Discover Kenya on this incredible group volunteer trip in the heart of Nakuru, Kenya with your school, college or university group. Volunteer as a teacher in Kenya and help to educate and inspire children from disadvantaged communities whilst dramatically improving their prospects in future life. Located next to Nakuru national park you will have the unique chance to experience Africa’s lively and colourful wildlife up close all whilst giving back to the local community and making amazing memories.

Trip price displayed is per person and based on a group of 8 participants. Contact us for more details. 

Volunteering in Kenya
Your volunteer teaching placement is based in a day school in the beautiful region of Nakuru in western Kenya, which is about a 3 hour drive from the capital city Nairobi. Your role as a volunteer teacher in the school will be to improve literacy, numeracy, communication and interpersonal skills within the children. You will have the chance to share your valuable English language skills by teaching English to the younger kids, as well as finding interesting and engaging ways of introducing core elements of other subjects to the older kids. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your own skills whilst giving back to the local community and improving the future prospects of 

Safari Excursions (Optional Add Ons)
Masai Mara National Reserve 
No trip to Kenya would be complete without experiencing it’s famous wildlife! During your group tour you will have the chance to visit the incredible Masai Mara national reserve. Masai Mara is one of the most iconic wildlife sites in the world and you will have the unique opportunity to spot elephants, zebras, buffalos, warthogs, lions, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles and giraffes during your trip. 

Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is famously known to be the most important nesting foraging site for flamingos anywhere in the world, and is also a major nesting and breeding ground for great white pelicans. Many have described Lake Nakuru as amongst the greatest spectacles of bird life in the world. As well as abundance of bird life, and being a sanctuary for some of the most threatened species of bird in the world, the National Park surrounding Lake Nakuru is also home to a variety of land mammals, such as Black and White Rhino, Giraffe,  Waterbuck, Warthogs, and a variety of big cat species including Lion, Cheetah and Leopard.

Itinerary 
Day 1: Arrive
Your in country coordinator will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel to freshen up. In the afternoon you will then visit the giraffe and elephant centres with lunch and then back to the hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Today you will make your way to Nakuru with lunch on the way then to your homestay to settle in. 

Day 3: This will be your first visit to the school where you will be given an induction and chance to meet the children. 

Day 4: Today you will visit the incredible Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 5: This is a free day for you to rest and explore the local area, ready to start your volunteering the next day. 

Day 6 - 9: Volunteering teaching project at the local school. 

Day 10 - 11: Over this weekend you will experience Africa’s amazing wildlife at the famous Masai Mara National Reserve on a weekend safari excursion. 

Day 13 - 14: Volunteer teaching project at the local school. 

Day 15: Departure Day

For more information take a look at the Extra Info tab.

Click Here To Download Our Group Trips Brochure!

Quick Facts

Trip Name

Group Volunteering in Kenya

Trip Code

KEVSG1

Continent

Africa

Country

Kenya

Airport

Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Airport Code: NBO)

Minimum Duration

2 Weeks

Minimum Age

13

Trip Type

Group Tours

Activity

Teaching, Educational Groups

Cost

From £625 for 2 Weeks

Deposit

£ 95.00

Preferred Duration

This is a 2 week group volunteering trip only. Please contact us for more information about longer or shorter duration's.

Pre-requisites

No previous experience or qualifications required.

Ideal for

School Volunteering Trips; Group Volunteering in Kenya; School Group Travel; University Groups; College Groups.

• • •

Arrival Dates

Arrival dates are flexible so please contact us for more information about your desired trip date.

Visa
British Nationals will require a visa to enter Kenya, we recommend you apply for a tourist visa. You can check your visa requirements by visiting the Kenya High Commission website by clicking here.

• • •

Included

Accommodation

Accommodation at a basic but comfortable homestay is provided.

Meals

Two meals a day are provided throughout volunteer days. and lunch on the remaining days.

