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The Research

The Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya, once a thriving hub of wildlife and biodiversity, has suffered from severe ecological degradation over the past 40 years. This degradation has reduced large mammal populations and disrupted wildlife migrations (Leßmeister et al., 2019). In addition to the global threats of climate change, the conversion of rangeland to cropland, followed by extensive grazing by livestock, has rapidly contributed to the degradation of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem (Løvschal et al., 2018; Lamprey and Reid, 2004; Ogutu et al., 2011).

The Enarau Wildlife Conservancy, established in the Maasai Mara in 2022 to expand its wildlife conservation areas, spans 3,140 acres with potential for future expansion. Enarau serves as a living laboratory with diverse and critical habitats, such as grasslands and wetlands, that feed into the Mara River. Here, �������� participants become integral to biodiversity monitoring and manipulative experiments on the abandoned farmland of Enarau Conservancy, contributing to a deeper understanding of the ecosystem's health and resilience. The project emphasizes a holistic approach to restoration, habitat connectivity, and the integration of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) to explore strategies applicable to degraded lands in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem and beyond.

Restoring Habitats in Kenya's Greater Maasai Mara

How You Will Help

The dedicated efforts of �������� participants will be crucial in achieving this project's research objectives by amplifying data collection efforts across a wider area and over a longer period than would be possible with professional researchers alone. This increased data density will enable the researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem's health and inform more effective long-term conservation and management strategies.

This expedition is more than a restoration project. It's an opportunity to forge a deep connection with nature, work alongside scientists and local communities, and be part of a collective movement towards restoration in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem and beyond.

Guided by scientists, participants will support restoration and data capture activities. Weather permitting, there will be five days of landscape monitoring activities and three days of Conservancy-based activities per team. Activities include the following:

Landscape Monitoring Activities (daily total 5–6 hours):

•  Bird transects (on foot), typically lasting 1–1.5 hours.
• Mammal transects (on foot or vehicle, as required) typically last 1–2 hours.
• Recording land cover classification, geographic characteristics, and various vegetation measurements typically lasts 3–4 hours.

Enarau Conservancy-based activities (very varied activities, daily total of 6 hours):

• Hands-on restoration tasks, such as removing invasive species, seed processing, propagation, seedling watering, and nursery management, based on the project’s needs and progress.
• Manipulative experiments, setting up experimental plots, and conducting vegetation surveys for cover and abundance. 
• Invertebrate sampling, including butterfly and sweep net transects (when required).
• Bird transects around the wetland area, typically lasting 1–1.5 hours.
• Camera-trapping deployment and retrieval.
• Data input and processing, such as uploading camera trap photographs to an online repository for identification.

Restoring Habitats in Kenya's Greater Maasai Mara

Essential Eligibility Requirements

All participants must be able to: 

• Walk over rough, uneven, and potentially slippery and muddy terrain for up to five to seven kilometers (3-4 miles) daily with minimal fatigue. The hiking pace is slow and steady, as observations of wildlife and plants will be conducted at an average rate of 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in 30 minutes while typically carrying no more than 5kg (11 lbs.) of equipment.
• Stand for extended periods without relying on a walking aid for support, and be able to use both hands while standing (walking aids can be used while moving over terrain)
• Feel comfortable doing manual work, such as planting or removing invasive plants, for up to 3 hours at a time (including breaks).
• Get low enough to the ground for extended periods to measure plants, collect samples, and access camera traps. And get back up without assistance. This project is unsuitable for individuals with back pain, injuries, or conditions affecting their ability to bend and stand up repeatedly. 
• Sit comfortably in vehicles as they drive over very rough, unpaved dirt roads for up to 1.5 hours at a time. 
• Be alert and ready to take evasive action (moving quickly, returning to the project vehicle, lying flat on the ground, depending on the situation, if the guard/ranger advises it (e.g., if dangerous wildlife is nearby).
• Function without a consistent source of electricity. Solar power will not always run throughout the night; therefore, the project cannot accommodate electrical devices such as a C-PAP machine.
• See clearly (with or without corrective lenses) to roughly 500 meters (1,640 feet) and see close-up to read research instruments.
• Get up and down from a four-wheel-drive vehicle, minibus, or car without assistance and ride seated with a seatbelt fastened.
• Carry personal daily supplies such as water, cameras, binoculars, and other small field equipment, no more than 5kg (11 lbs.).
• Collect data (images, samples, etc.) and search for animal signs (scat, tracks) on the ground while moving over uneven terrain and steering clear of obstacles such as animal holes and sharp branches.
• Be comfortable living and working where encounters with snakes, spiders, and various other insects are possible.
• Be comfortable using the bathroom outdoors in staff-approved private locations. Participants may be away from indoor restrooms for up to 6 hours at a time while completing research or participating in recreational activities. 
• Keep as quiet and still as possible while observing animals and working in the bush.
• Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather, including rain, heat, and humidity, in the potential presence of insects, snakes, and other wild animals.
• Dietary Restrictions: Nut allergies and kosher diets cannot be accommodated on this project. 
• Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion. 
• Take an active role in your safety by recognizing and avoiding hazards if and when they arise (including, but not limited to, those described in �������� materials and safety briefings). 
• Able to comply with project staff instructions and recommended safety measures. 
• Be able to effectively communicate with the staff if you are experiencing distress or need assistance. 
• Be able to get along with a variety of people from different backgrounds and ages, often in close proximity, for the duration of your team. 
• Be comfortable surrounded by a language and/or culture different from yours.

