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Wildlife Conservation + Academic Credit

location
2 - 2 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help protect threatened wildlife in the African savannah. Work with conservation experts and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
  • You'll live at the ranch house on the conservancy alongside other volunteers. This is the ultimate African Adventure!
  • Work with the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and lions in the conservancy. Help stem the decline of their populations in Soysambu

Highlights

  • Help protect threatened wildlife in the African savannah. Work with conservation experts and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
  • You'll live at the ranch house on the conservancy alongside other volunteers. This is the ultimate African Adventure!
  • Work with the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and lions in the conservancy. Help stem the decline of their populations in Soysambu
  • Explore Maasai culture!
  • Have an opportunity to see Rothschild’s giraffe, Leopards, Buffalo, Lions, Impala, Waterbuck, Hippos, Gazelle, Eland and much more


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This epic adventure into the wild is great for anyone who is passionate about wildlife conservation in Africa and has an interest in researching lions and giraffes!

    This project is ideal for anyone passionate about wildlife conservation in Africa and interested in working with lions, giraffes, or exploring the great outdoors. It’s also a unique chance to embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

    Considering a career in conservation? This program provides an ...

    About the program

    This project is ideal for anyone passionate about wildlife conservation in Africa and interested in working with lions, giraffes, or exploring the great outdoors. It’s also a unique chance to embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

    Considering a career in conservation? This program provides an excellent mix of research and practical, hands-on experience. You’ll gain valuable insights directly from conservation experts, equipping you with a well-rounded skill set to enhance your CV. Plus, you can draw on this experience during interviews to showcase what you’ve learned and how you tackled various challenges.

    Your work will focus on five key areas:

    Threatened Species Research

    Our main objectives include:

    • Studying the ecology of the Rothschild’s giraffe.
    • Tracking lion movements in relation to livestock.
    • Documenting lion population dynamics and interactions with other carnivores.

    The findings are shared with other reserves, contributing to groundbreaking research that could shape the future of giraffe and big cat conservation in Africa. With lion populations declining and fewer than a couple of thousand Rothschild’s giraffes left in the wild, this work is crucial.

    Through our conservation efforts in Kenya, we aim to sustain habitats where wildlife can thrive and reproduce in harmony, fostering improved coexistence between humans, livestock, and wildlife.

    Setting Up Camera Traps

    Many animals, especially lions, are most active at night. By setting up camera traps around the reserve, you’ll help us study their natural behaviours, movements, and habitats. These cameras also aid in conducting mammal inventories, which track population growth and assess the success of conservation efforts, playing a vital role in preserving giraffes and big cats.

    Community Outreach

    Once a week, typically on Thursdays, you’ll engage in community outreach activities that align with local needs. These activities may include:

    • Teaching children about environmental conservation.
    • Playing sports like football.
    • Installing eco-friendly stoves.
    Invasive Plant Removal

    Non-native plant species pose a significant threat in Kenya, often displacing endemic plants that wildlife depends on. You’ll assist in removing these invasive species and maintaining trails to ensure visitors stay on designated paths, protecting the native flora.

    Maintaining Natural Water Holes

    You’ll support the maintenance of water holes and boreholes, ensuring a reliable water supply for wildlife. This is especially critical during droughts, helping sustain animal populations in challenging conditions.


    Typical day

    You usually work five days a week. Depending on the activities, you may be required to start earlier, finish later, or work over the weekend.

    Work is divided up among all the volunteers using a weekly schedule. On a typical day you can expect to work from 8am to 12pm. Then, you will have a break with ...

    Typical day

    You usually work five days a week. Depending on the activities, you may be required to start earlier, finish later, or work over the weekend.

    Work is divided up among all the volunteers using a weekly schedule. On a typical day you can expect to work from 8am to 12pm. Then, you will have a break with some time to eat, sleep, read and relax. After this, at around 2pm, you will go back out to work in the afternoon, when the heat starts to abate. 

    Workdays are usually split into physical and non-physical days, both of which are crucial for savannah conservation efforts. You’ll alternate between days for digging, cutting, and general physical labour. This is followed by days for collecting data, GPS mapping, and species research. 

    Evenings are spent cooking and eating, playing games, and preparing for the following day.

