English and Swahili are the official languages of Kenya.

Travel insurance is required. Campbell Irvine Ltd is recommended at www.campbellirvine.com/TheLeapOverseas.

Pack lightweight and cool clothes for hot and humid weather. Include sports tops, shorts, swimsuits, sun hat, UV sun rash vest, reef shoes, flip-flops, trainers, reusable water bottles, towels, snorkel and mask, sun cream factor 50 (reef friendly only), insect repellent, and personal medication.

Good to know

Q: Visas & Entry Requirements

Visa applications can be completed at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Conservation Impact

Each mission contributes directly to the conservation and community targets set by Oceans Alive Trust. Teams help install coral reef structures, plant coral plugs, build energy-saving jiko stoves and support initiatives that strengthen sustainable livelihoods along Kenya’s coast.

This work forms part of a long-term programme restoring reef ecosystems while protecting the coastal communities that depend on them, led by Tilda and Des Bowden.

Their groundbreaking approach to community-led marine conservation has gained international recognition, with King Charles visiting and becoming a passionate supporter of the initiative.

Kenya volunteering abroad for adults meaningful impact oceans alive des and tilda

Team & Who This Mission Is For

Leap Missions operate with small teams, typically 10–16 participants, allowing meaningful engagement with the projects and a close connection with the Oceans Alive team and local community partners.

The mission attracts curious travellers who want to combine adventure with meaningful contribution. Participants often include individuals, couples and friends travelling together, and occasionally families with older teenagers.

No specialist skills are required — just curiosity, energy and a willingness to get involved.

image of accommodation at bahari Hai with the Leap

Activity Level

This is an active but accessible mission where you’ll spend time both in and out of the water supporting the Oceans Alive team and local communities.

Days are varied, combining time on the reef with community-based projects along the coast.Kenya’s coastal climate can be warm and some activities take place outdoors, but the days are carefully paced with plenty of shade, time in the water and opportunities to rest.

No specialist skills are required. A reasonable level of fitness, comfort in the water and a willingness to get involved are the only requirements, with all activities guided by the experienced Oceans Alive team.

Kenya volunteering abroad for adults meaningful impact oceans alive solo group travel

Accommodation

During the coastal phase of the mission you’ll stay at Bahari Hai, our beachside volunteer house in Vipingo, just north of Mombasa and a short drive from Kilifi. It’s a relaxed and welcoming base rather than a luxury lodge, simple, comfortable and perfectly placed for the work you’ll be doing with Oceans Alive.

Expect light, whitewashed rooms, shaded terraces and a small pool where the team can cool off after a day’s work. Rooms are shared (no single occupancy) and each has its own ensuite shower.What truly makes Bahari Hai special is the people. The wonderful Bahari family will look after you throughout your stay. Godfrey keeps everyone well fed with delicious home-cooked meals, while Joseph, Juma and Janet help guide the daily activities and ensure the mission runs smoothly.

For the safari phase, the journey continues into Tsavo East National Park. Your first night is spent at Ngutuni Lodge, a much-loved local safari lodge overlooking a waterhole where wildlife frequently gathers.

The final two nights are spent at Hildana Lodge, set beside another waterhole on the edge of the park. With spacious rooms, beautiful views and exceptional wildlife sightings, it’s the perfect place to unwind and celebrate the end of an incredible adventure.

Kenya Essentials

Communication

While Swahili is the local language, you'll find that everyone you'll be working with speaks excellent English, including your trusted team leaders, Joseph and Juma.
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Phones + Wi-Fi

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

Expect hot and sunny days, with temperatures generally ranging between highs of 35°C and lows of 22°C.

It can get a bit cooler during the safari, especially in the early mornings and evenings. So take a fleece and long trousers.

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.

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.

Insurance

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.

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations and medications are recommended as a guide, but please consult your doctor for personalised advice:

Hepatitis A
Tetanus
Typhoid
Malaria tablets

Money

ATMs are widely available along the coast and in towns, and most places operate in Kenyan Shillings, so we recommend withdrawing local currency on arrival.

Cards are accepted in some locations, but cash is handy for small purchases, tips, and market visits.

What to Pack?

Clothes

Consider the climate when packing; it’s hot and often humid. Pack lightweight and cool clothes. On safari it can get chilly at night, so you’ll need a light fleece and cotton trousers. Laundry is included at Bahari Hai.

Sports tops and shorts are what you’ll spend most of the time in
T-shirts - long and short sleeves
Swimsuits - you wear these every day so bring lots
Sun hat
UV sun rash vest - essential for snorkelling
Feel good clothes for the evenings
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

Equipment

Reusable metal water bottles
2 x towels (quick drying microfibre ones are best)
Large beach bag
Your main bag MUST be a soft duffel bag - no rigid suitcases
Sunglasses
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
Water proof camera case
A hardback notebook and pens/pencil

Toiletries & Medical

Basic everyday toiletries
Sun cream factor 50 - REEF FRIENDLY ONLY PLEASE
Insect repellent - Jungle formula works best
Solid shampoo bars (avoid plastic where possible)
After sun
Rehydration powders
Savlon/E45/Sudocrem

Antihistamines
Immodium
Personal Medication: Bring extra supplies, know the generic names of your medication, and ensure you can manage allergies (e.g. carry an epipen if necessary).

MIssion Programme

Kenya Mission Good to know

marine conservation + community development + safari
In partnership with Oceans Alive Trust

Conservation Impact

Team & Who This Mission Is For

Activity Level

Accommodation