My Experience of GVI Kenya

Hi, my name is Mike, I’m 28 and from Scotland. For the last 9 months I’ve been working for GVI Kenya under the conservation Internship program. Unfortunately this is my last expedition and I’m gonna miss this place so much. It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I started out on the 10 week volunteer programme taking part in diverse and challenging activities, before being offered a placement working on the Marine Project, studying and monitoring the local Cetacean species and other important marine wildlife and habitats. During my time here we have logged and recorded Bottlenose, Humpback, Spinner and Striped Dolphins, Green and Hawksbill Turtles, White Tipped Reef Sharks, thousands of Reef Fish and the odd Humpback Whale. All this data is then analysed and passed onto our local partners, which in this case is KWS (the Kenya Wildlife Service) in order to help manage and protect the Mpunguti Marine Reserve and Kisite Marine Park.

Working hard with some of our data in the Marine Office

One of the highlights of the project is living and working in Mkwiro Village, which is situated on Wasini Island. Wasini Island sits on the south coast of Kenya, right on the edge of the Mpunguti Marine Reserve and only 30min from the Kisite Marine Park by boat. The island itself has some of the most beautiful reefs and amazing sunsets I have ever seen. It’s not all fun and games though, the days can be long and the work demanding but ultimately rewarding. Even a bad day out here is far better than a good one back home!

A muddy day in the Mangroves!

I have been lucky enough to meet and work with some of the most culturally diverse, interesting and engaging people I have ever met. The experience I have gained and friends I have met will be something that stays with me long after I have left Africa.

My Experience of GVI Kenya