Kenya

30 Years Experience

IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

Affordable Volunteer Travel

Kenya is a stunning country, featuring almost every terrain and climate from desert, beach, cities and forests.

There is something for every traveler here, particularly for wildlife lovers. It has over 40 National parks throughout the country and holds the some of the world’s most loved and endangered animals. Here you will find lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and so much more! Kenya is famous for its incredible safaris, which are the countries main source of tourism.

Also well known is the semi nomadic Maasai tribe- a hugely symbolic tribe known for its colourful adornments and traditional clothing. Kenya is a nature lovers paradise, with a visit to the Great Rift Valley being a must. For those who enjoy a gentler pace then Kenya also offers some beautiful beaches, its coast stretching almost 80,000 kilometres.

The beach is also sunny for most of the year! The capital, Nairobi is the fifth largest city in Africa, with unique vibes and a vibrant nightlife. This bustling and cosmopolitan city will throw you into Kenyan way of life and be an interesting eye opener.

Kenya is a huge country with its climate changing from tropical along the coast, to arid in the northern regions and then mild inland temperatures.

Kenya receives a large amount of sunshine year-round but generally, the hottest months are between February and March while the coldest months are July to mid-August. The “long rains” start from March to June, while the “short rains” are between October and December.

Due to Kenya being a major hub for migration over the years, it has now become one of the most culturally diverse countries with many different languages spoken.

There are over 40 different ethnic groups in Kenya, including Luo, Kamba, Maasai and more. Each have their own of mother tongue, although Swahili remains the most widely spoken language. You will also find ethnic groups from European, Arab, Indian and Pakistani, who migrated to the country in the 19th century.

Religions such as Christianity and Islam are widely spread, however many local people still believe in the ancestral world, where the dead have a bearing on the living. Today, the majority of Kenya’s culture, dress, music and food has taken strong influence from other parts of Africa, India, Europe and the United States.

In certain parts of the country however, many local communities hold onto their traditional lifestyle and customs. They still wear the clothes, animal skins and jewellery as they did centuries before. Many remote tribes remain completely isolated and indigenous.

Gatanga Village, located about 1 hour by car from Nairobi is the main volunteer center were many of the projects are run from.   This is a quiet village where you will have an incredible opportunity to experience the authentic, rural Kenya.  It’s a lovely little  Close by is the commercial town of Thika, where there are many restaurants, supermarkets etc.  In this region you’ll also find the famous Fourteen Falls which is a powerful set of waterfalls with lots of natural attractions and sightseeing.

Narok County, (Maasai Mara country) in the southwestern region of Kenya is where the Maasai Mara placements are located.   The wilderness landscape in this region is well preserved and as a national reserve area bordering Tanzania, is home to all the typical African animals we know and love.   Buffalo, Elephants, Leopards, Lions, & Rhinos, Wildebeest, Cheeats, Crocs & Zebras).  This region is home to the yearly wildebeest migration where millions of Wildebeast make their way to Tanzania across rivers dodging crocodiles, lions etc.

Nakuru is a city in Kenya that is located in the Great Rift Valley region. It is the fourth-largest urban area in Kenya, with a population of over 500,000 people. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery,  including Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to a wide variety of  wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. Nakuru is also a hub for agriculture and is one of the largest producers of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide, in the world. Additionally, the city has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Nakuru Agricultural Show and the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival.

Click on the individual projects to see detailed info and pictures of your accommodation

In Gatanga Village, your accommodation is in a dedicated volunteer house where you will share with other international volunteers.    All volunteers are asked to be environmentally aware and use all resources with restraint, particularly water, paper and electricity. There are occasional power and water cuts during the day (this will just add to your experience of living like a local!). The accommodation is very simple but comfortable and with all of the necessities you will need while here.

In Narok County, you’ll be housed in the school grounds in a homestay.   The living arrangements here are very simple with few amenities, but the locals are very friendly, safe and welcoming to help make you feel at home.   Adjusting to a more simple way of life can be challenging with limited resources, but can also be liberating to see how happy life can be without all the ‘stuff’ we’re used to in our daily lives.   Highly recommended experience! 