Restoring Habitats in Kenya's Greater Maasai Mara

Travel Planning

MEETING SPOT

Participants can either fly into the Maasai Mara (Ngerende airstrip) via Nairobi or arrange for their transport to the station at a set time on Day 1. 

Due to this project's remote location, participants will likely need to plan to spend a night in Nairobi upon arrival in Kenya before making their way to the rendezvous.

Safarilink (), Airkenya (), and Fly ALS () offer two to four flights every day from Nairobi Wilson Airport. 

Participants who plan to take a flight from Nairobi to the airstrip rendezvous should be aware that these are small airplanes, and the luggage allowance may be restricted; otherwise, you will need to pay an additional fee. Please reference the airline websites for details. 

Specific travel planning details will be provided in your �������� Expedition Logistics Document. This document can be found in your once you enroll. Please do not book travel arrangements—such as flights—until the Expedition Logistics Document matching the current year has been published to your portal account.

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

�������� strongly recommends that travelers investigate their destination before departure. Familiarity with the destination’s entry/exit requirements, visas, local laws, and customs can ensure smooth travel. and are helpful resources. For LGBTI travelers, the contains many useful tips and links.

COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You are responsible for reviewing and abiding by your destination's entry/exit requirements. 

Entry visa requirements differ by country of origin, layover, and destination, and do change unexpectedly. For this reason, please confirm your visa requirements at the time of booking and again 90 days before travel. Refunds will not be made for volunteers who cancel due to not obtaining their visa in time to meet the team at the rendezvous. You can find up-to-date visa requirements at the following website:

If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. 

Restoring Habitats in Kenya's Greater Maasai Mara

Health and Safety

EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD

The project staff members who lead the volunteers in the field activities will have cell phones and two-way radios for communication among the teams while conducting fieldwork. The station team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in case of an emergency on campus that requires transportation to the hospital.

Project staff members are not medical professionals.

�������� has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency hotline number. Someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.

All projects have detailed Emergency Response Plans; these will be shared with participants at the start of each team.

�������� has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency hotline number. Someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service. 

IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONS

Please be sure your routine immunizations are up to date and that you have the appropriate vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and their doctor. Visit the or the for guidance on immunizations.

If traveling from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses, as applicable, is strongly encouraged. For more details, please visit. For more details, please visit .

PROJECT RISKS AND CONDITIONS

LGBT

Local laws in Kenya strictly prohibit LGBTQ+ expression, and protections are limited. LGBTQ+ individuals face a credible risk of harassment and legal ramifications, including fines and jail sentences. If you identify as LGBT+, we recommend prioritizing personal safety and informed decision-making when traveling. More information about this law can be found by visiting the Safety and Security section titled Laws and Cultural Differences of's () travel advice page for Kenya. 

�������� does not support the anti-homosexuality regulations in Kenya, but we do support the safety and well-being of our participants and field staff. While we wish we did not need to make such recommendations for their safety, authorities recommend travelers avoid publicly identifying themselves as LGBT+ at all times when in-country, including same-sex public displays of affection. All our time and funding on this project goes to the research needs of the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystems and support staff working to protect them. 

Transportation

Some activities will require participants to be transported through a third-party 4x4 vehicle rental service from the project headquarters at Enarau Conservancy to the different sampling locations no further than 10 km away. This organization has experience providing transport services to volunteers and has worked closely with The Centre for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya in similar capacities. They have a wide range of tour vehicles, including 4x4 Land Cruisers and Vans customized for use in the Maasai Mara and for the volunteers' roles.

Teams may encounter several road hazards, including large trucks, potholes, livestock and wildlife, rain/mud, dust, and/or poorly maintained tarmac or dirt/gravel (corrugated) roads. Only qualified drivers will transport volunteers in project vehicles. Vehicles may occasionally drive off-road to avoid road hazards, access research sites, or, during safari drives, to get closer to wildlife. You must wear your seatbelt and always stay seated when vehicles are in motion. Volunteers are not permitted to drive.

Terrain

The terrain can be uneven and sometimes rugged, including woodlands or steep shorelines of the wetlands. Additionally, wet and muddy conditions may create slippery surfaces, increasing the likelihood of falls. Participants should walk slowly and carefully in a single file behind Guards familiar with the terrain, and always be aware of their surroundings. Participants should wear high-quality, well-broken-in walking boots with ankle protection and long pants to avoid scratches from thorny vegetation. 

Animals

During fieldwork, participants may encounter wildlife, insects, or poisonous plants that have the potential to cause bites, stings, or allergic reactions.

