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SFS Kenya: Elephants of the African Savanna

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1980Year established

Program Overview

Spend your summer researching Kenya’s wide diversity of primates—some of the most intelligent species on the planet and a perfect case study for animal behavior and social dynamics. Study ecology and behavior of Sykes's colobus, vervet monkeys, bush babies, and yellow and olive baboons, as well as human-wildlife conflict and conservation issues. Safari drives, field expeditions, and outdoor classes are nothing more than ordinary days in this summer program.

SFS students live and study at the Center for Water and Wildlife Studies. The Center, known locally as Kilimanjaro Bush Camp, lies in the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley, between three world-famous national parks. The snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro towers over miles of savanna, replete with diverse wildlife. Our sprawling, grassy campus includes traditional thatched cabins and a central main building just down the road from the small town of Kimana.

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Program Highlights

Examine the causes, trends, and current state of human-elephant conflicts in the Amboseli Ecosystem and their implications on elephants’ conservation and co-existence with local communities.
Learn core skills including GIS, species identification and wildlife census, animal behavior observation, water quality assessment, basic Swahili language, research design, and implementation.
Explore Amboseli National Park, widely regarded as the best place in the world to observe free-ranging elephants, on a multi-day camping trip.
Embark on a multi-day camping expedition to Maasai Mara, where you’ll hope to encounter the ‘Big Five’–the African elephant, African buffalo, lion, leopard, and black rhino.
Explore Amboseli National Park, the Kimana sanctuary, and the group ranches at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro while sighting elephants and learning about the challenges of cross-border conservation.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
All Program Activity Costs
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Transcript Fees
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Rural Areas, Kenya

Fields & Subjects

  • African Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Conflict Studies
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Humanities
  • Liberal Arts
  • Social Sciences
  • Statistics
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
  • Geography
  • Development Studies
  • Culture
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Sustainable Development
  • Agriculture
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Foreign Language
  • Government
  • Natural Sciences
  • Animal Science
  • Science

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027
  • Terms Available
  • Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Transcript
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-30

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