Gap Year Volunteering - Tips for Kenya

Oceans Alive: A Partnership That Makes a Difference

One of the things that makes Kenya so special is our partnership with Oceans Alive, an award-winning conservation organisation based on Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline.

For more than a decade, Oceans Alive has worked alongside local communities to restore coral reefs, protect marine ecosystems and create sustainable livelihoods throughout the region. At the heart of their work is the Kuruwitu Locally Managed Marine Area, Kenya's first community-led marine conservation area. What began as a response to declining fish stocks has become an internationally recognised success story, helping restore marine biodiversity while creating new opportunities for local families.

During your time in Kenya, you'll work alongside the passionate team behind these initiatives, gaining first-hand insight into how conservation, education and community development can work together to create lasting change.

It's this combination of inspiring people, innovative projects and genuine community involvement that makes the Kenya experience unlike anything else.

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

What Makes This Leap Special

What sets Kenya apart is the opportunity to spend an entire month living and working alongside one community.

Rather than constantly moving from place to place, you'll have time to build genuine friendships, understand the projects you're supporting and experience everyday life on Kenya's coast in a way few travellers ever do.

Every Leap team contributes to long-term, locally led initiatives that continue long after they leave. Whether you're helping restore coral reefs, supporting community projects or taking part in environmental campaigns, you'll be contributing to work with lasting value.

Along the way, you'll gain valuable real-world experience and develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and adaptability. You'll learn to work with people from different backgrounds, take responsibility, step outside your comfort zone and grow in confidence.

These are the experiences that help young people stand out, not just on university, apprenticeship and job applications, but in life.

Your Beachside Base

Kenya gap year volunteering Oceans Alive beachside accommodation

kenya gap year volunteering accommodation bedroom

For four weeks, Bahari Hai will be your home on Kenya's beautiful Indian Ocean coastline.Located in Vipingo, around 90 minutes north of Mombasa and close to the vibrant town of Kilifi, it's the perfect base from which to experience everything Kenya has to offer.

Think white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, swaying palms and incredible marine life, from turtles and dolphins to migrating humpback whales at certain times of year. Accommodation is simple, comfortable and full of character. You'll stay in shared 2–3 person bungalows with ensuite bathrooms, surrounded by tropical gardens, a small swimming pool and plenty of communal space to relax with your team.

Most importantly, Bahari Hai quickly feels like home. After a day on the reef, in the community or exploring the coast, there's nowhere better to return to, swap stories and watch the sun set over another unforgettable day in Kenya.

Meals are freshly prepared each day by Godfrey and the team, with a mix of local flavours and familiar favourites to keep everyone well-fed and fuelled for adventure. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be catered for, simply let us know before departure.

Safe drinking water, tea and coffee are available throughout your stay, while additional soft drinks and other treats can be purchased locally.

Kenya Essentials

Communication

While Swahili is the local language, you'll find that everyone you'll be working with speaks excellent English including 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 departure date from 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 don't book any flights independently - wait for our admin email, which will include your recommended flight itinerary.

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
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.

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 notebook and pens/pencil
Roll mat for overnight camping

Optional

Spare cheap phone in case you lose your mobile

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

CORAL REEFS + COMMUNITY + SAFARI