The

Laikipia

Field School

Signature Immersive Experience

A learning experience for ALU undergraduates, built around a 10-day bush camp in Laikipia, Kenya. In 2026, the School of Wildlife Conservation delivered two cohorts, in March and August.

Watch the Video

Reach out to Richard Vigne, Executive Director of SOWC, via email for more details.

Delivered by the School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC) in partnership with ALU’s Global Learning Experience (GLE) team, the Laikipia Field School takes students out of the classroom and into one of Africa’s most dynamic conservation landscapes. Students explore modern environmental stewardship, nature recovery and the business of conservation, from wildlife management and rhino range expansion to carbon projects, regenerative farming, ecotourism, and the central role of communities and indigenous knowledge.

Who is it for?

ALU undergraduate students who are passionate about conservation. The Laikipia Field School fulfils the BEL and BSE Skills Immersion requirements, so students earn Skills Immersion credit while gaining direct exposure to conservation in practice and the career pathways it offers.

Two Cohorts in 2026

March 2026 and August 2026: ALU students took part in two cohorts of the Laikipia Field School this year, each spending 10 days at a bush camp in Laikipia, Kenya. Students went on walking safaris, visited conservancies and research centres, met conservation practitioners and community leaders, and saw first-hand how conservation can create sustainable economic opportunities for the people and wildlife who share the landscape.

Inside the August 2026 Cohort

Click to watch

What Students Experience

  • Wildlife on foot: Walking safaris and close-up encounters with wildlife alongside experienced rangers.
  • Conservation in practice: Hands-on exposure to conservancy operations, wildlife mapping, rhino range expansion and anti-poaching technology.
  • The business of conservation: Carbon projects, regenerative farming, ecotourism and the challenge of sustainable conservation financing.
  • Communities and culture: Cultural exchanges, including the women-led Twala Cultural Manyatta, that bring the human side of conservation into focus.
  • Policy and governance: Sessions with Laikipia County Government and the Laikipia Conservancies Association on land, policy and leadership.

How It Works

Weeks 1–2, Virtual preparation: About 20 hours of online sessions led by SOWC to build context before the field.

Weeks 3–4, Field learning in Laikipia: A 10-day bush camp with field visits, expert sessions and participant observation at leading conservancies and research centres.

Weeks 5–6, Review and reflect: Students synthesise their learning, present a sustainability-focused business plan for a Kenyan wildlife conservancy, and submit a final reflection.

Field Visits and Partners Include:

  • Mpala Research Centre
  • Ol Jogi Conservancy
  • Lolldaiga Hills Ranch
  • Loisaba Conservancy
  • Space for Giants
  • Northern Rangelands Trust
  • Laikipia Conservancies Association
  • Laikipia Wildlife Forum

Student Voices

“The program was highly engaging and immersive, especially the field visits and cultural interactions which made learning practical and memorable. Activities like walking safaris, Twala cultural experience, and bush camp stood out as they provided real-life exposure to conservation and community dynamics.”

Hassan Alieu Swaray
Laikipia Field School, March 2026 Cohort

 

“The 10 days in Laikipia have been amazing. From experiencing wildlife conservation on the ground to learning how it can create sustainable economic opportunities, the Laikipia field was truly eye-opening. I leave Laikipia with a deeper appreciation of the business of conservation and the communities at its heart. You just had to be there!”

Matthew Muathime
Laikipia Field School, August 2026 Cohort

Interested in a future cohort? Click here to learn more about ALU's Signature Immersive Experiences.