Work Experience Programm
Volunteer in Africa - at Makoa-Farm
Makoa-Farm, our base, is located in Northern Tanzania, south of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Description of Makoa-Farm
Makoa-Farm is a 358 acre farming environment with a fully working 200-acre coffee plantation. At the same time everything revolves around animals (healthy, injured and orphaned ones) and guests.
There are 25 horses for farm rides and horseback safaris but Makoa is also home to many more different species.
Elisabeth and Laszlo, your hosts, are experienced Veterinary Practitioners who care for the needs of the domestic and ‘wild’ creatures of the area and provide a constant warm welcome to two- and four-legged visitors alike.
Over the past 10 years they have been involved in the care, rehabilitation and housing of orphaned, injured, neglected, abused and abandoned wild animals, including hyena, bush pig, warthog, serval and genet cat, greater galago (bush baby), Sykes and Vervet monkey, jackal, different antelope species and many birds of prey, etc.
This project offers the chance to get some real hands-on experience.
Makoa-Farm operates a policy of never turning an animal away so if you want to give ‘something back' during your stay in Tanzania, this is an ideal project with which to get involved.
Almost no week passes without a new occupant arriving, meaning you will have many opportunities to gain more experience with animals!
Volunteer Work Experience gives you the opportunity to care for and handle all sorts of domestic and wild animals on the beautiful slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
As a volunteer you will often handle tame and wild animals and help to create a stable environment around the farm. Along with caring for all sorts of animals, you will help perform reserve maintenance, assist the local field guides and learn how to guide project tours.
You will participate in educational tours and workshops for children and adults from nearby schools and neighboring villages.
Makoa-Farm works to educate local farmers, provide positive solutions to the continuous problems between farmers and wild animals, and give sanctuary to threatened wildlife. Additionally, we have established a strong, trusting relationship with the local schools in the surrounding areas and use this interaction with the young generation to help promote conservation goals. We support educational programs in local schools, both by raising sponsorships and also while arranging environmental education workshops and excursions for the children.
This work experience is an absolute must for anyone who is enthusiastic about animals and the environment. Volunteers participating in the program all have a common ambition – to see, feel, and smell Africa. You will leave with a greater knowledge and understanding of Africa, and a feeling that you have made a positive contribution to conservation.
There is no typical day at Makoa - each brings its own magical moments, trials and tribulations - all adding to the adventure and spirit of living and working in Africa.
Expect the unexpected!
Makoa-Farm offers many activities; beautiful hiking routes along the scenic river valleys, waterfalls, rivers and springs provide for great swimming and horseback riding is available for experienced riders to explore Makoa-Farm and the surrounding area.
Experienced riders may join training rides in and outside Makoa-Farm. This requires prior experience in riding over rough terrain as during the rides we may cross valleys, rivers with seasonally strong current and dry river beds.
Volunteers may also have opportunities to accompany guests on excursions, sometimes enjoy sleep-outs in the bush, and experience traditional culture by staying overnight at local homesteads or visiting local schools.
There are a number of attractions in around the area that can be easily accessed during your time off.
For a change of scenery, the nearest towns, Moshi and Arusha, are a short drive away (Moshi 20 mins, Arusha 1 hour) and have all the usual amenities including medical clinic, supermarkets, restaurants, and Internet cafés. Both towns are usually visited 2-3 times every month for supplies or veterinary related visits.
Volunteers may also arrange for side excursions to Arusha or Kilimanjaro National Park or the forest reserve, West Kilimanjaro Wilderness and surrounding communities, where a wonderful mix of wildlife and cultural experiences can be found.
Costs
Volunteer Contribution:
2 weeks 1.400 Euro
4 weeks 2.400 Euro
Please inquire if you are interested in a longer stay.
Volunteers are required to sign an indemnity form acknowledging and accepting the consequences of working in close contact with wild animals.
Flights and travel/medical insurance are NOT included. The only additional spending money required will be for visa, personal purchases (curios, alcohol, soda, luxury/imported goods, chocolates, sweets, toiletries), excursions away from the Sanctuary, and pre/post project travel. Please note that the contribution is not refundable!
Please bear in mind that the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing your placement!