About i-to-i What i-to-i trips and TEFL are, how and why we do what we do!
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About i-to-i What i-to-i trips and TEFL are, how and why we do what we do!
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Kenya continues to be one of the world’s top tourist destinations with millions descending on its open plains every year. Unfortunately the revenue from a booming tourist trade has yet to find its way to the less fortunate of society and the number of children living on the street continues to be a major concern. By volunteering on this project, you will help to tackle the problem while enjoying a stunning location in the rift valley town of Nakuru.
When you book this trip, in addition to the 52% typically of your programme fee that is spent in country, we will also use US$75 of your fee to purchase 1 month's supply of notebooks, chalk and educational material or equivalent through our Big Giving programme.
Welcome to Kenya! You’ll be met at the airport by our smiling team holding up an i-to-i sign who will take you to your accommodation in the bustling capital of Nairobi for your first night. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes under half an hour and then you’ll be able to relax in your new settings for the night and enjoy an evening meal in the hotel with your new fellow travellers.
The hotel has two beds in each room, lockers in reception for your valuables, hot water in your own bathrooms and is in a great location if you want to go out and explore Nairobi. There are internet cafes, shops and cafes just around the corner to keep you connected to the Western world.
The hotel is located on the junction of Muindi Mbingu and Monrovia Street, opposite Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi city centre. All the rooms have natural lighting, direct dial phones, compact en suite bathrooms and mosquito nets. Facilities include a 24 hour restaurant unique bar, rooftop guest lounge, rooftop sun lounge, safe deposit boxes and mini internet cafe. There is also the Sokoni Kiosk serving best Kenyan Coffee and Seasonal Fresh Juices. Within the area are the National Theatre, The Nairobi University, Nakumatt Lifestyle Super Store (supermarket), retail and Arts / Curio Shops.
If you aren’t able to arrange a flight to get you into Nairobi (airport code NBO) on the designated arrival day then we’d recommend you fly in a day early. We can arrange an early airport pick-up for you including one night’s accommodation for an additional fee. Please call us for more information.
After your orientation, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Nakuru. The journey takes around 4 hours and is by public bus, which is most commonly known as a matatu. The matatus follow a certain route and carry passengers much like a taxi, so you never know who you’ll be sharing the bus with! It’s great fun! Sit back and relax as you watch Kenya whizz by your window!
Once you reach Nakuru, you’ll be introduced to your accommodation hosts and be given time to unpack before enjoying a delicious meal altogether!
Today you’ll be up bright and early for your first day your project! Today is all about settling in and getting to know your way around. The i-to-i team will introduce you to the staff at the project who will be your day-to-day contacts. You’ll spend the rest of your day learning the ropes and starting to get stuck into some volunteering.
Now you know your way around you can really get to work! Community work is very varied and you could be getting involved with anything from singing and dancing to teaching English, from helping keep the project clean and tidy to dishing out cuddles and chats! You’ll get out what you put in so use your initiative and don’t be shy!
Hooray it’s the weekend so time to chill out and see some of Kenya’s sights and sounds! Saturday and Sunday are yours to spend as you please, and any activities are not included in your placement fee, but you might like to take our recommendations on board?
How about heading on a weekend safari? If you’re planning on going on safari whilst in Kenya, we’d recommend waiting until you arrive there before arranging anything. The costs are cheaper in country and there are so many different locations, durations and accommodations to choose from that it can be baffling! Let our team help you choose when you get here and we’ll make sure you have the safari of a lifetime!
Don’t forget that you are right on the doorstep of Lake Nakuru National Park! Now is your chance to go and see the famous sight of the flamingoes in the shallows of the lake! If you’ve always wanted to go and visit a dormant volcano, why not head to the nearby Menengai Crater. Continuing with the Lake theme, we also have Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo nearby too! There’s a lot to cram into your weekend!
The following weeks will follow a similar pattern of working at the project during the week and relaxing and exploring during your free evenings and weekends. Time will fly by so make the most of every minute in this beautiful country!