    Trained local staff are on hand to supervise activities and provide support, and will accompany you wherever you go on the reserve. You will also be able to take part in workshops designed to teach you about different aspects of this Wildlife Conservation Project and the environment.

    Since you will be sharing accommodation with your fellow volunteers, you will be able to spend your evenings and weekends getting to know each other better.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteering in Kenya is the perfect opportunity to explore this extraordinary country. With such a vast array of different activities, you’re sure to find plenty of ways to fill your weekends with outdoor and adventure activities not far away from the Soysambu Conservancy. You can go into the ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteering in Kenya is the perfect opportunity to explore this extraordinary country. With such a vast array of different activities, you’re sure to find plenty of ways to fill your weekends with outdoor and adventure activities not far away from the Soysambu Conservancy. You can go into the nearby towns for restaurants and bars. Otherwise, enjoy the beauty of the Conservancy and the wildlife it has to offer! 



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    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

    We believe in full transparency and making it easy for you to plan your adventure. Below, you'll find the program fees for a two-week immersive wildlife conservation experience that also includes an accredited Diploma in International Volunteering, helping you gain 16 UCAS points or 9 College credits while making a meaningful impact.


    What’s Included?

    Embarking on this journey means more than just volunteering—it’s a transformative experience that combines hands-on conservation work, community engagement, and academic recognition. Here’s what your fees cover:


    Accommodation – Stay in a beautiful, shared volunteer house right in the heart of a breathtaking wildlife reserve, surrounded by nature and like-minded volunteers.

    Food (Three Meals a Day) – Enjoy fresh, locally-prepared meals every day to keep you energized.

    Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off – Our team will personally welcome you at Nairobi Airport (NBO) and ensure a smooth arrival.

    Diploma in International Volunteering (Wildlife Conservation) – Earn 16 UCAS points or 9 College credits, an official recognition of your hands-on conservation work.

    Comprehensive Orientation & Training – Receive a full induction with expert-led workshops to prepare you for your conservation role.

    Project Transport – Daily transfers to and from your wildlife conservation site included.

    24/7 In-Country Support – Our local team is always on hand to assist you.

    Emergency Assistance – Our global emergency response team is available whenever you need.

    Access to Exclusive Conservation Resources – Get hands-on with research, project materials, and our database with thousands of conservation-focused materials.

    Supervised Work Experience – Learn from experienced wildlife conservationists and ecologists who will mentor you throughout your time on the project.

    Community & Social Events – Connect with fellow volunteers through cultural nights, wildlife safaris, and team-building activities.

    Alumni Services & Future Discounts – Join our global network of conservation changemakers with access to discounts for future projects.

    Cultural Awareness Course – Gain deep insights into local traditions, customs, and environmental challenges, ensuring you volunteer ethically and responsibly.

    Airport Pickup at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

    ✈️ Seamless arrival & departure support!

    We take the stress out of travel! Upon arrival at Nairobi Airport (NBO), a friendly member of our team will be waiting to greet you and help with your transfer to the wildlife reserve. Everything is included in your program fee, so you can focus on your adventure without worrying about extra costs.

    Accommodation

    🏡 Stay in a shared volunteer lodge inside the reserve!

    You’ll be living in safe, comfortable, and clean accommodation alongside other passionate conservation volunteers. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the African savannah, waking up to breathtaking views and the sounds of wildlife each morning. The volunteer house fosters a vibrant community where you can share experiences and bond over your love for conservation.

    Food & Beverages

    🍽 Three delicious meals a day included!

    Enjoy locally-prepared meals that cater to different dietary needs, providing you with a healthy and sustainable diet while in the field. Meals include a variety of traditional African dishes as well as familiar favorites, ensuring you stay energized for your work in conservation.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    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

    A staff member will welcome you when you arrive at Nairobi Airport (NBO). From the airport, you will travel on a shuttle bus to the Soysambu Conservancy. If you arrive at the airport late at night, you will stay overnight at a guesthouse in Nairobi and take the shuttle the next day. Depending on traffic, this will be a three drive.

    Your airport transfer is included in the cost of your project fee, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses.

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

    Program Fees

    $1,375 per week 2 - 2 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 2 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.

    4.68
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    Location

    Africa > Eastern Africa > Kenya > Nakuru

    Meet your project coordinator

    Michael
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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