Masai Mara Lion, Wildlife Research and Conservation Project

  • The Project

    Volunteer in Kenya and get the opportunity to work directly with members from the Masai Mara community to develop and implement solutions to reduce conflict between the people living on the land and the wildlife in the area. As a volunteer you will be working to preserve the culture, the land and the vast array of species living together within the region. As land for both the people and the wildlife becomes constricted by urbanisation it becomes more and more important to find a strategy for coexistence. Part of this project is involved with setting up a conservation area which gives the Masai a reason to help in preservation efforts by bringing much needed tourism investment directly to their community.

    As a part of this, there is a great need for the consistent and accurate collection of data on the conservation area, including regular censuses of the wild animal population. Under the guidance of the experienced conservation team, you will assist in the regular collection of this data.

    The core aims of the project is to monitor the lion population and movements of the prides within the conservation area, monitor the interaction between the lions and villages and educate and create awareness within the community on the importance and value of lions.

    The surrounding area is also one of the most important refuges for the Mara elephants. Another central feature of the project is to build a community of people sharing their knowledge about the elephants of the Masai Mara ecosystem and working together to monitor and protect them.

  • Why the project needs you

    The Masai Mara is considered one of Africa’s finest safari destinations, most famous for its annual wildebeest and zebra migration which has been called “the greatest wildlife show on earth”. This area has one of the highest densities of carnivores in Africa, as well as supporting a range of endangered species.

    This same attraction brings with it conflict between humans and nature. Native wild animals and Masai Livestock share the same land and resources and predator’s sometimes kill livestock. Like everywhere else in Kenya, the population growth has increased the demand for cultivated land and grazing areas. Occurrences such as elephants raiding fields and lions preying on local livestock create tension which can lead to the injuring or killing of these threatened species. The fact that Masai people are generally not the one's benefiting directly from the tourism or conservation in surrounding areas only heightens this tension and the need for a sustainable solution for all is vital.

    The threats to the Masai Mara are diverse and complex, and so are the solutions. Your participation in this project provides valuable manpower in ensuring sustainable solutions for the whole ecosystem.

    Project Location

    The Masai Mara is considered one of Africa’s finest safari destinations, most famous for its annual wildebeest and zebra migration which has been called “the greatest wildlife show on earth”. This area has one of the highest densities of carnivores in Africa, as well as supporting a range of endangered species.

    This same attraction brings with it human and wildlife conflict as the native wild animals and Masai Livestock share the same land and resources, with predator’s sometimes killing livestock and the Masai people not always benefiting directly from the tourism or conservation in surrounding areas. Like everywhere else in Kenya, the population growth has increased the demand for cultivated land and grazing areas. Occurrences such as elephants raiding fields and lions preying on local livestock create tension which can lead to the injuring or killing of these threatened species.

    The threats to the Masai Mara are diverse and complex, and so are the solutions. Your participation in this project provides valuable manpower in finding the best solutions. As long as the Masai Mara remains a valuable source of income for the country, and community participation and benefit is ensured, we are sure to find sustainable solutions for the whole ecosystem.

  • Project Facts

    •Duration: 2 - 8 weeks
    •Cost: £1225 ($2144) for 2 weeks, £315 ($551) for each week thereafter
    •Requirements: age 18+
    •Location: Masai Mara, Kenya
    •Project activities: Work alongside local Masai expert instructors, educate children, lion and cheetah monitoring, help with a water project and improve local school facilities.
    •Working hours: 07:30 - 18:00 but schedule may vary, Monday -Friday
    • Project availability: Projects start first and third Monday of each month. Project closed from the 19 December - 2 January 2012.

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Volunteer dormitories at the local school.
    • Food: 3 meals per day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Airport pick up and drop off
    • Weekly laundry service
    • Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
    • Daily transfers to and from your project.
    • Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
    • Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include; Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park and Aberdare National Park, as well as trips to the Kenyan Coast, Nairobi’s Elephant and Giraffe Sanctuaries.

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas

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