Kenya Raptor Conservation & Rehabilitation Program

Our Volunteer Programme offers a unique and immersive opportunity to experience wildlife conservation within a working sanctuary in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Based at Kilimandege Sanctuary on the shores of Lake Naivasha, the programme provides hands-on, practical training in raptor conservation—an area few organisations specialise in.

Volunteers gain first-hand experience in a wide range of conservation activities. These may include conducting population surveys and banding studies (subject to permits) of African Fish Eagles on Lake Naivasha by boat, and Augur Buzzards on land within this internationally recognised RAMSAR site and birdwatching hotspot. You may also assist in monitoring the breeding population of the Critically Endangered Rüppell’s Vulture in Hell’s Gate National Park.

In addition, volunteers have the opportunity to observe and learn from our in-house avian veterinarian, support rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and contribute to ongoing initiatives to protect and enhance the Kilimandege Sanctuary.

The program offers a unique opportunity to work alongside experienced conservationists, veterinarians, and researchers, contributing directly to wildlife conservation while learning about raptor rehabilitation, research, education, and community outreach. Placements range from short-term volunteer stays to longer internships for those pursuing careers in conservation and wildlife management.

You will benefit greatly from joining one of the most unique conservation initiatives in the region. This programme offers a fantastic insight into how a wildlife conservation project operates in Africa, combined with hands-on training in falconry—one of the oldest field sports and an essential tool in raptor rehabilitation. Participants gain first-hand experience of the real challenges facing conservation in modern Africa, while working closely with both wild and captive birds through research, ongoing care, and rehabilitation efforts.

In addition, the programme provides an excellent opportunity to develop valuable vocational skills in raptor conservation, rehabilitation, and environmental education. Volunteers and interns will also have the chance to collaborate with and learn from world-renowned local and international scientists, wildlife professionals, and veterinarians. Overall, the experience is both rewarding and transformative, offering an unforgettable and life-changing journey in the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers are involved in a wide range of daily and field-based activities, including:

• Daily care of captive birds, including feeding and enclosure cleaning and maintenance

• Assisting with the repair and improvement of aviaries and facilities

• Leading guided tours of the raptor centre and birdwatching walks within the sanctuary

• Supporting the on-site veterinarian in the clinic when required

• Assisting with the rescue and transport of injured or sick birds

• Participating in sanctuary upkeep, including tree planting, invasive species removal, and wildlife monitoring

• Supporting the development and maintenance of the on-site tree nursery

• Learning basic carpentry and woodworking skills for conservation projects

• Assisting with fieldwork such as trapping and tagging raptors (e.g. African Fish Eagles and Augur Buzzards)

• Monitoring local raptor populations and identifying nesting sites

• Assisting with data collection, entry, and basic analysis

• Taking part in educational outreach visits to schools and local communities

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working outdoors and should have a keen interest and love for animals and wildlife. All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program.