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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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This project really does bring you face to face with the best and the worst of Africa; a resilient people battling one of the worst humanitarian crises on the planet. Children’s homes have been set up around Kenya to help children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. They offer the children a safe and supportive shelter, a basic education and a real chance in life. With the beat of the African drums filling the streets this is the real Africa, with none of the pips removed. The projects may be challenging but they offer real opportunities to make a difference. Just bring in plenty of compassion and patience.
Welcome to Kenya! Today you will be collected from the airport by our i-to-i team and depending on the number of volunteers you will be transferred either to a hotel in central Mombasa or the volunteer house for your first night. The transfer by car takes around 30 minutes and takes you on to the island of Mombasa over the creeks that separate it from mainland Kenya. You’ll drive past shacks and see the people of Mombasa selling their wares at the roadside.
Having arrived at your hotel or the volunteer house, we’ll check you in and depending on what time of the day you arrive, dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant or the volunteer house depending on where you are staying – the goat stew comes highly recommended!
You’ll easily find internet cafes, shops, banks, ATM’s within walking distance and the famous sight of the Mombasa Tusks that straddle the main road and the entrance to Mombasa.
Grab a good night’s sleep and we’ll see you in the morning!
Today you’ll wake up fairly early and head down for breakfast. Our i-to-i team will be on hand and they’ll give you an orientation meeting after breakfast. The orientation will give you an insight into how to get around in Mombasa, local culture knowledge and it’s also a chance to ask any burning questions that you might have.
After the orientation, you will be taken to your new accommodation for your stay in Mombasa unless you are already staying at the volunteer house! If you are staying in a homestay or transfering from the hotel then you will take a walk there as they are all within walking distance of each other. The rest of the day can be spent unpacking and wandering around Mombasa itself to get yourself acquainted with your new surroundings.
Today you’ll be accompanied to the children’s home to meet your new friends! The journey to the home takes around 30 minutes by the ever exciting matatu – which is a multi-people taxi and you never know who you’re going to meet on these! They’re great!
You’ll be introduced to the project’s dedicated staff and of course the children themselves. The home where the children live is a very positive and happy place and most people feel at home right away! Take time to talk with the staff and get to know them, they’re your closest link to the children and everyone who comes into contact with the children is very protective over them – quite rightly, these are children who have already been through so much in their short lives that you’ll fall madly in love and never want to leave!
Carry on getting settled in and making lots of new friends at the project and around the community! Every single day will be different and full of its challenges and amazing moments, and you’ll quickly feel protective over the children and want to spend every minute with them!
So the weekend is here, you’re probably in need of some rest? Well the choice is yours, you can head to the stunning beaches which are only around 20minutes away by matatu; or you can go on a wow factor weekend safari which can easily be organised by our i-to-i team in country. You could wander around Fort Jesus and Mombasa’s Old Town or you could organise something for the children at the weekend! There’s so much to choose from so make the most of it!
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!
By now you’ll have settled into a new routine with the children and staff, and however long you are here for; be reassured that you are making a difference in your own way! There are so many activities to get involved in to do with the daily running and maintenance of the home, there’s lots of mouths to feed and lots of clothes to wash for example, so it’s just a matter of getting stuck in and helping out wherever you are needed at the time!
Your last day has come around so quickly! It’s time to say your goodbyes and make your way to your onward destination. Whilst the return airport transfer is not included, our team will be on hand to help you with transport arrangements if you need their assistance. The journey back to the airport takes around 30 minutes and we recommend budgeting US$20 for a taxi.
The project has one simple aim and it’s a good one; to provide a loving and warm home for children aged between the ages of 0-5 who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
There is a sad but beautiful history behind this children’s home, but ultimately this is a story of success. The founder of the home is a wonderful lady from the UK called Joan Smith, who retired to Mombasa’s coast and spent her time volunteering at a local hospital clinic. Whilst volunteering, Joan was asked to help a small girl who was very ill. After giving her hospital treatment, she was taken into the care of her uncle. Some months passed and Joan was anxious to find out how the little girl was keeping. She learned to her distress that, because the child had AIDS her uncle had taken her out into the bush and abandoned her, leaving her on her own to die. The seed to help these children was sown, and Joan has spent her retirement tirelessly working to establishing, building, maintaining and improving the orphanage she has founded.
The project has three main areas to get involved in; the home, a school, and a clinic.
The main project currently underway is that a school is being built just over the road from the home. This is a very exciting project for everyone to be involved in and a few classrooms have already opened. Although the hope is that the school will open to the wider community of Bamburi, the home is still facing prejudice and naivety from the community and there is reluctance for parents to send their children to the school in case they ‘catch’ HIV/AIDS.
The Clinic facilities within the home are vital to maintaining the health of the children who are infected with HIV and are on the necessary drug regimes which require constant monitoring by health professionals. Staff would like to expand the services offered to include testing of the CD4 counts and make the clinic facilities available to the wider community, which is a fantastic opportunity.
The home has space for up to 70 children between the ages of 0-5, a dormitory room for 30 boys, a dormitory room for 30 girls and a beautiful hospice for 10 terminally ill children so that may have a peaceful and loving passing.
You’ll find a loving home full of energy, care and positivity towards the children. Joan and her staff do everything in their power to give the children the best life they can possibly have. On your first visit to the home, you may think that these children are living a decent life surrounded by what they need, but this does not make them in any less need for affection, education, medical and nutritional care. Joan and her staff have worked hard to get to where they are now, but they always need support and a helping hand.
This is an amazing and inspiring homes that many others in Kenya are striving towards achieving, but Joan’s hard work doesn’t end here and she needs as much help as possible.
