Giraffe & Lion Conservation
Coordinator | Bethany
Coordinator | Bethany
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Support Wildlife conservation in Kenya and work with Savannah animals
Take part in workshops designed to teach you about different aspects of this Wildlife Conservation Project and the environment
Work with the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and lions in the conservancy
Enjoy your free time in the peaceful rural area of the country
Live and work alongside a global network of volunteers - making friends for life.
Help protect endangered animals in the Savannah. Work with conservation experts and preserve biodiversity for future generations!
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 16+
Singles
Couples
50+
As an environmental volunteer on our Savannah Conservation Project, you’ll support the work of local conservationists to protect wildlife in the Soysambu Conservancy. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to do:
- Research the Rothschild giraffe and other endangered animals in the savannah
- Set up camera traps and study animal behavior
- Conduct community outreaches, tree planting and installing eco-stoves for communities
- Remove invasive species
- Maintain waterholes to ensure vital water access to wildlife
Your work will be divided into five main categories:
Threatened species research
Our primary focuses are to:
- Research the ecology of the Rothschild's giraffe
- Monitor lion movement in relation to livestock
- Document lion population structure and interaction with other carnivores
We then share this knowledge with other reserves. This is pioneering research for giraffe and big cat conservation in Africa that could determine the fate of this species and subspecies, as lion populations fall and only a couple of thousand giraffes remain in the wild.
Our giraffe and lion conservation work in Kenya goes a long way in maintaining a habitat where the wild animals can flourish and breed in peace. It also allows for a better kind of interaction between humans, livestock, and wildlife.
Set up camera traps
As most animals, especially lions, are very active by night, camera traps help us study their natural habitats, behaviours, and movements. You will be involved in setting up these cameras around the reserve. This will also serve as the perfect way to do mammal inventory. Inventory helps measure the success of our efforts, when counting a populations’ potential growth. This is important for giraffe and big cat conservation
Community outreach
In addition to working in the reserve, you will also participate in a community outreach once a week on a Thursday. The outreach activities vary upon the needs of the community at the time. They could include:
- Teaching children about the importance of protecting the environment
- Playing sports like football
- Installing eco-stoves
Invasive plant removal
Alien plant species are a big problem in Kenya. They destroy endemic plants that provide a habitat for the local wildlife. You’ll help remove these plants. You’ll also help clear and maintain trails to make sure visitors don’t wander off the dedicated paths. This helps protect indigenous plants.
Maintaining natural water holes for animals
You will help maintain water holes and boreholes. This will ensure that water is constantly stored for the animals, and is vital to their survival during times of drought.
Lion Conservation
Giraffe Conservation
Masai Lion
Southern Giraffe
Masai Giraffe
Southwest African Lion
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 8 am to 12 pm. Then, you will have a break with some time to eat, sleep, read and relax. After this, at around 2 pm, 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 labor. 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 evenings and weekends.
A trip to East Africa wouldn’t be complete without a safari. You can see wildlife like elephants, lions, and even the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, as you explore the savannahs.
Our projects are based in Nanyuki, which is known as the gateway to Mount Kenya. With this majestic mountain on your doorstep, it’s worth taking a day to hike around the base.
You can spend evenings at buzzing restaurants, listening to live music and trying some of the local dishes. Kenya also has must-see markets, with bright textiles and hand-carved sculptures.
You can spend your free time exploring independently or travel with a group. With so many volunteers joining us throughout the year, you’re sure to make some new friends and travel buddies during your trip.
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.
You need to speak English (basic level)
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Accommodation
Food (three meals a day)
Travel and medical insurance
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
Transport to and from your work placement
In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
A supervisor/mentor at your work placement
Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
Access to our local office with internet connection
Certification of project completion
Access to our alumni services and discounts
A cultural awareness course
A Projects Abroad staff member will be there to welcome you when you arrive at Nairobi Airport (NBO). From the airport, you will travel on a shuttle bus to Nanyuki, and then be taken to your host family. 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 to four hour drive.
Your airport transfer is included in the cost of your project fee, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses.
You'll stay at shared accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers in the reserve. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and share the experience of living in African savannah together.
The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable.
Your program fees include three meals a day.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. We assist you to find cheap flights to Kenya.
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.
If you are intending to volunteer in Kenya you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Kenya.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
A Projects Abroad staff member will be there to welcome you when you arrive at Nairobi Airport (NBO). From the airport, you will travel on a shuttle bus to Nanyuki, and then be taken to your host family. 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 to four-hour drive.
Your airport transfer is included in the cost of your project fee, so you don’t have to worry about extra expenses.
This program is paused due to COVID-19
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 50 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$2,122
2 weeks
$2,438
3 weeks
$2,754
4 weeks
$3,070
8 weeks
$4,334
16 weeks
$6,863
50 weeks
(max. stay)
$17,609
Average fees
$1,237
/week
The organization charges its fees in GBP. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Projects Abroad
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Projects Abroad during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Giraffe & Lion Conservation
Help protect endangered animals in the Savannah. Work with conservation experts and preserve biodiversity for future generations!
$959/week
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