.svg)
Gap Year Programme
Kenya Itinerary
CORAL REEFS + COMMUNITY + SAFARI
Based on Kenya's beautiful Indian Ocean coastline, you'll spend four weeks living alongside a vibrant local community and working with the inspiring team at Oceans Alive.
The magic of Kenya is that while you stay in one place, no two days are ever the same. From coral reefs and community projects to beach life, Swahili culture, dhow cruises and safari, every week brings new experiences and new adventures.
Life in Kenya looks like this.
You'll be met at Mombasa Airport and transferred north to Bahari Hai, your home for the next four weeks. As you leave the city behind, you'll pass bustling roadside markets, colourful tuk-tuks and villages that offer your first glimpse into life on Kenya's coast.
After settling in, you'll meet your team leaders, Joseph and Juma, who will introduce you to the projects, the local community and the exciting month ahead.
Take time to relax, meet your fellow Leapers and enjoy your first African sunset. The adventure has begun.
.avif)
The Indian Ocean is your office.
Spend your mornings snorkelling over coral reefs, exploring crystal-clear waters and working alongside the Oceans Alive team to help protect one of East Africa's most important marine ecosystems.
You will be building artificial reefs, caring for coral nurseries, surveying marine life and helping monitor turtle nesting sites. Every day offers a unique insight into the challenges and successes of marine conservation on Kenya's coastline.
It's hands-on, varied and a chance to experience a side of Kenya few travellers ever see.
.avif)
Beyond the reef, you'll become involved in a variety of community-led projects designed to improve livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for local families.
One day you will help build fuel-efficient jiko stoves. The next, support permaculture initiatives, assisting with environmental campaigns or helping deliver water to vulnerable members of the community.
The projects are practical, rewarding and constantly evolving, meaning no two weeks are ever quite the same. Most importantly, you'll see first-hand how local communities are creating positive change for future generations.
.avif)
.avif)
What makes Kenya truly special isn't just the projects. It's the people.
Living in one community for four weeks gives you the opportunity to experience everyday life in a way few travellers ever do. You'll build genuine friendships, share experiences and become part of the local rhythm of life.
You might find yourself exploring colourful local markets, learning to make mandazis, joining a Sunday church service, playing football with local teams or meeting local entrepreneurs and community leaders.
These moments often become the memories people talk about most when they return home.
Kenya is one of the most adventurous countries on the planet.
Between project work, there is plenty of time to explore, relax and enjoy life on the coast. Expect sunset dhow cruises, snorkelling trips, beach football, local markets and unforgettable evenings with your team.
Safari
Few experiences compare to seeing elephants, giraffes and lions in the wild.
Our optional safari into Tsavo National Park is one of the highlights of the programme, taking you from the Indian Ocean coastline into one of Africa's most iconic wildlife destinations.
PADI Scuba Diving
For those who want to explore further beneath the surface, there is the opportunity to complete a PADI Open Water or Advanced Diving qualification and discover a whole new world below the reef.
Coastal Adventures
From dhow sailing and beach sunsets to horse riding, local festivals and hidden coastal gems, every week brings new opportunities to experience this remarkable corner of Kenya.
Mombasa
Departure
Four weeks later, you'll leave with far more than photographs. You'll return home with incredible memories, lifelong friendships, a deeper understanding of another culture and the confidence that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing something new.
Ready to Take The Leap?
In just four weeks, you could be exploring extraordinary destinations, contributing to inspiring projects and gaining experiences that most young people never have the opportunity to access.
You'll return with new confidence, lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories and real-world experiences that help you stand out long after your travels are over.
Not sure where to start? Schedule a 30 minute call with Zoë, our travel expert.
