I am trying to find out if my son can combine a trip to Africa with voluntary work. He is a hard-working student and is looking for a project, ideally in the Masai Mara area of Kenya. Do you know of any organisations that can help? Margery Gascoigne, Scarborough

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: The Masai Mara is famous for its "big five", as the scene of the great Wildebeest migration, and home to the Masai tribes people. But despite the large numbers of tourists visiting the area, local communities still need help, and benefit from well-run projects that balance a fun and rewarding time for the volunteer, with targeted support for local people, wildlife and their habitats.

The Leap (01672 519 922) specialises in combining adventure travel with voluntary work, and has a placement at the historic family-run Cottars 1920 Camp in the heart of the Masai Mara. Volunteers help in running the camp and assisting the wildlife guides, and contribute to improving the lives of the local community, by teaching English, collecting snared animals, and battling soil erosion. They will also enjoy walking safaris, night time game drives, and lots of cultural interaction with the Masai people. Six or ten-week solo placements cost from £1,700, not including flights.

Other organisations offering the chance to help projects in Kenya include Real Gap (01892 516164), Travellers Worldwide (01903 502595), or Camps International (0870 2401 843).

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