Volunteering at Makini Bush Camp - An Authentic Account

Introduction

At Makini, we pride ourselves on offering our guests an immersion in the shrub-forest ecosystem of southern Sri Lanka, but the truest, deepest immersion belongs to our team of staff.

During her internship, Viola Görtz, a dedicated volunteer from Germany, had a unique opportunity to live and work behind the scenes, far from the relaxing luxury of our guest chalets.

For weeks, Viola traded a traditional visitor experience for the genuine rhythm of life on the property: sharing meals, perspectives, and daily routines with our remarkable Makini staff.

The following article is her authentic reflection - an intimate look into local staff culture and the unique ecological experience she gained, giving her a privileged perspective that few visitors get to witness. It’s an honest, personal account of life at the core of our camp, and a testament to the community that truly makes Makini run.

Winding Pathways through Leafy Growths at Makini

An Authentic Account

When I decided to volunteer at Makini Bush Camp, just outside Yala National Park, I didn’t really know what to expect. What I found was a mix of wildlife encounters, cultural lessons, and a lifestyle very different from what I was used to.

Lodging for Solitary Bees

Life at the camp meant being surrounded by animals at all times. The monkeys were the first to make their presence known - often climbing around my room and making sure I never forgot I was on their territory. At night, sleep was never in complete silence. The constant buzz and calls of animals and insects became my nightly soundtrack. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but also strangely comforting once I got used to it.

The most magical part, though, was the night sky. Every evening, I found myself looking up, amazed by the number of stars. It felt endless - something I normally just know when being surrounded by the sea.

During the day, I learned a lot about the diverse bird species in the area, native and invasive plants, and other species in the surrounding area, which was fascinating. The habitat mapping exercise was such an educational experience. On our walks beyond the camp area, I also got to see crocodiles, elephants, and snakes - sometimes closer than I expected. I managed to join a safari tour, which was definitely a highlight. I loved it!

Meals quickly became a memorable part of my experience. The food was always delicious but (for me) very spicy, and I had to adjust to having rice at almost every meal. On days when the cook made noodles, it felt like such a small but special treat.

Cultural exchange was another part I valued. I learned a lot about the local way of living, and it made me reflect on my own habits and expectations. I noticed how the roles of women were different from what I am used to, which sometimes took me a while to understand. The way guests were treated also felt more formal than I was used to with tourists, which at first felt unusual, but I grew to appreciate the attention to detail behind it.

One of the harder parts for me was the approach to time. At home, I like to stick to plans and get things done efficiently. At the camp, schedules were looser, and I often had to wait for things to fall into place. At times, this tested my patience, but eventually I got a bit used to it. 

Viola Facilitating an Activity

As part of the Makini Impact initiatives, I was able to attend and facilitate an educational program with Kataragama Junior School, bringing together 25 students from grades 6 to 10. We wanted to get a sense of the children’s existing English skills while giving them the chance to feel comfortable speaking up. At the beginning, the group was a little shy, but by the end, the atmosphere had completely changed. The kids were engaged, curious, and even eager to share a bit of their own world with us. They taught us a dance, full of energy and joy, and introduced us to one of their favourite games: cricket. It was a heart-warming moment of exchange, where language wasn’t the only bridge between us. 

Overall, my time at Makini Bush Camp was a unique and valuable experience. I got to live close to nature, eat amazing food, and learn about a culture very different from my own. I know I’ll always remember those star-filled skies at night. 

Afterword

After a day at the Detagamuwa Junior School, Viola shared that the students had collectively come forward, stood in line, knelt in front of her and worshipped her. This is a practice of gratitude instilled in students of Sri Lanka, and particularly practised more often in rural schools. Viola shared how she froze when this happened, and didn't know how to respond. She mentioned that it got her thinking about how grateful the students were, and how different cultures express themselves differently. 

Viola & Alexandre

We're grateful to Viola and Alexandre, both of whom volunteered at Makini. They were able to bring a habitat mapping initiative to fruition and also immensely helped facilitate the sessions at the school programme. 

If YOU would like to volunteer at the school programme or any other initiative, or you have an idea for an initiative that could make an impact, please write to devaka@makini.lk and share your thoughts! 

Stay tuned for more updates!