Once in the field, you will be briefed on the precautions for living and working in a wilderness area, particularly when walking in the open bush. You will receive a practical demonstration of bush ethics and safety during the safety briefing at the start of the expedition. Abide by the “go” and “no go” areas and never go anywhere alone. Remain alert while in the field and follow all instructions related to field communication, following distance, using hand-held radios, and responding to wildlife in close proximity. At your residence, always stay within the electric fence and always be alert to your surroundings. You must heed staff instructions and always adhere to project rules and protocols. 

The major large mammal threats will be elephants, buffalo, and big cats. 

Kenya is home to many snake species, including both venomous and non-venomous snakes. The majority are non-venomous, but the main poisonous species of concern are black and green mambas, spitting cobras (brown, black-necked, and red spitting cobras; forest, Egyptian cobra), puff adders, and boomslang. You should watch where you walk; avoid reaching into the grass without first looking where your hand is being placed; check dark, moist, cool areas; be careful unfolding materials or equipment that has been stored; and always heed staff instructions. Always wear appropriate closed-toed footwear in the field. Always use flashlights to illuminate your path at night.  

Insects

Stinging and biting insects, such as ticks, bees, ants, scorpions, and mosquitoes, are present in the region. Insect-borne diseases, such as chloroquine-resistant malaria, dengue fever, African tick fever, Rift Valley fever, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), African sleeping sickness, and yellow fever, are also present. Speak with your physician about malarial prophylaxis before fielding. 

If you have allergies to insect bites, bring appropriate medications (e.g., antihistamines or at least two Epi-Pens if your allergy is severe). Take precautions to avoid bites/ stings by wearing appropriate clothing (long sleeves and long pants) and using mosquito nets and insect repellent. There are beehives at the research sites, so if you have a bee allergy, you must bring Epi-Pens. There may also be ant nests present at certain sites and around the accommodations. Check your clothes and shoes for insects (especially scorpions) before putting them on. 

Climate/Weather

Dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses can occur, but you can protect yourself by drinking sufficient filtered water, wearing high-SPF sunscreen, taking breaks in the shade before you are distressed, and wearing appropriate clothing and hats. Dehydration from sweating can be a problem; please bring your own water bottles that you can easily carry and refill with water and/or electrolyte-replacing packets. 

Plants

Poisonous or thorny plants can cause allergic reactions or injury. Always heed the advice of project staff. Wear ankle-high hiking boots with socks and long pants, and avoid reaching into brush or trees with thorns.

Project Tasks/Equipment

Equipment used in the field, such as tools or sampling equipment, may cause tripping hazards. Staff will ensure that all equipment handlers are familiar with appropriate manual handling techniques. Protective equipment (e.g., gloves and glasses) may be required for certain tasks.

Personal Security

Participants are advised to avoid gatherings, demonstrations, or protests in Nairobi and other areas of the Central Province and the Rift Valley. Due to political tensions and the possibility of violence, participants should also avoid the Kenya/Somalia border regions. It is advisable to monitor local media and always be aware of your surroundings.

Weapons

Field rangers will carry heavy-caliber weapons for your protection. The rangers are well-trained in the safety and firing of these weapons. Volunteers will NOT handle the weapons at any time. Weapons are kept unloaded unless the teams are walking on the transects.

Distance from Medical Care

It can take up to 25 minutes from the accommodations to reach the closest medical facilities, and about 1 hour to get to the nearest fully equipped hospital. Drives could take longer in bad weather conditions. 

From the field site, it can take up to 35 minutes to reach the closest medical facilities and 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the nearest fully equipped hospital. Drives could take longer in bad weather conditions. 

Gastrointestinal Illness

Ample, potable, safe water for drinking and brushing teeth will be provided during the expedition. Participants should bring a personal first aid kit, including stomach illness relief, and prescribed antibiotics if needed. Participants should always wash their hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer before eating and drink filtered or bottled water only. Also, before travel, participants should be encouraged to speak to their doctor about other options for treating travelers' diarrhea. 

Disease

Diseases found in Kenya include hepatitis, rabies, HIV/AIDS, polio, tuberculosis, meningitis, measles, cholera, plague, chikungunya, typhoid, malaria, dengue fever, lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, African tick bite fever, schistosomiasis, and tuberculosis. Traveler’s diarrhea also affects many international travelers. You can decrease your risk of many diseases by avoiding mosquito bites, practicing good hygiene, and drinking only potable, bottled, or filtered water when appropriate. Please see the CDC () or WHO () websites for more information on these conditions and how to avoid them, or consult a travel doctor. If you feel ill once you return from your trip, inform your doctor that you have recently returned from a tropical region. 

Risk of COVID-19 or Other Respiratory Illness

�������� strongly encourages you to take precautions to help protect yourself and others from common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV: stay up to date with your vaccinations; wash your hands frequently; take steps to improve air quality, for example, by increasing ventilation indoors or gathering outdoors; and use preventative measures to limit the spread if you are sick. 

Persons with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness should consult their healthcare provider before participating. 

Restoring Habitats in Kenya's Greater Maasai Mara