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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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If you’re resilient, patient and optimistic, a number of projects in Mombasa need your support helping vulnerable children. Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and is home to more than 30,000 street children and many more youngsters who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. By giving your support to these local initiatives, you’ll reach out to some of those children and help put their lives back on track. You also enjoy a full immersion into this stunning coastal city, which boasts some of the world’s best beaches. While at times these projects may be challenging, you can be sure your hard work will be worthwhile.
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 2 new mosquito nets, a mattress or equivalent for the kids through our Big Giving programme.
Welcome to Kenya! Today you will be collected from the airport by our i-to-i team and transferred to the volunteer house where you will stay for the duration of your trip. 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 the volunteer house, you can get settled in and depending on what time of the day you arrive you may want to explore your surroundings before dinner – the goat stew comes highly recommended!
You’ll easily find pubs and clubs within easy reach of the house, the mall is within a 10 minute matatu drive away.
Today you’ll wake up fairly early and head down for breakfast. You will then head off down to the beach where you will have an orientation meeting in the Jamboree beach hotel. 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 head back to the volunteer house, unless you would prefer to stay on the beach that is! 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 your project to meet your new friends! We work with six different projects located in different areas around Mombasa, depending on what you would like to get involved in; our team will allocate you to a project on arrival into Mombasa.
The journey to the projects takes around 30minutes-1hr and could involve a journey on a tuk-tuk, bicycle, taxi or ferry!
Our team will introduce you to the staff and show you around the place before you get to meet the beautiful children. Take the time to get to know the staff and all about the project to get the most out of your time in Mombasa.
Now is the time to get stuck into work at your community project! You could be playing with the kids, helping them to learn English and with their school work, playing games, singing songs or helping with day to day tasks such as dressing and feeding the kids, or helping keep the centre clean and tidy.
No previous experience is needed, although any specific skills you might have would be greatly appreciated! We only ask that you are adaptable, hard working and willing to give 110%!
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 projects, 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.
We work with several different community development projects located in around Mombasa. One aspect that ties these projects together is the fact that all of the projects are in dire need of support. They are all struggling to get by with no sturdy financial support and all full to bursting with beautiful children all desperate to get a better education.
They all work with children between the ages of 0-18, so if there’s a specific age group you’d like to work with, just let us know and we’ll do our best to allocate you there.
Most of the children in our projects attend some form of schooling during the day and you can help by participating in the classes, whether you’re more comfortable at the back or up the front of the classroom, the children are eager to learn more English so that when they grow up they can earn a better wage in the tourism industry.
In the early mornings and the late evenings, the children return to their homes, run by dedicated staff, and help each other with their homework and head to bed. The children do have the opportunity to be children, to play, to have someone look after them, so they need all the help they can get.
Each project is different in its own way but is centered around the aim of nurturing and giving the children as much support, love and attention.
By 2001 an estimated 890,000 children in Kenya had been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS virus, and with 15% of the population between 15 and 49 believed to be carrying the virus, there is an increasing number of children caught up in the wake of the epidemic. The overall result has been a dramatic increase in the number of children, from toddlers to teens, who are living on the streets. Without the means to make any kind of living, they are subject to severe poverty, abuse, drugs and worse. While some children do have surviving relatives to take them in, often the families cannot fully support them, and are able to provide little more than a roof and the occasional meal.
The projects that i-to-i work with in Mombasa endeavour to offer support and advice to young people affected by homelessness, poverty and/or the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Volunteers are desperately needed to support the staff running the centres, and to provide some basic skills and companionship. As English is a national language in Kenya, English teachers are a permanent necessity and by helping in these areas you can bring an invaluable skill to the young people you work with.
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.
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 for 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 an online account 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 through our Big Giving initiative to provide resources to those projects that really need it.
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 Volunteer house in Bamburi where you will be staying for the duration of your stay.
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:
45, Vesconm 1 Estate
Factory Road
Bamburi
Mombasa.
Your orientation will take place the next morning at the Jamboree hotel on the beach - what a great way to start the day! The meeting 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 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.
Please note that in certain circumstances we may also use a homestay accommodation as well as the volunteer house.
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.
During your time in Mombasa you will be staying in volunteer accommodation which is made up of 4 flats within the same compound with each flat sleeping up to 6 people in bunk beds. One of these flats also has a living room with dining area where meals for all volunteers are served and is the main communal area as well. There is a TV in the living room if conversation dries up too!
The toilet and bathroom in each flat are separate to each other and there is also a sink outside the bathroom.
When we have large volunteer numbers we may also use homestay accommodation. This will give you a 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.
In both accommodations 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 local shops 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.
The accommodation is within easy reach of local pubs and clubs and within a 10 minute drive by matatu to the mall. Mombasa itself 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.
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!
The accommodation is located in a secure estate which is guarded and each unit having its own door and grill on the window.
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 accommodation is located in a secure estate called Veson 1, in Bamburi just a 15 minute walk from the beach or 5 minutes in a matatu if you can`t be bothered walking!
If we use home stay accommodation then these are located in various areas 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.
Depending on your project you will be approximately 10 minutes matatu ride away, you should budget around US$15 per week for this.
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.
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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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