2 - 12 weeks / from 2,595 - 6,095 EUR

• About
• Activities
• Location
• Facilities
• Travel info
• FAQ
• Reviews
• Dates & Prices

• About

  Masai Mara forms the northernmost part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. It is home to the big five game animals and famous for its population of big cats and the annual wildebeest migration – the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth.

  Africa’s wildlife is declining rapidly due to several factors, including human-wildlife mitigation. In the last 30 years the great migration, the biggest and most species-diverse migration in the world, has seen a dramatic decline in the numbers of its 1.3 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and hundreds of thousands of Thomson's gazelles. Thanks to human population growth, expanding agriculture, poaching and fencing, we could lose this migration.

  Big cats have found their hunting grounds reduced and, forced to hunt livestock, they are encountering local communities more frequently. Data collection on the movements of these big cats is critical in learning how to protect both communities and wildlife, making it possible for predators and people to coexist.

  At this exciting project, you will be assisting wildlife researchers and scientists in the Mara Naboisha Conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara National Reserve.

  As a volunteer, you will be actively involved in exciting conservation and wildlife research activities. You will also be involved in the Koiyaki Guiding School, helping to train young Maasai to become qualified safari guides and helping to run wildlife classes at local Maasai schools.

  The Masai Mara ecosystem is home to the greatest number of wildlife anywhere on Earth. We must do everything we can to protect it. Join this project and make your impact on Africa’s wildlife.

• Activities

  • Research and monitor lions, leopards and cheetahs in their natural environments
  • Learn new skills from our experienced Maasai guides as you collect crucial wildlife data numbers in the field
  • Join daily research game drives to collect data for conservancy management
  • Participate in game counts
  • Help with erosion control, alien plant removal, the recording of new species and wildlife monitoring
  • Collect observations on elephants, including their locations, size and the composition of their groups
  • Be involved with the Koiyaki Guiding School
  • Go on night safaris
  • Make friends for life with the other international volunteers!
    
    Activities available at additional costs:
  • A trip to Kenya wouldn’t be complete without seeing the greatest wildlife show on earth –   the annual wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The migration is usually between July and September, but even outside the season you will still see great numbers of wildebeest, zebra and antelope on the plains – it’s what makes East Africa so iconic!
  • Fly in a hot-air balloon over the Maasai Mara National Reserve or over animals that are part of the migration
  • Treat yourself to a luxury weekend at our neighbouring safari camp at discounted volunteer rates
  • Explore other parts of Kenya or neighbouring Tanzania before you fly home

• Location

  This remote volunteer project is in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy in the heart of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, just north of the national reserve. The conservancy is on a protected area that allows wildlife to move over 20,000 hectares. It is part of a greater conservation area made up of other wildlife conservancies and the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself. The reserve is home to the great wildebeest migration, which often happens between July and September. It’s also one of Kenya’s prime wildlife viewing areas, renowned as the best place in the world to see big cats.

• Facilities

  You will be living in a beautifully authentic safari camp in the heart of the bush, where animals roam right through camp. Listen to lions roaring in the distance and the serene sounds of the bush at night before waking up for your early game drives. The camp offers shared rooms or private safari tents, if you prefer to experience the real outdoors. You will be provided with mosquito nets, towels and daily housekeeping.

  • Laundry

    Laundry services are available for $5. You will need to wash your underwear yourself.

  • Food & Meals

    In-house chefs will cook three fresh meals for you each day. We can cater to most types of dietary needs, but please make sure to inform us of any restrictions when you make your reservation. Drinking water and tea or coffee will also be available throughout your stay.

  • Internet & Phone Reception

    There is no internet at the camp, however, the project is a short walk to a tourist resort where Wi-Fi is available with the purchase of a drink.

    Should you wish to access the internet, make calls or text, we recommend you purchase a Safaricom SIM card when you arrive at the “Bon Voyage” shop in the airport (look for a big green Safaricom sign at the airport). Please make sure that the shop attendant registers the SIM card when you buy it.

    Top-ups can be bought from towns surrounding the conservancy. Please speak to your coordinators if you need to purchase these items. You will need to get your phone unlocked before you leave your home country to use providers outside of your own. Please be advised that cell phone reception is unreliable in the Mara area. We recommend you let family and friends know that your contact might be limited.

  • Credit Cards & Cash

    It is recommended that you carry Kenyan shillings for small purchases and U.S. dollars for large purchases. It is also recommended that volunteers bring credit cards.

  • Shops

    You will be in a very rural area with no shops available. You may pass by Talek or Nkoilale occasionally, and both towns have some very basic shops. Cold drinks are available for purchase at the project and at a nearby lodge.

• Travel info

  This page will guide you on how to book your flights, how transportation to and from the project works and which vaccinations are required for your trip.