Wow! How has it come to your last day already? Today is the last day of your project with us and we’ll bet good money that you don’t feel ready to leave…
If you’re heading back to Nairobi, you’ll be heading back by matatu again and this transfer is not included in your project fee so please budget around US$15 for this cost.
If you have booked an early morning flight on your last day, you might want to consider heading back to Nairobi the previous day? Our team can help you to arrange this when you arrive in Kenya.
We work with a number of projects throughout Nakuru, and you will be placed at one of them dependant on availability and need. All of the projects work with disadvantaged children that come from poor backgrounds, and offer a safe environment where children can go to escape a life on the streets.
Although many of the children who attend the projects have families, they often have nowhere to go during the day as their carers are out at work. The projects encourages children to come off the streets and, where possible, stay with relatives overnight, despite spending much of the day at the Centre. This method of support provides the children with education, food and clothing, but also enables them to retain contact with relatives without being a financial burden to them. Some projects also care for children overnight, and are their permanent home.
As well as educating and caring for children on a daily basis, the projects also offer outreach support for the wider community. They offer counselling services to young mothers, people affected by HIV and AIDS and abused women, and offer education opportunities to people who cannot afford a formal education.
There are a great number of street children in Kenya, and the projects are often overwhelmed. The need for volunteers to help with all aspects of the work they do is huge, and your time and effort will make a real difference.
All the projects are located in and around Nakuru, Kenya’s fourth largest town which is about 160km from Nairobi.
You’ll travel to and from your project each day by multi people taxi, and the journey will take between 30 to 45 minutes. You should budget approximately US$50 per week for this journey.
This project is ideal for anyone with a love of children and a wish to make a difference to some of the world’s most disadvantaged kids. You’ll need a genuine commitment to the project, and although no experience is necessary, some experience of working with young people is useful.
You will need to be flexible, and have initiative and enthusiasm to face the many hurdles and challenges that you will inevitably encounter within your role. The children who attend these projects have had hard lives, and you will need to be sensitive to this. Some of them will have lost parents and loved ones to AIDS and may be HIV positive themselves. They may have experienced drugs, alcohol or abuse, and will look to you to show them the support and respect they need.
To ensure that you get the most out of and contribute fully to your project, a pro-active, positive attitude is essential. You should be committed and hard working, as you will be providing a positive role model to the children, and be offering them the love and attention they need and deserve.
The work schedule will vary according to the project’s needs and will be arranged during your introductions on your first day. You might be working mornings, afternoons, or a mixture of both.
You’ll be volunteering from Monday to Friday and your evenings and weekends are free to spend how you chose. Any additional time you’d like to spend at the project will be welcomed.
Your activities will be varied, and could include any or all of the following:
All of the projects are under resourced so you will need to use your initiative when planning activities! If you’d like to make a donation then things like stickers, craft materials, games, stationary and books are always welcomed. A lot of these resources can be purchased when you get to Kenya, which will have the added bonus of helping the local economy as well as saving space in your luggage!
Books with English words, flash cards and souvenirs from your home country (flags, postcards, traditional items etc) are a great way to introduce yourself to the people at the project and help them to learn about you and your culture.
Please remember that you a role model and should therefore dress appropriately. You should not wear revealing clothes, or t-shirts with slogans that may cause offence.
It may seem like a strange concept to pay for your volunteer experience. You'd be right if you think you shouldn't and the truth is you actually don't! Your placement is free; it's the benefits around it that you pay for. It's important to note that i-to-i is a travel company and not a charity. We provide a professional travel service. We are responsible for finding and assessing worthwhile projects across the world, preparing you fora the volunteering experience and supporting you whilst you're there.
Here’s some more information about what your placement fee covers….
We work with hundreds of locally run partner projects around the world and are constantly sourcing new opportunities. We visit all projects to check that they are worthwhile and legitimate and we also conduct a thorough safety assessment before we'll send volunteers there. More
Almost everyone who works for i-to-i has traveled extensively or worked overseas. This means we're a goldmine of information; we're always available to offer support and guidance before, during and after your trip.