Airport Transfers

You will be met at the airport by a Changing Worlds representative and taken to your accommodation. You will also receive a return transfer.

Induction

Full induction and orientation will be provided on arrival in Kenya

Transport

Transport for excursions is included

Support

Pre departure help and advice; local in country team; 24 hour emergency support

Equipment and medical discounts

Changing Worlds customers will receive 10% off Travel Equipment, Medical Supplies and Vaccinations from Nomad Travel Store.

• • •

Not Included

Flights, travel insurance (approx £30 - £50), Kenya Visa (approx £30), Lunch during volunteer placement, Airport transfers in the UK.

• • •

Kenya
Kenya is one of Africa’s most exciting nations, and for decades has been the focus of adventure travel in East Africa, well known for being the finest, and undoubtedly the most famous, safari destinations in the world. From the awe inspiring marine reserves of the Eastern coasts, the impressive array of bird life in the central national parks such as Nakuru, and the world renowned safaris trails of the Masai Mara reserve in the north, Kenya is a land of hugely diverse natural surroundings. 

The wildlife for which Kenya is famed for is, however, not the only reason why hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this captivating land every year, many come for the other attractions such as the rich culture and heritage of the indigenous tribes, and the astonishing natural environments that encompass this beautiful country. 

Climate 
Kenya is a country lying directly on the equator. As such, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The hot dry season is primarily December-February, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s F/27-36 C and nights a little cooler in the 70s-80s F/20-28 C. (Another dry season occurs in June and October, when it is cooler.)

March-May are the rainiest months. Temperatures range from about 70s-80s F / 21-32°C and the humidity is relatively high. There is also another short rainy season in November before the hot dry period begins.

Accommodation and Meals
All accommodation is included during your stay on our program within the schedules/ itineraries provided.

The homestay accommodation we arrange for you during your placement  is basic but comfortable and you will find it very easy to relax after your day's activities. You will live alongside a local family in a residential area close to the location of your placement. 

Two meals a day are provided from Monday - Friday at the homestay accommodation. 
Breakfast: usually tea or coffee with bread/toast and spreads, omelette, pancake or Uji/porridge.
Supper: rice dishes, meat, beans, chicken, beef and fish, plantain. Traditional Kenyan dishes consist of Ugali (a type of thick starchy porridge), Sukumu Wiki (a type of vegetable stew) and Nyama Choma (a highly flavoured and spiced fire roasted meat – usually chicken or beef).

Volunteers can prepare a packed lunch for their placement. 

In Country Representative 
Whilst in Kenya you main point of contact for support and advice will be our dedicated in-country representative Rosemary Wangui. Rosemary is a lovely lady who lives and works in Nakuru, and will always be on hand to help you out throughout your placement. Rosemary is a teacher by profession, and has lived and worked in Nakuru for the past 10 years, and now works part time at a local school called Gabriel’s Learning Centre. 

Kenya Tourist Visa
Visa cost -  £30 per person. 
Anyone travelling to Kenya requires a visa to gain entry.

For UK citizens, obtaining your visa from the Kenya High Commission is relatively straightforward, provided you follow the instructions below, and apply at least 6 weeks before your date of departure. You will need to apply for a Single Entry tourist visa (or Multiple Entry if you plan to leave Kenya and return to the country at a later date). Use the information below in 'Completing the visa application form' to help complete your application.

For non UK citizens, check with your home Kenya High Commission or Embassy. But you will also need to apply for a tourist visa.

Visa Requirements:
• A valid passport with at least one unused page for endorsement.
• It should be valid for at least six months at the date of entry to Kenya.
• A completed Visa application form (V1).
• One recent passport size photo.
• Travel itinerary / business letter / letter of invitation if visiting family and friends
• Postal Orders, Bank Drafts or Building society cheques for application through the mail made payable to “Kenya High Commission”.
• Cash only for personal callers.
• A stamped self addressed envelope preferably special delivery (for postal applications).
• Indicate your daytime telephone number.
• Personal Cheques and Credit Cards are not acceptable.

