Kenya – Safari & Conservation

Kenya’s wildlife is world-famous, but it’s also under threat from poaching, climate change and development. Team up with local organizations in observing and safeguarding these magnificent creatures on a trip where you’ll get close to lions, cheetah, elephants, meet the last two remaining northern white rhinos, and more. To achieve our purpose, you’ll collect data on drives around game reserves, meet organizations who are heading up conservation efforts and rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals, and learn from anti-poaching teams as they work in the savannah.

This will be a truly up close and personal experience with wildlife in East Africa, but you will also have the chance to connect with community projects and those who call the region home. Visit the Maa Trust and Kazuri beads, two women’s empowerment initiatives, walk cattle home to their boma with a Maasai herder, and visit a Maasai village for an intimate experience into their culture and everyday life.  Watch the video to the right to hear from one of our guides to learn more about the trip!

Volunteer Time = 9 hours (3 half-days)

Over the course of 10 days, you’ll be immersed into an African safari experience unlike any other. Go behind-the-scenes at some of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife-viewing areas and lend a hand on projects directly benefiting some of East Africa’s most famous animal species. Whether you’re experiencing a private interaction with the world’s last two Northern White rhinos, tracking lions alongside a local conservationist, collecting data on different species’ population numbers in the Kenyan Savannah, learning from a local elephant-orphan rescue center, or meeting a conservancy’s anti-poaching dog unit, this will be arguably the most up close and personal experience with wildlife in East Africa. Throughout the experience, take time to relax and absorb the natural beauty from the veranda of your luxury tented camp.

We’ll introduce you to many different conservation approaches happening all across Kenya and offer behind-the-scenes access to a large variety of community projects. Venture out on game drives to spot the iconic wildlife of the Kenyan Savannah including lions, elephants, hippos, cheetah, giraffe, and much more. Along the way, meet the dogs of the anti-poaching squad to learn about their role in conservation, meet chimpanzees who were rescued from the black market, learn about the last two remaining Northern White rhinos from their full-time caretakers, meet baby elephants who were orphaned and rescued and learn how they will be reintroduced into the wild, and much more. You will also participate in tracking and recording lion behavior with a lion researcher group in Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy, a population data collection with the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, participate in removing alien vegetation that is poisonous to the animals, and more.

On the cultural side of the trip, join local Maasai tribesmen on a nature walk to a traditional village in the heart of the reserve. Experience a way of life that is nearing extinction in today’s world. Journey to several women’s empowerment organizations to learn about the successes and struggles of those who call the region home.

Over the course of 10 days, experience our portfolio of unique properties set amongst the stunning natural surroundings of Kenya’s vast plains. Begin the trip with three nights at Sweetwaters Luxury Tented Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. A sheltered oasis clustered around a water hole that attracts wildlife from the surrounding reserve, the luxury tents feature en suite bathrooms & private verandas that offer unrivaled wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room. Continue on for two nights at Acacia Tree Lodge, a hotel where 100% of the proceeds from your stay go to support the Kibera slums. End the experience with four nights at Encounter Mara & Naboisho Camps, two award-winning high-end luxury camp in the famous Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Shaded by thick acacia forest, enjoy some of the best game views in Africa. From the sounds of lions roaring in the distance to its exquisite menu of local and international cuisine, this will be an unforgettable 5-star experience.