Once you book on to a project you'll receive a Welcome Pack that contains loads of general information about volunteering, about your chosen country and how to have fun and stay safe. We'll also give you advice on visas and inoculations.
It can be pretty daunting arriving in a different country for the first time - especially after a long flight! If you arrive on your project start date, there'll be a welcoming face at the airport to pick you up and take you to your accommodation.
Soon after you arrive you will attend a thorough orientation with our in-country team. This is to cover important safety and security information. You'll also get some tips about sight-seeing options for your time off and maybe even learn some of the local lingo!
Accommodation is included with all projects and meals are even included with some. We only use locally-owned and operated accommodation so that part of your placement fee is filtering back into the local economy. Most projects offer homestay, guesthouse or shared volunteer houses as standard accommodation, but some offer the chance to upgrade to a more comfortable living standard. More
Your in-country team will arrange a pick-up for you at the airport and will conduct your orientation upon arrival. All coordination teams are English speaking and are locals of your destination country. They won't be at your project every day, but will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need them. More
Aside from the local support from your in-country team you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line manned by our response team in case any problem should arise while you're overseas. We also hire crisis management professionals to be on hand in case of a situation that requires additional expert support. More
The safety and security of our volunteers is paramount. For this reason we provide ongoing crisis management and emergency response training to our local teams around the world. We also fly in our in-country coordinators to the UK regularly for thorough training to help them offer the best safety to the thousands of volunteers they support each year. More
We don't fund our projects directly from the project fee that you pay us. Instead we choose to support a number of projects every year through a grant scheme for tangible long-term initiatives. In the last 3 years we have distributed over US$250,000 to our most needy projects to help them in the great work they do.
We make no secrets of the fact that part of your placement fee is reinvested in to recruiting volunteers just like you! The volunteers recruited in one week will typically deliver over 2000 man-days of service. The difference this makes to projects overseas is immeasurable. Many of our overseas projects rely on assistance from international volunteers, so it's necessary for us to put together brochures and websites to find the people who can support them. This recruitment process is vital to ensure programs have a constant stream of reliable volunteers.
Volunteering through a company like i-to-i has a lot of intangible benefits to developing overseas communities and the individual projects that we work with. To find out more about our placements. click here
It's important that you get adequate travel insurance for your i-to-i experience and as many of you will be working this often means standard policies won’t work. The good news is that no matter where your coming from we have already found a policy to suit you.
The best time to get your insurance is when you book your project as this means you can get a fully tailored policy exclusive to i-to-i, just ask your consultant for further details at the time of booking.
EU Customers – find out more here >>
Australian customers - find out more here >>
All other customers - find out more here >>
As with insurance we advise you get these booked as early as possible to avoid high prices and to make sure you arrive on the right day. The i-to-i team is right up to date with the best deals no matter where you’re flying from; their insider knowledge could save you some time and money.
If you are arriving before your designated arrival date, we can arrange for an extra meet and greet service for you. For an extra supplement we will be there to meet you at the airport and take you to your orientation accommodation. One additional night a
The cost of this Early Pick-up service is US$ 110.00
You will be living with a local family in a homestay. Nakuru is Kenya's fourth biggest town, about 160km from Nairobi, and is a fairly laid-back and modern town. Nakuru has a good transport system and is well linked to the rest of the country. Nakuru has plenty of facilities, with several banks, internet cafes, tour operators, and hotels. Water and electricity may occasionally go off, but it’s all part of the Kenyan experience!
There is good access to public transport and other facilities. The houses are close to a main road, and only about 5 minutes walk into the town centre. In the town, there are internet cafes, supermarkets, banks, cafes and restaurants.
A local minibus (matatu) around Nakuru costs less than a US dollar and a taxi home from town costs around us$3. The famous Lake Nakuru National Park is only 5 km away, and it is easy to arrange safaris from the town.
During your stay in Nakuru, you’ll be staying with a local Kenyan family in their home. You’ll soon feel like part of the family, as all of our accommodation hosts are very welcoming and have been receiving our volunteers for many years.
The accommodation has all the basic amenities that you would need during your stay; running water, limited electricity, shower with sporadic hot water, a bathtub, equipped kitchen. The bedrooms are shared single sex on a 2 bed basis.
