Eco-volunteering travel scam

Hi, I just wanted to step in and warn people who are interested in doing eco-volunteering abroad. I had this experience recently and I’m really disappointed. Watch out for pompous and enticing websites, and their associated blogs where all the comments are inevitably positive. In my case, I went to Kenya after checking out the many sites of this organization (no fewer than 4 links), which boasted about organizing eco-volunteering and eco-solidarity activities, helping the local population, including an orphanage and a refugee camp. In reality, we ended up with a couple of opportunistic French people who treated their staff with contempt and authoritarianism, spending their days on the internet creating new sites to attract more clients. No contact with the local population, let alone the orphanage or refugees, and constant denigration of Africans. The presence of their staff, who were devoted and lovely, made this trip a success. We spent all our time with them and managed to ignore their bosses. We left a review on Tripadvisor, which was quickly contested by the director of the establishment, but we don’t want to let people like that get rich by taking advantage of tourists’ generosity. That’s what we think of Muringa Farm in Subukia, Kenya, and we’re counting on the forum to prevent others from being scammed. Thanks

Hi there,

Thanks for the tip—it’s really kind of you to share your (bad) experience. If I can help in return, I went with Aventure Africaine - Volunteering in an African Reserve and had the chance to live an incredible experience! The stay met my expectations, and even exceeded them. I think it’s important to be careful before leaving and to do your research, even if, as you unfortunately experienced, it’s not always easy. Anyway, the people working for this organization test the projects they offer, which is still a quality guarantee. I hope you’ll get the chance to do another volunteering trip that suits you better!

hi Amara, what was your mission? Did you visit several countries? yes, I’d be tempted to do this kind of mission. Thanks in advance. Didier Lerenard

Hi Toubabou,

Yeah, I’ve been to several countries—Zimbabwe and South Africa. My tasks varied depending on the projects: maintaining reserves (vegetation control, tree protection, water point and fence checks), tracking populations, monitoring species, visiting local communities, etc. The organization is really professional; you feel like you can trust them. Plus, volunteering is a truly unique experience. I highly recommend it!

hi Amara, thanks so much for the info—I’m really interested in these kinds of missions. Best, Didier Lerenard

I’d like to issue a warning about the person who wrote this message. This individual and her friend are relentlessly trying to tarnish our reputation and our work, even though we’ve only received praise from participants for the past 7 years. They came to take advantage of a low-cost vacation with us but refused to participate in most of the eco-volunteering activities. We’ve started legal proceedings for defamation because they’re bitter, hateful, and full of bad intentions, driven by a terrible mindset... We responded to them on Tripadvisor but are now tired of enduring their aggression across all forums. Please keep a critical mind and check out our blog at www.ecovolontariat-kenya.blogspot.com, where dozens of eco-volunteers share their experiences. Thanks, and happy travels in Kenya!

I’d like to issue a warning about the person who wrote this message. This individual and her friend are relentlessly trying to tarnish our reputation and our work, even though we’ve only received praise from participants for the past 7 years. They came to enjoy a cheap vacation with us but refused to take part in most of the eco-volunteering activities. We’ve started legal proceedings for defamation because they’re bitter, hateful, and full of bad intentions, driven by an appalling mentality... We responded to them on Tripadvisor but are now tired of enduring their attacks across all forums. Please keep a critical mind and check out our blog at www.ecovolontariat-kenya.blogspot.com, where dozens of eco-volunteers share their experiences. Thanks, and happy travels in Kenya!

Here are two messages I received on TripAdvisor from someone who stayed at Muringa Farm. Everyone can judge for themselves...

A question about your review of Subukia Bandas About: Subukia: Subukia Bandas: Deceptive eco-volunteer experience From: Roxanne B Status: You replied to this message on June 17, 2015, at 9:48 AM

I totally understand you. I stayed there for 2 days in May and wow... The owners are so negative and complain about everyone. I even heard your story directly from the owner... I wouldn’t have stayed more than 2 days, that’s for sure. It’s too bad for the employees who are really nice... RE: A question about your review of Subukia Bandas About: Subukia: Subukia Bandas: Deceptive eco-volunteer experience From: Roxanne B Status: You replied to this message on June 17, 2015, at 11:36 AM

They’re doing fine. Edwin is really amazing—our stay was great thanks to him and his fun stories.

The positive comments after yours are from their friends in Europe to trick people into coming. Eric told me himself—he asked his friends to post positive reviews because of yours. I couldn’t believe it—wow! I’m a travel agent, so I’d never recommend their place... What’s frustrating about TripAdvisor is that anyone can write a review even if they’ve never been there...

This is false and completely false—we don’t even know this Roxanne! And if she came for 2 days with an agency just to sleep and eat (and personally, I didn’t even see her), how can she judge!??? The people who wrote on Tripadvisor aren’t friends from Europe but eco-volunteers and responsible tourists who stayed with us—you know that very well. Why this relentless attack? We don’t understand why you’re so bitter and can’t move on. It’s sad for you—don’t you have anything better to do? Let the readers of this forum visit our blog and randomly contact any of our eco-volunteers; they’ll all confirm their positive experience. Some came back 3 times for 3 weeks or a month—do you really think they’d return if it had been the scam you describe or if we’d been as awful as you claim?! Intelligent, clear-minded people won’t be fooled by what’s pure slander, jealousy, and a lack of education... Have a good evening, Cécile, and hello to Cendrine. To think we initially found you nice—you really can’t trust anyone these days!

Hi Amara1, Thanks for your message—it’s a bit old, but I’m actually looking into doing another volunteer stint right now. Where did you go? Last year, I went with an organization called VolonTerre Africa in South Africa, and honestly, it was amazing! The projects are vetted, and the founder even lived there for several years to work on them. I really felt like I made a difference, which was exactly what I wanted. It’s true that you find a lot of stuff online, and it’s easy to get scammed sometimes. That’s why I think the best way is to ask people who’ve already been there. Do you know if they offer projects in South America, by any chance?