Kenya – Climate Change & Wildlife for Teenagers

Join a group of international volunteers aged 15-17 for a two-week Climate Change program in Nakuru, Kenya. Experience a distinctive mix of cultural exploration, wildlife conservation, and community engagement as you take part in Swahili courses, explore Thomson Falls and Nakuru National Park, embark on wildlife safaris, and learn traditional Kenyan cooking. Engage in environmental projects and cultural experiences, actively contributing to sustainable tourism in the region.

Program Highlights:

  • Join a meaningful program designed for teens aged 15-17 years
  • Cultural Immersion: Engage with the famous Maasai traditions, including song and dance, painting, and beadwork.
  • Wildlife Conservation: Contribute to conservation efforts, focusing on the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
  • Community Empowerment: Collaborate on women empowerment projects and tree nursery initiatives.
  • Adventure and Exploration: Hike Thompson Falls, enjoy a boat ride in Lake Naivasha, and explore the Dundori Forest.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Combat invasive plant species and take part in climate change programs.
  • Learn about Kenyan culture through Swahili lessons and history talks

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (two-week commitment):

  • Day 1 (Friday): Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and transfer to Nakuru (3.5 hours). Check into accommodations, attend an orientation session, and enjoy an authentic Kenyan dinner after a basic Swahili lesson.
  • Day 2 (Saturday): Embark on a scenic excursion to Thomson Falls, followed by an introduction to Maasai culture, including vibrant song and dance sessions. Engage in crafting traditional Maasai beads, enjoy a talent show, and gather around the campfire in the evening.
  • Day 3 (Sunday): Explore Nakuru National Park, witnessing diverse wildlife such as lions, leopards, rhinos, and flamingos. Opt for hiking trails with panoramic views of the park and lake.
  • Day 4 (Monday): Embark on a morning safari in the wildlife reserve, followed by a traditional Kenyan cooking class in the afternoon. Explore Nakuru town and its cultural attractions in the evening.
  • Day 5 (Tuesday): Take part in reserve projects, engaging in ecological monitoring and tracking activities during the day. Experience the local culture of Nakuru in the evening.
  • Day 6 (Wednesday): Continue reserve projects, interact with the Maasai community, and engage in cultural sessions. Enjoy a Kenyan movie night in the evening.
  • Day 7 (Thursday): Contribute to reserve projects during the day, focusing on community involvement. Wrap up the day with a lively karaoke night.
  • Day 8 (Friday): Engage in environmental projects in the reserve in the morning and visit a women’s empowerment project in the afternoon. Conclude the day with another Kenyan movie night.
  • Day 9 (Saturday): Participate in bird watching in the reserve in the morning and enjoy an evening football (soccer) match with local children.
  • Day 10 (Sunday): Take a full day to relax and rest, providing participants with time to recharge. Leisure activities with the group can be planned together locally with the help of our dedicated staff.
  • Day 11 (Monday): Visit Dundori Tree Nursery in the morning, engaging in tree maintenance tasks. Enjoy an evening boat ride on Lake Naivasha, taking in scenic views and wildlife, followed by a campfire with Maasai stories and traditional games.
  • Day 12 (Tuesday): Engage in environmental projects in the reserve during the day and showcase talents in the evening’s talent show.
  • Day 13 (Wednesday): Conclude the last day of environmental projects during the day. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner with a campfire and storytelling.
  • Day 14 (Thursday): Pack and prepare for departure in the morning. Transfer to NBO for the return flight in the afternoon.
  • Note: The schedule is flexible, subject to weather conditions and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.
  • Note for Parents: This itinerary is designed specifically for teenage volunteers, offering a higher level of supervision throughout the program. GoEco also offers the convenience of flight booking services to assist in coordinating participants’ travel arrangements after registration and approval.

 

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Nakuru, Kenya

Project length Project length: 2 weeks

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work: Engage in various activities, including ecological monitoring, wildlife tracking, combating invasive plant species, and participating in climate change programs.

Age Age:  Open for teens 15-17 taking part in meaningful cultural and environmental experiences.

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: A minimum of 10 participants ensures a collaborative and impactful program

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared, dorm-style rooms

Food Food: 3 meals per day

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers: Round trip airport transfers are included on the arrival day and departure day.

Orientation Orientation: All necessary training and introductions are provided upon arrival.

Support Support: Teen groups have designated support staff to support and chaperone their itinerary, comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches on weekends, personal expenses.

The program unfolds in Nakuru, Kenya, renowned for its free-roaming wildlife and commitment to sustainable tourism. The region’s economy relies significantly on its diverse fauna, with wildlife conservation initiatives aiming to harmonize human and animal coexistence. You’ll be within a gated community in Nakuru, offering security features like electric pulse fencing and CCTV surveillance. Excursions will take you to notable locations such as Thomson Falls, Nakuru National Park, and the Dundori Forest & Tree Nursery. Each site provides a unique perspective on Kenya’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and ongoing conservation efforts. Close proximity to hospitals, police stations, and local amenities ensures a safe and accessible environment for participants.

 

Join a two-week teen expedition in Nakuru, Kenya, blending wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, environmental projects, and community engagement for a comprehensive experience.

Guided by wildlife specialists, volunteers actively monitor wildlife, conduct surveys, assist in collar installations, and engage with the local community for biodiversity preservation. Types of tasks in this category may include:

  • Conduct ecological monitoring for wildlife tracking.
  • Participate in wildlife surveys for conservation data.
  • Assist in collar installations for tracking and research.
  • Engage with the community for insights into wildlife coexistence.
  • Collaborate on hands-on activities to preserve ecosystems.

 

Delve into combatting invasive plant species, understanding species interactions, and empowering local women to promote sustainable practices. Types of tasks in this category may include:

  • Combat invasive plant species for habitat restoration.
  • Work with experts to understand species interactions.
  • Empower local women for sustainable practices.
  • Contribute to initiatives emphasizing positive environmental impact.

 

In the tranquil Dundori Forest & Tree Nursery, collaborate on tasks like maintaining tree seedlings to actively promote sustainable tourism practices and positively impact the local ecosystem. Types of tasks in this category may include:

  • Collaborate on maintaining tree seedlings.
  • Gain insights into ongoing conservation efforts.
  • Contribute to initiatives promoting sustainable tourism.
  • Participate in educational activities raising environmental awareness.

 

Note: All activities are subject to local conditions and may vary to ensure a dynamic yet rewarding experience.

Internet icon Internet: Internet facilities will be available in the accommodations, allowing participants to stay connected with family and friends during the program.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry facilities will be provided on site.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Situated within a secure gated community. The center features shared single-gender dorm rooms and is equipped with security measures, providing a comfortable and safe living environment for participants.

Food icon Food: Participants will enjoy three meals a day, offering a variety of authentic Kenyan dishes mixed with a western style foods to accommodate an international group.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

  • Interview with GoEco Advisor
  • Parental consent it required
  • Two Character Reference Letters
  • Good level of English
  • Good level of physical fitness
  • Able to work in hot and humid climate
  • Immunizations (please consult your doctor – note: yellow fever is mandatory for travel to Kenya)
  • All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity.

The detailed itinerary spans a diverse range of activities, from cultural immersion and wildlife conservation to community engagement and outdoor exploration. Highlights include a Maasai cultural experience, a Kenyan cooking class, game drives in the Wildlife Conservancy, combating invasive plant species, and a boat ride in Lake Naivasha. The program provides opportunities for personal growth and reflection, emphasizing global citizenship and sustainable practices. Participants will actively contribute to conservation efforts, engage with local communities, and create lasting memories in the picturesque landscapes of Nakuru.

Volunteer Experiences

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