mara River. A large number of wild animals live in the park, the protection of which is part of the volunteer program.
Volunteer work
Volunteers will be involved in tasks related to
- Cultural activities: experiencing and contributing to the Maasai way of life, learning to cook with firewood, gaining life skills including beadwork.
- Job activities: maintenance, construction and renovation of the Manyatta houses, maintenance of the nature reserve.
- Education: teaching (English) and playing with children, outreach program in the local pharmacy. Wildlife conservation: regular ground patrols and safari walks, identifying animal species found in the area, identifying and naming native plants and uses, monitoring wildlife movements.
- Agricultural/ecological activities: controlling livestock grazing, milking and care of livestock, caring for the nature reserve, planting trees, gardening and landscaping.
- Possible additional activities: bird watching for interested volunteers, promoting sustainable tourism, assisting in local hospitals, clean-up campaigns, protecting cultural heritage, promoting interaction between local communities, disseminating information about Maasai Mara, raising awareness of the local community, training and strengthening the community. It is important to be able to speak English well for this project. You will be guided in the work.
Accommodation & Orientation
Volunteers will live in a remote Maasai village with access to drinking water and sufficient food, but with minimal access to electricity. You will be included in the community. On the first day, volunteers are taken through an extensive orientation by the staff of the local volunteer organization KVSO and taken to their accommodation. Everything you need to know about project placement is discussed. Volunteers receive information about: expectations, safety, travel options in Kenya, introduction to the project and placement. The orientation also provides a chance to meet other volunteers and exchange contact information for weekend travel and socializing.
Leisure
Most of the free time will be spent interacting with the local community and the project's other volunteers. There will be opportunities to visit a local market, go to church, play football and take part in other community activities. Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the fantastic environment and rich diversity of Maasai Mara culture. In addition, volunteers can explore the savannah in the Maasai Mara National Game Reserve and spot animals such as: antelopes, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hyenas and vultures. Volunteers will have the opportunity to take a guided safari on a weekend trip to venture deeper into the Maasai Mara reserve to spot lions, gazelles and water buffalo.
Travel
You arrange your own travel to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. From here you will be picked up by the project partner.
IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably with public transport. Sometimes travelling by plane is inevitable. We kindly suggest to compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions through IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here.
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Costs
IBO asks €50 registration fee. You can also become an IBO-supporter, then you do not pay a registration fee. In addition, you pay a tailor-made or group participation fee. Would you like to know more about how your contribution is made and how it is spent? Read about the costs for participation.
Additional fundraising fort his project is greatly appreciated! Your additional funds will be transferred to the project fully.
Register
Register here as a volunteer at IBO.