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Outstanding 4.95rating (13)
  • Life On Land

Giraffe Conservation Support

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 17 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • We don't just offer a trip, we offer a mission.
  • You will become an integral part of our daily efforts to protect the Critically Endangered Nubian giraffes
  • Soysambu Conservancy is home to over 10,000 mammals, including the critically endangered Nubian giraffes, lions, leopards, and over 450 species of birds.

Highlights

  • We don't just offer a trip, we offer a mission.
  • You will become an integral part of our daily efforts to protect the Critically Endangered Nubian giraffes
  • Soysambu Conservancy is home to over 10,000 mammals, including the critically endangered Nubian giraffes, lions, leopards, and over 450 species of birds.
  • You will track, monitor, and collect data used directly by the conservancy to make critical decisions.
  • True conservation includes people, you will participate in community days, like eco-stove installations.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 17+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Giraffe Ambassadors was founded in 2020 as a citizen science program dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Nubian Giraffe.

    Introduction to the Volunteer Program

    Our program is vital because the Nubian giraffe is an endangered subspecies that faces increasing threats from habitat loss and climate change. At Giraffe Ambassadors, we tackle the critical social and environmental issue of biodiversity decline by bridging the ...

    About the program

    Introduction to the Volunteer Program

    Our program is vital because the Nubian giraffe is an endangered subspecies that faces increasing threats from habitat loss and climate change. At Giraffe Ambassadors, we tackle the critical social and environmental issue of biodiversity decline by bridging the gap between scientific research and community action. We solve these issues through "citizen science"—inviting volunteers to help us collect the high-quality data necessary for the management of the Soysambu Conservancy to make informed, science-based conservation decisions.

    What the Program is About & the Volunteer’s Role

    The program is a hands-on wildlife research and conservation initiative. As a volunteer, your primary role is that of a Citizen Scientist. You will be actively involved in:

    • Wildlife Monitoring: Tracking and identifying individual Nubian giraffes and African lions to monitor population health and movement.

    • Data Collection: Recording sightings and behaviors to assist in long-term ecological studies.

    • Habitat Restoration: Working in our tree nursery to manage and plant indigenous seedlings to restore vital wildlife corridors.

    • Rangeland Management: Assisting with tasks that maintain the pristine beauty and ecological integrity of the conservancy.

    Surroundings & Locations

    Volunteers work and live within the Soysambu Conservancy, located in the heart of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley near Lake Elmenteita. This 48,000-acre private conservancy is a RAMSAR site and a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its volcanic landscapes and diverse birdlife. You will live in a dedicated volunteer house or camp designed to be a "home-away-from-home," providing a safe, communal atmosphere surrounded by the very wildlife you are helping to protect.

    Typical day

    Morning and afternoon: Conservation Fieldwork (8:00 – 12:00) (14:00 – 17:00)

    The day is dedicated to active field research and monitoring. Depending on the day of the week, this involves:

    • Wildlife Monitoring: Conducting surveys for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe or monitoring ...

    Typical day

    Morning and afternoon: Conservation Fieldwork (8:00 – 12:00) (14:00 – 17:00)

    The day is dedicated to active field research and monitoring. Depending on the day of the week, this involves:

    • Wildlife Monitoring: Conducting surveys for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe or monitoring lions and other carnivores to document population dynamics.
    • Biodiversity Research: Monitoring wetland birds at Lake Elementaita, which is home to over 450 species.
    • Conservation Maintenance: Participating in de-snaring operations to remove illegal traps set by poachers.
    • Community Projects: Installing energy-saving eco-stoves in neighboring communities to reduce firewood use and respiratory infections.
    • Cultural Immersion: Attending Kiswahili lessons and cultural presentations.
    • Staff Inductions: Early in the trip, this time is used for town and conservancy orientations.

    Evenings are spent at the ranch house for relaxation and further education:

    • Expert Presentations: Lectures on Kenyan mammals, conservation status, or specific sessions about the Soysambu Conservancy.
    • Documentaries: Screenings of wildlife documentaries, such as those focused on giraffes.
    • Social Time: Sharing meals prepared by the chef, which typically include a mix of Kenyan and Western cuisine.

    Free-time activities

    Weekend trips provide volunteers with the opportunity to explore Kenya's iconic landscapes and diverse wildlife beyond the Soysambu Conservancy. The standard excursion is a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, where participants can view famous residents such as black and white rhinos, leopards, ...

    Free-time activities

    Weekend trips provide volunteers with the opportunity to explore Kenya's iconic landscapes and diverse wildlife beyond the Soysambu Conservancy. The standard excursion is a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, where participants can view famous residents such as black and white rhinos, leopards, hippos, and massive flocks of flamingos. For those seeking a more immersive experience, there are structured three-day safari options that visit the Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Naivasha. These extended trips focus on seeing the "Big 5," taking boat rides to observe aquatic birds, and engaging in cultural activities such as visiting Maasai villages for traditional dances and walks.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 17 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 17 years old on the program start date.

    Required Documents

    CV

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    No prior experience is needed! Just bring a passion for wildlife, and an open mind.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your Fee Includes:

    • Full Placement: All conservation activities
    • Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
    • Accommodation: Shared housing inside the conservancy for the duration of your stay.
    • All Meals: Three nutritious meals per day, every day.
    • 24/7 Support: In-country support from our dedicated team.

    Your Fee Does Not Include:

    • Flights
    • Travel and medical insurance
    • Visa fees
    • Personal expenses


    Airport Pickup at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

    Welcome to Kenya! Once you have landed, you will be met by one of our staff members who will take you to our transfer vehicle. From here, it is a very scenic 3 -hour drive north-west to Nakuru and the Soysambu Conservancy. This will be the perfect time to either catch up on sleep or get your first shots of Africa. 

    Accommodation

    Accommodation: Your accommodation is a shared, comfortable ranch house inside the Soysambu Conservancy. Accommodation is shared rooms (single-sex) with bunk beds, but we will have exception for individuals who want to have their own private rooms


    Food & Beverages

    Three delicious meal plans, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, authentic Kenyan meals with western delicacies factored in. Prepared by our on-site cook. Drinking water is provided. We also look into considerations for vegetarians and vegans.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Kenya. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Kenya provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Kenya you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Kenya. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Sundays are a great time to arrive, but we will pick anytime and any day of the week

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $662 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 17 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.95
    ・
    13 reviews

    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Kenya > Nakuru

    Meet your project coordinator

    Tonny
    13
    reviews
    4.95
    Outstanding
    2020
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Kenya
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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