  • Flight Itinerary

    Arrive at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on Sunday that your volunteer placement starts. Please ensure that your flight arrives between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
    Your return flight should depart from NBO on Monday after 9:30 p.m.
    Outside of those times, you will have to pay for private transportation (which we will arrange for you) in addition to the price of your accommodation.

  • Airport transfer

    You will be picked up and dropped off at the airport by a representative from the project. The shared transportation is included if you arrive/depart within the specified time frame (Flight Itinerary). You will stay at the volunteer house, Brackenhurst, in Limuru on Sunday night and leave at around 8 a.m. on Monday for the Mara. The trip from the airport to the volunteer house takes about an hour. The transfer to Maasai Mara on the following morning takes about five hours.

  • Vaccinations

    We recommend you consult with your doctor to ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations before your trip. Below is an overview of vaccinations that are likely to be recommended:

    Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination and certificate are required to enter Kenya, despite what some people advise. You will not be allowed to enter the country without it.
    Tetanus: Recommended
    Polio: Recommended
    Hepatitis A&B: Recommended
    Tuberculosis: Recommended
    Malaria: We advise that you bring an ample supply of anti-malarial tablets for your time in Tanzania.
  • Visa

    Please note: Finding out about and complying with your country’s visa requirements is entirely your responsibility. The information provided below is to serve as a guideline only. Check with your embassy for more information.

    We will send you your letter of invitation, a document required for visa applications. You will need to upload this letter if you apply for an e-visa, or you will need to bring a copy of it with you if you opt for a Visa On Arrival (VOA).

    You will need to apply for a holiday or tourist visa. We recommend volunteers who want to join our project in Kenya apply for their visas through the following e-visa page prior to arrival in the country: www.ecitizen.go.ke . The visa costs around 51 USD.

    It is possible to obtain a visa when you arrive in Kenya for the same price in cash, however, it saves time purchasing an e-visa online before your arrival. Please print off a copy of the e-visa and bring it with you.

  • Travel insurance

    It is mandatory that you have valid travel insurance for your entire trip. The insurance will cover all costs involved with any kind of an emergency or incident, i.e. an air rescue, hospital or medical costs and flights. Please contact your local travel insurance agent, otherwise, we can recommend the travel insurer World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/

    Registration with AMREF:
    Due to the nature and environment of the project, it is highly recommended that you’re insured in your home country and that you register with the African Medical and Research Foundation (also known as AMREF or Flying Doctors). This is in case you have an emergency that requires you to be airlifted
    You can register here: AMREF Your medical insurance must cover airlift evacuations. Your membership with AMREF ensures that you can be found and that your details are available on arrival. The cost of registration is roughly $30 for 1 year.
    We recommend you arrange this with AMREF prior to your arrival at the project.

• FAQ

  • How much pocket money should I bring?

    The amount of spending money you need differs from person-to-person and depends on how much you want to shop, drink and eat outside of the meals provided for you.

    You will be in a very rural area with no shops available. You may pass by Talek or Nkoilale occasionally, and both towns have some very basic shops. Cold drinks are available for purchase at the project and at a nearby lodge.

    It is important that, when deciding how much money to bring, you consider what optional activities you anticipate doing. As a rule of thumb, you should pay for small purchases in Kenyan shillings and for large purchases in U.S. dollars. There are no bank services available once you are at the project. Please be aware that if you are bringing US dollar notes, they should be issued in 2001 or later. Larger notes ($50 and $100) fetch the best exchange rates.

  • Are there any ATMs?

    There are no bank services available once you are at the project. It is recommended that you withdraw cash or exchange your money at the airport.

    Credit and debit cards can be convenient, but please do not rely on them as your main source of funds, as there are many places where they are not accepted – particularly for cash advances. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are the most widely accepted.

    We strongly advise against bringing travellers’ cheques.

  • Is there transportation to and from the project sites?

    Yes. The cost of daily transfers between projects sites is included in your project fee.

  • Do I need vaccinations?

    Yes! We recommend you consult with your doctor to ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations before you trip. Below is an overview of vaccinations that are likely to be recommended:

    Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination and certificate are required to enter Kenya, despite what some people advise. You will not be allowed to enter the country without it.
    Tetanus: Recommended
    Polio: Recommended
    Hepatitis A&B: Recommended
    Tuberculosis: Recommended
    Malaria: We advise that you bring an ample supply of anti-malarial tablets for your time in Tanzania.
  • Do I need a Visa?

    Yes! Finding out about and complying with your country’s visa requirements is entirely your responsibility. The information provided below is to serve as a guideline only. Check with your embassy for more information.

    Your destination manager will send you your letter of invitation, a document required for visa applications. You will need to upload this letter if you apply for an e-visa, or you will need to bring a copy of it with you if you opt for a Visa On Arrival (VOA).

