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Giraffe Ambassadors

Why choose Giraffe Ambassadors?

Giraffe Ambassadors is a volunteer and gap year program provider based at Soysambu Conservancy in Kenya's Rift Valley. We run hands-on programs in wildlife conservation, veterinary and livestock support, sustainable agriculture, archaeology, and community development including Africa's first citizen-science project dedicated to the critically endangered Nubian giraffe. Volunteers of all backgrounds join local teams working directly with wildlife and communities across nine programs in Kenya.

Founded
2020

Frequently asked questions

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Reviews

Nami
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Dream: Kenya

It had been my dream since childhood to work in Kenya, and I found this volunteer program because I just couldn't give up on that dream!
It was my first time traveling abroad alone, so I was nervous about everything, but the staff gave me a warm welcome upon my arrival in Kenya.
Every day, I encountered various forms of wildlife, experienced Kenyan culture, and interacted with many people—truly immersing myself in the country with my whole being.
Before I went, I was focused solely on learning about animals and gaining experience, but I also discovered the wonderful value of connecting with people.
The three weeks flew by in the blink of an eye.
Next time I visit, I hope to have mastered English and Swahili so I can learn even more deeply about the animals.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
When the staff member said, “Look over there!” and steered the vehicle off the road and into the grass, I wondered, “Where? Where?”—only to spot a small animal. I was truly impressed; it is hard enough to spot wildlife even when you are close, so the fact that they could pick it out from such a distance across the vast landscape was amazing!
In a forest-like area, they pointed up at the trees to show us a troop of monkeys. Their ability to spot wildlife was truly incredible.
Pros
  • You can make friends from around the world.
  • You can experience a whole new world.
  • You can encounter many different kinds of wildlife.
What other participants should know
  • It can be difficult to stay for a long time because of the cost.
Sabrina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Meaningful and Unforgettable Conservation Experience in Kenya

I spent three incredible weeks volunteering with Giraffe Ambassadors at the Soysambu Conservancy in Kenya, and it was an experience I will always cherish. From the very first day, I felt genuinely welcome and well taken care of. The team created a supportive and friendly environment, and I felt safe and comfortable at all times.

The project offered a wonderful balance between meaningful conservation work and cultural immersion. Through this experience, I not only learned a lot about giraffe research and wildlife conservation, but I also had the chance to truly get to know Kenya as a country. The landscapes, the people, and the daily life at the conservancy made me fall in love with Kenya.

Living and working at Soysambu Conservancy was incredibly enriching. Being surrounded by nature and wildlife every day was both humbling and inspiring, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and the dedication behind them. I am very grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend the Giraffe Ambassadors program to anyone looking for a meaningful, safe, and well-organized volunteer experience in wildlife conservation.

Lamon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My adventures in Kenya 2023

I got the opportunity to travel to Kenya in 2023. I got to go to the giraffe ambassador location. It was about an hour away from Nairobi and it was gated their security guards at the front. It was well protected and again it was on the conservation, so no civilians could come in. This was only for people who worked there and for volunteers during my time there I got to spend time with the kids I got to spend time with the communities as well as overall just being there. I got to help build Eco stoves in the communities as well as monitor the birds and all different types of animals. My trip there was a 10 out of 10 because not only was everyone so kind and supporting, but when I needed help or when I was in distress, they were always there for me and never once gave up. There were a few times I wasn’t feeling too good, but they were there immediately and made sure I felt as comfortable as I could if you listen to what they have to say and keep an open mind you have more fun. The adventures there are never-ending and unforgettable. I plan on coming back very soon. I’ve been traveling around the world a little bit more but hopefully within this year or next year, I will be coming back down to go to the same program as Well. I hope this review helped others. Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you again to the giraffe ambassadors of Kenya, I will be down soon.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers make sure you have all your preparations and make sure to keep an open mind the more open your mind is the more fun you’re going to have there be prepared to make more memories with some of the people there and make sure to keep a positive attitude about it. All you may miss your family here and there, but just remember cherish every insignificant moment. The time will fly when you have fun.
Pros
  • Helping the communities
  • Learning different culture
  • Learning how to be creative
What other participants should know
  • None
  • None
  • None
Constance
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Had a great time!

I stayed to volunteer here for 2 weeks and it was a very insightful and fulfilling experience for me. The hospitality and staff were amazing and made me feel very welcome. We got to do a variety of different activities to help the community/wildlife. The safaris were also very interesting and we got to see many amazing animals and learn about them as well. The accommodation was also excellent and the staff always made sure we were taken care of. I really recommend this experience and I honestly wish I stayed longer.

What was your funniest moment?
Playing uno and darts in the evenings
Pros
  • Great food
  • Interesting and fun activities
  • Amazing hospitality
Ross
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sutton Park School - Trip to Kenya

The experience for our students was unbelievable! Coming from Dublin, Ireland our students would never interact with people, animals and all the small aspects of the trip that we were fortunate to encounter. Our students were lucky enough to work closely with the Giraffe in Soysambu Conservency as well as with the students from the local school. The entire experience will hopefully open our young students eyes to the world and show them how other people live. Collins & his team were on hand to help with anything we needed from medication to extra trips, nothing was too much.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The traffic in Kenya is obviously different to Europe, our students were definitely not ready for what they saw in terms of the roads and driving behaviour. Luckily our drivers were well equiped and could keep us safe in all the various situations.
Pros
  • Community involvement
  • Working within the conservancy and seeing the various animals and birdlife
  • Cultural exposure - Seeing outside our small protected Ireland bubble
What other participants should know
  • Distance - Cost of travel
  • Administration and risk for the traveling group
  • If you had to ask our students... Bugs! and lack of snacks!

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