WELCOME TO
BIG CAT & ELEPHANT RESEARCH
Journey into the heart of Kenya's Masai Mara, immersing yourself in a world where majestic big cats roam and elephants grace the horizon under the vast African skies. Dive deep into an ecosystem pulsating with life, where every day offers a dance of nature's wonders, and where your efforts play a crucial role in safeguarding Africa's wildlife and ecosystem.
Why choose the Big Cat & Elephant Research Adventure?
- Hands-On Wildlife Conservation:
In the Pardamat Conservation Area, study majestic lions, elusive cheetahs, wild dogs, and towering elephants. Contribute to vital data that shapes conservation strategies. - Dive into the Masai Mara Ecosystem:
Based in the celebrated Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, immerse yourself in diverse wildlife habitats that play host to the Great Migration and countless wildlife tales. - Engage with the Maasai Culture:
A cultural odyssey awaits. Engage with the Maasai community, understanding their heritage and the balance between rural life and wildlife coexistence. - Stay at the Wildlife Tourism College:
Nestled in the Pardamat Conservation Area, it's a hub for research and learning. Experience Maasai lands where wildlife conservation harmonizes with local lifestyles. - Contribute to an Iconic Ecosystem:
Your efforts fortify the preservation of the Masai Mara's ecosystem. Be a part of safeguarding an environment celebrated in countless wildlife documentaries and photographs.
Join Us in Kenya
For wildlife enthusiasts and those keen on making a tangible difference, this is your African call. Dive into a journey that's more thanjust sightseeing - it's impactful contribution to the iconic Masai Mara wilderness.
More insights
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 project
- Contribute to research on lions, cheetahs, and elephants.
- Employ hands-on monitoring methods in the field.
- Experience life in the vast Maasai Mara.
- Immerse in and learn from Maasai traditions.
- Explore the renowned Greater Maasai Mara while aiding wildlife research.
- Work alongside fellow nature enthusiasts in stunning settings.
- Engage in hands-on conservation tasks, like eradicating invasive species.
- Enjoy daily safaris through the Pardamat Area, soaking in iconic African vistas.
- Delve into Maasai traditions and the role of wildlife conservancies.
- Connect with aspiring Maasai guides at the Tourism College, aiding their professional journey.
- Engage with local students during school terms, inspiring them to value their environment.
The importance of conservation in the masaimara-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 protectedarea 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 masaimara
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.
Activity Overview
dive into the details
Accomodation
Your accommodation, situated at the Wildlife Tourism College in the heart of the wilderness and nestled against the backdrop of the Pardamat Hills, offers a truly authentic and unique experience. You will be housed in comfortable permanent semi-tents with magnificent views of the plains stretching away to the south and the rift valley escarpment to the west. The accommodation is divided by gender and shared by groups of two or four. 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 the volunteers’ safety by escorting them between the common area and their accommodations, especially after dark.
Communal Facilities
The camp features a common living and dining area for socialising and relaxing, as well as a fire pit and barbecue for evenings under the stars. Bathrooms are shared, with hot water showers available in the afternoons, and there is 24-hour electricity. There is also a library and an IT center which you will be able to access.
Laundry
A laundry service is offered on-site for a small fee, which can be paid in Kenyan Shillings. The approximate cost is 5 USD or 500 KSh per week.
Meals
Meals are prepared by a local chef employed from the community and there is a common area where you can eat and socialize with other volunteers and Maasai students enrolled at the college. Three meals and drinking water are provided daily. Breakfast is continental style. Lunch and dinner is normally a hot meal, with a varied menu that incorporates local and international cuisines. We can accommodate most dietary requirements if notified before your arrival. You will have access to a volunteer fridge for your personal groceries and any additional snacks or drinks you may want to bring along.Every other week, you will have the chance to visit shops where you can purchase basic necessities, and drinks can be bought at the camp. Drinking water will be provided for you during your entire stay.
