Big Cat & Elephant Research

2 - 12 WEEKS, FROM 2,595 - 6,095 EUR
Masai Mara, KENYA

WELCOME TO BIG CAT & ELEPHANT CONSERVATION

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the African wilderness and make a difference in wildlife conservation. Join the Big Cat & Elephant Research program in Kenya and conduct applied research on some of Africa's most iconic predators while contributing to the preservation of their natural habitats. Here's what awaits you:

Have an epic adventure at the Big Cat & Elephant Research project

Experience the beauty and majesty of African wildlife by volunteering in the Big Cat & Elephant Research program in the Pardamat Conservation Area. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to conduct applied wildlife research on Africa's most iconic predators - the lion, cheetah, and wild dog - as well as the majestic elephant. Pardamat Conservation Area is a newly established conservancy and a crucial area in the Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem. Your participation in the program will contribute to ongoing conservation efforts and the management of this important site. This program offers a unique opportunity to witness spectacular displays of wildlife in their natural environment while contributing to long-term conservation goals.

Highlights of the VOLUNTEER program

- The Big Cat & Elephant Research program highlights include:
- Researching big cats, elephants, and wild dogs
- Utilizing field-based monitoring and evaluation techniques
- Living in the greater Masai Mara Ecosystem
- Engaging with and learning about the Maasai Culture

The Importance of Conservation in the Maasai Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem

The Masai Mara, part of the expansive Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, currently has 15 conservancies covering over 300,000 acres, providing critical wildlife habitats that complement the existing protected area network, securing wildlife migratory corridors. These conservancies aim top reserve the environment and its wildlife, as well as protect, empower, and improve the livelihoods of the local Maasai communities.

Your Home Base: The Wildlife Tourism College of the Masai Mara

You will be based at the newly developed educational and research hub in Pardamat Conservation Area: The Wildlife Tourism College of the Masai Mara. Most of the volunteer work and research you will be conducting will be based within Pardamat, a dynamic dual use conservation area where 850 Maasai land owners have registered their 26,000 acres as a wildlife conservation area, while continuing to live and to care for their livestock within certain zones of the conservancy. There will also be occasional visits to neighboring conservancies such as Naboisho Conservancy, as well as the opportunity to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Become part of something truly special

Join the Big Cat & Elephant Research program and become part of something truly special. Your contribution will play an essential role in the preservation of this iconic ecosystem, while experiencing an adventure of a lifetime in the stunning Masai Mara wilderness.

YOUR ACTIVITIES

BIG CAT & WILD DOG MONITORING

Assist the Mara Predator Conservation Programme by gathering and provide data for the protection of lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs in the Greater Mara conservancies.
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GAME COUNTS

You will play a crucial role in monitoring the distribution and movement patterns of wildlife in the Pardamat Conservation Area, with a particular focus on elephants.
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CONSERVANCY WORK & RESTORATION

As a volunteer, you'll help conserve the Pardamat Conservation Area by removing invasive plants, monitoring soil erosion, repairing roads, and more
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DAYS-OFF ACTIVITIES

Explore the African wilderness on safari with endless opportunities to marvel at nature during your stay in the Masai Mara.
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ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi or extend your stay and enjoy the stunning beaches in Kenya.
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BIG CAT & WILD DOG MONITORING

Assist the Mara Predator Conservation Programme by gathering and provide data for the protection of lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs in the Greater Mara conservancies.
Explore

GAME COUNTS

You will play a crucial role in monitoring the distribution and movement patterns of wildlife in the Pardamat Conservation Area, with a particular focus on elephants.
Explore

The research project in Kenya Masai Mara was a wonderful experience in the wild, living very closely 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. (...) 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

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

Travel to the world-famous Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem and participate in the Big Cat & Elephant Research program. As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to conduct essential research on some of Africa's most iconic wildlife.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of East African landscapes and spectacular displays of wildlife in their natural habitat on daily safari game drives through the Pardamat Conservation Area.
Join like-minded volunteers from around the world in one of the most beautiful places on earth - the Masai Mara. Participate in physical conservation activities such as alien species removal and erosion control.
Meet trainee Maasai guides at the Wildlife Tourism College, listen to their life stories and help themgain employment in the tourism industry through training and engagement.