Wildlife conservation volunteer experience in Kenya with Kwa Kila Hali Safaris.

A chance to stop being apart from nature and play a practical role in tackling conservation and environmental issues

Join us for hands-on volunteer experiences to gain a deeper connection to Africa’s wildlife through experiencing the sustainable conservation work of Soysambu Conservancy in Kenya’s Central Rift Valley.

Taking part in conservation activities provides unique opportunities to strengthen our understanding of the fragile balance between nature, the environment and human needs. Participation in environmental conservation provides a sense of achievement, a sense of being part of something worthwhile, a sense of wellbeing and a feeling of having made a positive impact

Soysambu consists of 48,000 acres adjoining Lake Elmenteita Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake Nakuru National Park and has been a working cattle ranch for 111 years. The creation of the conservancy in 2007 leading the way in developing an integrated wildlife and livestock operation that aims to alleviate human wildlife conflict. As part of a World Heritage Site, rich in diversity and unique in its history.
Soysambu is part of a World Heritage Site and recognised as an Important Bird Area. Lake Elmentetia is a RAMSAR site, a wetland of international significance that is designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Wildlife Days

Continuous research and monitoring of key species.

Work with the Field Study and Research teams identifying and monitoring the populations of giraffes, lions, colobus monkeys and birds of prey. Supporting the team of rangers and guides entering numerical and observational data. Continuous research and monitoring of key species ensures informed decisions on habitats and wildlife species are made to secure habitats and conserve the environment.

Netta.Ruthmann- Rejuvenating habitats with Indigenous tree seedlings

Plant Days

Preservation of biodiversity

Conserve the unique diverse ecological environments by identifying and tackling the removal of invasive plant species from designated sites on the conservancy.
Help provide trees for reforestation by working in the indigenous tree nursery, maintaining and planting out tree seedlings. Get involved with ‘seed balling’ spreading the seeds of native species in a unique way.

Ranch Days

Understanding human and wildlife harmony

Soysambu runs an integrated wildlife and livestock operation using livestock as an ‘ecological tool’ to manage rangelands and maximize biodiversity. Ranch days involve observing the daily work of the cattlemen, branding, dipping and monitoring livestock. De snaring involves removing wire snares and collecting broken fence wire.

F.A.Q.

Get in touch if you have any questions

Is a volunteer safari safe?

Running a safe Kenyan Safari is vital. The areas we operate in are very safe, we will only recommend areas that I know are safe to visit, and for all transfers and activities, you will be with experienced guides. All our project days are hosted and you will be with your host and guides throughout. That said, all the normal precautions that one should take when travelling to any location in the world should be adhered to.

What do I need to bring for project days?

Sturdy and comfortable walking boots. Long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, water bottle and sun cream. We will provide suitable personal protection equipment and tools as necessary for project activities.

What else should I bring?

Toiletries, personal first aid kit and medicines. Sandals/slippers and a towel. A warm fleece/jumper. Sunglasses. A small set of binoculars would be advantageous. We provide blankets, sheets and pillows but you may like to bring your own sleeping bag.

What is the sleeping accommodation like?

All our volunteers sleep in shared accommodation, the rooms have either 2 twin beds or 2 twin beds and bunk beds. Each room has an ensuite bathroom (toilet, sink and shower) and bedding is provided (sheets, pillow and blankets) along with a twice a week laundry service.

What else do I need to know about the camp?

The gardens have sunny and shady seating areas. Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas. We strive to maintain a quiet camp, so music is not allowed. There is a pool and an outside pool sitting area.

What is the food like?

Your stay at camp includes all meals plus drinking water. Our food is home cooked, seasonal, locally sourced, mainly vegetarian with a Kenyan influence. If you have food intolerances and allergies, get in contact with us directly. We strive towards a zero-waste camp.

Will I be able to stay in touch with home throughout my trip?

Volunteer Safaris are a chance for you to focus on “getting away” and enjoying your surroundings and magnificent wildlife! However, you will have access to WiFi in public areas of the camp and mobile networks in the area. If it is vital for you to have a connection, please let me know so I can confirm that there are facilities for you. Keep in mind that the more remote you are, the slower or more intermittent your connection will likely be.

What is the malaria risk in Kenya?

I recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling to Kenya for any information on vaccines/boosters and malaria tablets. There is a high risk of malaria in the areas below 2500m. Please bring all personal medications required as medical services and facilities are basic in the bush.

What about eco-tourism practices?

Kenya is at the forefront of sustainable travel and has found a balance between communities, tourists and conservation and has embarked on a national level sustainable tourism master plan. Reducing our personal carbon footprint continues to be an important strategy against global warming and climate change. We use a carbon footprint travel calculator, to calculate the carbon offset of the camp, menu choices and activities.