WHY we need you in Kenya
- Approx one-third of Kenya's population lives on less than US$1.90 p/day. Your volunteer fees are directly benefiting the local people of this region.
- School Children in this region rarely have the opportunity to interact with foreigners who speak English. Promoting these skills can have a profound impact on the children's future career prospects.
- Approx 42% of Kenya's population are below the poverty line, especially in the rural areas where this project is located.
- Volunteering in this region creates employment opportunities for the local coordinators & supplements the farmers enabling competitive opportunities for the farms involved.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Maasai villages and interact with Maasai elders.
- Traditional Kenyan cooking lessons with local Maasai women.
- Joining Maasai locals for herding, gaining insights into their pastoral lifestyle.
- Maasai Bead-making session
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 33 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: SUMMER SPECIAL KENYA
LOCATION: NAKURU, KENYA
START DATES: 3rd JUN, 1st JUL, 5th AUG
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Join us for an incredible week’s journey through Kenya! Our special summer (or winter if from down under!) program offers more than just an average trip – it’s an adventure that will truly immerse you in the heart of Kenya. From visiting traditional Maasai villages and learning about their culture to taking part in projects that empower women and trying your hand at cooking local dishes, you’ll experience Kenya like never before. Learn Swahili, dance to Maasai music, and get involved in authentic daily activities. This adventure, carefully planned by us, guarantees an unforgettable mix of exploration, learning, and connecting with the community. Come with us for a travel experience that will enrich your life!
Discover the vibrant Maasai Cultural Encounter in Kenya, located on the edge of the vast Maasai Mara. This journey combines cultural authenticity with breathtaking landscapes. The Maasai community, known for its rich traditions and deep bond with the land, invites travellers to join an immersive adventure.
Walk through Maasai villages, where colourful traditional attire blends with the stunning backdrop of the Maasai Mara. Take part in ancient ceremonies, watch traditional dances, and listen to stories passed down through generations around communal fires. This experience goes beyond just learning about the culture – it’s a chance to explore the wild beauty of the Maasai Mara. Wander through the expansive savannah, encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, and witness the incredible annual migration. Treat your taste buds to Maasai cuisine, enjoying the unique flavours of local dishes.
This expedition leaves a lasting impact, reflecting the resilient spirit of the Maasai people and the captivating allure of the Maasai Mara.
Location
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.
Food & Accommodation
You will be accommodated in our volunteer house, with 2-4 sharing a room. Hot showers, safety boxes and bed linin are provided (no wifi). 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.
Food served will mainly be Kenyan food, which consists of vegetables, potato, eggs, bread, pancakes (commonly known as “chapati”) and fruits such as oranges, bananas and avocados.
You will be provided 3 meals per day on the weekdays, and 2 meals per day on weekends.
*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.
Summer
Special
- 1 Week Summer Special
-
1 Week - $485
- Private rooms cost additional $250 p/week
What's Included
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Accommodation
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3 Meals a day
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Airport Pickup & Drop off
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Activities as per the program
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
This is a fantastic way to explore before or after a volunteer program. Everything is included, so it takes the hassle out of organising individual tours and excursions! Plus a great way to make new friends
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays
- Arrival airport transfer & Drop off
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- Activities as per the program
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You must arrive between 08:00 to 13.00 on Saturday or Sunday. If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge an additional fee for the extra night’s accommodation.
If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation, and for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 3.5 hours by car.
Sunday
Warm welcome and transfer to accommodation
Monday
Engaging Orientation Session covering country’s history, culture, and dos
and don’ts
Basic Swahili language lessons
Walking safari along the outskirts of the Maasai Mara
Tuesday
Cultural morning with interaction with Maasai elders
Insightful knowledge about Maasai heritage
Traditional Kenyan cooking lessons with local Maasai women
Wednesday
Cultural journey collaborating with local Maasai women
Delving into traditional roles and practices for valuable insights
Artistry of Maasai Bead-making sessions
Unraveling the symbolism behind intricate ornaments
Thursday
Immersion in vibrant Maasai culture
Learning songs and dances performed during special ceremonies
Embracing face painting and Maasai dressing
Continuing cultural journey with rhythmic melodies, expressive dances, and
colorful traditions
Friday
Learning the art of milking cows and goats and essential for meal
preparation
Insights into animal grazing around the community
Hands-on experiences and deeper understanding of daily routines
Traditional Maasai BBQ dinner around a bonfire
Saturday
Farewell to the community after a hearty breakfast
*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience.
There are several things to do near Nakuru, Kenya. Here are some options:
Visit Lake Nakuru National Park: This park is home to a large population of flamingos and other bird species. It’s also a great place to see lions, leopards, and rhinos.
Take a hot air balloon ride: Get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery around Nakuru with a hot air balloon ride. This is a popular activity that offers amazing views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru.
Hike Menengai Crater: This dormant volcano is a popular hiking destination. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the hike itself is challenging but doable for most people.
Visit Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site: This museum and archaeological site offers a glimpse into the prehistoric history of the area. You can see ancient tools and artifacts, and learn about the early human settlements in the region.
Explore Hell’s Gate National Park: This park is named for its geothermal activity and is a great place to see natural hot springs and geysers. You can also hike through the park’s stunning scenery and see wildlife like baboons, zebras, and giraffes.
Go on a safari: There are several safari options near Nakuru, including drives through Lake Nakuru National Park and private conservancies that offer a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.
∙ Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection
∙ Mosquito/insect repellent (Deet)
∙ Comfortable working shoes
∙ Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for personal hygiene
∙ Modest and comfortable clothing suitable for cultural interactions
∙ Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
∙ Personal toiletries for your convenience
∙ Daypack or backpack for daily excursions
∙ Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during activities
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.
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