Volunteer Programs in Kenya with African Impact

Going to Kenya was a dream come true. I had always wanted to engage with the local culture and African Impact was the one organisation that offered everything that I wanted all at once - true conservation, deep cultural involvement and fun moments.

I got to experience the most amazing things that the wildlife of Africa has to offer - I got the chance to watch football with Maasai warriors, I got the chance to play volleyball in the afternoon breaks with them every single day. I got to meet people whose kindness levels go beyond my imagination.

But this was only a fragment of the experience. In my time in Kenya, I got to finally see what real conservation looks like. Getting up early in the morning was so satisfying and rewarding and all the animals that we got to monitor were just breath-taking to watch. In the end of the day, as a volunteer, you really know that you have done something valuable.

In my time with African Impact, we also got to visit local schools and teach children about the importance of conservation and saving the different animals. At this point I realized that if not this generation, then maybe the next one will be the game-changer and be the difference that we all so desperately need in Africa right now.

As a result of my experience, importantly, one of my photos also made it to the BBC Wildlife Magazine (see attached) and I could have never imagined that happening as a result of my volunteer experience.

In any case, I only have good memories from my stay and I encourage anyone to go and dive into this crazy adventure that I will always remember!

It has always been my dream to come to Africa and see the diverse wildlife. African Impact certainly helped that dream come true and more. I learned and saw so much as well as made plenty of new friends. It is also quite evident how the research one conducts here is making a difference in terms of conservation. The staff is also very helpful and supportive and they will answer any question that you might have.

The GOOD and the not so BAD.

As far as good is concerned - it is beyond good actually. I have been volunteering for African Impact for 3 years consecutively. Each one in a different country and each one really different. In Kenya, the animals are so plentiful and the conservancy is a very beautiful place with many sitings. You can see all BIG 5 in one day and many more. There are 2 lions that have been collared this year so the telemetry is able to find them and follow the pride for maintaining data. The guides are very knowledgeable and the people very friendly. Elephant monitoring, big cat monitoring, conservancy work, education with the schools, women's empowerment group work, and wonderful opportunities to do side trips on weekends off. What could be better....the best of everything.

Bad would fall under the only thing that could even slightly be unfavorable for western cultured people. No flushing toilets, electricity off early at night, no internet or phones (sims available for purchase), and hot water only at 3pm - solar. So if you are not around for showers and need to take one at night, cold and dark. Bathrooms not that close to the rooms and headlamp is required. Animals do come very close to camp and kitchen has been raided by baboons while I was there.
In all honesty, this small BAD is all overcome as the big payoff is the wonderful animals and people.

NO CHOCOLATE.
NO COKES

Sacrifice is very small compared to the gains.
No one can ever be the same after this volunteering.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.