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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.

Researchers and students from across Africa at Mpala Research Centre

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

Accommodation sits across three sites: the main camp, River Camp and Ranch House. Every stay is full board with three meals a day, and Mpala is fully solar powered with hot water and a free laundry service throughout. Rates for every option are in the table below.

A verandah at Mpala Research Centre at sunset, with chairs and cushions looking out over the landscape

Guest Cottages

Private bungalows for a quieter, more private stay. Ranch House sits a ten minute drive from the main camp and has its own dining facilities.

Full boardHouse chefDaily laundryWiFiSolar power
Red-roofed buildings at Mpala Research Centre beneath a large acacia tree

Researcher Bandas & Private Houses

At the main camp, suited to individual researchers, guests and families. Bandas are private and single ensuite. The houses have multiple bedrooms and a private kitchen, with a chef on request.

Full boardSingle ensuitePrivate kitchenChef on requestWiFi
Students seated at a table on a covered verandah at Mpala Research Centre

Student Dormitories & River Camp

Group accommodation for field courses and student groups. Dormitories and shared bandas sit at the main camp. River Camp is tented, a ten minute drive away, with its own dining and a conference hall.

Full boardShared bathroomsDining hallConference hallTented at River Camp

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

Mpala keeps accommodation affordable for East African students and researchers, and runs an annual fund supporting Kenyan researchers working here.

AccommodationKenyan & E. AfricanInternational
Private bungalows$120 to $150$120 to $150
Private houses, per person sharing$60$75
Single ensuite bandas$45$60
Dormitories and shared accommodation$30$45
River camp, student groups$30$70
River camp, non-student groups$50$80
Education and conservation documentary crew$150$150

Rates are per person per day on full board. Documentary crew pay a 10% conservation fee in addition to the accommodation rate.

What every rate includes

Full board, meaning breakfast, lunch, dinner, teas, coffee and snacks, with clean drinking water and housekeeping.

  • Private bungalows. Daily laundry, WiFi, and a house chef.
  • Private houses. Daily laundry and WiFi.
  • Single ensuite bandas, dormitories and shared accommodation. Laundry three days a week, and WiFi.
  • River camp and documentary crew. Laundry three days a week, a conference hall with projector, and WiFi.

How billing works

  1. Accommodation is provided on single occupancy. Double occupancy, meaning an extra person, is billed at 75% of the applicable rate.
  2. All researcher reimbursable supply costs attract a 10% support fee.
  3. Fuel is issued at the recommended pump price in Nanyuki.
  4. Researchers whose cumulative accommodation reaches a month receive a 15% discount.
  5. Exclusive access to a house is arranged with the finance department, which sets the rate.
  6. Daily research support covers access to Mpala, non-specialized labs, internet, lunch and teas. It does not cover transport to and from Mpala. Additional expenses are handled under note 2.

Research support and facilities

ServiceKenyan & E. AfricanInternational
Research support, off campus researchers, per person per day. Bench fees inclusive of lunch and teas$15$35
Mpala affiliation, off campus research, per person, annual$300$300
Mpala affiliation, on campus research, per person, annual$150$150
Land cruiser hire, 8 seater, with driver. Fuel excluded$100$100
Student day visitors, inclusive of lunch$10$25
Technical support and suppliesAt costAt cost

Charged at a single rate

Office space, Category I, monthly$150
Office space, Category II, monthly$100
Research assistant benefits. Covers WIBA insurance, medical, transport and standard PPE$200 per month
Casual wages, engagement under one month$7 per day
Statutory drone operation supervision, MRC drone pilot$20 per day on site
Administration fee10% for individual researchers, 15% for projects and grants

AT MPALA RESEARCH CENTRE

Labs & Infrastructure