Program Duration

Fall Semester: Early September – Mid-December
Spring Semester: Early February – Early May
Summer: Community Wildlife Management: Early June – Early July or Mid-July to Mid-August
Field Study in Public and Environmental Health: early July- early August

Program Description

Offered through the School for Field Studies (SFS), the program in Kenya is co-sponsored by UW-Madison. The program is located at the Center for Wildlife Management Studies at the Kilimanjaro Bush Camp and the National Park Camp. Students will observe and conduct research in three geographical regions: Nakuru-Hell's Gate (a completely fenced park), Nairobi National Park (partially fenced), and the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem (unfenced). Participants assist the Kenya Wildlife Service through research projects including: vegetation mapping; grazing and browsing impact surveys; large mammal population counts and distributions; educational facility upgrades; and human impact.

This program is designed for all students who like to learn in an interdisciplinary and experiential environment, although it may be most appropriate for students with biology or ecology- related majors. Highlights of the program include field research, participation in field trips, community service trips, and the opportunity to gain research experience through an independent project.

Academics

Each field station is staffed by an SFS Center Director and two to three full-time, resident faculty. Most of the SFS faculty are native to the country/region in which they teach. There are three program options for students to choose from: a semester and two summer programs.

Semester students take five courses: Techniques of Wildlife Management (four credits), Wildlife Ecology (four credits), Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values (four credits), Directed Research (four credits), and Introduction to Swahili Language and East African Tribal Communities (two credits).

Summer students have two options: 1) Community Wildlife Management (four credits) which examines how land use practices within Maasai group ranches can be managed to enhance the economic livelihood of local people and also promote wildlife conservation. 2) Field Study in Public and Environmental Health (five credits) which assesses and analyzes public health and environmental concerns in identified Maasai communities.

Housing

The Kilimanjaro Bush Camp is located on twenty-five acres of fenced land at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The National Park Camp is on the southern border of Nairobi National Park. At both camps, students sleep in thatched-roof bandas, with a main building which houses a dining room, kitchen, classroom, and library. Facilities also include a duka (shop), bathrooms, and open-air showers. Meals are provided for the duration of the program.

Excursions and Activities

Students participate in a pre-departure orientation at UW-Madison and in Kenya. Field trips are part of the program. Past trips have included: Lake Nakuru National Park and Hellsgate, Manyatta- a rural settlement, Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, and Amboseli elephant research station. In addition, a variety of cultural events and activities are available to students.