Kenya school trip · 10 days
Biology and Conservation
Five days living and working alongside lion researchers and a Maasai community in the South Rift Valley, with white-water rafting on the way.
About this trip
This extraordinary adventure takes us deep into the Kenyan bush, giving us a hands-on insight into the work of scientists in a pristine wilderness area. We get a rare glimpse into a very traditional Maasai community and learn how researchers monitor and study the movements of lions and other predators in the area. We walk with semi-habituated baboon troops, devise small research projects, and undertake data collection. Practical and informal discussions on numerous topics with those directly involved in conservation are combined with excellent game viewing, with plenty of plains animals.
Trip highlights
- Five days at the Lale'enok Research Centre with working ecologists
- Track lions and other predators with the research team
- Walk with semi-habituated baboon troops and run your own data collection
- White-water rafting on the Tana River, including class IV and V rapids
- Camp under the stars in a Maasai community area
- Game viewing with plenty of plains animals
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1
Day 1
Depart from the UK, Arrive Nairobi
Meal included: dinner
After our flight from the UK, we are welcomed at Nairobi airport by our tour leader and transfer to our hotel to relax for the evening after our journey.
- 2
Day 2
White Water Rafting
All meals included
We head to the Tana River, a drop pool river offering an exciting day of white water rafting. Start with 3 km of easy class II and III white water, followed by a 6 km section with an hour or so of relaxation to view the abundance of bird life around, then cool off with a swim! The final 7 km of river, back to the campsite, starts with some easy class III waters where paddle commands are revised, followed by 3 big rapids (class IV and V). Subject to water levels you may be able to “surf” in “fish eye” and then swim the next couple of minor rapids. Our camp is in beautiful surroundings right next to the river and is a wonderful introduction to rural Kenya.
- 3
Day 3
Lale’enok Research Centre
All meals included
We make an early start for the long drive to the Lale’enok Research Centre. We break the journey for lunch at Olorgesailie, a geological formation with evidence of early man. On arrival at Lale’enok, we set up camp and are given a detailed briefing from our guides on the dos and don’ts, what to look out for and the general safety of living in the bush. There is nothing quite like camping under the African skies, and as we help prepare a wholesome evening meal the night sky lights up above. With so little light pollution, we see stellar constellations rarely spotted back in Europe.
- 4–8
Days 4–8
Lale’enok Research Centre, South Rift Valley
Over the next five days we split into sub-groups (depending on group size) and undertake a number of projects on rotation. A different activity is planned each morning and afternoon, with two afternoons set aside to go out as an entire group. We are hosted by a team of passionate environmentalists, scientific researchers, and local Maasai. For ten years the team here have been researching ecology and lion behaviour, developing long-term strategies to understand and help combat human-animal conflict. It is this longevity of their relationship with the local population that is key — opening doors that would otherwise remain firmly closed.
- 9–10
Days 9–10
Transfer to Nairobi and depart to UK
Meal included: breakfast
We transfer back to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our return flight to the UK. Depending on flight times, we may arrive back in the UK the next day.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
Where do students stay? A hotel in Nairobi on the first night, then a riverside camp for the rafting day and five nights camping at the Lale'enok Research Centre in the South Rift Valley. Camping is simple but comfortable, and the group helps prepare meals.How fit do students need to be? This is a grade 3 trip. There's a full day of rafting and five days of fieldwork on foot, including walks with the baboon troops, so reasonable fitness helps. No previous rafting experience is needed.Which subjects does this trip suit? It suits biology and geography students: ecology fieldwork, predator monitoring, data collection and human-wildlife conflict. It also works well as an expedition for any group interested in conservation.