BIG CAT CONSERVATION & ELEPHANT RESEARCH VOLUNTEERING IN KENYA

Your accommodation will be situated at the Wildlife Tourism College in the heart of Pardamat, a dual-use conservation area, and 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. There is also a library and an IT centre under development which volunteers will be able to access once completed. 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.

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 our wildlife volunteers are out in the field early or over lunch time. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if notified before arrival.

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.

Kenya lies directly on the equator and elevations vary from sea level at the coast to 7,000+ ft. Generally, the days are warm and pleasant and the nights are cool. In the northern region, days are quite hot, while the coast is hot and humid. There are two rainy seasons; the long rains in April and May and the short rains in November and December. The hottest periods in Kenya are from January to March and August to November. The coldest months are in July and the beginning of August.

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.

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. 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.