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Volunteer work in Kenya
Kenya is “the cradle of mankind”, according to anthropologists. Modern man is said to have originated from the east coast of Africa. Whether this is true or not, is a much discussed topic by scientists. A title that Kenya can certainly claim, however, is being the inventor of the safari.
Safari is the Swahili term for “travel” and without the humongous wildlife in Kenya, it would have never become a popular term. Enormous buffalo and elephant herds still roam the Savannahs and packs of lions still hunt for prey across the endless plains.
Volunteer work in Kenya: your destination
At a glance
- Age: 18 years and above
- Duration: 4 or 8 weeks
- Language: Good knowledge of the English language
- Starting dates: Every 1st Monday of the month
Kenya has numerous national parks – above all the Massai Mara, the most northern foothills of the Serengeti. A further – geographical – highlight is the Rift Valley, the east African rift running right across Kenya.
Apart from this, you will be overwhelmed by the stunning sights of:
- Over 400 km of tropical coast with white beaches
- Turquoise coloured water
- Tranquil islands
- Snow-covered mountain peaks in the inland regions
- Tropical rainforest
- Extinct volcanoes
- Sun-drenched meadows
This unique variety of landscape is what makes the country such a travel destination without precedent. And yet in spite of this, Kenya is economically one of the poorest countries in the world – a large part of the Kenyan population lives in poverty and/or is suffering from the HIV virus. As a volunteer, you will be providing your help where it is most desperately needed!
Volunteer work in Kenya
Orientation days and accommodation in Kenya
On arrival in Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi, you will be picked up by an employee of our partner organisation and taken to your accommodation. This will be in the town of Limuru, which is approximately 30 km north of Nairobi and surrounded by tea plantains in the Kenyan highlands.
You will be staying in a cottage at an international Baptist centre, where you will share a room with other volunteers. All meals are included – the midday and evening meals will be prepared by a cook in the cottages, and you can make your own breakfast using the food provided for you. On a clear day, you can see the Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya from your accommodation – an unforgettable view!
Important information and education on illnesses
During the next days, you will be settling into your new surroundings and will receive all information which you require for the forthcoming volunteer work – this includes information on illnesses such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
You will be visiting the different projects and will be introduced to a responsible staff, who you will be working closely alongside with during your stay. Of course, the orientation days are also the perfect opportunity to get to know the other volunteers!
Volunteer work in Kenya
- Activities: See project description - approximately 7 hours per day, Mondays to Fridays.
- Time off: Normally on the weekend.
- Duration: 4 or 8 weeks
- Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
- Programme start: Every 1st Monday of the month.
- Practical experience: Not mandatory, but it would certainly make your stay easier.
- Other: The work can be physically demanding. As you will be entering a completely new cultural region; patience, adaptability, self-sufficiency and travel experience are essential. Out of respect for religious feelings, do not drink alcohol on the accommodation grounds.
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