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Kenya

Volunteer opportunities in Kenya

Between savanna, wildlife reserves and Indian Ocean beaches, volunteer in Kenya with Freepackers in education, healthcare, work with children or wildlife protection.

5 programmes in this country

See the programmes

Two giraffes walking across the savanna in Kenya

Kenya is a country in East Africa famous for its scenic landscapes and wildlife preserves. It is home to a variety of animal species including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and rhinoceroses. Its Indian Ocean coastline has some of the best beaches in Africa. Tourism is an important sector of its economy.

Kenya has more than 40 national parks and game reserves for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitat. It is known for its savanna, which you probably picture when you think of Africa. Most Kenyans live in the highlands where Nairobi, the capital city, is located. The official languages of Kenya are English and Swahili.

It would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with some Kenyan customs before going to Kenya. Knowing and respecting the local culture will help you to connect with the community.

Good to know before you go

Visa
To enter Kenya, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required before departure: it has replaced the e-visa since January 2024 and is applied for online on the official website etakenya.go.ke. It allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Health
Please check with your doctor or a travel clinic which vaccinations you need for your destination. You can also find up-to-date health advice for each destination on the Institut Pasteur website.

Our programmes in Kenya

Responsible travel by Freepackers

Not looking to volunteer?

Travel in Kenya with Planeta First

No project to join here: you discover the country with local guides and hosts, at your own pace.

About the destination

Advice before volunteering in Kenya

Before volunteering in Kenya it is also important to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications. Malaria is prevalent in some areas, so educating yourself on the necessary medication and practising mosquito bite prevention is highly recommended as well.

Learning some phrases in Swahili could come in useful as well!

Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?

Kenya is considered a very safe volunteering destination. All programmes in Kenya have been checked by the Freepackers team. However, it is advisable to exercise caution, as with any international trip.

Requirements to volunteer in Kenya

In order to volunteer in Kenya, you must be 18+, be proficient in English, have a valid passport and have travel insurance. You will also need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before departure, on the etakenya.go.ke website.

Volunteer opportunities in Kenya

You can become an international volunteer in Kenya! Discover volunteer opportunities such as educational programmes, eco-volunteering, and wildlife protection projects. Freepackers’ partner NGO for volunteer projects in Kenya was founded in 1998. Since then, it has supported over 300 projects in the region. The organisation has won multiple awards for its humanitarian commitment and sustainable development actions.

Kenya needs volunteers, especially to support the education system, health facilities and, in general, work with children. You can also join numerous wildlife protection programmes.

So, why not you?Travel to be useful, on ground we know.Find my programme

Line drawing: a beach and its turtle, a mangrove, two backpackers, a school on a hillside, a giraffe and an elephant under an acacia