There are few countries in the world that can offer scuba diving, mountain hiking, a robust nightlife and the greatest show on Earth – the wildebeest migration. With its sprawling landscape, Kenya can manage to do just that for its visitors, and so much more. Known as one of the best destinations in the world to catch a glimpse of the Big Five species; the lion, the rhinoceros, the African leopard, the African bush elephant and the African buffalo, Kenya also allows it’s guests to get a taste of Kenyan life by showcasing the metropolitan Nairobi and encouraging them to visit the Maasai people who still continue their age-long customs and traditions to this day. In a nutshell:
- Sustainable volunteer programs with measurable impacts
- Ethical values ensure the wellbeing of all program participants
- Excellent volunteer reviews and award-winning programs
- Comfortable volunteer accommodation, most meals, airport transfers, and 24/7 support are all included in the program fees.
- Get to know Kenya in a safe and supportive environment
Why volunteer in Kenya? You never know if you will be waking up to the roar of the lion or the call of an elephant when you go on a volunteer trip to Kenya. GoEco has projects situated within or nearby Kenya’s world famous national parks, which allow you to really feel what it means to live in Africa, as you volunteer with animals, communities and agricultural projects. Although Kenya has one of the strongest economies in Africa, many of its citizens are still living below the poverty line, and may never get the opportunity to visit the bustling and shiny Nairobi, which is often as little as an hour away from a remote village. By immersing yourself in the lives of rural Kenyans, you will be able to learn from them as well as provide the community with a link to the outside world, as well as help them to perpetuate their traditions through developing structures that allow for a sustainable future. Locations No matter what your taste, you will be able to find your dream destination in Kenya. Want to go for a hike? Trek to the top of Mt Kenya before your volunteer program, the second highest peak on the African continent. Is pink your favorite color? Take a drive to Lake Kataru, less than four hours from the project locations, and witness two million flamingos descend upon the lake. Always wanted to dive? Grab your scuba gear or your snorkel and swim in Kenya’s coral reefs, before taking a boat trip to see dolphins and green turtles. Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is only an hour flight from Nairobi. It is better to do your travelling around Kenya before or after your volunteer trip, as both destinations are relatively remote: The Masai Mara region is world famous for the annual wildebeest migration, where 1.5 million animals are expected to cross into Kenya between July and November. The area is otherwise home to over 90 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and just under 500 species of birds. The projects are located in remote villages, so you will be able to experience rural living as well as have opportunities to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Gatanga village is just north of Nairobi, allowing you to experience the capital as well as Mt Kenya, before heading back to the simple life. The village is also close to Thika, a town you can visit on your weekends, and the Fourteen Falls, which will mesmerize you with their beauty. Volunteer programs in Kenya There are several ways that you can volunteer in Kenya, and make the most of your experience in this beautiful country:
- If you only have two weeks and you want to see most of Kenya’s highlights as well as volunteer, then the Kenya road trip is for you. The experience includes going on safaris, snorkeling in coral reefs, sleeping in tents underneath the Kenyan sky, and, most importantly, volunteering with children and other community members,
- Spend time with the women of Maasai Mara and help them create sustainable businesses for their beadwork, which will allow them to support their family.
- Help to increase the education level of a village in Gatanga by volunteering with kindergarten children as you work with local teachers, or head to the Maasai Mara to teach older kids.
- Learn about hydroponic farming, where new solutions are being explored for soil-less farming. You will also get to care for livestock and support the community’s needs in general.
- Volunteer with big cats, as you stay in a comfortable tent and enjoy living in the wild. This project involves monitoring the animals and going on wildlife counts, as well as supporting the community in conservation projects.
