A KVSO - UNESCO Volunteer’s Experience At The Mara Osero Volunteer Project.

Conservation nature walk

On 5/8/2025 , more than 20 World Heritage Volunteers convened at the lush Mara Osero Conservation Project ahead of the 9-day UNESCO volunteer programme.On arrival at the camp, we were welcomed with generous servings of sumptuous, juicy beef from Maasai land. Since it was a cold night, we lit a bonfire and exchanged pleasantries after a long 11-hour drive on the poor roads.

Our loud laughter echoed through the still Conservation as we shared tales by the fire, while the moon shone brightly above us. When the sounds of crickets began to interrupt our cheerful moment, we knew it was time for sleep. Under the moonlight, we stumbled into our pitched tents.

“I know it’s a bit dark, but when you wake up tomorrow, you’ll see paradise under the sunlight. Only then will you appreciate the beauty of Mara Osero…”The owner of Mara Osero, once a city boy now turned bushman, Geoffrey Kamoye (Jeff) chimed in before scampering off to bed after the long day.

The next morning, we woke up to a chorus of different birds chirping the natural music of Mara Osero. Their melodious calls felt like a harmonica, a tune any nature lover would wish to wake up to every day.True to Jeff’s words, the morning light revealed a lush green camp with manicured hedges and colourful flower gardens.

Our first day was restful. A fitness trainer guided us through sit-ups and light games to stretch our muscles a tender love and care session for our weary bodies, though we had no idea that Jeff was planning for our relaxed muscles .

We explored the camp, joined in activities, and got to know each other. Volunteers from different countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Egyptand Nigeria among other countries shared their cultures and professional backgrounds. Working together, we prepared meals, with the Baganda volunteers treating us to their traditional matoke a scrumptious dish we all enjoyed.

Curiosity led us to ask Jeff whether animals often visited the camp. With his ever-present smile, he explained that he had learned to live with them. He narrated how elephants once stormed his greenhouse and how he had witnessed a lion attacking a cow on a game drive. His face grew sullen as he spoke of such sad encounters, all we could do was sympathise with him.

Casually, Jeff, our tour guide, mentioned that the following day we would go for a walk in the Savannah. He said it so lightly that it didn’t occur to us how demanding it would be. My muscles were in for a rude shock the next morning after a four-hour trek through the vast forest and down to the Mara River.

It began with a nature talk about indigenous trees like the African olive, beloved by bees for its bittersweet taste. Jeff handed us herbs a natural deodorant and asked us to rub them under our arms. We laughed it off as we carried heaps of the leaves. Along the way, we saw trees felled by elephants.

Unlike human destruction, which include deforestation, elephant destruction of trees in contribute to conservation, since elephants are champions of seed dispersal, enabling regrowth of vegetation.At face value, their destruction is negative but compared to man’s logging, elephant activity brings life to landscapes.Breaking canopies, they allow sunlight to come in and make clearings for new development.They planted the woods of tomorrow through seed dispersal in their nutrient-rich dung.Elephants are wild gardeners, keeping the natural balance. Protecting them is protecting life itself.

We spotted shy dik-diks darting away, and it was heartwarming to see zebras and donkeys grazing together a happy equine family. Jeff, an experienced guide, knew the animal corridors well. At one point, he cautioned us to stay silent as a herd of elephants approached. With a finger pressed to his lips, he reminded us to keep our distance. Breath held, I watched in awe as elephants passed by ; a truly thrilling moment.

At the Mara River, the loud snores of rhinos greeted us as they gasped for air. While we marveled at the bubbling waters and the thriving population of rhinos, one charged at us on our way back. Thankfully, it retreated after we hurled a couple of stones.

The trek back nearly drained me, especially when I had to climb a hill. Exhausted, I relied on the encouragement and teamwork of my fellow volunteers, who held my hand and cheered me on until I reached the camp safely.

Meal times at the camp were another highlight. We feasted on Kenyan dishes like ugali, pilau, chapati, and matoke. Red and white meat , a Maasai favourite , was in plenty. We also immersed ourselves in Maasai culture, donning shukas, dancing their traditional dances, and attempting the jumping contest (though none of us could out-jump them!). According to Maasai tradition, the highest jumper wins the most beautiful bride.

The Maasai women welcomed us warmly, showing us their embroidery and beadwork, which they sell to support their families. We learned that Maasai women also build the manyattas traditional houses. With the guidance of Damaris, we even tried constructing one ourselves, though not nearly as perfectly as the Maasai women do.

We marked International Youth Day on 12th August 2025 by planting indigenous trees in the conservation area.With Mr. Stephen Chesa (Head of Special Operations, Kenya Forest Service), Eric Eschweile-Dienerowitz (UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme – Paris), Linus Onyango (Kenia Voluntary Service Organization), and other colleagues in UNESCO volunteering, we organized an active tree growing exercise. We chose indigenous species because of their resilience and cultural significance.

By engaging young people actively in the conservation of our environment, we are closer to achieving Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Initiative and increasing our country’s forest cover. Young people are the leaders of tomorrow and the champions of climate action today.

On Culture Day in the camp , volunteers dressed in colourful cultural regalia, and together with the Maasai, we participated in goat slaughtering. According to custom, only a chosen Maasai can perform the ritual, otherwise the meat’s taste is believed to change. Later, we savoured the tender roasted meat by the fireplace. Our evenings were filled with storytelling, art, and music always with the recurring theme of conserving the environment.

Nights at Mara Osero were magical filled with hyena laughter and lion roars. We clung to each other, bonded with nature, and felt alive. Mornings brought birdsong and steaming cups of fresh, milky tea from Maasai cows. Electricity may be a necessity in many places, but not for the bushmen or visitors of Mara Osero Conservation Project.

Disconnected from the noise of the internet, we felt deeply in tune with the earth.When the programme ended, tears flowed as we waved goodbye. We left Maasai Mara with renewed spirits, grateful for the magic we had experienced.

On our final day we left for Migori Town and toured Thimlich Ohinga World Heritage Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we explored the intriguing history of the fortress and the vibrant Luo culture that surrounds it. The importance of cultural heritage cannot be overstated; it unites us and teaches us to preserve both culture and environment.

We thank UNESCO, KVSO, and every World Heritage Volunteer who joined us. I thank Green climate Network for giving me this magical, thrilling and educative experience. May we always recognise our cultures, remember where we came from, and let these bonds unite us rather than divide us. May we also use our cultures to safeguard the environment and manage our natural resources for future generations.