First Impressions in Kenya

Following an eventful bus journey from Dar es Salaam, during which the main problem was avoiding smashing one’s head on the ceiling when we crashed over the bumps and potholes in the road at the fastest speed possible, I arrived in Mombasa. Staying the night at the GVI orphanage project base, the next morning I joined the rest of the new recruits for the start of the expedition.

When choosing to join the Kenya Expedition as opposed to any of the other ones run by GVI, there wasn’t actually much thought put into this. I have always wanted to go to Kenya, it was the easiest place to get to from South Africa, and I liked the mix of activities. The Kenya Expedition provides opportunities to take part in not only terrestrial and marine research, but also in community-based initiatives. So that was it. Decision made.

I had taken very little time to research and look into exactly what the setup would be like, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I knew it would be basic, especially on Wasini Island base where there is no electricity or running water. For some reason, the idea of being in a ‘shipwrecked’ situation kept popping into my head. In many respects this isn’t too far from the reality.

A short boat journey in a small canoe transported us across to the island which is where I was to be based for the first three weeks. We form a small community of our own with around 25 volunteers and staff all living together. A central wooden enclosure or ‘banda’ provides the main communal area where we cook, eat, work and relax. A few hammocks here and there accurately depict the tranquil nature of the set-up, the elevated view of the beach and local fishing dhows adding the icing on the cake. It is a beautiful place to be living and would be hard matched. Everyone here is keen and eager to start getting involved in the projects, as am I. Initially, I will be assisting on the marine research and we start tomorrow.