From $3295
BIG CAT CONSERVATION & ELEPHANT RESEARCH VOLUNTEERING IN KENYA
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Impact:
Wildlife Conservation
Destination:
Pardamat Conservancy, Kenya
Duration:
2 Weeks+
Fee: From $3,295
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
Conduct Wildlife Research in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem
Develop Wildlife Research Skills in One of the World’s Most Famous Wildlife Areas
This is a rare opportunity to join our team in the Pardamat Conservation Area, a crucial wildlife corridor in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem. As a wildlife conservation volunteer on this project, you will conduct applied wildlife field work (monitoring and data collection) on Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including the largest living land animal – the majestic elephant. This unique project offers experience in two distinct conservation models: the established Naboisho Conservancy and the dual-use Pardamat Conservation Area, where wildlife and livestock coexist. You’ll witness breathtaking wildlife displays while contributing to vital research that supports long-term conservation efforts and management plans in these key areas. Your work will vary based on each location’s specific needs and conservation approach.
Project Highlights
NATURAL BEAUTY
Witness iconic East Africa landscapes as you live and work on the edge of the Maasai Mara.
PHYSICAL CONSERVATION
Invasive species removal, soil erosion control, de-fencing and opening up new game drive tracks.
CONDUCT RESEARCH
Use field-based techniques to monitor lions, leopard, cheetah and elephants.
MAASAI TRIBES
Engage in rich vibrant cultural exchange with the local Maasai people in the area.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Spread eco-awareness in Kenyan communities and assist with environmental sustainability projects.
Project Impact Areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Big Cat Conservation & Elephant Research Volunteering Project in Kenya.
Project Destination
The Maasai Mara, part of the expansive Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, currently has 15 conservancies. These conservancies cover over 300 000 acres and provide connected critical wildlife habitats that complement the current protected area network, providing secure wildlife migratory corridors. The conservancies are established under the rationale of conserving the environment and its wildlife alongside a mandate to protect, empower and improve the livelihood of the local Maasai communities.
Life At Base
Accommodation & Meals
Your accommodation will be situated at the Wildlife Tourism College in the heart of Pardamat, nestled against the backdrop of the Pardamat Hills, offering a truly authentic and unique volunteer experience. You will be housed in comfortable permanent safari-style tents on a sharing basis, with magnificent views of the plains stretching away to the south and the Rift Valley escarpment to the west.
Meals are prepared by a local chef employed from the community and there is a common area where you can eat and socialise with other volunteers and Maasai students enrolled at the college.
Three meals and drinking water are provided daily; Breakfast is continental style, and lunch and dinner are normally a hot meal, with a varied menu that incorporates local and international cuisines. Packed breakfasts and lunches are arranged when volunteers are out in the field early or over lunch time. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if notified before arrival.
Communication
WiFi is available at the common areas of the Wildlife Tourism College, a short walk (about 200m) from the tented accommodation. Please note, it is likely to be much slower than your internet speed at home. If you wish to use the internet at night, you will need to purchase a local SIM card and internet bundles.
Flights & Arrivals
Fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on your Monday project start date. Please ensure your flight arrives between 6am and 10pm in order to join the complimentary transfer service to your accommodation. Look for the African Impact sign, and a friendly face will be there to welcome you!
Staff
During your time in Pardamat and Naboisho, you’ll work alongside a diverse team of skilled conservationists and qualified field guides. Your dedicated Project Coordinator, Gertrude Seela, will accompany you daily as you rotate between different activities, ensuring a comprehensive experience. Gertrude will provide guidance, support, and valuable context throughout your journey, helping you maximize your learning and make the most of this experience.
Gertrude hails from Narok, Pardamat Conservancy in the Maasai Mara. She holds a BSc in Environmental Studies with a focus on Natural Resource Conservation and is currently pursuing an MSc in Monitoring and Evaluation. With a deep passion for wildlife conservation, Gertrude aspires to contribute to strategies that will help wildlife thrive. She enjoys traveling to new places and learning about diverse cultures and lifestyles. Gertrude looks forward to guiding volunteers through various aspects of their experience in the Maasai Mara, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for conservation while helping you immerse yourself in the unique environment and culture of the region.
