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Kasigau Wildlife Conservation and Community Development
A community conservation, volunteer exchange and rural development initiative in the greater Tsavo landscape.
Working alongside the Taita community, wildlife rangers and volunteers to protect biodiversity, reduce conflict between people and wildlife, and build sustainable local livelihoods around Mount Kasigau.
About this programme
To promote wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable community development through local and international volunteer participation, environmental education, cultural exchange and community initiatives in Kasigau, Taita Taveta County.
Kasigau sits in Taita Taveta County within the wider Tsavo ecosystem, one of the most important wildlife landscapes in East Africa. Rising to about 1,640 metres above sea level, Mount Kasigau is surrounded by savannah plains, dryland forests and rich mountain habitats that serve as vital migration corridors for elephants, big cats and birdlife.
For generations, the Taita community lived in the hills near reliable water sources, farming and keeping livestock alongside wildlife on the plains. Over time, population growth, expanding settlements and pressure on land and water have led to rising conflict between people and wildlife. Protecting nature here requires practical approaches that work for local families as well as for wildlife.
This project brings together members of the Taita community, wildlife rangers, conservation groups and local and international volunteers. Through shared conservation work, environmental education, sustainable farming and cultural exchange, we aim to support peaceful coexistence and lasting rural livelihoods.
Project vision
A future where people and wildlife live side by side in peace, natural ecosystems are protected, and local communities enjoy sustainable livelihoods through conservation, education and responsible development.
Project mission
To bring together local communities and volunteers to protect wildlife, care for the environment, celebrate cultural heritage and strengthen sustainable livelihoods through community participation and shared action.
What this programme sets out to do
Clear, participatory priorities established together with community partners and local groups.
Support the protection of elephants, lions, cheetahs, birds and local habitats through community participation, conservation awareness and collaboration with wildlife rangers.
Care for dryland forests, mountain catchment areas, water sources and wildlife corridors while encouraging sustainable land use.
Strengthen household incomes through conservation work, responsible ecotourism, sustainable agriculture and local community enterprises.
Support practical community solutions and awareness that reduce conflict between farming families and wildlife.
Build capacity with local residents, especially women and young people, through skills training, environmental education and small enterprise support.
Create space for international and local volunteers to work side by side, swap knowledge, build friendships and contribute to peace and community life.
Celebrate and pass on Taita cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, storytelling, basketry and shared daily life.
Projects and activities on the ground
Practical, collaborative activities led alongside local residents, schools, youth and women's groups.
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Wildlife Conservation and Peaceful Coexistence
- Learning about elephant migration corridors, local wildlife habitats and threats such as habitat loss and climate change
- Spending time with community and wildlife rangers to understand monitoring, patrol work and wildlife tracking
- Supporting practical coexistence methods that keep elephants out of family farms, such as beehive fencing and chili deterrent techniques
- Planting indigenous trees, protecting natural water sources and joining community clean up campaigns
- Exploring how responsible ecotourism, local guiding and community enterprises create income for residents
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Mount Kasigau Nature Exploration
- Undertaking guided hikes up Mount Kasigau through savannah and cloud forest zones alongside experienced local guides
- Learning about indigenous trees, medicinal plants and the mountain's role as a vital water catchment
- Observing wildlife, documenting nature through photography and taking in sunrise and sunset views over the plains
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Bird Watching and Biodiversity Monitoring
- Joining guided bird walks to identify local and migratory bird species across savannah and forest habitats
- Recording sightings and feeding behaviour as part of supervised community biodiversity monitoring
- Learning how birdlife and endangered species reflect the health of the wider ecosystem
Historical Exploration of Mount Kasigau
- Visiting First World War historical sites (1914 to 1918) around Mount Kasigau with knowledgeable local guides
- Exploring historical trenches and military positions from the East African campaign
- Learning how regional history shaped the Taita community and why protecting historical heritage matters
Cultural Exchange with the Taita Community
- Taking part in traditional Taita music, drumming, dancing and storytelling
- Learning traditional beadwork, jewellery making and basket weaving, including weaving Chiondo bags
- Visiting local homes and women's groups to learn about Taita customs and community life
Youth Empowerment and Environmental Education
- Organising environmental workshops and climate change discussions with local young people and schools
- Running football matches, sports days, outdoor nature walks and leadership games that build teamwork and confidence
Everyday Community Life and Traditions
- Living and working alongside local hosts, sharing communal cooking and preparing traditional Kenyan meals
- Learning about dryland farming, livestock keeping, local markets and neighbourhood cooperation
Cycling Across the Kasigau Plains
- Joining guided cycling routes through rural villages and savannah plains selected for safety, weather and fitness levels
Optional Historical and Wildlife Excursions
- Optional visits to nearby Tsavo National Parks, heritage sites or coastal attractions after project work is done (organised separately and may involve additional costs)
Moments from our Kasigau Wildlife Conservation and Community Development work
Everyday moments of learning, collaboration and community life shared with dignity and consent.
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How we work and keep everyone safe
Practical community participation, volunteer collaboration and environmental responsibility guiding every activity.
Community Participation
Local residents lead in identifying needs, planning activities and guiding conservation work.
Volunteer Collaboration
International and local volunteers work hand in hand with residents for genuine two way learning.
Partnership
We collaborate with local wildlife rangers, conservation groups, schools and community organisations.
Environmental Responsibility
Every activity respects wildlife habitats, local regulations and natural ecosystems.
Sustainability
Initiatives are designed to bring lasting environmental, social and economic value to Kasigau families.
Safety and responsible conservation
The safety of community members, volunteers and wildlife comes first. All hikes, rides and field activities are led by experienced local guides and rangers. Participants maintain safe viewing distances from wildlife, obtain required permissions before entering protected areas, prepare properly for mountain trails, respect local customs and leave every site clean.
What we hope to achieve
These intended outcomes reflect our goals and working commitments. In keeping with our accountability principles, we do not present future aims as verified past metrics.
Environmental Conservation and Climate Action
How ABWA works with local groups on tree planting, community clean-ups, plastic recycling, composting and climate action in Kenya.
View connected projectWho takes part
This initiative brings together local families in Kasigau and surrounding villages, youth and women's groups, community wildlife rangers, small scale farmers, local conservation partners and international and local volunteers.
Our Impact & M&E Framework
Learn how ABWA plans projects, conducts monitoring and evaluation, and ensures community handover.
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Want to get involved?
Whether you would like to volunteer on this programme, partner with our teams, or support community activities, we would be glad to talk.