Communication
During the day, complimentary WiFi is available at the common areas of the Wildlife Tourism College, a short walk (about 200m) from the tented accommodation. If you wish to use the internet at night, you will need to purchase a local SIM card and internet bundles. Please keep in mind that due to the remote location, the Wi-Fi connection may occasionally be slow and unreliable.
Shops
Small consumables, such as soft drinks, chocolates, and chips, are available on-site.
Dates
The project starts and ends every second Monday. Please contact us to inquire about the dates and availability at The Big Cat & Elephant Research program.
Number of volunteers
Max 14
Prices (2024) Per Person Sharing
2 weeks - 3.045 EUR
3 weeks - 3,496 EUR
4 weeks - 3,945 EUR
5 weeks - 4,395 EUR
6 weeks - 4,845 EUR
7 weeks - 5,295 EUR
8 weeks - 5,745 EUR
9 weeks - 6,195 EUR
10 weeks - 6,645 EUR
11 weeks - 7,094 EUR
12 weeks - 7,545 EUR
The Price Includes:
Accommodation throughout your stay
3 delicious meals a day
Scheduled airport pick-up (Sunday) and drop-off (Monday)
Monday morning transfer to and from the project
24/7 support
Full orientation upon arrival
Project equipment and resources
The Price Does Not Include:
Flights
Travel insurance
Visa-related costs
Weekend trips or tours before/during/after your program
Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs.
Booking Form & Additional Information
Once you have made the decision to volunteer for The Big Cat & Elephant Research program in Kenya, we will send you a booking form that must be completed with your general information, contact details, medical information, and travel arrangements.
If you are 60 years old or older, the project requires a signed letter from your doctor stating that you are fit to participate in the program.You will also receive additional information such as packing list and general information from the project.
Police Clearance & Background Check
When working with children and vulnerable communities, it is mandatory to provide a Police Clearance Certificate. This certificate is necessary as you will be interacting with vulnerable communities during your project, and it is essential for ensuring their safety.
To obtain the certificate, you can visit your local police station and please ensure that you acquire an English version. Please note that without this certificate, you will not be able to participate in the program.
Additionally, the certificate must be obtained no more than 6 months prior to the start of your placement. If you are booking in advance, it is recommended to obtain the certificate closer to your departure date.
Location
The Big Cat & Elephant Research program is located next to Masai Mara – about 6 hours drive from Nairobi. The Pardamat Conservation Area, situated within the Greater Mara Ecosystem, offers a serene environment surrounded by bushland. Located a 30-minute drive away from the nearest village and two hours from the nearest town, you will be immersed in a beautiful yet remote part of Kenya.
Climate & Seasons
The Maasai Mara region is typically hot and dry, with two rainy seasons. The long rains occur from March to May, while the short rains occur from November to December. During the rainy seasons, the grass and foliage are lush and green, providing abundant food for the wildlife.
The dry season occurs from June to October when the weather is cooler, and the grass is shorter, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also the time when the annual wildebeest migration takes place, which is one of the world's most spectacular wildlife events. During this time, over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing. If you're planning a visit to the Maasai Mara, the best time to go depends on what you want to see and experience.
Climate & Seasons
The dry season, from June to October, is excellent for game viewing, while the wet season offers lush green landscapes and the opportunity to see the migration.
During the long rains season from March to May, temperatures range from about 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the day and 14-18°C (57-64°F) at night.
The dry season from June to October is cooler, with temperatures ranging from about 20-28°C (68-82°F) during the day and 11-15°C (52-59°F) at night.
The short rains season from November to December has temperatures ranging from about 24-28°C (75-82°F) during the day and 12-16°C (54-61°F) at night. It's important to note that these temperatures are just averages and may vary depending on the exact location and elevation within the Maasai Mara. Additionally, weather patterns and temperatures can fluctuate from year to year.
It's important to note that these temperatures are just averages and may vary depending on the exact location and elevation within the Maasai Mara. Additionally, weather patterns and temperatures can fluctuate from year to year.
This guide will provide you with essential information for a smooth journey to and from The Big Cat & Elephant Research in Kenya, including details on flights, transportation, vaccinations, visas, and travel insurance.
