Masai Mara Lion, Wildlife Research and Conservation Project in Kenya

What is the Wildlife Research & Conservation project in Kenya all about?

Part of this project involves extending help to the Masai preservation efforts by bringing much needed tourism investment to the community. 85% of tours within the Masai are run by externally employed guides, but this project aims to equip the local community with the necessary skills to get employment. The Masai Mara is considered one of Africa’s finest safari destinations, famous for its annual wildebeest and zebra migration, which has been called “the greatest wildlife show on earth”. Volunteer in Kenya and support the Masai with their community and wildlife work.

Why choose this conservation in Kenya project?

This project is led by a team of researchers who are aiming to find a way that the local Masai tribes can live harmoniously with the wildlife. To help them achieve this, you will record data about population movements of the wildlife within the Masai. As the Masai is incredibly vast, volunteer support is essential for the researchers’ ability to gather data. You will learn about the efforts taken to balance the interests of humans and wildlife on this project.

Role of the conservation volunteer

As a volunteer, you will be trained in consistent and accurate collection of data in the Naibosho Conservation area, including regular censuses of the wild animal population. You will be part of a team monitoring the the movements of big cat populations, including the lion, leopard and cheetah. You will also assist with research into elephant populations through taking photographs and observing the size, composition and location of elephant groups. Additionally, you will conduct research on spatial dynamics and social ecology at the local guiding school.

You will be involved in Community Outreach Projects. One of which includes running an environmental club at a local primary school once a week. You will focus on developing students’ English skills while encouraging a passion for wildlife, the environment and conservation. These students will then be responsible for transferring their learning and skills through workshops and presentations at the school. Finally, volunteers will help support the local guiding school staff with sessions on first aid, photography, visitor management, camp management, cuisine, driving skills, natural history, animal behaviour and many more.

What skills do I need to be a wildlife conservation volunteer?

Both qualified and non-qualified volunteers can join this project. All volunteers should have a positive attitude and be willing to work as part of a team. Qualifications or experience in the field of education, environmental sciences or conservation work are sought and may allow you to have a higher level of involvement at the different placements. Volunteers with no specific skills will work across all areas and receive training for the required work. You will be asked to provide a CV/resume.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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