Impactful volunteer trips to Kenya

Nakuru is Kenya's fourth largest city, and one of real contrasts. Situated in the heart of the stunning Great Rift Valley, it is home to unprecedented economic growth, but many residents still live in extreme poverty.

Our trips focus on supporting independently run schools which have been set up to provide increased access to education for children who may not otherwise attend school, due to lack of funds. The projects receive no government funding, so we provide financial and humanitarian support to support the schools' development. Volunteers can make a tangible difference whilst developing a range of skills, before returning home as more rounded individuals.

The schools we work with are run by local people who are passionate about providing opportunities to young people by giving them a free education and two free daily meals.

Away from volunteering, there is plenty to do in the bustling town of Nakuru. Your students can make home visits to the children who attend our partner schools, tour the local markets, or enjoy a lively church service, and all our trips include a visit to the famous giraffe centre in Nairobi.

If you want to make your experience even more memorable, you can choose from a selection of exciting adventure activities, which includes everything from safari packages and a trip to the Equator, to immersing yourself in Keyan culture with a traditional cookery lesson and an elephant rescue centre - there is something for everyone!

DAY 1 - Arrival
You will be met at the airport by African Adventures’ friendly in-country team, who will take you to your accommodation.

DAY 2 - Project Day
You will head to your partner project for your first day of volunteering. Be prepared to receive a warm welcome from the teachers and children!

You will have a lunch break during the day, and will have the opportunity to play with the children. At 3:30pm you will be picked up by our in-country staff and taken back to your accommodation.

Before and after dinner, you can relax at your accommodation, or enjoy an afternoon activity as arranged with your Trip Host.

DAYS 3-6 Project Days
Continue volunteering at your partner project.

DAY 7 - Taste of Kenya Day
Your day begins with an introductory lesson to Swahili, which will stand you in good stead for the remainder of your trip.

Cooking local food is a great way to understand a new culture. You will take part in a traditional Kenyan cookery lesson, making chapatis - a famous local staple - and stew from scratch, before enjoying the dish for lunch.

Your group will then head six miles north of Nakuru to explore one of Kenya’s most fascinating geographical phenomenons - the Menengai Crater. This 200,000-year-old shield volcano provides a fascinating insight into the geological formation of the Great Rift Valley.

DAY 8 - Rift Valley Adventure Day
You and your group will head to Lake Nakuru National Park, where you can spot a vast array of wildlife including giraffes, lions, and baboons.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Equator, where you can witness the Earth's gravitational pull in action, before hiking up the stunning Thomson Falls - one of the deepest waterfalls in East Africa.

DAY 9 - Final Project Day
After spending the morning wrapping up your volunteering work, there will be a farewell celebration at your partner school. Be prepared for some emotional goodbyes!

At 3:30pm, you will be picked up by our in-country staff and taken to your accommodation to relax before your celebration dinner.

DAY 10 - Departure
Unfortunately, it is time to head home! En route to the airport, you will stop off at the famous giraffe centre, located on the outskirts of Nairobi, where you can feed these incredible animals by hand. After this, you will travel to the airport for your journey home!

Minimum 10, maximum 150.

Students with disabilities and/or restricted access needs are welcome to apply for a place on our trips. We will request full details of an individual's needs and subsequently carry out a risk assessment, factoring in the environment, facilities and objectives of the trip, to ensure that he/she can participate fully in the programme.

At African Adventures, we run all our trips from start to finish, meaning our friendly staff take care of every element of your trip whilst you're in-country. Once you book, you'll be looked after by a dedicated member of our UK groups team, who will build the itinerary you want and help answer any questions you may have before you travel.

You can manage your trip through our dedicated online portal, My African Adventure (My AA), which contains everything you need to know about your trip, and includes helpful tools and resources for you and your students to use prior to travel.

Many of our volunteers fundraise towards the cost of their trip, which means an African Adventure can start long before you step on the plane. In fact, nearly half of our volunteers raise more than half of their trip costs through fundraising. This element of the trip can be as valuable as the trip itself, and we've got lots of ideas to get you started.

Students can join our free six-weekly fundraising workshop webinars, where they’ll hear from volunteers who have been there and done it before, and seasonal tips (Christmas/Easter etc.) for fundraising events they can try from the African Adventures team.

Plus, there’s comprehensive Fundraising Support section for them to use on My African Adventure, where they can download money planners, event posters, A-Z Fundraising Guide and much more.