Ghana

Monkey project in the wildlife reserve

Q: How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date , But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible. But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Right in the national park
contact with animals
Work outdoors

Experience an exciting time in a national park in Ghana! At the volunteer site in a sanctuary, you are committed to preserving the monkeys and their natural habitat. You can learn a lot about the behavior of primates and also take on exciting tasks in the tourism sector.

Ghana National Park

from 18 years

4 - 12 weeks / from €1.390

Wednesday, Sunday

Volunteering in the Shai Hills Wildlife Reserve

life on land

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Project ID : FA-GH217

As a volunteer
Ghana

4 - 12 weeks / from €1.390
to the cost overview

What's the matter?

When volunteering in the field of wildlife and animal welfare, you should make sure that the welfare of the animal and the protection of species are the top priority for the project. With our magazine article We would like to give you not only an assistance on what you have to pay attention to the project choice. We also want to show you why animal welfare is even important in tourism and during a project assignment.

The monkeys in Ghana's national park have been considered sacred for more than 150 years. Since the 1970s, the area has officially been considered a national park in Ghana. The park employees are not only committed to protecting the monkeys that live there, but also to preserving their habitats.

Your place of work is inland and is a sanctuary for monkeys. Various species of birds and two species of monkeys live in the forest area: the Monamer cat and the Colobus monkey. The sanctuary was born out of tradition and the belief that monkeys are sacred. Therefore, not only the monkeys but also their natural habitats are protected. As the national park is becoming more and more popular with travellers, it is also a goal of your assignment to promote sustainable tourism in the protected area and to draw attention to the importance of species conservation.

Important note about the project: Please note that direct contact with the monkeys is not common. The veterinarians only intervene in extreme emergencies, such as in the case of injured animals.

Your tasks as a volunteer

In the national park in Ghana you can take on activities in various areas. One area of responsibility is devoted to animal care. Here, for example, you provide food for the monkeys that live in the forest. Another area of responsibility includes looking after visitors to the national park. You lead them through the sanctuary and tell them interesting facts about the monkeys and their preservation as well as about the protection of their habitat. But also manual work on the site of the protected area is part of your activities. For example, you support the employees in building small huts for the monkeys.

Your working hours in the project vary depending on your needs and the current activities. In general, you will work five days a week, up to 40 hours in total. Your two days off do not necessarily fall on the weekend. At noon you have a break where you can eat the lunch you brought with you.

Accommodation Catering

Your accommodation in the national park

During your project work in the national park, you will either live with a local host family or directly at the volunteer site, depending on availability. Keep in mind that the accommodations are of a lower standard than you might be used to. In return, you have the opportunity in the host family to fully experience the local way of life and everyday life.

Location

Ghana National Park

Your assignment is located in a national park inland, about 300 km north of the Ghanaian capital Accra. The approximately 2 km² large sanctuary has existed since the 1970s and is, among other things, the home of the Monamer cats and black-and-white colobus monkeys. But also a variety of butterflies and different bird species live in the forests.

Animal lovers in particular are in good hands here. Both at work and in your free time you can observe many different animals and enjoy the beautiful nature!

Your free time in the national park in Ghana

After working on the project, you have time after work or on your days off to explore your surroundings and get to know your host country better.

In the national park you can simply unwind, go for a walk and observe animals such as Monamer cats, black and white colobus monkeys and numerous dazzling species of birds and butterflies.

If you have a little more time, go on a city trip to Kumasi or Accra with the other volunteers.

Kumasi is about 140 kilometers from your project location and is famous for its traditional Ashanti culture. It has been the royal seat of the Ashanti for over 300 years. and you should definitely visit the Manhyia Royal Palace there. With a bit of luck, you might even see the Ashanti King there. He can be seen several times a year when he receives guests of honour.

A little further away than Kumasi, right on the Atlantic coast, is Accra. On the way you should definitely make a stop in Koforidua and browse the traditional pearl market. Bead making is an ancient handicraft tradition in Ghana, where broken bottle shards are turned into beads. If you are still looking for a special souvenir, you will definitely find it here.

Continue to Accra: The fascinating city is bursting with contrasts. Traditional fishing settlements and old fortresses meet modern skyscrapers and shopping streets. On a tour of the city, you will become aware of its diversity. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Makola Market, visit the mausoleum in Kwame Nkrumah Park or admire the imposing Christiansburg on the coast. You definitely won't get bored in Accra!

On-site procedure

Arrival in Accra

Arrived in Accra, you will be picked up directly at the airport by one of our RGV team members. The airport transfer is included in our services. The team will take you to your temporary accommodation, the Student House, where you will spend the first few days during the orientation program.

