Volunteering in Kenya

Kenya is a country in East Africa with an area of 582,646 sq km. It borders Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia and the Indian Ocean to the East. Kenya is an undoubtedly a gorgeous African country. If you are dreaming of tropical weather, lush plains, white sandy beaches that rivals the Caribbean, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, lazy afternoons out in the sun and gracious people to boot, Kenya will simply blow your mind.

Kenya encompasses Savannah, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands. It’s also home to wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos. Kenya is a land where you can experience a truly welcoming culture and natural beauty, offering an abundance of diverse wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery, and bountiful opportunities. Whether you’re exploring Kenya’s forests, its island-dotted lakes, or its colorful, vibrant cities, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

The country is steeped in history, lauded with bountiful natural beauty, and renowned for refining its rustic ambience and cultural elegance. As a matter of fact, Kenya may simply be the best-kept travel secret in Africa. Kenya can be accessed by road from Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia. Immigration should be processed at land border stations. Entry by sea is possible, and immigration should be processed at a port facility.

There are over 40 different ethnic groups throughout the country. Despite the differences in culture between people, they can all be easily identified as pure Kenyan. The nomadic Masai people are often given an almost iconic status when promoting Kenya for touristic purposes and when a group of warriors dances on the Savannah, dressed in their traditional outfits -one of them wearing a hat made out of a lions mane and blowing a horn from a kudu, it’s quite easy to understand the fascination of these people.

Capital: Nairobi (Population: 3,150,000)

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES) $1 = 100KES / £1 = 130KES (2019)

Population: 49,700,000 (approx)

Official languages: Swahili and English

Area: 580,000 sq km

International Calling Code: +254

Go Volunteer Africa offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities in Nairobi and Kericho in Kenya from teaching, childcare, construction, wildlife conservation or healthcare projects. We also offer marine and conservation projects in Mombasa. 

If you are looking for somewhere to volunteer in Africa for a short or long stay, Kenya is an ideal destination. Programs are perfect if you want to do something more than sightseeing and would like to see more than the average tourist and truly start to understand this distinctive culture. 

VOLUNTEERING IN KENYA QUICK FACTS

• The program is open all year-round
• Very flexible start and end dates (arrive any day of the month)
• Over 12 oustanding sustainable project options
• Projects are based across the country with major locations being Nairobi, Kericho & Mombasa
• Accommodation available at volunteer house & host families
• We host over 100 volunteers every month across Kenya
• Program fees include pre-departure support, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
• We are the most affordable organization in Africa, because we are the locals!

You will get to integrate into local society, sample the tasty food, experience the vibrant culture and also make a difference. There are summer and year round programs available where you can help people, animals and the environment. Volunteering in Kenya  and helping people is a highly rewarding experience and there are also lots of cultural and sightseing activities you will get to do in your spare time.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian. All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to Go Volunteer Africa's local Coordinators on arrival in the country.

SAFARIS & TOURS

Safaris, day and cultural tours can be organized over the weekends for volunteers. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the famous Kenyan wildlife. There is a lot to see and do in Kenya.

After you have booked and confirmed your placement, please book your flights to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A member of staff from our local partner organization in Kenya will meet you on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and take you to the volunteer guest house or host family which will be your base for volunteering.

Orientation and Placement will be done the next day. This airport services numerous international carriers including the national airline Kenya Airways. Kenya has good connections to destinations throughout Europe, the Asia- Pacific region, USA and Africa.

Go Volunteer Africa's volunteers enjoy an extremely unique experience not only in the work they do but also in the atmosphere they live in. Volunteers working on the orphanage volunteer project in Nairobi are housed at either, the orphanage (we have accommodation space for volunteers), our in-country Coordinator’s home, host family or volunteers’ house, depending on the interest of the volunteer. All accommodation environments allows volunteers to meet other travelers and to get to know each other better outside the work-site and forge friendships that will last a lifetime.

The accommodations of course are clean and comfortable and will quickly become your second home. The African and western style toilet and shower facilities are shared between 4 or 10 people and, while we can’t always guarantee the hottest water, the facilities are more than adequate. The accommodation is always equipped with a lounge, TV, Kitchen, hand washing facilities, telephones, and spare electricity sockets. Life at the accommodations facilities is simple, unsophisticated and fun, perfect for unwinding from a busy day!

You will be provided with three good quality meals every day, so you shouldn’t ever feel hungry. The food you will be provided with will consist of delicious local dishes, using fresh produce to create a cultural and tasty experience! Typically your diet will consist of rice, bread, ugali, sweet-potatoes, beans, noodles, corn bread, banana with vegetables such as sukuma, cabbage, avocado, spinach and eggplant. Water and tea/coffee are included throughout your stay whilst soft drinks (coke, sprite etc) and other beverages can be purchased from the local supermarkets in town.

The hard work volunteers put in during the week undoubtedly warrants some fun and relaxation during evening free time and on the weekends. During the week we organize a variety of activities for volunteers in the evenings. We often play football (soccer), cards and board games or chill out around the bar or go out for a dance getting to know fellow volunteers from around the world. Musical ballads are known to break out from time to time as well as the always entertaining pub-quiz nights.

Yet one of the biggest perks of volunteering in Kenya lies in the plethora of weekend outings we organize. We arrange city day tours and long-weekend safaris. No matter what your interests, there is always something for everyone to enjoy!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

Flights: Flights are not included in our program costs. However, GVA has partnered with an experienced and professional team of travel experts to help our volunteer travelers find the best flight deals for their trips with us. This travel specialist operates in the tailor-made, long haul multi-stop travel market, arranging complex airfares and transfers for independent travelers.

Visas: The Republic of Kenya, a member of the East African Community, allows citizens of all African countries to obtain a visa on arrival. Citizens of most other countries you can either get a visa on arrival at the airport, or before you travel. To minimize time spent queuing at the airport; get a visa before you travel. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visas website. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months with at least one empty page.  Check this page - http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html 

Insurance: You'll need to buy appropriate travel insurance covering your participation on the program. You won't be able to go without the right travel insurance so double check to avoid disappointment. Please make sure that you're covered for the whole duration of your trip – from the day you leave your home to the day you return.

To participate in this program, you have to fill an online application form, and submit it for consideration. After application process and acceptance into the program, you will be required to pay 50% of the program fee within 14 days of your acceptance. Failure to make the placement booking and confirmation payment will lead to cancelation of your program.