Kenya Family Life Volunteers Itinerary
This itinerary is to provide you with a guideline of what you will become involved in whilst on the programme. Please note that this is intended to be used as a guideline and may vary, according to the needs of the project at the time.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner (B,L,D are included as specified on the itinerary below.
Day 1 - Mombasa to Camp
This is a 2 to 3 hour drive from Mombasa and has been established on the 80,000 acre conservation area of Rukinga Ranch. After lunch you will be provided with an arrival safety brief and a full orientation of the conservation area. The rest of the day is left for you to settle in and enjoy the views over the Tahri Desert, its mountains, and the wildlife ranch. The camp and its environs are heavily frequented by wildlife including elephant, buffalo, giraffe & lion and up to 300 species of birds. (BLD)
Day 2-3 - Bush Skills and Game Viewing (Rukinga Ranch Conservation Area).
For two rewarding days, resident wildlife experts and experienced game rangers will teach you how to track wildlife, identify spore & tracks of wildlife species as well as basic bush survival skills and wildlife conservation techniques. (BLD) Overnight- Camp Tsavo.
Day 4 – Tsavo West National Park
After breakfast, depart for Tsavo West National Park (1hr drive) for big game viewing. You will be able to identify all the common species of African wildlife in their habitat as well as some of the rarer ones. You will have a picnic lunch at the amazing Mzima Springs where you will have the chance to see Hippo swimming underwater from the unique observation post made of glass (hippo proof of course!) After lunch take a guided walk around the volcanic ash cones and recent lava flows, which create the very special landscape of Tsavo West National Park. Game viewing en-route back to Camp Tsavo (BLD) Overnight- Camp Tsavo.
Day 5-8 – Community Phase
During this period you will get involved with the refurbishment of a rural primary school, which may include some basic activities such as painting or desk making. You will be expected to interact with the school children to encourage the importance of wildlife and environmental conservation through education. Your personal contribution to the school and its students plays an essential part in wildlife conservation and effectively reduces human/wildlife conflict in the area. (BLD) Overnight- Camp Tsavo.
Day 9 – Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park arguably offers one of the best locations in the Africa for game viewing. Here you will have the chance to spot the Big 5 while absorbing the breath taking scenery of Tsavo’s famous ‘red’ planes, truly one of the few remaining wilderness areas in the world.
Day 10-11 –Bush skills and Game Viewing (Rukinga Ranch Conservation Area)
A chance to Brush up on your wildlife and bush skills, as well have the unique opportunity to go on a couple of night game drives. (BLD) Overnight- Camp Tsavo.
Day 12-13 – Beach Time
Your chance to chill out on Kenya’s famous south coast resort and get rid of the safari dust! After breakfast you will be transferred to Pinewood Village beach resort (approx 3.5 hours away) Pinewood Village is a boutique hotel, situated on the unspoiled shores of the beautiful warm Indian Ocean.
Optional activities here include, scuba diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, big game fishing, shopping. O/N Pinewood Village (B, D)
Day 14
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your departure.
Note: Extensions at a coastal hotel can be arranged on request to suit your budget and travel plans. (Please enquire with the Gap Year for Grown Ups office).