Orientation program in Accra

Before things really get going and your project work in Ghana begins, our team will prepare you for your assignment on site. During the orientation program you will usually be accommodated in the RGV Student House. The program usually takes place over two mornings.

Here you will receive information about your tasks and activities in the project as well as the customs of your host country, so that you can settle in well in your new environment. For example, you can explore the city with the team, buy a local SIM card or learn certain rules of conduct.

Onward journey to the project and your first day

After the orientation program, you will be transferred to the project location, which is organized by the on-site team. The bus takes you to the national park, where you will be picked up by a member of the team. There you will be introduced to the employees in the protected area and you will move into your accommodation, where you will live during your project work. The team members in the national park are now your contacts for all questions relating to the project. In addition, your team in Accra is always available for you.

Pricing

base fee

€ 1.390, -

4 weeks of participation
extension week

€ 225, - / week

up to 8 weeks respectively

included
Services

Before departure

Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
Non-binding flight advice
Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
RGV t-shirt

On site

Orientation program with the team on site
Support and guidance from the on-site team
RGV 24h emergency number
Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Airport transfer on the agreed arrival and departure days
Accommodation at the job site

After return

Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
Reflection course on your experiences abroad
Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion

useful additional services

not included
Services

Round trip
Private expenses on site
Excursions with microlight flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Visa and Vaccinations
All nights outside your agreed accommodation
Public transport and extra transfers

Individual Recommended additional offers
& must-haves

Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?

With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.

" Round Trip
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.

" Insurance
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.

Personal development introductory course

Free of charge

Two tools to get you started on your personal development

RGV FAQ
to the project

How far in advance do I have to register?

Ideally your registration takes place at least 3-6 months before the desired departure date, But also short-term registrations are up 1-2 months before the planned departure is possible.

But it could be that your dream project is already booked. In this case we will try together to find a suitable alternative for you.

Can I travel with a friend or in a group?

Yes! On request we enable a double room if you for two with a friend or a friend, or an apartment or other suitable accommodation for groups.

We are very happy to enable our participants to go on a project and share accommodation with friends. Shared accommodation is usually possible both in the volunteer house and with the host family, although the room in the volunteer house may also be shared with other participants. In some locations there is also the option of sharing an apartment.

When registering, please always mention the person(s) traveling with you!

Can I combine projects?

Yes! You can combine projects at one location, at different locations, but also in different countries. It is also possible to combine a project with a trip. You can specify your desired combination directly when registering.

Combination options at a glance:

Combine programs in one country
Combine programs across countries
Combine a program with a language course
Combine a program with ours Adventure & Trips

There are a few things Project combinations to note: The minimum length of stay per project must be observed and you may incur additional costs for country combinations, for example for an intermediate flight.

What are the project fees used for?

Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.

Which visa do I need for Ghana?

For Ghana you have to apply for a visa in advance. It is best to get information from Foreign Office about the currently applicable entry regulations.

The visa should be applied for no earlier than three months before the flight to Ghana, otherwise it will expire. This is valid for up to 90 days and costs €110. You can then extend the visa on site with our team leader without any problems, should you stay longer.

We will send you the necessary documents, such as a letter of invitation, as well as other important information in good time after your registration.

What language skills do I need for the project?

In order to be able to communicate well with the team on site, you should definitely have good English skills.

What vaccinations/ health precautions do I need for Ghana?

Proof of yellow fever and current Covid vaccination is required to enter Ghana.

You can get general information about recommended health care and vaccinations online Center for Travel Medicine as well as on the side of Foreign Office.

What are the requirements for the animal welfare project?

There are no special requirements for participation. What is important is having fun working with animals and being interested in animal welfare. Good physical fitness is often an advantage.

What do I have to consider as an LGBTQ person?

Please be aware that homosexual acts are considered undesirable in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and are even punishable by law in some places. In general, people who are identified as queer are often exposed to hostility.

For example, get information from Foreign Office about the exact regulations in your destination country.

General FAQ about volunteer work

Ready to volunteer in Ghana? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!

Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.

You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.

Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.

RGV Your way
to the volunteer

1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.

2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.

3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.

4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.

Gallery Impressions &
Impressions

Volunteering in the protected area in Ghana

Volunteer work in the national park with monkeys

Other animals also live in the national park

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Are you not sure yet? Think about whether a spontaneous assignment as a volunteer abroad is the right choice for you or whether you would like to Voluntary social year (FSJ) abroad want to decide.

With RGV you achieve flexible volunteer work in different countries worldwide. Maybe there is one too Internship abroad the ideal choice for you to gain valuable experience abroad.