Gap Year Volunteering - Tips for Kenya

Oceans Alive - Project Background

We’re proud to work alongside Oceans Alive, an award-winning community initiative founded by Tilda and Des Bowden. Their vision was to create positive environmental, economic, and socio-cultural change in the Kuruwitu area.

You'll be working directly with Tilda, one of the driving forces behind the project, and will benefit from her boundless enthusiasm and deep experience. In response to rapidly declining fish stocks in the Kuruwitu Lagoon, Tilda and Des established Kenya’s first Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA).

Their groundbreaking work has not only helped restore the lagoon’s health but has also provided the community with alternative livelihoods, reducing their dependence on fishing. Oceans Alive’s success has gained international recognition, with King Charles visiting last year and becoming a passionate supporter of the initiative.

By working with Oceans Alive, you’ll dive into a unique blend of marine, environmental, and community development projects - all interconnected to create lasting positive change in this stunning coastal region.

The Leap works alongside Oceans Alive, an award-winning community initiative founded by Tilda and Des Bowden

Accommodation + Food

ACCOMMODATION
You'll stay beachside at Bahari Hai, our beautiful volunteer house in Vipingo, just 1.5 hours from Mombasa and a short hop from Kilifi - famous for kite surfing and the relaxed vibe at Saltys bar - your weekend go-to for some downtime.

Picture the whitest of sand, warm tropical water, turtles, migrating humpback whales, dolphins, and more tropical fish than you can shake a stick at. Utterly stunning.

At Bahari Hai, you’ll be looked after by the wonderful Bahari family. Dolphine will ensure you're comfortable, Godfrey will whip up delicious meals, and Joseph and Juma, your team leaders, will guide your daily activities. The house is cosy with 2-3 bedroom bungalows, each with ensuite bathrooms, set in a lovely garden with a small pool and plenty of communal spaces. It’s got that perfect ‘home-from-home’ feel.

FOOD
Godfrey will cook delicious, home-cooked meals. From flavourful stews and grilled meats to fresh seafood and tropical fruits. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know, as these can be easily accommodated.

Safe drinking water, tea, coffee, and fruit squash will be available throughout your stay, though any additional soft drinks, beer, or other beverages will be at your own expense.

Kenya Essentials

Communication

While Swahili is the local language, you'll find that everyone you'll be working with speaks excellent Englishincluding our trusted team leaders, Joseph and Juma, who are always on hand if you have any questions or concerns.
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Phones + Wi-Fi

It's very easy to call or text home from Kenya.

Wi-Fi is available at Bahari Hai, and local SIM cards can easily be purchased at the airport upon arrival, with assistance from our guides.

Weather & Travel Times

Hot and sunny with general temperatures between highs of 35C and lows of 22C.

It is hot for the better part of the year despite heavy downpours between April and May and occasional showers towards the end of the year.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Currently to enter Kenya you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
The ETA fee is USD 32.50 per traveller, plus bank and processing fees.

Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date into Kenya and have at least two blank pages.
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Proof of Exit
You’ll need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or evidence of departure by air or land, upon entry into Kenya.

Flights

You’ll fly into and out of Mombasa airport, with exact dates depending on flight availability. Please refrain from booking any flights independently - wait for our admin email, which will include your recommended flight itinerary.

We coordinate flights through Trailfinders, the UK’s most trusted travel brand, ensuring your booking is ATOL-protected for peace of mind (ATOL number T1458).

Insurance

For UK Residents: We recommend Campbell Irvine Ltd who have designed a policy specifically with our projects in mind. We suggest you purchase your travel insurance at the earliest opportunity, so you are covered for any insurable reasons in the unlikely event you must cancel having committed to your itinerary or paid for flights.

‍USA Residents: We recommend Inext who can combine with your exiting medical cover. Most Leapers buy the Platinum Policy.

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations and medications are recommended as a guide, but please consult your doctor for personalised advice:
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Hepatitis A & B
Tetanus
Typhoid
Malaria tablets (essential for the full 4-week duration)

Money

When you arrive in Kenya, our team will help you get set up with M-Pesa—the local mobile money system that’s widely used and super convenient for day-to-day spending.

There are ATMs nearby where you can withdraw Kenyan Shillings using your usual debit or travel card. Most volunteers take out some cash on arrival and top up as needed, using a mix of M-Pesa and cash for things like snacks, souvenirs, or the occasional adventure.

What to Pack?

Clothing & Shoes

Sports tops and shorts are what you’ll spend most of the time in. There is a great market in the village, where they sell great second-hand clothes cheaply - especially good for when you are working in the community as clothes get dirty
T-shirts - long and short sleeves
Swimsuits - you wear these every day so bring lots. With bikinis, no thongs please.
Sun hats - plural. You need more than one - they walk
UV sun rash vest - essential for snorkelling
Feel good clothes for the evenings and going out at the weekends
‍Reef shoes - essential
Flip-flops / sliders / crocs
1 pair of casual summer shoes for wandering about / going out
1 pair of trainers for cycle/safari/football/golf

Equipment

2+ Reusable metal water bottles
Head torch (with sufficient batteries)
2 x towels (quick drying microfibre ones are best)
Day rucksack and bum bag
Your main bag MUST be a rucksack or soft duffel bag - NO rigid suitcases
UK plug adapter - only for USA and EU leapers
Sunglasses (bring 2 pairs - not designer - they are essential and you need a backup pair)
1 pair of working gloves - a pair of sturdy gardening gloves will be perfect
Snorkel and mask - ESSENTIAL. Please consider leaving these behind so they can be donated to Oceans Alive
Portable phone charger
Waterproof camera case
Light raincoat/poncho
A hardback notebook and pens/pencil

Optional

Spare cheap phone in case you lose your mobile
Laptop or tablet - not essential but useful
Underwater camera such as GoPro

Toiletries & Medical

Basic everyday toiletries
Sun cream factor 50 - REEF FRIENDLY ONLY PLEASE
Lip balm
Insect repellent - jungle formula works best
Solid shampoo bars (avoid plastic where possible)
Travel wash - for hand washing clothes

First Aid

Immodium
Rehydration powders
Savlon
Antihistamines
E45/Sudocrem
Mediplasters
Bite cream
Asthmatic volunteers must bring their own inhalers and make sure there is enough to last the whole trip
Volunteers with allergies must bring an epi-pen
Diabetics must bring their own insulin/equivalent medication

Gap Year Programme

Kenya Good to know

marine conservation + community development + safari