The project is focused not only on the long-term reforestation of a badly affected region, but also works with the local community on grassroots involvement and awareness-raising programmes. 

The project aims to build up bare areas of hillside, which used to be wooded, to protect wildlife and to safeguard the essential water supply to over seven million people, which depends on the protection of the surrounding forest, and is seriously threatened by the environmental impact of such drastic deforestation. It is hoped that reforestation will encourage the indigenous animals back to the area, such as elephant and buffalo, not to mention many bird species.

The project was started by local farmers, who also volunteer daily at the project. They will welcome you into their project and their community and they really enjoy meeting people from different cultures! 

Best time to go? 
Kenya’s hot and dry climate is interspersed with periods of rain, from March to May (the ‘long rains’) and from October to December (the ‘short rains’). The most popular time to visit is January to February and July to August, which are also the best times to go on safari; during the rainy seasons accommodation prices are lower but it’s possible that there may be restricted access to some safari parks. To catch the migrating wildebeests from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, June to September is the time to catch the roaming hordes. 

Skills required?

No skills required but a willingness to get your hands dirty is essential. 

A day in the life of a volunteer

Activities:
Various types of conservation work, including planting, surveys and data collection, path clearance and facilities maintenance. You may also get involved with community education 

Working Hours:
Flexible; Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. There may be some weekend work, all other time is free 

Getting to the project: 30-35 minutes walk. 

However long you’re here for on the project, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in a really worthwhile cause and to learn more about Kenya and its history. Each day will be filled with different types of ecology work and physical labour but the friendships you’ll make and the fact that you’re in Kenya will more than outweigh any sore muscles. 

You may have the opportunity to go into local schools to educate children about the environment. There may also be opportunities for building work, construction and clearing unused areas of land. Muscles at the ready! 

Spare time?

Your weekends will be completely free to explore the stunning wilderness! It's a perfect opportunity to walk to the local caves and if you fancy spotting a bird or two, guided bird watching tours are available. If you want to do something more energetic, there's a nearby soccer pitch where the local team play in the evenings and welcome new talent! There are game parks and reserves within easy reach, while Nairobi is only three hours away by public transport. 

Accommodation

You will be living at Batian's View hostel, close to the community where you will be working. Naro Moru is a village in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain. 

Accommodation facilities:
During your stay in Mount Kenya, you’ll be staying in a locally run hotel where your accommodation will be in cabins (bandas) which are used to promote wilderness education and conservation practices. 

Any group is welcome to spend time at the facility to learn about the Mt Kenya ecosystem and to gain first hand knowledge of this precious resource. The accommodation has all the basic amenities that you would need during your stay; running water, limited electricity, shower with sporadic hot water, a bathtub, equipped kitchen. The bedrooms are shared single sex on a 4 bed basis. 

Water is freely available, with a boiler being used for heating it. There is electricity when the sun goes down, and there are plenty of power points to charge electrical gadgets. 

There is a lounge to relax and socialise in, and a secure compound with a camping site. It can get cold during the evenings, so it is recommended that you bring warm clothes to keep you nice and warm. There are on site laundry facilities also, so don’t worry about having to bring a truckload of clothes! Breakfast and dinner will be provided for you, lunch can easily be organised yourself locally too – and you’ll be "Building up an appetite!" Get it? 

Things to bring from home:
Bedding is provided for you at the accommodation; don’t worry about bringing a mosquito net as you will be at such high altitude that you won’t need one (although if you are travelling around Kenya after your trip with us, you might want to consider bringing one.) It is also recommended that you bring your own towel as these are not provided for you. Please bring a warm jumper for the evenings as it can get chilly at high altitude! 

Where is the accommodation?
You are based in a beautiful setting, where there are many birds, flora and animals to be seen! It's easy to arrange to climb Mount Kenya in four to five days, or just to take a day hike up part of this picturesque mountain. 

Batian's View is near Naru Moro, and about 30kms from Nanyuki town. There is access to public transport heading to these towns, where you can get internet cafes, supermarkets, banks, cafes and restaurant. 

How far is it from my project?
Depending on where you are working the journey time can be either a short walk or a short matatu journey away. Please budget around US$20 per week for this cost.

 

Are you looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world’s most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer tripsare for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world. 
Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'.