My volunteering experience in Naboisho Conservancy

Rubbing elbows with Kenya's wildlife

Danielle
Danielle
Intern
Published on
12 Nov 2018
Updated on
25 Apr 2025

In June 2014, I spent a month volunteering for African Impact's Big Cat Wildlife Research and Conservation in Kenya’s Naboisho Conservancy. Located just outside the Masai Mara National Reserve, it is an absolutely stunning location, with abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes. I arrived at the end of the long awaited rainy season and was a little bit apprehensive as I had heard that African storms could be rather fierce. They were fierce, but also incredible to witness, particularly the dry lightning that used to light up the horizon at night time.

A Young Cheetah
One of the young cheetahs I saw

The volunteer accommodation was a collection of tents and basic dormitories surrounding a kitchen and dining room area. Located in the heart of the bush, it offered no natural barrier between us and the wilderness. It wasn’t uncommon for baboons and the occasional hyena to wander through camp, and a young female cheetah had her territory just a few minutes away from where we stayed. At night, we would hear male lions roaring as they patrolled the reserve, on the look out for intruding lions. None of this meant that we were in any danger however, it just meant that you didn’t set foot outside your bedroom during the night. In fact, the only scary thing about living at the camp was the idea that you might forget to lock the kitchen door. If you did, the baboons would get in and steal the sugar, or, on one occasion, a tub of fermented banana being used to lure butterflies in. This resulted in some very quiet and no doubt hungover baboons lolling around camp the next morning.

African Impact Accomodation
Bedroom at African Impact
Dining Area At African Impact
Dining room at African Impact

Naboisho Conservancy has a wide abundance of wildlife, including four of the big five - lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Rhinos are very occasionally seen in the conservancy. As the reserve had no fences surrounding it, the animals were free to come and go as they pleased. Naboisho is also home to zebras, giraffes, hyena and many other species. Thanks to our driver's very sharp eyes, we were able to get glimpses of some rarely seen animals, including aardwolves and a zorilla (a type of polecat!).

The guides and volunteer coordinators were extremely knowledgeable about the African bush and its inhabitants and quickly made us feel like valued members of the team. My day to day activities included going out on game drives 2-3 times a day to collect behavioural data on big cats and elephants. We were able to get quite close to the animals and soon began to recognise certain individuals and learn about their personalities. I also took part in game counts twice a week, to help monitor species population levels.

A Lion Relaxing
Relaxing lion
A Leopard At Naboisho
A leopard in Naboisho
A Watchful Cheetah
Watchful cheetah

Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons were spent teaching wildlife lessons to a local primary after school club. The club was initially set up as a voluntary activity for the children, but after a few weeks all of the students (nearly 100 in total) opted to come along. We gave verbal presentations and led them in practical activities such as litter picking and tree planting. It was great to see so many children getting passionate about conservation and showing concern for the natural world around them.

The Childrens Wildlife Club
The children's wildlife club
Fun And Games
Fun and games

In my free time, I was able to take part in activities such as night drives, bush walks and a day trip to the Masai Mara, where we stopped for a picnic on the plains and watched the migrating wildebeest amble past. Kenya, as a country, is football-crazy, and the time of my volunteering placement coincided with the 2014 World Cup, so quite a few evenings were spent sat in the TV room of a Masai guiding school, watching the matches with the students. I’m not much of a football fan, but the enthusiasm that the trainee guides were showing soon got me very excited as well.

The Great Migration
View from our picnic in the Masai Mara

The volunteer placement enabled me to gain so much knowledge and experience while at the same, allowing me to contribute to the amazing conservation efforts that are being carried out in Naboisho. I also made friends with people from all over the world. I would definitely recommend this project and the African Impact company on the whole to anyone considering doing a volunteering placement with African wildlife. Living right in the heart of the African bush was an amazing experience, one that I will never forget. I would encourage anyone visiting Africa who loves the outdoors and wants a more rustic experience to give this a try.

Acacia Tree
Acacia Tree
Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024