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You’ve decided to make this year’s adventure about giving back to others, and volunteering in Kenya seems like a great way to start your good deeds. In the land also known as the home of the Big Five, you can witness the amazing phenomenon of wildebeest migration, explore tropical beaches and coastlines (Kenya is not all just about the wildlife!), binge on delicious food, step out of your comfort zone, and have a cultural experience to remember.

Volunteering in Kenya means taking in the beautiful scenery and giving back to a magnificent country.

Kenya volunteer work will offer you all of these amazing experiences, but the highlight of your day will be the smiles you put on children’s faces. Such an experience will make you more humble and compassionate, it will teach you patience, and it will enhance your leadership skills. But the most important lesson you will leave with is how to find happiness in the simple things in life.

Volunteer opportunities in Kenya range from wildlife, conservation, local community and school development, to business administration programs and dental projects. Whatever your motivations may be, you will find a program that matches your goals and interests!

To help you with your decision, we’ve put together a very diverse list of Kenya volunteer programs that cover a whole slew of causes. Here are our 9 best volunteer opportunities in Kenya this year offered by high-quality volunteer organizations in Kenya.

8 best volunteer opportunities in Kenya this year

Editor’s note: This information on Kenya volunteer programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Volunteer Abroad in Kenya with African Impact—8.84

African Impact offers a variety of volunteer opportunities in Kenya, from wildlife research and conservation programs, medical support, to teaching English and offering childcare assistance. You will be working with different groups while learning and exploring together. The lengths and prices of the programs vary, but you have a lot of good options to choose from. Make a positive impact in the lives of Kenya’s population, and let them make an impact on your life as well. Take advantage of your surroundings; go on safaris, explore the wildlife up close, enjoy traditional food and celebrations, and make strong connections with your colleagues and the local community.

• Where: Nairobi
• When: Year-round
• Cause: Animal welfare, childcare, healthcare, veterinary science, conservation
• Read African Impact reviews

2. 8-Week Gap Year Adventure in Kenya - Wildlife & Conservation—9.5

Culsans Gap Travel will take you on an 8-week Kenyan adventure, where you will get the chance to embrace the traditional Maasai culture, make new friends, and sample the flavors of the local cuisine. During your volunteering experience you will receive a behind-the-scenes look at education in anti-poaching, wildlife research, and community development, while ushering in the future of community-based conservation. Protect endangered animals like lions, rhinos, elephants, and many other species. You’ll also learn skills in veterinary care and spend your days off visiting local sights.

• Where: Nairobi, Nanyuki, Rural Areas
• When: Year-round
• Cause: Wildlife conservation
• Read Culsans reviews

3. Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference—9.59

With Love Volunteers you can find great volunteer opportunities in Kenya in community centers, refugee camps, orphanages, schools, hospitals, and community medical clinics; each placement can often be customized to suit the needs, interests, and profile of each volunteer. With the help and tools offered by Love Volunteers, your contribution will make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of the people in this stunning country. You yourself will be coming home touched by the experience as a more compassionate person with a different view of life.

• Where: Nairobi, Mombasa, and Diani Beach
• When: Year-round
• Cause: Childcare and development, education support, medical internships, women’s empowerment
• Read Love Volunteers reviews

4. Volunteer Work at an Orphanage in Kenya—9.33

If you love children, playing with them, teaching and taking care of them, then sign up with Volunteering Solutions for one of their placements at orphanages in Kenya. Support the staff in daily tasks such as feeding or clothing children and keeping them active during the day. You can also help with household tasks such as cleaning or cooking, but that’s not all you’ll be doing on your trip. The weekends are all yours to explore the city on your own. Working with children is a rewarding experience, and this is your chance to make a difference!

5. ELI Abroad - Experiences to Change Your Life—10

To all the dentists out there, if you wanted a program dedicated to your valuable skills, here it is. You can now gain experience towards your future career by providing a full range of dental services to the kids in Kenya and teaching them about daily hygiene. Discover the beauties of Africa on your safari trips while visiting the local markets and vendors. Connect with the local community and discover the incredible abundance of Africa’s wildlife. What makes this program great? The simple fact that experience is not necessary! You will receive the necessary training from them. 

6. Kenya Community Outreach Volunteers—10

Naturally Africa Volunteers and their program will give you the chance to make a real change in the lives of vulnerable individuals and extremely disadvantaged communities. You will help building or repairing homes for families, teach English or other subjects like mathematics or sports to the local children and community, and help with sharing the food ratios and clothing. It’s a vulnerable (yet rewarding) and life-changing experience both for you and all the people your good deeds will touch. Your support, even for a few weeks, is vital and will help these children and women build better lives for themselves. 

7. Care Work in Kenya with Projects Abroad—10

Get real hands-on experience in the Kenyan culture and lifestyle with Projects Abroad and live with a local host family throughout your entire stay. Enjoy the local food, connect with your host family and local community, learn about Kenyan traditions, and explore the African savannah. You’ll be giving back to the welcoming community by teaching English to the children, along with basic skills and knowledge to perform well at school. So if you are pursuing a career in childcare services, this is a great way to add some significant experience to your resume, as you’re also improving the lives of so many children.

8. Maasai Mara Lion, Wildlife Research and Conservation Project—10

Hey all you animal lovers and Steve Irwin fans out there, we are calling you out! Join forces with Kaya Responsible Travel in a lion and wildlife research and conservation project this year, and work alongside their team of researchers to promote ways of coexistence between the local Maasai tribes and wildlife. No special skills are required, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn and work (especially as part of a team) will make you the perfect candidate. You'll be trained in consistent and accurate collection of data, monitoring the movement of big cat populations such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, assisting in the research of elephant populations, taking pictures, and learning everything there is to know about wildlife. 

Find & Compare Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya

Ready to volunteer in Kenya?

Pack your bags and get ready for the most amazing experience when you volunteer in Kenya.

Now that you know you can find Kenya volunteer programs in different areas of interest, you can start on next steps. Compare dates and lengths of programs, and decide on the type of program you would like to do. Read reviews and contact the organization directly if you still have questions! Finally, work out your budget or start a fundraising campaign, and on you go. Trust us — it’ll all be worth it.

Start as a volunteer in Kenya this year and maybe aim for a different country next year! Opportunities are endless and help is always needed. Give yourself the chance to step out of your comfort zone and develop personally, all while making a huge impact in one corner of the world.

Explore ALL Kenya Adventure Travel Programs

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