Running water is available, with a boiler being used for heating it. There is electricity when the sun goes down, and there are power points to charge electrical gadgets.
There is a lounge to relax and socialise in with your home stay family and share stories. It can get cold during the evenings, so it is recommended that you bring warm clothes to keep you nice and warm. You can do laundry here too, so don’t worry about having to bring a truckload of clothes!
Breakfast and dinner will be provided for you, lunch can easily be organised yourself locally too.
Bedding is provided for you at the house, and don’t worry about bringing a mosquito net as these are provided as well (although if you are travelling around Kenya after your trip with us, you might want to consider bringing one).
It is also recommended that you bring your own towel as these are not provided for you. It’s a good idea to bring a torch/flashlight as there can be power cuts.
Please remember to bring a warm jumper for the evenings as it can get chilly at high altitude!
An archaeologist’s dream, Kenya is home to fossil finds indicating that human life existed over 2 million years ago, while excavations across East Africa show primates date back 20 million years. More recent history, relatively speaking, shows that the Cushitic-speaking people from Ethiopia were among the earliest migrants and settled around 2000 BC. Various tribes from across the continent flocked to what is now Kenya, including the Bantu-speaking people, while Arabs and Persians developed trading routes along the coast from the 8th century onwards. By the 16th century, the Portuguese had colonised the country and taken control of trade routes only for the Arabs to regain control of the coast by the end of the 17th century.
By the mid-19th century, the Germans and the British had turned their interests to Kenya and in 1920 it became a British colony. The spread of white settlement led to tribes like the Maasai losing land and escalating tensions which culminated in the Mau Mau rebellion in 1953; the Mau Mau’s aim was to drive the white settlers out of Kenya and by 1956 were defeated by the colonists. Jomo Kenyatta, a key figure in Kenya’s quest for liberation, became the country’s first president after Kenya gained independence in 1963 and the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) held power for nearly 40 years; a one party rule mentality existed until 1991 when several political parties emerged. In recent years, the current government has been faced with corruption allegations, and together with one of the country’s worst droughts and the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the country’s journey to a socially and economically reformed future has so far been challenged.
Kenya’s hot and dry climate is interspersed with periods of rain, from March to May (the ‘long rains’) and from October to December (the ‘short rains’). The most popular time to visit is January to February and July to August, which are also the best times to go on safari; during the rainy seasons accommodation prices are lower but it’s possible that there may be restricted access to some safari parks. To catch the migrating wildebeests from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, June to September is the time to catch the roaming hordes.
Kenya’s skies accommodate a number of domestic airlines and private operators that jet to major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as national parks and reserves such as Masai Mara and Amboseli. The main domestic flight operators are Kenya Airways and Air Kenya. It’s advisable to book in advance and reconfirm flights at least 48 hours before departure.
Kenya is well served by an extensive bus network. Matatus (minibuses) are a regular feature on the country’s roads, though they do have questionable safety records, are often crowded and it’s not advisable to use them at night. There is a selection of private bus companies to choose from including Eldoret Express, Stagecoach and Akamba that serve major routes and offer reasonable fares.
Although scenic, train travel is limited and time consuming; the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa takes around 13 hours compared to 6 hours by road. There are three classes to choose from but only classes 1 and 2 are worth considering due to better security. Locally and long distance wise, there are ample amount of private and shared taxis available and fares should be negotiated prior to travel. For more independent travellers, car hire is available but it is hard on the wallet and police permission is required for driving on certain routes in the northeast of the country.
Kenya is much more than a real-life jungle book of exotic animals and the string of safari hotspots that most visitors flock to. Its chequered history has given rise to a diverse population of tribal groups and swathes of agricultural land have remained untouched from the infringement of the modern world, culminating in a culturally rich and splendidly scenic country that’s often hailed as the crowning glory of East Africa.
