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Plan Your Visit

Who Can Visit Mpala

Mpala Research Centre is a working research facility dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and conservation. We welcome visitors whose work aligns with our mission.

Mpala Research Centre aerial view of the conservancy

Researchers & Principal Investigators

Conducting approved research projects in ecology, conservation, animal behavior, or related fields.

University Students & Field Courses

Participating in approved field courses or conducting thesis research under supervision.

Institutional Partners & Collaborators

Working with existing Mpala programs or establishing new research partnerships.

Conservation Professionals

Collaborating on conservation initiatives or capacity building programs.

Planning Your Visit

Mpala Research Centre welcomes researchers, students, and educators from around the world. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.

1

Check Eligibility

Ensure your project aligns with Mpala's research priorities and you meet eligibility criteria.

2

Apply & Get Permits

Submit your proposal through our portal and obtain required research permits.

3

Book & Arrive

Reserve accommodation, arrange travel, and prepare for your fieldwork experience.

Accommodation Options

We offer comfortable accommodation designed for researchers who need both rest and workspace. All options include meals, wifi, and access to common facilities.

Guest Cottages at Mpala Research Centre, porch with chairs and cushions at sunset

Guest Cottages

2-4 people
$150/night

Private cottages with bathroom, kitchenette, and desk workspace. Ideal for PIs and senior researchers.

Private BathroomKitchenetteWork DeskWifiSolar Power
Researcher Bandas at Mpala Research Centre, red-roofed accommodation buildings under acacia trees

Researcher Bandas

1-2 people
$100/night

Comfortable bandas with shared bathroom facilities. Perfect for individual researchers and small teams.

Shared bathroomDesk spaceSolar PowerWifiCommon lounge
Student Dormitories at Mpala Research Centre, students at a table on a covered verandah

Student Dormitories

Groups of 10+
$50/nightper person

Shared dormitory accommodation for field courses and student groups with dining hall access.

Shared facilitiesDining hallCommon workspaceStorage lockers

Research permits in Kenya

A guide for researchers at Mpala Research Centre. All research activities in Kenya require permits from relevant government authorities, and each project needs a different combination of permits. Walk through the steps, understand what you need, and see how Mpala can help guide you through the process.

In a nutshell

Five steps, in order

Mpala reviews your project first. Government permits follow.

  1. 1

    Submit your research proposal to Mpala

    Include principal investigator names and affiliations, your proposed methodology, and a short project summary.

  2. 2

    Submit your Application to Conduct Research

    Or the Request for Affiliation form, if your research will not be based at Mpala.

  3. 3

    Receive your Mpala affiliation letter

    Most government permit applications require it. All non-Kenyan researchers must be affiliated with a Kenyan institution accredited by NACOSTI.

  4. 4

    Apply for the permits your project needs

    Pay the applicable fees and complete any additional approvals. Mpala advises on sequence and supports the submissions.

  5. 5

    Begin your research

    Only once every permit that applies to your project has been issued.

NACOSTI is required for every researcher

Kenyan and non-Kenyan alike. It does not by itself authorize any specific type of research, and it does not have to be applied for at a fixed point in the process. Because the permit has a limited validity period, Mpala will advise you on the best time to submit relative to your other permits.

NACOSTI Portal

Apply through the NACOSTI portal, which redirects to e-Citizen. Review the current fees before applying.

Need assistance?

Still working out what applies to your project? Mpala's Research Office reviews every application and can talk you through it before you start.

Apply to Research Contact the Research Office

Health & Safety Requirements

Medical Requirements

Required

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Mandatory for entry to Kenya. Bring your yellow card.

Required

Malaria Prophylaxis

Strongly recommended. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication.

Required

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation required.

Required

Medical Clearance

Complete our health questionnaire before arrival.

Safety Protocols

Required

Safety Orientation

Mandatory briefing on arrival covering wildlife safety and emergency procedures.

Required

Wildlife Guidelines

Follow all protocols for working in areas with large mammals.

Required

Emergency Communication

Radio communication training and emergency contact procedures.

Required

Buddy System

Never work alone in the field—always use the buddy system.

Emergency Protocols

24/7 Emergency Contacts

Mpala Security:
Radio Channel 1

Emergency Line:
+254 112 015009

Medical Emergency:
Contact Security immediately

Wildlife Incident:
Do not approach – Call Security

Safety Resources

Full emergency protocols, wildlife safety guidelines, and emergency procedures are provided during your mandatory safety orientation upon arrival.

We maintain a comprehensive safety program with trained staff and emergency response capabilities.

Getting to Mpala

By Air

To Nanyuki Airport (NUU)

Regular scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL). Flight time: 45 minutes.

Ground transfer from Nanyuki to Mpala: 2 hours, $200 (arrange through portal).

Charter to Mpala Airstrip

Direct charter flights can land at Mpala's private airstrip with advance coordination.

By Road from Nairobi

Drive time: 5-6 hours (approximately 300 km).

Route: Nairobi → Thika → Nanyuki → Mpala.

Vehicle: 4WD strongly recommended, especially during rainy season.

Important

  • Last fuel station in Nanyuki (100 km before Mpala)
  • Gate closes at 6:30 PM. Plan arrival accordingly.
  • Limited mobile coverage after Nanyuki
  • GPS coordinates provided in booking confirmation
Route map from Nanyuki to Mpala Research Centre, total distance 42 km via Daraja Academy and Ewaso Nyiro River bridge

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 0.2928° N

Longitude: 36.8990° E

Important

  • Total distance: 42 km from Nanyuki
  • Drive time: about 1.5 hours
  • 4WD recommended (required in rainy season)
  • Limited mobile coverage after Nanyuki
  • Gate closes at 6:30 PM

Emergency: +254 112 015009

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Drive through Nanyuki from Nairobi on the main street, turn left after the Total petrol station.
  2. After 8.5 km, turn right at the group of signs. Main sign: Daraja Academy.
  3. After 21 km at end of tarmac, keep straight on the dirt road. Avoid the road marked "To Dol Dol" on the right. Continue 20 km, passing the Ol Jogi sign.
  4. Cross the metal bridge over Ewaso Nyiro River. Turn LEFT at T-junction following the rock-painted sign to Mpala Research Centre.
  5. After 100m, turn left at the second sign pointing to Mpala Research Centre. This is the main entrance to MRC.

Rates & Payments

Daily Rates (per person)

Guest Cottage (full board)$150
Researcher Banda (full board)$100
Student Dormitory (full board)$50
Day visit (no accommodation)$50
Laboratory use (per day)$300
Vehicle hire with driver$100/day
Field equipment rentalat cost

Full board includes: Accommodation, three meals daily, wifi access, and use of common facilities. Minimum stay: 3 nights.

Payment Terms

  • 50% deposit to confirm booking
  • Balance due upon arrival
  • Institutional invoicing available
  • Long-stay discounts

Payment Methods

  • Credit card (via portal)
  • Wire transfer
  • M-Pesa (Kenya)
  • Institutional purchase order

AT MPALA RESEARCH CENTRE

Labs & Infrastructure