Turtle Conservation
The program takes place in the village of Gunjur, offering a unique opportunity for deep immersion in the local community. You will live and work alongside local residents and members of non-governmental organizations dedicated to protecting the environment and wildlife, especially sea turtles.
The team you’ll join consists of educated and highly committed Gambian volunteers who are passionate about environmental conservation. They are also known for their warm hospitality and genuine effort to make volunteers feel welcome and at home.
According to the weekly schedule, you will take part in various activities, including night patrols and other initiatives focused on turtle protection and environmental conservation.
Location
Gunjur, The Gambia
Language
English (basic local phrases welcome)
Schedule
The main part of the program involves night patrols, which usually begin around 9:00 p.m. and last approximately four hours.
Type of Travel
Study Visit / Voluntary Work / Group Expedition
Availability
From late July to November (nesting season). Turtle care and conservation work at the reserve are available throughout the year.
Duration
Minimum 2 weeks; maximum duration is not limited.
Why your help matters
The program in Gunjur offers a unique chance to become part of a dedicated community working to protect sea turtles and preserve the local environment. By joining committed Gambian volunteers on nightly beach patrols and daytime conservation activities, you help safeguard nesting turtles, support reforestation and coastal cleanup efforts, and contribute to the development of the Turtle Conservation Centre. Your presence strengthens local initiatives, deepens cultural understanding, and directly supports long-term environmental protection in one of The Gambia’s most ecologically valuable coastal areas.
Role overview (what you’ll do) — under staff supervision
The turtle protection activities are most active from late June to late November, during the nesting and hatching season. Volunteers help protect turtle eggs and hatchlings, which are later safely released into the ocean once they are strong enough to survive on their own.
Most turtle-related work takes place at night, during coastal patrols (be prepared to walk up to 5 km per night), as turtles come ashore to lay their eggs after dark.
Your main responsibility will be to patrol the beach together with a trained local volunteer, identify new nesting sites, and carefully relocate the eggs to a protected hatchery. This ensures their safety from natural predators — and from humans, who unfortunately still pose a threat.
Another ongoing initiative focuses on building a small Turtle Conservation Centre, which will allow activities to continue year-round. This project is carried out in collaboration with four Gambian NGOs dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.
During the day, volunteers can also join a range of environmental activities, such as:
- watering palm trees,
- cleaning the coastline,
- setting up waste bins and raising awareness about proper waste management,
- learning about sand mining issues and its impact on the environment,
- identifying new tree and animal species,
- conducting forest patrols, and
- helping with tree nursery and reforestation projects.
These activities provide a rich and meaningful experience while directly supporting the conservation of The Gambia’s unique coastal ecosystem.
Who we’re looking for
A love for nature and the environment is essential.
Experience in environmental protection or conservation is a plus but not required.
Volunteers should have:
-
- a working knowledge of English,
- independence, adaptability, and patience,
- a willingness to fundraise a minimum of €250 before departure.
Training & supervision
Upon your arrival in The Gambia, you will be welcomed by our main coordination team. You will spend your first night in the Kololi area, allowing you to adjust to the surroundings and get familiar with the local environment.
The following day, you will travel to Gunjur — either by taxi or public transport — where your local coordinator will greet you and accompany you to your accommodation. Together with the rest of the team, you will have an introductory meeting to discuss the weekly schedule, safety guidelines, and planned activities.
From then on, you will take part in night patrols according to the weekly plan and, if you wish, join various environmental initiatives during the day. Throughout your stay, you’ll also have the opportunity to get to know the local community, explore the area, and experience daily life in Gunjur.
How to prepare
Make sure to bring appropriate footwear (hiking shoes are essential) and comfortable outdoor clothing, including a light waterproof jacket if you’re coming during the green season.
Living conditions in Gunjur are simple but comfortable — not entirely local, yet not up to European standards either. Hot water is usually not available, and power cuts can occur frequently. There is no Wi-Fi, so we recommend using mobile data via a local SIM card. Don’t forget to bring power banks, a headlamp or flashlight, and spare batteries just in case.
As you’ll be spending much of your time outdoors, pack enough mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and protective clothing to stay safe from insects and the sun.
You’ll be living in a deeply traditional and religious (Muslim) community, so it’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly. We encourage you to read our volunteer handbook in advance and familiarize yourself with cultural norms and daily life in Gambian villages — it will help you integrate more easily and build meaningful relationships with locals.
Program Goals
To support the local NGO in its ongoing environmental initiatives, especially the completion of the Turtle Conservation Centre and the tree nursery.
Fundraising
Most of the donations will go directly to the local NGO in Gunjur to support their current projects for wildlife and environmental protection.
A portion of the collected funds may, depending on needs and possibilities, be used to support the association Za Otroke Sveta and its ongoing projects, including the Career and Education Centre (construction and maintenance), installation of solar lighting in rural villages, cultural heritage preservation projects, or urgent humanitarian aid when required.
How it works?
Click HERE to learn everything you need to know—in one place—about how volunteering with us works and how to prepare.
Stories of Our Volunteers
Zala Košir
This can’t be started differently than to say that the experience was amazing, and it truly warmed my heart. If you are thinking of going to The Gambia as a volunteer, don’t wait any longer – just go for it. You won’t regret it. I know I should start at the beginning, so I’ll go back now.