Note: visas issued must be utilised within 3 months of the date of issue.

Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are recommended for travel to Kenya: 
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers. 
Typhoid: Recommended for all travelers. 
Yellow Fever: Recommended for all travelers.
Polio: One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had the childhood series as an adult. 
Hepatitis B: Recommended for all travelers. 
Rabies: For travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk of animal bites. 

General Boosters
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given

Tetanus-diphtheria
Re-vaccination recommended every 10 years

Kenya is one of Africa’s most exciting nations, and for decades has been the focus of adventure travel in East Africa, well known for being the finest, and undoubtedly the most famous, safari destinations in the world. From the awe inspiring marine reserves of the Eastern coasts, the impressive array of bird life in the central national parks such as Nakuru, and the world renowned safaris trails of the Masai Mara reserve in the north, Kenya is a land of hugely diverse natural surroundings.

The wildlife for which Kenya is famed for is, however, not the only reason why hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this captivating land every year, many come for the other attractions such as the rich culture and heritage of the indigenous tribes, and the astonishing natural environments that encompass this beautiful country.

Quick Facts

Name

Republic of Kenya

Location

East Africa

Bordering Countries

Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda

Capital City

Nairobi

Government

Presidential system, Representative democracy

Population

44 million

Language

Swahili and English are the official languages. There are also 69 local languages spoken in Kenya

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Name

Republic of Kenya

Poverty

50% of the population live below the poverty line

Main Exports

Tea, Coffee, Fruit, Vegetables, Petroleum products

Climate

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.

Time Zone

GMT +3

Flag

Fun Facts
• Kenya is named after Mt Kenya, the tallest mountain in the country (5,199 metres, 17,057 feet).
• Before marriage Kenyans still pay a dowry to the bride’s family, which starts at 10 cows
• Kenyans usually drink their beverages hot or at room temperature. Hot beer, anyone?

Travel Highlights
• Visit Malindi on Kenya's beautiful coastline for a spot of surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and other watersports
• Witness the greatest flamingo gathering on Earth at Lake Nakuru National Park
• Take a hike and soak up the amazing scenery on Mount Kenya
• Visit Kenya's most impressive and popular wildlife spectacles at the world famous Masai Mara reserve
• Bird watching and wildlife tracking in the enchanting Kakamega forest

Where is Kenya?
Kenya is situated right along the equator, on the eastern coast of the Africa. The country’s coastal region is on the southeast, with amazing coastline on the India ocean. With Somalia to the east, and Ethiopia is to the north, the Sudan to the northwest, and Uganda directly to the west. The south-western border of Kenya is marked by the hugely impressive Lake Victoria, and southward lies the Masai Mara region and Tanzania.

Kenya's geography is amazingly diverse. While much of north-eastern areas are flat, bush-coated plains, the remainder of the country contains some astonishing white-sand beaches, some indescribable scenery in the highlands and lake regions, the Great Rift Valley, and the truly magnificent Mount Kenya.

Climate in Kenya
Although Kenya's varied environments experience a wide variety of climate conditions, the temperature in this remarkable land remains comfortably warm year-round due to its central positioning on the equator. As with many countries on the equator, Kenya does experience a seasons in the form of wet and dry. Much of Kenya receives heavy rainfall from March through to May and from October through to December. The best time for most outdoor activities, including the ever popular safaris, coastal trips and mountain climbing, is during the dry season of June to September, when the majority of Kenya’s visitors descend on the country.

Languages in Kenya
Kenya is a multilingual country, with a range of different tribal and regional languages spoken in different areas of the country. There are however two main languages spoken by the people of Kenya, they are Swahili, and English. Swahili is the traditional language used to communicate throughout the country, and the latter, English, was inherited from the British Empire’s colonial rule, and both of which are widely spoken in this diverse nation.

