Location
  • Kenya
    • Mombasa
Length
2 weeks

Program Details

Compensation
Unpaid
Weekly Hours
40
Age Min.
18
Qualifications
  • Over 18

Pricing

Starting Price
175
Price Details
COSTS:
Less than one month - $250/WEEK
1-3 MONTHS - $200/WEEK
3-6 MONTHS - $175/WEEK
Included: 6 days (Monday to Saturday) per week internship including guidance from the curator and the other snake handlers
Excluded: All meals, accommodation, all travel expenses to and from Watamu or transport to the farm.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Bush snake cottage: $ 30 per day, per person based on self catering. Your room will be attended to every other day, this is included in the price (excl cleaning products). There are two rooms available, shared bathroom and kitchen.
PACKAGES:
Incl internship fees and accommodation and extras as mentioned above:
Up to 3 months = $ 1,600 per month
More than 3 months = $ 1,400 per month
What's Included
Activities Some Activities
What's Not Included
Some Accommodation Some Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Meals Some Meals SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance Visa
Jul 26, 2023
Jul 17, 2023
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About Program

Set in the idyllic coastal town of Watamu, the Watamu Snake Farm provides a unique opportunity to work closely with both venomous and non-venomous snakes under the guidance of highly trained snake handlers. Ideal for Veterinary and Medical students, students studying conservation or anyone fascinated by snakes and reptiles.

Participants will get practical, hands-on experience in the day-to-day running of the organisation and the chance to work with a variety of venomous and non-venomous reptiles. You will also have the opportunity to work in the local community educating adults and children about how to prevent snakebite, and what to do in the event that someone has been bitten by a snake.

A placement with us will be a massively rewarding experience, allowing you not only to gain knowledge of the fascinating world of reptiles but to work with and help local communities combat this devastating disease.

Program Reviews

4.67 Rating
based on 3 reviews
  • 5 rating 66.67%
  • 4 rating 33.33%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.35
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 4.7
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Default avatar
Tarquin
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good

My experience at the Watamu snake farm was extremely eye opening. I learnt so much from the staff. I think the main reason for the experience being so educationally beneficial was that I was left by every single member of staff. This allowed me to learn from multiple different perspectives rather than limiting me to one. During my experience I was also able to go into the field which allowed me to learn how it actually is when catching a reptile rather than just seeing them in captivity. The only thing I wish I could of experienced more of was a one on one snake catching lesson in the snake pit.

Pros
  • Educational
  • Hands on
  • Fun
Cons
  • Some background knowledge required
  • Dangerous
25 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Joost
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Snake handeling

The team at watamu snake farm are full of professional and passionate people who are eager to share their knowledge and experience. Safety is always paramount when working with venomous animals and this is reflected in the manor they work with at the farm.

The farm allows you to learn about all the aspects of snake handling and care. You help feeding and maintaining the animals as well as the proper protocols for moving some of the most dangerous but beautiful animals around.

As a bonus point you are able to learn how to guide people around in the farm and educate them about reptiles

Pros
  • Learned East african snake identification
  • Learned first aid and medical treatment of snake bites
  • Learned how to safely handle snakes of all levels of difficulty
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Arthur
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great First Professional experience with Reptiles

I had a great Internship with a very nice team that has a lot to teach: from on field skills to theorical knowledge.
All members of the team can teach you the different tasks they master to work safely with those impressive animals (Different species of venemous & non venemous snakes, monitor lizards, tortoise & terrapins, crocodiles…)
Great diversity of duties, animals, In Situ observation and a very interesting general experience, I would recommend for anyone interested in Reptiles or exotic animals in general.

Pros
  • Working in contact with incredible animals
  • Huge majority of the work is outside
  • Great team : serious when needed but also positive and fun
Cons
  • You need to be able to focus and be really serious (working with venemous species is dangerous if done wrong)
32 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers