What is like to volunteer while on Kenya safari

As a volunteer destined to be in Kenya for a safari you need to know what your niche interest is. Volunteering while on Kenya safari may vary including wildlife conservation support, educational support, Social support, religious support and more.

In case you are not in contact with people or organization you hope to volunteer with but wish to get help or suggestions from Encounter Africa safaris, you need to avail your details. At Encounter Africa safaris, we pride in doing ground work for our clients beyond organizing safari. We have worked with a number of international entities on different projects including volunteering over the years.

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Ensure to have the necessary documents when planning to volunteer in Kenya while on safari. These may include academic qualifications especially with education related activities, recommendations from a credible person, experience and more as required.

In case you have to get up close with some animals, you may be required to take shots or inoculation as a measure to protect you and the animals you hope to be around.

Following the schedule at the location where you are to do voluntary work is recommended so that you do not appear to be hard to deal with. There is always so much to learn from the people on ground and them from you so be very co-operative.

What Are Requirement For Volunteering in Kenya

Choose your niche for volunteering while on safari in Kenya

Identify the timing of your Kenya Safari and Volunteering time it may be preferred time or tentative time.

Avail the necessary documents in relation to the category of activities or organization you would like to volunteer in. Do not forget supporting experience you may have in relation to this activity with backing up evidence.

In case you need to write a cover letter to introduce you to the organization or bodies in relation to your interests, kindly draft one including the details about you.

Choose the Kenya safari activities and destinations you wish to include in your tour package including the number of days you wish to be on safari.

Note that responsible travel is necessary while on Safari in Kenya and when you choose to do volunteering in a conservation place in the country.

Responsible Travel tips on Kenya safari

Keep to designated tracks or trails while on Kenya safari to avoid trampling on vegetation or possible tiny animals in the wilderness. In Case you have to go off track, seek permission from a professional ranger guide from Kenya Wildlife Services.

Ask permission before taking photos or filming the locals while on safari in Kenya or even during community volunteering.

Avoid purchasing items out of wild animals or other endangered species as souvenirs or medicinal products so that we can all participate in the conservation process for sustainable existence.

Work with organization or companies that support, social, environmental and responsible tourism. For Kenya Wildlife Destinations, the Kenya Wildlife Society has an upper hand in the management of wildlife conservation destinations.

What activities to do on Kenya safari

Game safaris in Kenya

Kenya is endowed with amazing game safaris destinations with Masai Mara National Reserve on the top tier because of the great wildebeest migration. The great Wildebeest Migration is a season event where millions of wild animals cross from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into Kenya via Mara River.

Beyond the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya is home to Amboseli National Park, Meru National Park, Tsavo East and West National Park, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and more.

While on Safari in Kenya, you may encounter animals including the big five rhinos, elephants, zebras, elands, waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, dik dik, Klipspringer, wildebeests, hartebeests, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, aardwolf and more.

Note that all these animals are not found in every Kenya National Park but if you are specifically interested in Volunteering or going on safari in a destination with a particular animal, mention this in your enquiry so that the right advise can be given.

Birding Safari in Kenya

Kenya is a birding haven with over 1000 bird species recorded in the country a list that is incomparable to any other African country.

Some of the outstanding birding destination in Kenya include Lake Nakuru National Park with the lesser flamingos and other birds. At Lake Mburo National Park, you get to find a number of ornithologists, scientists, wildlife film makers, researchers and more.

A variety of birding destinations are found in Kenya including Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve and more.

Water activities in Kenya

Kenya has a coastline which it shares with the Indian ocean. At Mombasa, a number of water activities take place including snorkeling, cruise shipping, scuba diving, beach activities, sports fishing and more. The Kisite Marine National Park is a unique spot with colorful coral reef gardens.

The Kisite Marine National Park is in shallow waters which can be accessed by motor boat. The reefs are 3 to 4 kilometers long. The reefs run from Mpunguti Island to tiny coral Island of Kisite.

Other spots to enjoy water related activities in Kenya include Lake Bogoria hot springs, Lake Naivasha, Lake Turkana and more

Mountaineering on Kenya safari

Kenya has a number of highlands which you can add to the list of Kenya safari activities to do but Mountain Kenya which is glacier topped all year is amazing to hike for climbers. One needs to travel with the right hiking gears to get to the top of this mountain and an escorting ranger guide. Mountain Kenya has two prominent peaks Batia and Nelion.

The view and best photographing locations of Mountain Kilimanjaro in the backdrop are best taken from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. On a clear day, the stunning glaciers on top of Mountain Kilimanjaro sparkle through the dazzling sunrays creating an amazing appearance.

Other Kenya highlands include Thika plateau, Rift valley, Mathewa Ranges and more.

Cultural Safari in Kenya

The Masai who are still conservative with their culture are worth visiting during a safari in Kenya. Even when you hope to do social volunteering during Kenya safari, taking time with the Masai gives you a glimpse into their day today life. Even with the interference of modernity, the Masai have glued to their unique cultures.

While with the Masai, you may visit the Manyatta homesteads where they are able to protect their herds of cattle communally, participate in milking, assist with offering some health care to such communities and more. If you want to experience more when with the Masai, try not to disregard their ways of life because they will retract information necessary for the time you are with them.

Religious volunteering

Kenya has freedom of worship so in case you are interested in Volunteering in a particular religious dominion, you may direct contact them or we may assist to coordinate this. Have a little more patience because sometimes they have protocol to be followed before a response is given.

Hot Air Balloon Safari In Kenya

Enjoy the scenery of some of the prominent Kenya safari destinations from a more elevated point by taking the hot air balloon adventure. In Masai Mara National Reserve, during the great wildebeest migration, you get to see several animals on the floor of the reserve and get better angles to take aerial photos inclusive of things you may be unable to see while on ground.

Walking safaris in Kenya

Experience the presence of wildlife and immerse into the aromas of nature while on a walking safari in Kenya. You need to be in company of a ranger guide to take the walking safari in Kenya. Do follow the trails constructed by regular participants in this walking safari to avoid trampling on close by vegetation on which these wild animals feed or use a hiding spot.

At the end of the walking safari you may do bush breakfast.

When Is The Best Time To Do Kenya Safari With Volunteering

The best time to do volunteering while on Kenya safari is the dry season when plenty of activity is expected in the parks and other safari destinations. The dry season is normally June to September and December to January however this is the peak tourism season in Kenya so more tourists are expected on ground.

In the plainlands, the grass is lower and dry allowing better visibility of even the far ranging animals in the wilderness.

Demand for logistics that support Kenya safaris is high too because of competition. Some of these logistics include accommodation, transport and more. The environment of Kenya during the dry season allows faster movement when in the vehicle or on foot.

The wet season that is normally March, April, May and Late October through November must not be ignored when planning the Kenya safari. Less tourists are expected on ground providing more uninterrupted time for you at the Kenya safari destination. In case you are to volunteer at the Kenya safari destination, you get to learn more about it without being rushed.

In case you have a limited budget, the wet season may be the right time to do the Kenya safari and volunteering in the wilderness when prices of most amenities are expected to be discounted.

How To Be Safe While On Kenya Safari And Volunteering

At the Kenya safari destinations there are rules and regulations expected to be followed by every participant. These are aimed at providing safety to destination inhabitants and visitors.

Do not get out of your lodge or any other facility especially in the night in case you are within game parks no matter how much experience you have with being around wild animals. The animals in the wilderness are not used to being close to humans so may pounce on you.

While driving through the Kenya safaris, remain on designated tracks and drive at a recommended speed as per Kenya wildlife Society. This helps to avoid accidents that may end in injuring animals or getting penalized for intentionally hurting the animals.

Apply sun screen or insect repellants during the game drive to keep away biting insects or protect your skin from ultra violent rays that may hurt you. Kenya is a tropical country that experiences some harsh conditions.

When moving around town centers while on Kenya safari, keep your valuables away from  reach because there are pick pocketers.

What to expect when on Safari and volunteering In Kenya

Language barrier especially when on social volunteering safari in the local community, Kiswahili is the main local language used by people in Kenya but hire an interpreter in case you are in the community.

The roads especially in the countryside of Kenya are quite bumpy so do not expect a smooth drive. Hire a 4x4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition preferably a jeep that can withstand the rough terrain.

Expect to see several animals in the game parks of Kenya but at times because of weather conditions or timing, the animals may keep in far to reach areas. To enjoy the entire experience, open your mind to the stunning sceneries in the wilderness.

During the dry season, more tourists travel for safaris in Kenya so expect to see move vehicles on the tracks in most safari destination in the country.

Kenya is a tropical country so expect mosquito bite but sleep under a mosquito net day and night even when on anti-malarial medication.

Contact our team for more information.