Located in the north western area of Kenya this project crosses several areas within the North Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western province.Rainforests can be located in thewestern part, wide open savannah in Nyanza, Semi Arid/Deserts up in the North. The terrain and eco-systems are varied, delicate and interesting.

Once placed at the park, a volunteer is given a work program prepared by either a senior warden or the lead scientist. The work varies from tracking, located lost elephants to to biomass analysis, animal census and data entry at the park’s headquarters which are also located within the park. The work is divided up amongst the parks and reserves in the area depending on what activities are going on at the time. This means no two projects are ever the same and specific workloads are impossible to predict ahead of arrival. Here is a general idea of the general work that is conducted in each of the locations. Volunteers would be involved at various levels across these projects making this a diverse and interesting conservation project.

1. Ruma National Park- home to the endangered Roan Antelope. This is the only park where these antelopes are found. Other animals such as Rhino's, zebra's and Giraffe can also be found. Volunteers would be doing research on Tse-Tse fly's which are a menace around the area. They will be investigating wildlife's adaptation to living with the fly. There are a number of trans-locations that will take place next year and scientists need to know how the animals will adapt. They will also participate in community work, educating locals on wildlife conservation thus reducing the human / animal conflict and the benefits of not poaching or killing animal for game.

2. Mount Elgon National Park- The second highest mountain in Kenya this mountain park cuts across Uganda and Kenya. This is typical of mountains located in Africa; rainforest's, bamboo forests, moorland, and tropical Savannah ecosystems are found in the park and the mountain districts. The KWS (Kenya wildlife service) recently Trans-located Giraffes to the park and scientists are keen to know how they have adapted to the higher altitude region. Volunteer would be tracking the Giraffes and noting their behaviors. Other animals found: Buffalo, Elephants, Water Bucks, Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, Hyena, leopards.

Mt Elgon Reserve- This reserve borders the Mt Elgon Park. Here a herd of 200 elephants are found. Volunteers will join KWS game trackers to monitor their movements and behavior.

3. Saiwa Swamp National Park- The smallest park in Kenya and the most scenic. Home to the endangered Sitatunga antelope that only survives in swampy areas. Here volunteers would be engaging in Sitatunga monitoring.

4. Kakamega Forest Reserve- Rain forest forest park, home to a variety of birds and monkeys. Volunteers would be bird watching and cataloging whatever they have seen.

5. Lake Turkana- The 4th largest salt water lake is located in the Northern end of Kenya. Arid/ Desert is home to 13,000 Nile crocodile. Central Island is an volcanic island at the centre of the Lake. It has 2 fresh water crater lakes inhabited by flamingos, Tilapia fish and more crocodiles( breeding grounds). Volunteers  get a chance to monitor the crocodiles that frequent the island.

6. Nasalot National Reserve. Monitoring of all wildlife, and vegetation.
Many of The park lacks enough vehicles. Consequently, movement with the parks is sometimes limited, making it hard for the park’s staff to handle multiple projects as they would wish to. A volunteer should therefore be able to take on one assignment at a time, switching between the field and the offices. Some office and paperwork is involved and volunteers must be relaxed and flexible in approach to varied and sometime unpredictable work loads. When in Rome!

Any one looking for a close encounter within a region with great biodiversity. One needs not to be an experienced traveler to take on this project. It is suitable for the old and the young alike. Must have open mind to the variety of work and not get frustrated at the lack of funds the park has that can impact on the type of duties carried out. Some periods will be quiet where sitting under the sun is the order of the day! If you are from a conservation or related background, are mature, fit, have a sense of humour and a flexible approach to work then this is a great and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Kenya's game reserves. You will go beyond the tourist route and get up close with many plant and animal species. Photographers and nature lovers heaven as this area is simply stunning.

Accommodation would vary depending on location. Small Hotels, KWS facilities, host families. Volunteers will be given food and have access to bottled water. Dietary requirements can be requested.

There is a great deal to do when not tracking animals or helping with data of some sort at the park’s headquarters. You could travel to Lake Victoria and go traditional fishing or visit many of the other wildlife parks within a few hours drive. The local towns have bars, cafes, internet zones, ATMs and other useful facilities for you to spend your weekends. After placements some volunteers travel to relax on the white sand beaches of Mombasa or just go into Nairobi to explore the markets and many shops in the bustling capital.

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