You will be expected to clean up after yourself and play your role in keeping the accommodation neat and tidy. The volunteer house is not far from the local Police station and a short walk to markets and shops. Please be aware that smoking is not accepted in public areas or even within the sight of local children and officials. Please refrain from smoking in these public places. The local dress is quite conservative. Small shorts, miniskirts and sleeveless tops are not considered appropriate to wear in the village. Women in particular should cover shoulders and knees.

In Nakuru, you will be accommodated in our volunteer house, with 2-4 sharing a room. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, safety boxes and bed linin are provided. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and use all resources with restraint, especially electricity. Sometimes there are power cuts during the day, which is part of village life. There is an available water supply. You will have meals provided and rooms cleaned on the weekends, but you will also be expected to clean up after yourself and play your part in keeping the accommodation neat and organised. The location is very close to the green steds international school and is a few minutes walk to the Lake Nakuru National park Southern gate. It is around 15KM from Nakuru town.

You will have all meals provided and rooms cleaned on the weekends.

Traditional Kenyan meals usually consist of corn, potatoes and beans. A staple and popular dish is Ugali, a porridge made out of maize. Another typical meal is irio, which is a blend of corn, potatoes and beans dipped into meat or vegetable stews.  

Your daily meals will consist of mainly Kenyan cuisine, which will be of vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread, pancakes (commonly known as “chapati”) and fruits such as oranges, bananas and avocados.

• Introduction meeting, General/ house rules, Setting Expectations, Advice on Health and Safety and handling of documents.
• Kenyan Do’s and Don’ts, Introduction to Kenyan culture & history and Swahili Language Lessons.
• Tour of house, local area and where you can find nearby shops. This is where you can buy a local SIM card if required.
• Lunch
• Tour to a Coffee Factory
• Hike to a local Waterfall

**No orientation is offered in Nakuru. 

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra night’s accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project.          

Bus

Kenya has a large bus network between many of the country’s popular destinations but be advised that roads will be bumpy. For safety reasons, we highly advise to use the long-distance buses during daytime only, as crime increases after dark.

Minivan

Minivans, locally known as “matatus” are another way to get around for short and medium distance journeys. Taking a matatu is a fantastic way to experience the real Kenya and you will often find them decorated in bright and fascinating colours. You can flag down a matatu from the side of the road and nowadays routes and schedules are provided on Google Maps, making it much easier to get around.

Train

The train in Kenya is often named the “Lunatic Express”. It travels between Nairobi and Mombasa three times a week. It is without a doubt a unique experience to travel by train and see the local Kenyan way of life as you pass by. Do be aware that trains have a bad reputation for being extremely slow, often with delays. If you have time on your hands though, this can be a great way to experience the country.

Kenya is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the top activities and attractions to consider:

1. Go on safari: Kenya is world-renowned for its wildlife and is home to some of the most famous safari destinations, such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. You can see lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and many other animals in their natural habitat.

2. Visit the coast: Kenya’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Popular destinations include Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu. You can swim, snorkel, or just relax in the sun.

3. Climb Mount Kenya: This mountain is the second-highest peak in Africa and is a challenging but rewarding climb. There are several routes to choose from, ranging in difficulty.

4. Explore Nairobi: Kenya’s capital city has plenty to offer, including the National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum, and the Nairobi National Park, where you can see wildlife just outside the city.

5. Experience Maasai culture: The Maasai people are one of Kenya’s most iconic tribes, known for their distinctive dress and customs. You can visit Maasai villages to learn more about their way of life and participate in traditional ceremonies.

6. Hike in the Great Rift Valley: Kenya’s portion of the Great Rift Valley offers stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities, including Hell’s Gate National Park, which has natural hot springs and geysers.

7. Visit Lake Victoria: This is the largest lake in Africa and offers fishing, boating, and birdwatching opportunities. 

Would you like to raise money in order to afford your trip abroad to volunteer? Or perhaps you would like to set up a funraiser to gain enough money to give as a donation to the local project? Crowd funding is a great way to do this. Read this article on Crowdfunding tips to find out how you can raise funds for your trip.