Masai Mara is the heartland of Africa’s wildlife, the hub of tourism and the mighty kingdom of cats roamed by majestic prides of lions, paced by the elegant speed of the cheetah and shadowed by the mighty strength of the leopard. Home to a countless array of wildlife its simply staggering and anyone who visits rarely is disappointed. Herds of elephants wandering around, jackals, hyena and brightly marked lizards are just a small slice of this amazing location.
Located to the South Eastern part of Kenya, the mighty Mara’s Savannah beauty cannot be described in words, pictures or on television screens; one has to see with his or her own eyes to get a glimpse of what Mother Nature ecological beauty is all about.
 

The park is today rated amongst the Seven Wonders of the World thanks to its annual spectacular wildebeest migration, accompanied by thousands of Zebra and Grants gazelles. Masai Mara is one of most visited nature spots in the world, hence one of the most expensive tourism destinations, however, through Inspire Kenya one gets to volunteer and live in the Reserve, on ongoing Wildlife research projects at costs that would afford one nothing more than a single day's bed and breakfast.

Once placed at the Reserve, a volunteer is given a work program prepared by the Projects’ lead Scientist. Projects include monitoring and counting Hippopotamus along the Mara River, Lion monitoring in the Reserve and adjacent Community Group Ranches and occasional surveillance of other wildlife species like Cheetah.  In addition, volunteers participate in Vegetation biomass assessments and monthly Wildlife road counts/census carried out at the Field Research Station. Volunteers must be prepared to get hands dirty.
The ongoing projects lacks enough computers and other field equipments, hence a volunteer could carry a laptop to be able to make the sharing of computers easy. Other duties include office data entry and other similar tasks.

Any one looking for a close encounter within a park 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 or taking photos of the amazing wildlife that sits on your doorstep. Other days, get up close with some of the most amazing wildlife in the world as well as helping an under-funded organisation do its conservation work for everyone to enjoy.

Volunteers will be accommodated within the park, with enough food and bottled water supplies. A Wildlife service guesthouse is available with living area, bathroom and bedrooms. Electric limited to 2hrs per night. Food provided but self catering. The Guest house is remote and only suitable for volunteer seeking true bush experience as getting to local towns can only be done by pre arranged transport.

Despite the difficulties the Kenya wildlife service have, volunteering in this environment would leave you with unforgettable memories. The landscape, the weather, the atmosphere, the sounds of animals at night and the sun sets make this a wonderful experience and adventure. Book early as places are limited due to two volunteers at any one time.

There is a great deal to do when not tracking animals or helping with data of some sort at the park’s headquarters. The Masai Mara is surrounded by a flourishing Masai culture that one could engage in.
Visit their homesteads, try out their cuisine and try out their traditional music. The Masai people are warm and friendly. From watching them herd cattle to playing pool with then in local bars there is plenty to do for the adventurous. You can also get the bus to Narok, where you will find bars, internet cafes and shops. Inspire staff and Wildlife service agents can advise on the local area upon induction.

The current fee for this project includes all food, accommodation, transport and airport collection and departure, induction in Nairobi and wildlife inductions. You just need some spending money and your return flights to Kenya. 4 Weeks on this projects with dates to suit you are €1799 ( Euro) Max 2 people at one time. Join the adventure.

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