There are a total of 69 known languages spoken across Kenya, which is a fantastic reflection of the country’s hugely diverse population that contains the vast majority of major ethno-racial and linguistic groups that can be found in Africa. The local, tribal and regional languages spoken in Kenya in the most part belong to two language families, the Bantu (Niger-Congo) language branch, and the Nilotic (Nilo-Saharan) language branch. As with many African nations, Kenya has a range of other language dialects that have been introduced by other ethnic groups, for example, the Cushitic and Arab residents speak their own languages belonging to the Afro-Asiatic language family, and the Hindustani and British residents speak languages belonging to the Indo-European language family.

All Kenya’s ethnic groups will speak with their mother tongues when communicating in their own communities; however Kenya’s two official languages, Swahili and English are spoken widely, with English being predominant in commerce, schooling and government.

People of Kenya
The people of Kenya, as with many African nations, are extremely friendly and welcoming to those visiting their county, going out of their way to help you out and make you feel at home during your stay. The population of Kenya is mostly composed of those of African decent (97%), however due to the ethnic diversity of Kenya, this high percentage is made up of over 70 different tribal groups, each with their own cultural norms and way of life. The most significant tribal groups in Kenya are the Kikuyu, Kamba, Gusii, Luhya, and Luo. Kenya’s tribal origins mean that many of these tribes are distinguishable by their authentic, and striking, face-paint and clothing.

Kikuyu – The Kikuyu are a group of Bantu people, who speak the Kikuyu-Bantu language as their mother tounge. This tribal group constitute the single largest ethnic group in Kenya, with their main settlements concentrated in the Mount Kenya region of the country.

Kamba – The Kamba (pl. Akamba) are another Bantu ethnic group who occupy a a region in the Eastern Province of Kenya, from Mairobi to Tsavo, and up to Embu. This area is known locally as Ukambani.

Gusii – Also known as the Kisii or Kosova people, the Gusii are a Bantu speaking community who inhabvit the highland areas of the hills of western Kenya between Lake Vistoria and Tanzania. The Gusii are likely to have been occupying this highland territory for some 500 years.

Luo – The Luo people are a Nilotic group consisting of several ethnic groups that inhabit a huige area of Africa ranging from South Sudan and Ethiopia, through Uganda and Congo, into Western Kenya and the Masai Mara region of Tanzania.

Travelling in Kenya
You will have your weekends free to explore this diverse and beautiful country, so be sure to see as much as you can while you are in Kenya. Getting around this exciting nation is great fun, as well as having some spectacular sights along the way.

There are 3 main forms of transport available to you:
 • Taxis – these are generally more reliable and safer (in terms of the vehicle condition). ALWAYS take officially registered taxis only which are easily identified as they have yellow wing panels and generally a taxi sign on the roof.
• Matutu – the most common option. These are a shared transport vehicle (usually a mini-bus style van) on set routes, usually displaying a board on the front with the destination.
• Intercity buses – long distance bus service between cities and towns. Reliable and good value.

Your in-country coordinator knows the area inside out and she will be able to give you all the information and tips that you need to make sure don’t miss a thing. Kenya has plenty to offer so you are certain never to get bored! Some of the activities you could get involved in include visiting the world famous national park, Lake Nakuru, which is right next to your placement and best known for it’s huge array of flamingos. You could also have a go at scuba diving and snorkelling in Mombasa, exploring the famous Masai Mara reserve, hiking up Kenya’s largest mountain Mount Kenya, white water rafting down Tana river, bird watching at Kakamega forest and even a trip to the river Nile.

Gap Year and Career Breaks in Kenya
Kenya is such an incredible destination, giving visitors a real sense of Africa’s pride and heritage. With sensational landscapes that sprawl from every border of this dazzling nation, and a truly charismatic population, a gap year or career break placement will Kenya could open your eyes to the wonders that Kenya holds, making for a genuine life changing trip.

