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SFS Kenya: Elephants of the African Savanna

by: The School for Field Studies

Add first reviewSince 1980

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.

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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Rural Areas, Kenya
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Terms Available:
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • African Studies
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Conflict Studies
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Culture
  • Development Studies
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Geography
  • Government
  • Humanities
  • Liberal Arts
  • Natural Sciences
  • Science
  • Social Sciences
  • Statistics
  • Sustainable Development
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2026

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Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Rural Areas, Kenya

Types and Subjects

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

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Terms Available:
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • 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

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Transcript
  • Online Application

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