Safety
At African Impact, volunteer safety is our top priority. Our two decades of success stems from our commitment to protecting volunteers, staff, local communities, and the public. We view safety as a fundamental responsibility in all our projects, including those in Kenya. From arrival to departure, we ensure your comfort and security as you engage in volunteer work.
The Wildlife Tourism College and accommodation area is not fenced, allowing wildlife to pass through the area freely. As such, Maasai security guards (Askaris) are employed to ensure our wildlife conservation volunteers’ safety by escorting them between the common area and their accommodations, especially after dark.
Our comprehensive support system and stringent health and safety protocols are designed to provide peace of mind throughout your Kenyan adventure. For more information or any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Project FAQs
WHAT DOES A BIG CAT MONITORING VOLUNTEER PROJECT INVOLVE?
This program brings together communities, conservancy rangers, and tourism partners across the Greater Mara’s conservancies in an effort to help secure the future of lions, leopards and cheetahs in these areas through tracking, monitoring, and understanding their behavior. You will go on daily game drives in Pardamat and Naboisho Conservancy to find, identify and monitor big cats in order to contribute to their conservation.
WHY VOLUNTEER IN KENYA?
This East African country is a favourite travel destination for many global independent travellers – and for good reason. It has some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent, striking scenery (including the Maasai Mara), and many proud traditional tribes. With African Impact, you can experience responsible volunteering in Kenya whilst joining a purpose-driven expedition in a unique part of Africa.
WHY SHOULD I BECOME A WILDLIFE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER IN KENYA?
Kenya is a country facing significant conservation challenges. Your contribution, however big or small, goes towards protecting endangered species and preserving their habitats for future generations. This elephant research and big cat conservation volunteer project offers a unique chance to combine wildlife conservation with cultural immersion and personal adventure.
Our favourite weekend activities in Kenya
Make the most of your free weekends in Kenya and explore some of the untamed landscapes, bustling cities and crystal-blue beaches.
Ready to Apply?
From $3,295
Weekly costs reduce for stays longer than 2 weeks, booking with friends or return volunteers.
Exclusions
Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.
Requirements
Parental consent is required before arrival for those aged 16 and 17.
| Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $3,295 ($1,648 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $3,845 ($1,282 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $4,395 ($1,099 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $4,945 ($989 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $5,495 ($916 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $6,595 ($825 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $7,695 ($770 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $8,795 ($733 per week) |
| 2 weeks | £2,595 (£1,298 per week) |
| 3 weeks | £2,995 (£999 per week) |
| 4 weeks | £3,395 (£849 per week) |
| 5 weeks | £3,795 (£759 per week) |
| 6 weeks | £4,195 (£700 per week) |
| 8 weeks | £4,995 (£625 per week) |
| 10 weeks | £5,795 (£580 per week) |
| 12 weeks | £6,595 (£550 per week) |
| 2 weeks | €3,045 (€1,523 per week) |
| 3 weeks | €3,495 (€1,165 per week) |
| 4 weeks | €3,945 (€987 per week) |
| 5 weeks | €4,395 (€879 per week) |
| 6 weeks | €4,845 (€808 per week) |
| 8 weeks | €5,745 (€719 per week) |
| 10 weeks | €6,645 (€665 per week) |
| 12 weeks | €7,545 (€629 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $4,975 ($2,488 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $5,675 ($1,892 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $6,375 ($1,594 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $7,075 ($1,415 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $7,775 ($1,296 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $9,175 ($1,147 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $10,575 ($1,058 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $11,975 ($998 per week) |
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Authentic bush-style accommodation in semi-permanent tents
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PRICE
From $3,295
Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.
Start day: Every second Monday
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Authentic bush-style accommodation in semi-permanent tents
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Sun)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
Our minimum age for this volunteer project is 16 years of age. Parental consent is required before arrival for those aged 16 and 17. We can also accept 15 years of age if travelling with a parent, but other adult companions it will need to be discussed ahead of time.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
Project Enquiry
After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.
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Project Booking
Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
