Major FAQ

Where is the Olowaru Lion and Elephant Project - Kenya ?

This project is 250km south east of Nairobi , and located just outside of the Tsavo-West National Park , and within view of Mt Kilimanjaro. The closest town is Rombo.

When and where should I arrive?

Volunteers must arrive at Nairobi international Airport. If possible, please arrive on the start date given for this project. We offer one night of hotel stay (but not food).

Volunteer will stay at the Kenya Comfort Hotel, and they are at the junction of Muindi Mbingu and and Monrovia Street , opposite Jeevanjee Gardens . As per usual, we will cover one night for volunteers when they first arrive in Kenya , but any subsequent nights that they might spend at the hotel will be for their own account.

Prices at Kenya Comfort Inn range from US$35 (single), US$50 (double/twin), US$65 (triple) and $80 (quad). With breakfast being an additional US$7 per person.

If the start date is given as 01 October, volunteers will transfer to the project on the 2nd October.  Volunteers should arrive on the specified start date given, but should they arrive a day earlier because of flight availability, they will also only transfer out to the project on the scheduled departure date (i.e. If they arrive 30 September, they will only transfer on the 2nd October.  Please note we only cover the first night hotel stay (not food)

How far is the project from Nairobi and how do volunteers get there? Who will take them there?

The project is about 250kms from Nairobi , and are transported by project vehicle, or public bus.  The trip takes about 9 hours because of the bad roads.  Volunteers will be accompanied by a project representative

Do I get orientation before the start of project?

Basic orientation in Nairobi  - introduction to the project, rationale of doing the project and where does this work fit in development of Kenya Tourism. More detailed orientation at camp includes a lecture on what the work entails, data collection protocols, do's and don'ts of camp life, emergency response and general day to day itinerary etc.  Normally takes half-a day, two at the most.

What about accommodation? Do I need to bring sleeping bag? Mosquito nets? Any thing else?

Volunteers sleep in tents, and must bring sleeping bags, mosquito nets and pillows.

What kinds of food do you offer? Who cooks food? What are local food item?

At the project, we supply three meals a day.  We do have a full time cook, who prepares meals.  Food consists of eggs, toast / bread, fruit and fruit salad, vegetables and vegetable salad, rice, beef, chicken.  Meat is also widely eaten by the Maasai.

How many days do volunteers work in a week? What can they do in weekend?

Volunteers work from Monday to Friday, and have the weekend off.  In the weekend, volunteers generally go to town, to do shopping, emailing and letters / postcards home, going to the Serena Hotel late afternoon to swim, have lunch at the Serena Hotel , relaxing at camp, washing of clothes, and general time out. Volunteers go to Loitokitok to do their weekend shopping, and it takes about 90 minutes to get there. 

Tentative daily work schedule

•          Early morning wake up      06h00
•          Tracking / monitoring of wildlife in the area 06h30 
•          Breakfast        08h45 
•           Camp Maintenance (roads, tents, camp security)   10h00
•          Conservation Program led by our researcher David 12h00
•          Lunch        13h00
•          'Siesta'        14h00
•          Tracking / monitoring of wildlife in the area   15h00
•          Dinner        18h00
•          What's Up and Feedback      19h00

Are there internet, telecommunication, and medical facilities at the project sight?

There are medical facilities in Loitokitok, a town about 40kms away. There is small facility at the five star lodge nearby (some 4kms away), and there is a landing strip in the Park. Internet / email access is only available at the Post Office and the Serena Hotel . The facilities at the Serena are much quicker, but much more expensive than at the Post Office .

How much extra money do I need?

Answer to this question depends upon your spending habit. Program basically covers most of expenses of room, food, and transportation. However, we would say an amount of $150 a week to be more than sufficient unless you wish to participate in extra optional tours or excursions then your may require more.

Do I need any vaccination and immunization?

Volunteers can have rabies and anti-tetanus injections should they wish. Many areas have malaria risk or should you travel afterwards so it is best to take something for Malaria. Yellow Fever is a must have injection. We suggest you to consult your local travel doctor before your leave the country.

Are there any other requirements?

Dress code for most projects should be natural color clothing. Rules of each project should be respected.

Wildlife rehabilitation is a sensitive program where Wildlife are encouraged to return to the wild (if possible) therefore contact with animals is sometimes limited unless the animal is injured, orphaned or needing to be nursed

The minimum age restriction is 18, with the maximum age limit being 55. Applicants are expected to be physically able to complete tasks and generally get involved with the rest of the younger group of volunteers

Understanding of Basic English is required and our programs are open to anyone who has an interest in Africa and wildlife.

Our strong field support

Our local partner cares for our volunteers, humanity, wildlife, and the African continent and wish to make the world a better place for all. We support our volunteers by:

•  Running a 24-hour back-up service to volunteers any place any time while in Africa you can call our hotline for tips, assistance and a chat.
•  Operating regular phone checks with you (where possible).
•  Contacting your family and loved ones at home, and letting themknow how you're doing (on request only. Please make request to the local coordinator).
•  Assisting with bookings be it for tours, volunteer work flights etc.

RECOMMENDED KIT CHECK LIST

Please be aware that your clothes are going to get dirty! Also it can get very cold during the evenings during the African winter so please bring a warm jacket and long trousers.