Unfortunately the project is facing a constant battle due to a lack of funding, lack of education in the community and whilst the staff works tirelessly for the children, they will always be happy for more help! All children deserve the very best in life and will always demand attention and affection and that’s where you come into it! However long you can stay for, you’ll be thrown into the daily running of the home and everything that comes with it.
You’ll need to have a lot of love to give; a bundle of motivation and energy will come in handy! This can also be an emotionally challenging time as you will be working closely with children who are all affected or infected with HIV/AIDS and who have been separated from their families at some stage in their life to live a better life in the home.
Your help is appreciated from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am – 5pm. You’ll have time for a lunch break and time to explore the local vibrant community of Bamburi.
Most days will be varied depending on what you’d like to get involved in, but the main need is for education! English is in demand and any teaching that you can get involved in would be appreciated, even reading a book with the children or working with those who might be slightly behind in their education on a one-to-one level is crucial and enjoyable.
The project always need help with simple but essential activities such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, tidying, supervising homework, reading to the children, singing songs and generally lending an enthusiastic hand in whatever is happening each day!
The weekends are yours to spend as you please, previous volunteers have decided to organise trips or excursions for the children which are always welcomed, but not expected.
The home sends an updated ‘wish’ list of essential items on their newsletter that they would appreciate; we can ensure that you receive this list when it comes to packing if you feel you would like to support the project, but this is not expected. Often items on their wish list are different to what you might expect, such as a new water tank, so it’s worth checking in with us before using your valuable luggage space for items that might not be needed.
Please note that a requirement of the project is that all volunteers should fill out an application form upon booking the trip to ensure their suitability to the project. Only once the application form has been approved will your placement be confirmed. Therefore we would advise that you do not book flights until your project has been confirmed.
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
You will arrive on the Arrival Date - Saturday and will be met at the airport on that day (whether it is 12 in the morning or 11:59 at night). You will be taken to the Manson Hotel (see contact details below) or the volunteer house depending on numbers of volunteers where you will have the first day/night to recover from your flight. The hotel has a bar that also serves food and an internet terminal so that you can write home if you need to. It is located within walking distance of the main shops if you wish to have a wander - just ask at reception for directions.
Note: If you're arriving early we can arrange a meet and greet for you. If you require this please contact us to arrange this service. If you wish to make your own way please arrange to be at the address below on the arrival date:
Manson Hotel Kisumu Road Mombasa +254 (0)41 222421/20/19Your orientation will take place the next morning at the Manson Hotel or the volunteer house if you are staying there, and will introduce you to life in Mombasa as well as important information about staying healthy and safe. You’ll also learn a bit of Swahili along the way!
You will transfer to your permanent accommodation on the Sunday (or remain at the volunteer house) and this will be arranged for you by the team; transfers within Mombasa will take up to 1 hour and those to Kilifi will take about 1.5 hours. You will be introduced to your project on the Monday and start at the project on this day. From here on in you will spend your time with the project but the in-country team are there if you need them.
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$ 90.00
We’ll give you the choice of where you’d like to stay during your time in Mombasa with us! Both options are within walking distance of each other.
First up, we have our volunteer house in central Mombasa. The house has three storeys and is made up of a living area, dining area, kitchen, several single sex dorm rooms which in total can sleep up to 28 people altogether, bathrooms with running water and western style toilets and also a roof terrace area to enjoy in the evenings!
We also have an exciting alternative in the form of home stay accommodation! This is your chance to live with a local Kenyan family in central Mombasa and learn more Swahili, learn to cook Swahili dishes and gain an insight into local Kenyan life! Rooms are on a same sex shared basis with other volunteers, shared bathrooms and living space and within walking distance of the volunteer house.
In both options breakfast and dinner will be provided for you, lunch will need to be taken care of by yourself but can easily be purchased in the supermarkets in central Mombasa or street stalls locally! Bedding is provided along with a mosquito net, but you might want to bring your own if you’re planning on travelling onwards after your project ends.
All accommodations are within walking distance of supermarkets, banks, internet facilities and most importantly, pubs, clubs and a karaoke bar! Mombasa has a good nightlife which is unexpected for a lot of people – so pack your clothes accordingly!
Mombasa is a big busy place with plenty of shops and facilities for you; there’s nothing that you can’t buy there that you might have left at home, so bear this in mind when packing your bags to visit there.
There’s no need to take plenty of toiletries with you, the supermarket around the corner from the accommodation has everything you could want so save your luggage space! You can use the ATM’s at all the global banks if you’d rather not take all your cash with you to Kenya.
The accommodations are basic but clean and are in a good location for exploring Mombasa. They don’t have hot water but you don’t need it in Mombasa, its hot enough there already!
Both accommodations are secure, the volunteer house has a security guard posted there 24/7 and any home stays in apartment blocks also will have security guards.
Bedding and mosquito nets are provided but you might like to bring your own with you if you are planning to travel onwards from the project, as not everywhere will have mosquito nets available, some might have holes in them etc. You will also need your own towel as these are not provided.
The volunteer house can be found just off Uhuru Gardens in central Mombasa, a one minute walk from the Tusks monument and the shops of Moi Avenue.
Our home stay accommodations are in various locations around the centre of Mombasa and Mombasa itself is easy to navigate yourself around, with only a few main streets that run parallel to each other. Transport is easy to navigate also and getting around Mombasa is even easier thanks to the three wheeled tuk-tuks that run you around town for very little money, and they’re great fun!
It’s a short walk to the matatu stop to take you to Bamburi, then around a 30minute ride to the project. The home is signposted all the way there so it’s really easy to find.
Travelling by matatu is very cheap too; each journey will cost you less than a dollar!
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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