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I took a 3-month sabbatical in total, a month of which was spent on this project. What was your motivation to take a gap break? I had quite a lot happening in my life in terms of change and it felt like the right time to go and see a bit more of the world and encounter some new experiences and meet new people. How did you feel before you joined the programme? A bit apprehensive but also hugely excited. By the time I joined Gap Year For Grown Ups, I'd been in Africa for a month and a half travelling round, mainly by myself. So I was really looking forward to spending some time in the same place and with the same people. I was also looking forward to living in tents without running water and electricity - proper back to basics! Though having never camped in my life before going to Africa I was a wee bit nervous about that too.... How did Gap Year For Grown Ups compare with your expectations? Before I went, I was trying to decide between this project and another and was slightly leaning towards another company. But when I called Gap Year For Grown Ups, the lady I spoke to was just soooo enthusiastic about this project I was immediately sold. It was lovely to speak to someone who'd actually been there and was passionate about the place.
Pretty basic but that was what made it so special. Rombo, the first camp was like heaven on earth. Very basic, no running water, no electricity but its amazing how quickly you adapt. My tent was quite bright so you woke at sunrise to the tent getting brighter and to the most amazing dawn chorus! It was bang smack in the middle of nowhere and with the exception of a few tiny Maasai villages, we were the only people for miles and miles. The showers were wonderful - basically a bucket tipped upside down with a nozzle but the water was warm from the sun and/or the fire and it was heavenly. African style loos are so basic but you do get used to it. Mattresses are provided so all you need to bring is a sleeping bag for a wonderful nights sleep. Falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife is so amazing. In Amboseli, the second camp, there was running water (though cold only.....) and the tents were darker so kept out the sunshine more (which for me meant I slept in a few times - eek!). Monkeys were everywhere though so keeping the tent zip shut all day was a necessity unless you wanted your stuff taken! There were two pubs on site too - pretty basic but there was beer! Food I should say was amazing in both camps. Really good basic, healthy stuff. And they take such pride in making sure you enjoy it. As Kimani the chef would say - ‘wow'! What did you think of the programme / did your project and destination meet your expectations? I can't describe enough how much I enjoyed it. Every single minute. Being with the same people for a whole month and having little if any interaction with anyone else just made it amazing. It was like a family in a way I really can't describe. Three months later and I'm still in contact with all the other volunteers (one of whom I've met up with several times here in London) and two of the people working on the project.
What was the most memorable moment of your trip? Any anecdotes? So many memories it's difficult to pick just a few. In no particular order...
The project is great because the data all comes from volunteers, which means its independent. The work in Rombo camp was centred on tracking all sorts of wildlife and our results and findings are used to ensure the eco-system remains balanced, particularly important in Maasai regions where the killing of lions by humans is still commonplace. This project indirectly helps to change this Maasai view and our recommendations to the Kenyan Wildlife service can help to put in place steps to help change that. Similarly in Amboseli our work in tracking elephants and their movement between Kilimanjaro is really important in understanding this movement and the impact it has on the eco-system overall. How have you benefited from your experience? How have you changed? I've learnt that money and material things really aren't important in life. I lived for a whole month without electricity, hot water, a bath, loo flush, hair drier, staighteners, little or no make up, wore the same 3 or 4 outfits day in day out, washed my clothes in the river or in a plastic bowl at camp, had little or no wine, no shops, internet only once a week, limited mobile phone use yet I've never been happier. On top of that being with people from other cultures really changes your outlook on life and people. You learn so much. What advice could you offer to someone considering this programme? Just go for it. If you've a sense of adventure and a love of wildlife and Africa then you will absolutely love it. You'll make friends for life and have an experience that is truly unforgettable.  Maasai Elephant Conservation ProjectMaasai Lion Conservation ProjectReturn to travel stories |
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