Volunteer Information
We can offer a limited number of self-funded volunteer posts to enthusiastic people with an interest in making a difference to local communities and wildlife in Africa through education, conservation and sustainable development. Our project is in Kisoro, southwestern Uganda, and involves the local community working together in a sustainable way to create a better quality of life and taking care of the environment. We expect volunteers to work hard and also take advantage of the many opportunities available, such as visiting the World Famous Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes National Park and the Golden Monkeys of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
We are looking for volunteers with passion, determination and commitment. We need teachers, conservationists, biologists, health workers, vets, I.T. and administration skills, to name just a few. People with all round skills and abilities would be great. We are also looking for students, internationally, who wish to further develop their knowledge in a working environment out in the field. We would like to give all Africans the same opportunity especially as it is their home continent.
How much will it cost?
See your travel agent for flights to Kigali, Rwanda, which currently range from £500 to £700. It is best to fly to Kigali as you can get a visa (cost is 30 US dollars) at the border with Uganda and Rwanda, we are nearer to Kigali airport than Entebbe airport in Uganda. You will be met at the airport and transport is provided for your journeys to and from the airport. Food and accommodation is £150 per month, this includes breakfast, lunch and evening meal. Food is plentiful and accommodation includes a clean, comfortable room with bed and mosquito net (room may have to be shared) and there are washing and toilet facilities. Laundry service is available at a small cost. US dollars is the currency to take with you, the project safe can be used to keep large sums of money. Spending money required depends on the individual, but if you budget at approx. £25 per week you will have more than enough.
A donation of £900 for a three month stay must be paid 6 weeks prior to departure. This is for the upkeep and development of the project. The amount of donation relates to the length of stay. For a stay of one month the donation is £350. For a six month stay the donation is £1500.
How long do I stay at the project?
One to three months, longer with prior agreement by the management. In certain cases the stay may be less than one month.
What do I do at the project?
We have a number of areas in which our volunteers can be active, e.g. the education programme, the Lake Mutanda site for conservation, education and eco-tourism, administrative tasks, veterinary work, health care work. We place volunteers into specific roles depending on their abilities and skills but also where they are most needed at the time depending on our workload and what is happening at the project. We like volunteers to experience as much as possible so a volunteer with specific skills and abilities may want to experience other areas of the project and learn more and widen their horizons.
What about time off?
Your first obligation is to the project and we do expect you to be highly committed however a number of excursions are possible / recommended with prior agreement by the project managers.
What about my health?
See your doctor for advice, you will need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to gain entry into the country. Good insurance is strongly recommended. Anti-malarial cover is recommended.
What about my safety?
Uganda is a very safe country to move around in. Most crime is petty crime. Our security can protect you most of the time, particularly when at the project sites and at the project house. You will be advised of the security rules we have to minimise the risks, if you choose to ignore them we cannot be held responsible for the consequences. We would advise you to check with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for an update on security before travelling. Good insurance is strongly recommended.
Further information is available. Contact the volunteer co-ordinator Andy Gray. Contact details can be found on the website.
Volunteer application forms can be downloaded from the website.
Once accepted as a volunteer, the volunteer co-ordinator advises on vaccinations, what to take, when it is possible to go, and gives you all the necessary advice, information and forms required.
Page last updated : 01/10/2008