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Gap Year Programme
Kenya Itinerary
marine conservation + community development + safari
This 4-week programme in Kenya is all about meaningful connection, real impact, and discovering the power of purposeful travel. Based in one vibrant coastal community, you’ll spend a month fully immersed—supporting vital marine conservation and development projects while building lasting relationships along the way.
Vipingo
Throughout your 4 weeks, Monday to Friday, you’ll dive into a mix of marine, community, and environmental projects — all aligned with Oceans Alive's mission to protect ocean health and support local livelihoods.
No two days are the same. One morning you might be snorkelling over coral reefs, monitoring marine life; by the afternoon, you’re in the village helping to build a jiko stove or assisting with a school garden. Then, as the day winds down, you could be sailing on a dhow at sunset, kicking a football with local kids, or exploring a colourful market.
Every day brings something new — hands-on work that connects you to the community, mixed with moments of adventure and discovery. From scuba diving beyond the reef to tracking wildlife on safari, the variety keeps things fresh, exciting, and grounded in purpose.
It’s a full, vibrant experience where marine conservation, cultural exchange, and exploration come together to create something unforgettable.
You’ll be picked up from Mombasa airport, ready for your first taste of Africa. As you journey through the lively streets, you’ll weave through bustling tuk-tuks and wheelbarrows piled high with fresh fruits and vegetables. The drive will take about 1.5 hours, before you arrive at your home for the next few weeks, Bahari Hai.
Your first day will be spent with your team leaders, Joseph and Juma, who will introduce you to the inspiring projects supported by Oceans Alive and explain how you'll be getting involved. They'll also take you on a tour of the surrounding area, showing you the best spots for downtime around Vipingo. It's the perfect chance to decompress and fully appreciate your stunning new home by the beach.
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Oceans Alive launched Kenya’s first locally managed marine area to help reverse the decline in fish stocks in the Kuruwitu Lagoon. The project provides essential support to the community, helping locals explore alternative livelihoods and reduce their dependence on fishing. It’s a success that’s now being replicated along the coast and has caught international attention - King Charles even visited last year and is a big supporter.
Part of your week will be spent with Katana, the leading marine conservationist, to help restore the lagoon and bring it back to its best health. Your tasks will include:
Species surveying and charting: Snorkel on, you’ll explore the lagoon, charting the species living there, whilst you marvel at the marine life, from octopuses and sea anemones to colourful corals and vibrant clams.
Coral regeneration: It’s a bit like underwater gardening. Metal structures are placed in the lagoon, where broken coral fragments are attached. Once the coral grows strong, it’s replanted onto the reef. Your tasks will include:
- Plug creation: You’ll make small concrete plugs, about the size of an egg cup, where the coral fragments are attached. These plugs are placed in the coral nursery.
- Coral gardening: With snorkel and mask, you’ll gently clean the coral plugs in the nursery to help them thrive. When the coral is ready, you’ll assist in moving it to artificial reefs.
- Building artificial reefs: You’ll help build artificial reef structures using concrete or wire. These are submerged in the ocean to provide a base for the coral plugs you’ve helped grow to be attached to.
Turtle conservation (May–August): If you’re lucky, you might get to help relocate a turtle nest or assist baby turtles as they make their way to the sea, helping them start their journey safely.
Mangrove planting (Nov–March): Mangroves are vital for coastal protection and as fish nurseries. During the season, you’ll help plant up to 1,000 seedlings in a single day.
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Once you understand the marine challenges the community faces, you’ll see just how crucial it is to stop overfishing. But for families who rely on fishing as their only source of income, change doesn’t happen overnight. That’s where you come in.
Permaculture: Building sustainable food sources
With a fishing ban in place for six months each year, finding alternative food sources becomes essential. Oceans Alive has set up a thriving community farm where fishing families learn sustainable practices like organic permaculture, vertical gardening, and water recycling. This project boosts food security, elevates local living standards, and reduces the pressure on marine life.
You’ll work alongside Leah, the project lead, introducing community members to these efficient gardening methods that use minimal space and maximise output by recycling household waste for compost and water. Many families now grow enough to feed themselves and even sell the surplus, creating new income streams while lessening their dependence on the ocean.
Jiko Stoves: Reducing deforestation and protecting fish stocks
Unlike traditional open wood fires that contribute to deforestation, these stoves are highly efficient, using minimal wood to generate high heat for cooking. Not only do they save valuable wood, but they also extend the shelf life of fish, reducing the need for daily catches.
As you help build these stoves, you’ll see the difference you’re making in the lives of local families - both by reducing their wood consumption and protecting the local fish stocks.
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Beach clean-ups
Beach clean-ups are more than just tidying up the shores. Working alongside residents, you’ll find creative ways to repurpose the trash, turning plastic bottles into gardening tools or crafting colourful mobiles and keychains from discarded flip-flops.
You’ll have the chance to think outside the box, creating sustainable solutions that both engage and inspire the community to take better care of their environment.
Water Appreciation Project
This project provides essential support to the elderly and unwell villagers by delivering large water buckets from the village well to their home which is a daily challenge. Through this project, you’ll help ease this burden, ensuring these community members have access to clean water. The task is simple yet deeply appreciated.
Privileged community interaction
What makes these projects truly special is the deep, authentic connection you’ll experience with the community. You’ll be welcomed into the lives of the locals in ways few visitors ever are. You’ll be invited to join Sunday church services, take part in a local football match, or even meet the local acrobatic club, who’ll teach you a few impressive moves. You’ll also learn to make mandozas (Kenyan fried dough) from the wonderful Godfrey.
These interactions go far beyond typical volunteering - they’re a true privilege, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life and creating lasting connections. You’ll leave not just with a richer appreciation for Kenyan culture but with friendships and memories that will stay with you forever.
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Your four weeks in Kenya will seamlessly blend life the marine and community projects with adventure and exploration. Whether it’s a safari in Tsavo National Park or completing a scuba diving course, your adventure is yours to shape. But it’s not all about the big-ticket experiences - there are plenty of simple joys to enjoy too. Exploring the coastline, cruising along Kilifi Creek in a traditional dhow at sunset, haggling in local markets, horse riding, or relaxing with sundowners at Salties. Pizza nights, golf at Vipingo Ridge, and impromptu adventures will all become part of your Kenya story.
Safari
No trip to Kenya is complete without a safari, and the famous Tsavo National Park offers the perfect opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. It’s the ultimate ‘beach to bush’ experience, and is organised by Chris Angell who is one of Kenya’s top safari guides.
This is entirely optional and you'll decide when you get there - budget around £495 for 3 nights, £595 for 4 nights, and £675 for 5 nights per person, including transfers, accommodation, meals, and game drives.
PADI Scuba Diving Course
For those drawn to the ocean, you have the option to complete an Open Water or Advanced Scuba Diving course. It’s an incredible way to explore the underwater world beyond the reef. An open water course is about $575 and includes all equipment, training, and certification.
Mombasa
Departure
On the final day, after heartfelt goodbyes with your fellow travellers and the incredible people you've met along the way, you'll begin your journey home. With unforgettable memories and a newfound perspective, you’ll be transferred back to Mombasa airport, where you'll board your return flight to London Heathrow - no doubt already dreaming of your next adventure.
Kickstart your Gap Year
Life’s too short to stay on the side lines. In just 4 weeks, The Leap offers you the chance to make an impact, challenge yourself, and grow in ways you never imagined. Found your perfect Leap? Then book yourself on.