The monumental Great Rift Valley runs the length of the country dividing east and west and carries a multitude of contrasting scenes from hot springs arising against the backdrop of steep cliffs to soda lakes graced with flocks of flamingos. At the valley’s northern reaches the climate is distinctly hotter and the elevation lower, with routes to the huge water expanse that is Lake Turkana (formerly Lake Rudolph); it is world’s largest permanent desert lake and alkaline lake. Wild and wonderful parks and reserves adorn the surrounding area, while various tribal groups including the Turkana, Samburu and Elmolo inhabit the land. Sibiloi National Park, on the north eastern shore, is a treasure trove of fossils and pre-historic finds; human, giant tortoise and crocodile fossils have all been found here. The barren setting is also home to abundant bird species, including flamingos and storks. Further south, Central Island National Park provides a refuge for breeding crocodiles and is located in the middle of the lake in the shadow of an extinct volcano. Loiyangalani is the main jumping of point for explorations in and around the lake and is equipped with an air strip, post office and campsites.
The valley’s central region is home to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake, which is located around one hour from Nairobi and is a popular retreat for city dwellers and tourists. The south shore boasts a host of day-trip delights and most visitors make their base at one of the lakeside hotels or guest houses. Elsamere is the former residence of conservationist Joy Adamson, made famous by the Born Free film, and today comprises a small museum, conservation centre and guest house. Further west lies a crater lake that is worth visiting, while the eastern side of the lake is home to the Crescent Island Sanctuary which teems with bird species, as well as small herds of zebra, giraffe and antelope. There’s freedom to roam to your hearts content at nearby Hell’s Gate National Park, which is one of the few places in the country where it’s possible to venture unguided among the game herds. Walk, cycle, skip or run, whichever mode you choose, there’s a high chance of spotting wildlife such as buffalos, zebras and baboons. Campsites are accessible within the park.
The remote southern sections of the Rift Valley are not as frequented by tourists but are no less astounding. Lake Magadi is the southernmost of the valley’s lakes and is a soda-encrusted stretch that supports a number of bird species, most notably flamingos. The Olorgasailie Prehistoric Site lies north of the lake, less than an hour from Nairobi, and is where excavations uncovered ancient tools and animal bones. Guided tours and a museum provide a wealth of information.
Western Kenya for the most part is off the main tourist trails but radiates an appealing charm, one that is characterised by equatorial rainforest, tea plantations and not a safari tour in sight. Its major draw is Lake Victoria; the largest on the continent, which also borders Uganda and Tanzania. The lake’s islands make for an interesting jaunt although getting to them isn’t plain sailing due to boat services dictated by unpredictable water levels. Mfangano Island is particularly worth the effort for its ancient rock paintings and rich culture; it is serviced by large wooden motorised boats (matatu boats).
The Swahili language and culture, together with Arab-Muslim influences enrich the country’s coastal stretch that has more than idyllic beaches to recommend it. The region is bathed in historical significance and ancient sites are a common theme along the coast, while its exotic waters are among some of the world’s best dive sites. Mombasa, the country’s second city, is the coastal hub but has much more going for it than a springboard to the rest of the coast. The city is actually an island connected to the mainland by bridges and is the biggest port on the continent’s east coast. The Old Town provides an interesting mix of architectural styles dating back to from as early as the first half of the 19th century and includes Indian and British influences. Overlooking the city’s historical heart is the Portuguese-built 16th century fort, Fort Jesus, which now stands as a monument to the past and houses a museum. The Tsavo National Park is only an hour away and is populated by rhinos, monkeys, buffalo, giraffe, antelopes and large herds of elephants.
Malindi, north of Mombasa, was once a centre of power for Swahilis and a Portuguese stronghold and has since evolved into a fully fledged beach resort town. The tourist tackiness, however, is redeemed by its protected coral reef-waters that mark it out as top snorkelling and scuba diving location. The nearby ruins of Gedi, a Swahili town that existed between the 13th and 17th centuries, is another fascinating highlight that includes the remnants of palaces, mosques and tombs.
