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: 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.

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.

Project Background

Every mission contributes directly to the long-term work of Oceans Alive, supporting both reef restoration and the coastal communities that depend on it.

You’ll be involved in practical, hands-on projects such as installing reef structures, planting coral, building energy-saving jiko stoves, and supporting small-scale community initiatives.

All of this sits within a much bigger picture, a pioneering, community-led conservation programme led by Tilda and Des Bowden, now recognised internationally, including support from King Charles.

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

Who this mission is for

This is for people looking for a holiday with purpose, something that feels a little different, a little more meaningful.

You might be travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, looking for something special. It also works brilliantly for families with older teenagers, giving them the opportunity to step away from screens, get involved in something real. Whoever you are we guarantee you'll come back feeling refreshed, reconnected, and proud of what you’ve done together.

We keep the groups small, usually around 10–14 people, which allows for a more personal experience and a genuine connection with the Oceans Alive team and the communities you’ll spend time with.

You don’t need any previous experience. Just curiosity, a bit of energy, a love of the ocean and a willingness to get involved.

image of accommodation at bahari Hai with the Leap

Active, but accessible

This is an active yet very accessible mission especially for those comfortable in the sea.

You’ll spend time both in and out of the water, supporting the Oceans Alive team and local communities, with days naturally varying between reef work and time spent within the villages.

It can be warm on the coast, and much of the work takes place outdoors, but the days are well paced, with plenty of time in the water, shade when needed, and space to rest.

No specialist skills are needed. You just need to feel comfortable in the water, have a reasonable level of fitness, and be willing to get involved, everything is guided and supported by the Oceans Alive team.

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

Where you will stay

During the coastal phase you’ll stay in one of the privately run, beachside houses we know in Vipiongo. All glorious with a private chef, and full team to make you feel spoilt.

House 360, pictured here, is one of our favourities and will give you an idea of the standard you will experience. We have a choice of houses to choose from which we will confirm when we know what the team configuration looks like, and how many single, double rooms, and indeed houses, are required for each mission.

For the safari phase, you'll spend time at Hildana Lodge, set beside a 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 the house and in Hildana, 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 all 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 beach house, extra at Hildana.

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 Good to know

From reef to village to wilderness

Project Background

Who this mission is for

Active, but accessible

Where you will stay