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Host rating
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Last replied
8 Apr 2024
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Details
Description
General Information (setting):
Nested on the edge of the breathtaking Mukutan Gorge, which plunges deep into valleys filled with palms, vines and orchids and dotted with waterfalls and thermal hot springs, the Mukutan Retreat feels as far away from the rest of the world as you can get. It is Africa at its wildest- undisturbed and unpredictable.The unique setting, the silence and the evocative sounds of Africa, make the Retreat an exclusive hideaway for discriminate travelers, who wish to find a total communion with nature.
Our Project:
At our nature conservancy, we strive to ensure wildlife and local community’s welfare. Thus, in addition to the daily tasks of running the conservancy (ranger patrols, tourism, livestock management), we try to implement innovative, creative and sustainable ways of generating jobs and income and improving lives whilst maintaining an unwavering dedication to the preservation and flourishing of the biodiversity of the conservancy.
This really is an opportunity to make an impact. Be a part of this great initiative and diverse team of more than 200 people who have two commonalities : 1) an open heart and, 2) the determination to foster community and wildlife welfare, and protect our pristine open landscapes.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
In addition to learning hands-on kenyan building techniques (if you're joining us for that purpose), you will get the opportunity to learn Kiswahili. A handy language used in several eastern-african countries. Last but not least, the kenyan way of life where people take the time to enjoy friendship, work and life in general will certainly feel like a refreshing change in comparison with this fast-moving world.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Projects to get stuck into:
Important! We do require our volunteers to be at least 24 years old and to have at least 3 years of practical experience in the field you are contacting us for, as the various projects we are currently working on do require professional experience.
NEW ROLE!
Hospitality
We are developing our back-of- house systems and processes. We are looking for someone who is competent in implementing sustainable stock management systems along with staff training and menu development to create a consistent approach across our tourism arm. If you are creative, like to get stuck in and get a kick out of inventing simple yet effective processes please get in touch.
As a Conservancy, we have multiple running and upcoming projects including:
1) Land management:
Within this we have a host of physical projects which help keep the land of the conservancy up and running and this is a guarantee of quality time spent in the bush! These include:
Road clearing and construction (including culverts for drainage).
Monitoring and strengthening of the existing electrical fence surrounding the conservancy.
Checking all the electrical installations of the conservancy (experienced electrician).
Creation of natural water filtration systems for our various lodges.
Rebuilding two of our Land Rover Defenders (mechanical engineer).
Permaculture expertise in establishing large scale vegetable gardens to help us become more food import independent.
2) Grant writing, reporting and data collection and analysis regarding wildlife, ranger patrols etc.
This role is something we are looking to fill in the coming months, but of course we are interested in hearing from people who think they can be an excellent addition to the project and the conservancy. For this project would require a 2 months + commitment, in order to make an impact on the project.
SO - if you do have one of the above skills and wish to live out here in the bush alongside a passionate team of 150 employees and iconic African fauna (elephants, lions, leopards, cheetah, wild dogs, buffalo, etc), please do not hesitate to contact us! This is a once in a lifetime experience!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Swahili (Kiswahili): Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
You will be comfortably accommodated on site (at "Center Camp", which is the headquarters of the conservancy) in your own (or sometimes a shared) banda - imagine a cross between a cottage and a hut. Center camp is home to our main offices, and is situated in the heart of the conservancy. Most staff members reside here.
You will be provided 3 cooked meals a day, laundry services, cleaning services, hot showers, and wifi access all free of charge.
What else ...
We are conservationists and live in a remote location, so the candidate must be willing to live ‘in the bush’ and be independent and resourceful and ideally have hobbies, interests or projects they can pursue after working hours and on weekends. We are part of a vibrant community- there is a staff team of 150 people and there are usually a few volunteers, researchers and other guests at any one time.
We are within a 3 hour drive of Lake Baringo, within a stone’s throw of local towns where you can enjoy a good beer and just experience Kenya for yourself.
In addition to the immersion into Kenyan township life, the conservancy offers several possibilities to spend your leisure time :
Beautiful scenery and wildlife at your accommodation’s doorstep (the Rift Valley is majestic).
Enjoy the pristine night sky around a born fire and a refreshing pombe (beer).
You will occasionally be able to hitch a ride after work or on weekends on one of the Ranger’s vehicles going out in town, or to one of our dams/springs where you will be able to enjoy a refreshing dip.
After work we do play football everyday. We also have a pool table, darts and board games.
We do recomend you bring a powerful torch light for going around the camp at night and keep you safe from wildlife. Additionaly you will have to sign a disclaimer.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Digital nomads are more than welcome. We have internet at the offices and the volunteer mess, and good data coverage at the Banda's, the volunteer accommodation.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (5)
The place is an incredibly rich basin of bio and cultural diversity to explore and it has been incredibly fulfilling for me to use my best skills and resources to support it by collaborating with fantastic people into exciting projects.… read more
Is as skilled a carpenter as Jesus Christ was. Only the belgian version.
Discreet, hard working and has golden hands when it comes to working wood. He constructed a magnificent wooden table for us.
Bon vent !
Valentin.
Life within this sanctuary was an immersion into a world where every day held its own charm. From dawn till dusk, each task became an integral note in the symphony of life here.
Yet, what truly defined my experience was the profound sense of connection that… read more
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
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The place is an incredibly rich basin of bio and cultural diversity to explore and it has been incredibly fulfilling for me to use my best skills and resources to support it by collaborating with fantastic people into exciting projects.… read more
Is as skilled a carpenter as Jesus Christ was. Only the belgian version.
Discreet, hard working and has golden hands when it comes to working wood. He constructed a magnificent wooden table for us.
Bon vent !
Valentin.
Life within this sanctuary was an immersion into a world where every day held its own charm. From dawn till dusk, each task became an integral note in the symphony of life here.
Yet, what truly defined my experience was the profound sense of connection that… read more
Ruben was the first volunteer we got through Workaway. Boy would I recomend him anywhere anytime !
He is the modern day MacGyver: flicking of snakes with a makeshift catapult, fabricating new tools out of a few pieces of metal, streamlining work procedures.
All this, in joy and playfulness.
Ruben knows a lot about hapiness and… read more
Winnie has delivered very professional architectural plans and we are so… read more
I credit the hosts, Nigel and Sveva, greatly for my amazing first workaway experience, as I was well catered for and was able to utilise my skills to helping them out.
I will be back and I… read more