    You will need to apply for a holiday or tourist visa. We recommend volunteers who want to join our project in Kenya apply for their visas through the following e-visa page prior to arrival in the country: www.ecitizen.go.ke. The visa costs 51 USD.

    It is possible to obtain a visa when you arrive in Kenya for the same price in cash, however, it saves time purchasing an e-visa online before your arrival. Please print off a copy of the e-visa and bring it with you.

• Reviews

  "TRUE EXPERIENCE IN THE WILD - The research project in Kenya Maasai Mara was à wonderful experience in the wild, living very close to wild animals. There are no fences at all so big animals (even lions) are free to go wherever they want and even come very close to the camp at night. You can hear them roar which is amazing. The staff is so amazing and fun. I also had the chance to meet wonderful Maasai people :) as one of my duties was to give French classes to the Maasai students. I learnt a lot about their lifestyle and culture. I really admire how they still live with their ancient traditions. This project is a very good example of humans finding a good balance with the wild. Best experience ever and I truly recommend!"
  - Joëlle Munari, France 

  ”When joining this project, you will experience the real Africa both when it comes to nature and the fantastic wildlife that this conservancy has to offer, but you will also learn about cultures that might be very different than your own. The staff here is fantastic and will really make you feel welcomed and comfortable. I can list cow-blood drinking Masai farmers, tribes and Kenyan politics as well as lions, cheetahs, buffalos etc. as new things I learned in the passed week.”
  – Emil Hobolt, Denmark

  “Being part of the Masai Mara Conservancy Project has been a great experience! 
  Even though it is sad that animals are endangered, and that monitoring therefore is necessary, is it a very unique opportunity.
  Both seeing the animals in their right habitat and having the feeling that you make a difference is part of why this project is such a great experience. The staff has played an equally important role, and you would have to look hard in search for more caring, smiling and embracing people than these.”
  – Laura Dahl, Denmark

  ”This was our third time on the Maasai Mara project and I loved it as much as the first time. The opportunity to live and work in the bush, close to nature and with the local community is very special.”
  – Sarah, UK

  ”This was one of the best things I've done in Africa. Been here 3 times before but this beats it all! You will learn so much about animals, the maasais, how to deal with different problems. It's a lot of fun and you will not regret it. The staff is amazing and if they don't know the answer to your questions immediately they will try to find it.”
  – Max Jonsson, Sweden

  ”Had a great experience here with lots of fun work with animals and lively people working here! I will definitely come back again and can't wait to do so! It has been the best two weeks and I would recommend others coming here not only for the experience but for the good that they do here.”
  – Cecilia, Sweden

  “Fantastic experience, it has been great taking part in the masai Mara project! We had the opportunity to help preserve and impact the culture, nature and wildlife I the conservancy. All staff and persons working with the project has been most helpful and competent.”
  – Cassandra, Sweden

  ”It's so hard to know where to start, the whole experience from beginning to end has been absolutely amazing. It has totally exceeded all my expectations. It's so hard to pinpoint what the best aspects of the 2 weeks were, because every part from grass monitoring to big cat monitoring was just spectacular. The staff here are phenomenal, always available and only too happy to assist us with whatever we need, and always ready to answer any questions or queries that arose. The service here, from Francis our guide, Ben our cook, Caroline the manager to Soila our housekeeper, were 10/10, if I could give them a higher rating I would! It's an experience I know I will never forget, and I absolutely plan on returning here in the future.”
  – Aisling O Leary, Ireland

  “14 years coming to the Mara and the third time on this project should give you an idea of how highly I rate it. Where else can you have such an amazing wildlife experience while making such a great contribution to the conservation efforts to preserve that experience for future generations. A well organised and important project. Money very well spent.”
  – Tim, UK

  ”This has been the most memorable experience of my life. The Mara is beautiful, viewing the animals is an amazing experience and the camp is more than adequate. It was satisfying helping the community.”
  – Joyce, Canada

  ”A two weeks that I will never forget. Having always wanted to go on safari, I have managed to do just that and so much more for a fraction of the price. Seeing such a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat is something that money can't buy and it was amazing to get so close. My unexpected highlight was teaching the children of nkoilale school, an experience I found very humbling. Despite the language barrier I definitely feel that they taught me much more than I taught them. I would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone as it really does open your eyes!”
  – Shashi, UK

• Dates & Prices

  Start dates: Every second Monday. Please contact us for specific start dates and availability. 

  Number of participants: Max 16

  Prices (2022) (per person sharing): 

  2 weeks - 2,595 EUR 
  3 weeks - 3,045 EUR
  4 weeks - 3,295 EUR
  5+ weeks - Contact us