Coming to Mpala

Wild Dogs finding their way on Mpala. Courtesy of the Laikipia Wild dog Project

Location

The Mpala Research Centre is located in Laikipia County, central Kenya. The property (20,000 ha/ 48,000 acres) is situated northwest of Mt. Kenya, 50km north of the Equator, and 50km from Nanyuki town. Mpala is bounded on the east side by the Ewaso Ng'iro river, and the north by the Ewaso Narok river. See Map

Driving from Nanyuki to Mpala? See Directions
 

Things to Bring

* Warm weather clothing for the daytime (field shirts, T-shirts and light trousers)
* A few sweaters/ fleeces/ shawls/ shukas for the chilly evenings
* Raincoat for the rainy seasons (see http://www.mpala.org/The_Landscape.php for our 12-month rainfall chart)
* Torch/ flashlight (headlamps are especially useful)
* Band-Aids
* Antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhoeals, antacids and aspirin
* Prescription medication that you may need
* Toiletries
* Insect repellent
* Sunscreen
* Hat for sun protection
* Lip balm
* Sunglasses
* Large water bottle

Mpala researchers enjoying their studies.
Photo by Margaret Kinnaird

* Backpack
* Camera
* Binoculars
* Hiking boots
* Sturdy sandals
* Pleasure reading and/or biology books to read and donate to Mpala’s library
* Movies/ DVDs to watch in the evenings and donate to Mpala’s collection

Nanyuki is a big town, and much is available there, from toiletries to medicines and special food items.

Mpala provides:

* Mosquito netting
* Towels
* Linens
* Laundry service

Health, Immunization and Medical Evacuation

Depending on the nature and severity of a particular injury or illness, there are several medical options at or around the research centre. We have a basic first aid box in the Administration Office and in the Control Room for small injuries (12 research centre staff are trained and certified in occupational first aid and fire safety). Mpala's mobile clinic, based at Mpala Ranch Ltd., provides some medication and basic treatment 24 hours a day. The Nanyuki Cottage Hospital, a private hospital located in Nanyuki town, less than an hour away, has excellent, well-trusted staff and can treat most illnesses, injuries and minor emergencies.
Emergency evacuation options available from Mpala include road transport, Flying Doctors and Tropical Air Charters.

 The US Government’s Center for Disease Control website discusses health risks in Kenya and should be consulted by anyone travelling to Mpala from outside Kenya; see www.cdc.gov/travel. Visitors also are advised to check with their doctor or Health Department for necessary immunizations before arrival. Malaria is rare at the Centre and is usually contracted when travelling outside Laikipia. However, we advise sleeping under mosquito nets (provided). If you plan to travel elsewhere in Kenya, you should consult your doctor or Health Department for up-to-date details about prevention and cure of malaria. Water borne diseases can be prevented by drinking only bottled water, or water that you know is sterilized and filtered.

All researchers are required to have Flying Doctor's membership before arrival unless they provide proof of another international medical evacuation plan. MRC management will facilitate Flying Doctor’s membership. Please contact Cosmas Nzomo at stay@mpala.org