Colobus Conservation — Local services in Kinondo ward

I read on Google Maps that this is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Colobus monkeys, so I decided to visit the center to see how it works and possibly make a donation.

I was greeted by a polite young woman who seated me in front of a TV and played a short video about the center’s activities. The video showed how they help monkeys cross roads safely by building special ladders and bridges.

However, to be honest, I didn’t see any of those ladders anywhere around the area. The only one I found was inside the center itself — it looked brand new and was placed in a cage.

After a short tour, I offered to make a donation. But then I was taken to a counter and shown a price list with fixed amounts. Even though Google describes this place as a non-profit organization, and at the beginning I was told that donations were voluntary, I was informed that I had to pay 1,000 shillings.

I asked again, pointing out that a donation should be voluntary, but they told me that this was the required fee. I explained that I only had 500 shillings in cash and could pay by card, but they said they don’t accept cards. Then the staff insisted on going with me to an ATM so I could withdraw the remaining amount and pay in cash.

In the end, I left 500 shillings, but no receipt was given to me. It seems that only a very small portion of the money actually goes to helping the monkeys. The whole experience felt more like a tourist money trap than a genuine non-profit conservation project.

It’s a shame, because the idea of protecting monkeys is great — but the way this place operates raises...

I like to support a good cause. This conservation centre is in Diani along beach road. They are mostly dedicated to the rescue of monkeys especially the Colobus monkey. I do appreciate that they rescue to release as opposed to keep.

On arrival, you are ushered in, make your payments: KES250 for everyone above 12 years and KES 150 for below 12 for citizens. You then watch a short video on what and why they do what they do and then you have a brief tour of the place. We saw very few monkeys, a bush baby and that was about it. I didn't feel it was worth what we paid. Based on the other reviews, I thought there would be some trails, we would go to the nursery and it would be an hour or two experience but it was barely 30 minutes.

The merchandise they were selling was also quite expensive according to me. In as much as I would like to support the conservation, I left the place feeling that I couldn't.

They have installed the ladders all along beach road to aid the monkeys in moving around, but I didn't see any past beach road. I think(my opinion) talking to people especially the locals on how much it costs to install one and asking people to pay for one if they can is something worth looking into. Perhaps rope in the hotels and Airbnbs in spreading awareness. I would definitely support this than paying for a visit here which I felt was not worth it.

There is also the question on gentrification and Conservation which as a Kenyan makes me feel overwhelmed and most time helpless.

I am very 50/50 with...

Colobus Conservation is an amazing place and a must-visit! It’s a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting monkeys and much more. During our 1.5-hour visit, a guide from Colobus Conservation explained in detail how they work to preserve the population of colobus monkeys, how they rescue monkeys kept as pets, and slowly help them adapt to life back in the wild.

We learned how they build special rope bridges so monkeys can safely cross roads, and how they collaborate with power companies to make electrical wires safer for them. The center also runs programs for school children and students, and even grows tree and bush seedlings to help nearby hotels restore the environment.

We got to see the rare colobus monkeys up close and also learned about other species. The whole experience was incredibly educational and inspiring. The center itself and the people working there — the huge impact they are making — truly touched our hearts.

It’s the kind of place you want to support and be a part of. After visiting, my husband and I decided to become regular donors to help their mission. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves animals.

A huge thank you to everyone at Colobus Conservation — you are doing something so important and so good for this world. With all my heart,...