Flight Itenerary
The Big Cat & Elephant Research program operates from Monday to Monday, requiring you to arrive in Nairobi on the Sunday prior to your project start date.It's about a six-hour journey to the project location, so you will spend the night at the volunteer house located at the Brackenhurst Hotel and Conference Center in Tigoni, Limuru. This will give you a chance to acclimate and get ready for your exciting adventure in the Maasai Mara.
Airport Transfer
The scheduled airport transfers and scheduled transfers to and from Big Cat & Elephant Research program is included in project fee. On Monday morning, you will be transferred to the volunteer project located in the Pardamat Conservation Area. The camp is approximately 250km from Nairobi, and the journey usually takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Vaccinations
We strongly advise you to consult with your doctor for vaccination recommendations before embarking on your trip. Please note that a Yellow Fever vaccination and Certificate are mandatory for entry into Kenya. Without this, you will not be permitted to enter the country. Additionally, the following vaccinations are typically recommended:
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid: Recommended for all travelers
Yellow fever: Required for travelers coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies: Recommended for travelers who plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or work with animals.
Tetanus: Recommended for all travelers
Polio: Recommended for all travelers
Visa Information
To participate in the volunteer program, you must obtain a Tourist Visa, for which the project will provide a letter of invitation to support your application. You can also apply for a Tourist Visa here: http://evisa.go.ke/
Registration with AMREF
We strongly advise that you register with AMREF Flying Doctors , as the project takes place in a remote area. AMREF provides air ambulance evacuation services in Africa, and doctors are available within an hour's drive at large safari camps. However, for serious medical issues, evacuation to Nairobi may be necessary. It is essential that your travel insurance covers airlift evacuation, and membership with AMREF ensures that you can be located and your details are available upon arrival. The registration fee is approximately US$25. You can sign up here via this link: https://flydoc.org/
Travel Insurance
Valid travel insurance is mandatory for the entire duration of your trip. The insurance should cover all costs associated with emergencies or incidents, such as air rescue, hospital or medical costs, and flights. Contact your local travel insurance agent or consider our recommendation, World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/
Credit Card & Cash
The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (Ksh), although US dollars are also widely accepted and can be exchanged for local currency. You will have the chance to withdraw cash from an ATM on the Monday when heading out to the project. It is recommended that you pay for small purchases in Kenyan Shillings and larger ones in US dollars. Please note that there are no bank services available once you are at the project. When planning your budget, it is crucial to consider any optional activities that you may wish to participate in. We advise bringing enough US dollars to cover the cost of these activities.
"TRUE EXPERIENCE IN THE WILD
The research project in Kenya Maasai Mara was à 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. 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 on their livestyle 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 trully recommend!"
-Joëlle Munari, France
"A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!!
Lost Adventures and Mikkel helped us book the most amazing trip to Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. He also offers volunteer projects, two of which I have already joined. Both of them are highly recommendable, due to the knowledge of our guides, the hospitality with which we volunteers were welcomed and cared for and the help everybody offers on the projects to book weekend activities. The projects are located in Kenya (Koiyaki Conservation Project) and South Africa (Shamwari Conservation Experience). After my volunteering my husband joined me for the most amazing safari in Kenya, Tanzania and a stay in Zanzibar. Mikkel has a lot of knowledge of different countries in Africa and which places to visit. He also gave us support right from the beginning and was very helpful with all the questions we had. He stood by on mail, sms, phone call and video conference. We can strongly recommend to book volunteer programs and private safaris with Lost Adventures. We have made memories for a lifetime and we will surely book other Africa trips with Mikkel"
-Ulrike & Manfred Rieser, AUSTRIA
"REAL EXPERIENCE OF THE WILDLIFE
Real experience of wildlife, the savannah has given us much more than we had hoped ! It was the first time for us to get involved in a volunteer project in Africa, and not the last ! 2 weeks of adventure and volunteering for ever in our memory. Africa, we will meet again very soon!"
-Maxime Genefort, France
WHY we 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.
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.
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.
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.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY FOR
Big Cat & Elephant Research
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.