Your help matters because it directly strengthens a community that is working every day to protect its natural environment. By joining dedicated Gambian conservation volunteers in Gunjur, you support efforts to safeguard endangered turtles, restore forests, reduce coastal pollution, and raise environmental awareness. Your contribution — both practical and financial — enables local NGOs to continue essential wildlife and environmental projects, while your presence brings motivation, cultural exchange, and new perspectives. With every action you take, you help create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for the people and nature of Gunjur.
Environmental Protection
This program takes place in the village of Gunjur, offering volunteers a deep and authentic immersion into the local community.
You will live and work alongside local residents and members of non-governmental organizations dedicated to environmental and wildlife protection, with a special focus on turtle conservation.
The team you’ll be joining is made up of Gambian volunteers — educated, highly committed to environmental protection. They take great pride in making volunteers feel comfortable, supported, and part of their community.
As a volunteer, you’ll be actively involved in their ongoing projects and local initiatives, contributing to both environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
Location
Gunjur, The Gambia
Duration
Minimum 2 weeks; maximum duration is not limited.
Schedule
Activities take place throughout the day according to the weekly timetable.
Type of Travel
Study Visit / Voluntary Work / Group Expedition
Availability
Open year-round
Dates
Flexible start and end dates
Why your help matters
Role overview (what you’ll do) — under staff supervision
As a volunteer, you will take part in a variety of environmental conservation and community activities designed to protect local ecosystems and promote sustainable living practices.
Your main tasks may include:
- Environmental maintenance: watering palm trees, cleaning waste along the coastline, and helping to provide waste bins and improve local waste management systems;
- Raising awareness: learning about and addressing the issue of sand mining (coastal sand extraction) and its environmental impact;
- Biodiversity monitoring: identifying and recording local plant and animal species, and participating in forest patrols and observation walks;
- Wildlife protection: assisting with turtle conservation efforts, visiting the hatchery, and observing ongoing protection initiatives;
- Reforestation and tree nursery work: supporting local tree-planting and nursery projects;
- Cultural exchange and community integration: engaging with the local community through activities such as preparing traditional meals, visiting the market, living with local families, and participating in discussions with the village chief and elders about environmental and cultural traditions.
Through these activities, you will gain a deeper understanding of environmental challenges in The Gambia, learn about local perceptions of nature conservation, and actively contribute to sustainable community development.
Who we’re looking for
A love for nature and the environment is essential.
Experience in environmental protection or conservation is an advantage but not required.
Volunteers should have:
- a working knowledge of English,
- independence, adaptability, and patience,
- willingness to participate in fundraising (minimum contribution of €250).
Training & supervision
Upon arrival in The Gambia, you will be welcomed by our main coordination team.
You will spend at least your first night in the Kololi area, allowing time to adjust to your surroundings and settle comfortably into the new environment.
Afterward, you will travel by taxi or public transport to Gunjur, where you’ll be greeted by the local coordinator who will accompany you to your accommodation.
Together with the rest of the team, you’ll attend an introductory meeting to go over the weekly work plan and learn about the upcoming activities.
In the following days, you will join team members in carrying out a variety of environmental initiatives according to the weekly schedule, while also becoming familiar with the local community and natural surroundings in which you’ll live and work.
How to prepare
Make sure to bring appropriate footwear –hiking shoes are essential. Pack comfortable outdoor clothing, such as sportswear or light hiking attire, and during the green (rainy) season, a light waterproof jacket is highly recommended.
Living conditions with your hosts are simple but comfortable. While accommodation is not entirely local in style, it does not meet European standards. Hot water is usually not available, and power outages can occur from time to time. Wi-Fi is not provided, so we recommend using mobile data with a local SIM card. A power bank and a small flashlight are very useful to have on hand.
Because you’ll spend much of your time outdoors, make sure to bring enough mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and any other personal protection products you might need.
You will be staying in a deeply traditional and religious (Muslim) community, so we encourage you to read our cultural guide carefully before arrival and familiarize yourself with the local customs, dress code, and way of life. This will help you integrate respectfully and enjoy an authentic and meaningful experience.
Program Goals
To support the local NGO in its ongoing environmental initiatives, particularly in the completion of the Turtle Conservation and Nursery Centre.
Fundraising
Most donations will go directly to the local NGO in Gunjur to support their current projects for environmental and wildlife protection.
A portion of the collected funds may, depending on needs and possibilities, be used to support the projects of the association Za Otroke Sveta — including the Career and Education Centre (construction and maintenance), installation of solar lights in rural villages, cultural heritage preservation initiatives, or urgent humanitarian assistance when needed.
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.