You may have just finished matric, you may have a few months of holiday before varsity starts. If you're looking for something fun and meaningful to do in the coming months, how about lending a hand rehabilitating turtles and working on community projects in the Kenyan coastal village of Watamu?
Having been involved with the tourism industry for several years, I'm well aware there are countless voluntourism-type scams out there, so I will only ever recommend organisations that I've worked with in some way. Watamu Turtles Watch, part of the Local Ocean Trust in Watamu, has been hosting eco-visitors for many years and continues to provide value-for-money experiences to these visitors, as well as the local community and of course, the local turtle population.
Fishing is a big industry on the Kenyan coast and turtles sadly often end up caught in fishing nets. Watamu Turtle Watch has successfully engaged with many fishermen, and partnerships have been formed to ensure that injured turtles are admitted for rehabilitation instead of being killed and made into turtle soup.
The Local Ocean Trust also invests time and money into community projects, which include planting vegetables and providing education about sustainable food production.
There are many perks to living in Watamu. World-class watersports, pristine beaches, festive nightlife and a welcoming community are all part of the package. Read my blog about my recent visit to Watamu for an idea of what it offers.
For any questions you have about being an eco-visitor at the Local Ocean Trust, send an email to info@watamuturtles.com. You can also find out more by visiting the organisation's website, Facebook page or Twitter handle.
Below are some more photos:
