The Institute of Primates Research is part of the 400 acres Ololua natural tropical forest near Karen, approximately 20kms from the Nairobi city centre.
The Institute was established by Louis Leaky 1960 with monkeys as models to understand human evolution and as a facility for collection and studies of East African primates.
Since its inception, IPR has expanded tremendously in both physical and researches facilities and is now focused on the breeding and use of non-human primate study, prevent and or treat human diseases under the auspices of the animal welfare. The Institute has out door and indoor housing facilities for breeding colonies of about 270 primates is an institution of the National Museums of Kenya IPR is a non-profit making organization, which undertakes research on bio-medical/animal welfare and conservation aspects using East African Primates.
The Institute undertakes research in basic and applied aspects using monkeys. IPR is involved in collaborative and contract research in association with academic and industry at the international level. The institute is recognized by the World Health Organization.

Being a research institute endowed with some of the best researchers on the continent, a volunteer is invited to share his or her experiences at the institution. The scientists have various on going projects that a volunteer could help in. Such projects will be best enjoyed by interested in animal research that has a connection to human evolution and medicine and diseases. The institute offers an opportunity for research using animals. On one end, the research is aimed towards knowing primate's ecological behavior. On the other end, the institute is popular with European drug manufacturers who use the animals to test medicines.

Some of the programs run by the institute include: Reproductive Biology; Infectious Diseases; Virology; Primate Ecology and Conservation; Primate Medicine; Vaccine Research and Development. It also offers training for Masters and PhD students in this field.

To get you more understanding on its role, the institute's mission is:

Research in primate biology with relevance to primate ecology and human health. Field research is directed towards ecology and conservation while institute based areas of research are in parasitology (schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis), virology (SIV/HIV, rotaviruses, endogenous retroviruses), reproductive biology (fertility regulation, reproductive health), and pathology/primate medicine.

You will chose a topic to focus on and then follow-up on it on a day to day basis or as you may wish. While volunteering at the institute, you can chose to stay within its compound where they provide very good accommodation and a place you can make your own food, or stay with a host family within the capital Nairobi, about 20 kilometers away.
 

This program would best professionals, students or people involved in animal research and study on how primates can effect positive change in human lives. The Institute also has a department of fauna and flora, hence would also suit ecological conservationists. The centre does sometimes conduct animal experiments so would not suit some people.

Volunteer could either be accommodated by a carefully selected and vetted host family in Nairobi. Those who book in advance can be accommodated at Institute’s quarters.

This placement would suit students who have a mandate to Conduct biomedical research relevant to the health and welfare of mankind. It would also be perfect for people who would like to conduct field-based research aimed at understanding the conservation, ecology and disease status of all species of non-human primates in their natural habitat in Kenya.

It is usually said of Kenya that, “A visit to Kenya without a stop at Mombasa is no visit to Kenya” The city is a wash with activities ranging from a swimming to basking on the White sandy beaches. For a memorable swim, a trip to Kisite Marine Park would make Kenya a person’s favorite get away destination. Imagine taking a swim on a perfectly white sandy island at the middle of nowhere. Mombasa is surrounded with a number animal parks including Tsavo National park that is three hours away. Shimba hills game reserve where some of the biggest elephants in the world are found is also a couple of kilometers away from the city. For nature lovers, there are loads of aquatic flora and fauna, and topography to marvel at. The southern coast of Mombasa is full of lagoons to snorkel in as well as a visit to the Mangrove swamps where you can canoe and spot the crocodiles! In Mombasa the party never stops for the out going people.
( We can add on a Safari when you are in Kenya. You don't have to book in advance if you have not made your mind up.)

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