Some people find the concept of paying to volunteer a bit strange. The truth is you don’t actually pay for your volunteer placement. That part is free. Your money goes on all the other benefits around it.
 
Placement Assessment
Before you see a placement on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the benefits of the placement, both for you and the community. Only then do you get to see the placement on our website and book your place, safe in the knowledge that it is well-structured and beneficial to the local community.
 
Help Choosing Your Placement
If you are not sure which placement or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right placement for you. This makes the task of deciding to volunteer in a foreign country much less intimidating, and far more exciting.
 
Pre-departure Advice
Once you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”
 
Help with Flights and Insurance
We do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your volunteer placement. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.
 
Airport Pick-Up
Landing in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure our in-country staff are there to meet you on arrival. There’s nothing like seeing a friendly face when you walk out of a new airport. And once we have given you a warm welcome, the in-country staff will take you back to your accommodation where you can meet the rest of the team and other volunteers.
 
Arrival Orientation
We will take you through a local orientation and placement induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, and it will also show you how to stay safe while volunteering abroad. Our team also have lots of handy travel tips and advice if you are thinking of exploring the country in your spare time.
 
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is included in all of our placements. Our volunteer houses, family home-stays and shared residences are comfortable and very sociable places to live while overseas. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation. Just contact us for details. We endeavour to supply food on all of our placements, however in some cases this is not always possible. In many cases you will receive at least 1 meal a day, please see the project summary for further details.  
 
In-Country Staff
Your safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you throughout your placement. Our staff live nearby, can be reached 24-hours a day and will check-in with you throughout your placement to ensure everything is running smoothly, and you are happy in your new environment.
 
24-Hour Emergency Support
In addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 
Ongoing Project Support
For every volunteer who travels with us, we make a donation to support the work you do in-country. This donation funds future initiatives in the countries and supports the local community, ensuring that those living in disadvantaged communities also have opportunities to develop.

Recruiting More Volunteers
In order to provide a reliable flow of volunteers to our placements overseas, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you. Our projects simply wouldn’t survive if we didn’t. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions! - See more at: http://changing-worlds.com/Trip/Details/care-work-volunteer-project-kenya-nakuru#sthash.mv5luPD5.dpuf

There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.

Flights and Insurance
Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.

Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.

Browse or book flights using our search engine. Click here to access it.

Alternatively you can call them on 0333 333 9890 and mention you are considering or are going away with Changing Worlds and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.

Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.

Why are flights not included?
By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.

What happens when flights and insurance are booked?
When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.

There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.

Do I really need travel insurance?
We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.

Visas
Some of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.

Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.

Vaccinations
At least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.

Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.

Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!

Speak To Us
If you have any questions or would like some more information, simply contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors. You can give us a call, request a call back or drop us an email and they will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Book Your Trip
Once you have decided to travel with us, you can secure your place by paying a small deposit per person. You will then be able to pay the rest of your placement fee in easy-to-manage instalments.

Welcome Pack
Once we have received your group's deposits, we will send you all welcome emails confirming your booking. This will contain your individual personal login details for your group's Travel Centre – online accounts full of useful information about your destination, you chosen project and all the things you need to do before you depart.

Personal Information
We will ask your group to provide some key information to help us create the best overseas experience for your group, such as medical and dietary requirements, any previous language lessons, and what each person is hoping to get out of your time abroad. We may also ask you to complete a police background check.

Flights and Insurance
You will need to book your flights and travel insurance before you leave, and then provide us with these details. We do not include flights and insurance in the project fee (to avoid passing on extra admin costs to you) but our travel partners will help you find the best options around.

Visas 
Next you will need to get your visa for your trip. We will also provide you with lots of information to make obtaining your visa very straightforward.
 
Final Payment
We will ask you for your final payment 60 days before your scheduled departure date. Once paid, your group will be ready to pack your bags, grab your passport and get on the plane!   

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