12 Weeks Volunteering in Kenya: Tracking Lions & Elephants in the Masai Mara

Explore the Maasai Mara’s vital wildlife conservancies, spanning over 300,000 acres within the expansive Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. These conservancies play a crucial role in creating connected habitats and securing wildlife migratory corridors, significantly complementing the region’s protected areas. Established on the principle of environmental conservation, they simultaneously work to protect, empower, and improve the livelihood of the local Maasai communities, showcasing a powerful model of sustainable coexistence between nature and people.

Accommodation and Meals

Your truly authentic and unique volunteer experience comes alive at the Wildlife Tourism College in the heart of Pardamat, nestled against the Pardamat Hills. Settle into comfortable, shared permanent safari-style tents, boasting magnificent views across the sweeping plains and the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment. Here, savor delicious meals, prepared by a local community chef, featuring varied local and international cuisines. Connect and socialize with fellow volunteers and Maasai students in the vibrant common area, ensuring your dietary needs are met while enjoying a truly immersive stay.

Communication:

Stay connected amidst the African wilderness! WiFi is available in the Wildlife Tourism College’s common areas, a brief stroll from your tent. While speeds may differ from your home connection, you can keep in touch and share your incredible experiences. For reliable nighttime internet access, consider purchasing a local SIM card and data bundle, ensuring you’re always connected to the world.

Flights & Arrivals:

Arrive at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on the Sunday before your official project start. Please schedule your flight to land between 6 AM and 10 PM to utilize our complimentary transfer service to Brackenhurst Estate in Limuru. From there, you’ll be seamlessly transferred to the Maasai Mara on Monday morning, ready for your adventure to begin.

Staff

During your impactful time in Pardamat and Naboisho, you’ll be immersed in the world of conservation, working alongside skilled professionals and qualified field guides, all under the expert guidance of your dedicated Project Coordinator, Gertrude Seela. Hailing from Narok in the Maasai Mara, Gertrude brings a deep passion for wildlife conservation, holding a BSc in Environmental Studies and currently pursuing an MSc in Monitoring and Evaluation. She looks forward to personally guiding you through diverse daily activities, sharing her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure you maximize your learning and fully immerse yourself in the Maasai Mara’s unique environment and culture, helping wildlife thrive.

Safety

Your safety is our paramount concern, a commitment proven by two decades of successful volunteer programs. In Kenya, we prioritize your comfort and security from arrival to departure. Our Wildlife Tourism College accommodation in Pardamat, though unfenced for wildlife to roam freely, is secured by dedicated Maasai Askaris who escort volunteers, especially after dark. This comprehensive support system and stringent health protocols ensure peace of mind throughout your enriching Kenyan wildlife conservation adventure. Contact us for any questions about our commitment to volunteer safety.