For a taste of paradise, the Lamu archipelago off the north coast is a true contender. It has an army of winning attributes from tranquil white-sand beaches to the absence of motorised vehicles. But to keep things interesting, this largely Muslim enclave has a history and strong Swahili culture to keep it afloat. The island’s main centre, Lamu Town, is the oldest inhabited town in the country and boasts old Arab architecture, mosques, a Hindu temple and decent museums.
Kenya’s capital is one of Africa’s largest cities and the most modern in all East Africa. Nairobi is a colonial creation that sprang up from the construction of the Mombasa to Uganda railway in the late 19th century and has since developed in leaps and bounds to become a centre for international business and a worthwhile base for excursions to some of the country’s top-rated national parks and reserves. Crime has afflicted the city’s reputation but is not a reason to stay away, and adhering to common sense and not flashing your cash should ensure a relatively hassle free stay. Despite the proliferation of western influences in the form of American-style shopping malls and fast food restaurants, the city has managed to maintain a distinct character; one that provides a sense of the real Kenya of optimistic prosperity and stark poverty.
The wide stretch of Kenyatta Avenue is a hive of activity and a useful navigation point. Amid the office blocks and conference centres, the tree-lined expanse is littered with safari touts, moneychangers and souvenir sellers. A useful aid, however, can be found at the New Stanley Hotel’s Thorn Tree café: a friendly pavement café with a message board used and read by travellers and may sometimes include details such as related to excursions outside of the capital. Further toward the centre at City Square, there’s the chance to catch a glimpse inside the country’s political system at the Parliament building. Visitors are permitted to sit and watch politicians verbally battling it out from the public gallery. The Square also reflects the country’s political past with a statue of Kenya’s founding father Jomo Kenyatta, and is also the site of his mausoleum. North of Kenyatta Avenue is one of the city’s most striking buildings, the Jamia Mosque. Though non-Muslims are not always assured entrance, the building’s exterior of green and white opulence is to be admired.
The city’s museums also make for an informed introduction to both the city and the country. The National Museum, which is set to re-open in mid-2007 following renovation, exhibits a wide range of artefacts from pre-historic fossils and some of the earliest human remains to contemporary East African art, while its grounds house a snake park and are a prime spot for bird-watching. The National Archives also provide a fascinating look into the city’s development and include photographs, contemporary art, cultural and tribal artefacts. Based at the former farmhouse residence of the Out of Africa author, the eponymous Karen Blixen museum is an interesting look at her life and the period she lived there (1914 to 1931).
The city’s parks bring a dose of light relief from the urban throng. City Park is the biggest of them all and is draped in tropical foliage and home to an array of birdlife and monkeys. To see a greater concentration of wildlife, however, you don’t need to travel too far away from the city’s sprawl since the country’s first national park is just a stone’s throw away. Herds of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe are just some of the animals to roam The Nairobi National Park, which also cares for sick and abandoned animals; the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, situated within the park, is a haven for orphaned elephants and rhinos. These wild plains set against tower blocks and traffic in the hazy distance makes for a surreal image.
The city is also something of a safari-central destination thanks to its relative proximity to some of the best-known parks and reserves. Masai Mara National Reserve (also known as the Mara), the country’s most popular park, is world-renowned for its sheer scale of wildlife and is also a haven for Masai communities. The best time to visit is from late June to September when the Great Wildebeest Migration roams en masse from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s lush grasslands. A popular way to see the herds of lions, cheetahs and other creatures of the wild is from the confines of a hot air balloon. The park can be reached in around seven hours by road from Nairobi. To catch sight of herds of elephants, Amboseli National Park is the place to go and is just a four hour drive from the capital. Situated in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, the park is an awesome panorama of grazing animals such as zebras and giraffes on wide open plains. Mount Kenya National Park, meanwhile, is located a two-hour drive away and boasts Africa’s second highest mountain and the area is home to the Kikuyu people, as well as diverse flora, fauna and landscapes including glaciers and thick forest.
We work in partnership with hundreds of established projects that are run by local communities. The information on our website comes directly from the projects and we work with them to ensure this information is as accurate as possible. However, due to the very nature of the projects themselves the exact details of what happens on a daily basis can change with little or no notice. If you have travelled with us and have any updates to this information, please let us know.
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