Kenya’s Enarau Conservancy, an important wildlife sanctuary, contains a landscape at a tipping point. Spanning more than 3,000 acres on the northern edge of the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem, this vast refuge encompasses sweeping grasslands, wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them—elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and the predators that follow. But decades of farming and overgrazing have stripped the soil, fragmented habitat and driven animals away. On this native habitat restoration project, you’ll help track their return. Work alongside scientists and Maasai landowners to collect field data and test how degraded ecosystems respond. Surveying animal populations, you’ll contribute to rebuilding a critical wildlife corridor—a project that will help shape conservation across East Africa.
Research at a Glance
Your Role in Research
The Research Focus
Restore degraded savanna ecosystems in the Maasai Mara while tracking how vegetation, soil and wildlife respond, building a clearer understanding of how biodiversity returns over time.
What You'll Do
Collect field data through wildlife surveys, vegetation measurements and camera trapping, while supporting hands-on restoration work including planting and nursery activities.
Why It Matters
Decades of land use have degraded the Maasai Mara, reducing wildlife and disrupting migration. This project helps rewild the habitat and support species return across East Africa.
Meet Your Lead Scientists
Antonio Uzal, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Conservation Biology, Nottingham Trent University
Wildlife Ecology, Kenya
Andrew Gichira, Ph.D.
Research Manager, Center for Ecosystem Restoration
Restoration Ecology, Kenya
Stewart Thompson, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor, Oxford Brookes University
Biodiversity Conservation, Kenya
Experience the Maasai Mara as a Living Laboratory
Stay at Enarau Conservancy, where scientists and Maasai landowners are actively rebuilding habitat and studying how a savanna ecosystem recovers.
Witness Iconic African Wildlife
See elephants, giraffe, zebra, and antelope across the Maasai Mara’s famed open plains—where massive herds and relentless predator action play out in full view.
Support Community-Led Conservation
Join Maasai landowners and scientific researchers using Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to restore land, support wildlife and sustain livelihoods.
Live Inside a Landscape in Recovery
Stay at Enarau Conservancy, established in 2022, where change is visible across the landscape and daily fieldwork unfolds just beyond your door.Experience the Maasai Mara Beyond a Traditional Safari
Enjoy all the benefits of observing the Maasai Mara’s abundant wildlife with added ecological insight that brings the restoration story of the landscape to life.Understand What’s Driving Change in the Mara
Explore how grazing, climate pressure and land use shape the Maasai Mara, and learn why restoring balance across this system is complex and urgent.Visit a Native Seed Nursery
Discover how native plants are grown using Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to guide restoration and support long-term ecosystem recovery.Understand the People and Ideas Behind the Work
Spend time with Maasai community members to see how land use, culture and conservation intersect where ecological recovery and human well-being are closely linked.Learn From an Expert Field Guide
Your Field Guide is with you throughout the entire trip and ensures each day runs smoothly, coordinating logistics and providing personalized support throughout the trip.Travel With an Intentionally Small Group
A limited group size ensures meaningful time in the field, direct access to scientists and an active role in daily conservation work.Explore with Purpose
Take part in fieldwork that supports ongoing conservation, contributing to the recovery of wildlife and habitat across one of Africa’s most important ecosystems.
