Charity launches virtual safari

The immersive experience includes science, culture, art, cookery and lots of wildlife to help lift spirits in these challenging times; and to raise money for waste collectors in low-income countries.

While so many people are confined to their homes, it’s important to take care of mental health as well as physical wellbeing. In response, the Virtual Safari offers a change of scenery; a fun and surprisingly educational experience for all ages. The safari route is around Lake Naivasha in Kenya, where WasteAid is working with local partners to improve waste collection and recycling.

Zoë Lenkiewicz, head of programmes and Eegagement at WasteAid, said: “We wanted to create something for people to escape into and enjoy, while raising money for our urgent appeal Waste Collectors Rock! The communities around Lake Naivasha, especially those working with waste, are in poverty and vulnerable to disease – yet at the same time they are surrounded by all this incredible wildlife. We thought it would be fun to support waste collectors in places like this, by sharing the beauty and wonder of the environment they work so hard to protect.”

The safari will take you to the Lion King territory of southern Kenya, home to wide open landscapes and fantastically diverse wildlife. Along the way are ten challenge stations, with fun tasks – from baking a lion-cake to building the fiercest volcano, or experiencing the wildest safari scenes, learning about Kenyan wildlife, Maasai culture, prehistoric discoveries and more. All home-based activities, the challenges will help you get imaginative with basic ingredients and creative upcycling. The virtual safari is free to join and everyone is welcome.

The total 75 km route is equivalent to 10 x 10,000 steps, or 10 x 100 minutes’ exercise. Participants are invited to give-as-they-feel or get sponsored to complete the entire safari. At the end of the safari, the five challenges with the most shares on social media will receive a prize from the WasteAid giftshop.

Dave Leeke, IT manager at WasteAid said: “The virtual safari is an interactive experience, so you can track yourself in real-time as you make your way around the lake. Once you’re registered at safari.wasteaid.org, you can log your exercise and track your progress using Google maps and streetview. Share your challenge photos and videos on social media using #VirtualSafari, and invite other family members to join in from home.”

WasteAid is a UK registered charity set up by waste management professionals to tackle the global waste crisis. 3 billion do not have a decent waste management, and their waste ends up dumped, burned, or in the oceans. It works with communities in low-income countries to prevent pollution (including marine plastics and climate change emissions), protect public health and create jobs from waste.

The virtual safari will run untilWorld Environment Day on June 5.

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