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Kenya Under 18 Volunteer Abroad

Indian Ocean + Tsavo National Park

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Unlock your future career success

Join a life-changing mission in Kenya, and earn a prestigious International Volunteering Diploma.

Open to under 18 students from schools across the UK, this adventure offers the perfect mix of fun, friendship, and impact. Work together as a team on vital marine conservation and community projects in the stunning coastal region of Kuruwitu. From regenerating coral reefs to building sustainable gardens, your efforts will help protect ecosystems and empower local communities.

Beyond the volunteer work, you'll explore Kenya’s wild side with an exciting safari in Tsavo National Park, sail along the breathtaking Kilifi Creek, and bond with locals in vibrant markets and friendly football matches.

As part of this unique experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn an International Volunteering Diploma, accredited by the National Open College Network and worth 16 UCAS points. This diploma not only enhances your university applications, showcasing your dedication to global citizenship, but also gives you a competitive edge for future academic and career pursuits.

Make lifelong memories, grow your global citizenship skills, and boost your university prospects—all while making a real difference.

Transform lives, create lasting memories, and earn a prestigious International Volunteering Diploma.


Kenya's under 18 Itinerary

10 days

Expedition Overview A Journey of Purpose and Personal Growth

Transform lives, create lasting memories, and earn a prestigious International Volunteering Diploma.

This incredible expedition is open to students from a variety of schools, offering a unique opportunity to meet new people, work as a team, and make a real difference. Designed to inspire, challenge, and empower, this experience combines personal growth, global responsibility, and academic achievement. As part of the adventure, students can earn a Diploma in International Volunteering—worth 16 UCAS points—an extra asset for university and future career plans.

What Awaits:

Through The Leap, a leading volunteer and adventure travel organisation, and Oceans Alive, a trailblazing grassroots NGO, students will head to Kuruwitu, 40 km north of Mombasa. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of marine life including turtles, dolphins, and over 500 species of tropical fish, it’s a stunning backdrop for a mission that matters.

However, this isn’t just a holiday—it’s a life-changing mission. Students will take part in vital marine conservation efforts alongside Oceans Alive, working to regenerate coral reefs, combat declining fish stocks, and provide alternative livelihoods for local communities. This project has even earned royal recognition, with King Charles visiting in 2023 to see the impact firsthand.

A Mission of Conservation & Community Impact:

Students will come together as a united team to contribute to meaningful projects:

  • Marine Conservation: Help regenerate coral reefs and preserve marine ecosystems.
  • Sustainable Development: Build jiko stoves for local fishmongers, create sustainable gardens, and teach environmental conservation to local children.
  • Community Engagement: Assist with clean water initiatives and support vulnerable members of the community.

+ Adventure & Exploration:

The experience combines impactful work with exciting adventures, such as:

  • A safari in the iconic Tsavo National Park.
  • Play friendly football matches with the local community and explore vibrant markets.
  • Sail along Kilifi Creek on a traditional dhow, soaking in the beauty of Kenya’s coastline.

+ The International Volunteering Diploma:

As an added, optional bonus, students can pursue an International Volunteering Diploma through The Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), accredited by the National Open College Network.

Expedition Goals:

  • A fun, dynamic team: Meet new people from different schools, bond over shared challenges, and make friends for life.
  • Enriched portfolios: Elevate university applications with hands-on volunteer experience and a globally-recognized diploma.
  • Personal development: Build skills and strength in resilience, teamwork and adaptability.
7th July

Depart UK

Milly Whitehead, founding member of The Leap, will personally meet all students at the airport, along with other The Leap staff, who will take full responsibility for the group and act in loco parentis throughout the adventure.

During the transfer, the team will operate with a 1 adult to 10 students ratio, ensuring personalized attention. In Kenya, this will increase to 2 adults to 10 students, as The Leap staff work alongside the Oceans Alive leaders for even greater support. Milly, an expert in adventure travel for over 25 years, champions personal development through cultural immersion, challenge, and meaningful contribution. Having successfully led midlife expeditions, she’s excited to guide the students through this transformative experience.

8th July

Settle in + team bonding

You'll depart on the overnight flight on the 7th July.  Arriving in Mombasa on the morning of the 8th July.

From the moment you step off the plane you’ll be hit by the hustle and bustle of Kenyan life. There will be piki pikis weaving through tuk tuks and matatus, women selling mangoes out of wheelbarrows, and perhaps the odd donkey wandering the streets. It’s about a 2-hour drive from the airport to your new base in Kuruwitu, called Popes.

Popes is set right on the beach, with lots of ensuite bungalows,  surrounding communal hang-out areas and a small pool. You’ll be met with a delicious lunch, and time to unpack your bags before your first swim in the warm Indian Ocean.

In the afternoon you’ll meet the Oceans Alive team who will give you an induction covering their goals, your participation and staying safe whilst on the adventure in Kenya, before you get stuck into some fun raft building to help you bond and acclimatise.

Accommodation

Popes has lots of communal/hang out areas, small pool, with 2 or 3 bed bungalows with ensuite bathrooms, dotted around the pretty garden. It has that 'home from home' vibe.

Food

Supper: Bonfire and supper at Popes.

9th July

Induction + Coral Restoration + Vipingo

Today begins at the Oceans Alive Centre, located on the shores of Kenya’s first Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) in the Kuruwitu Lagoon. You'll head out into the warm, waist-deep waters for your first underwater safari, exploring the vibrant coral structures. Expect to encounter a kaleidoscope of marine life, including brightly colored clams, sea anemones, and tropical fish—a truly stunning experience.

After a relaxed lunch, you’ll learn more about the conservation efforts directly from the Oceans Alive team. Then, it's off to Vipingo Ridge, where a scenic hike leads you to the dam in search of resident giraffes and antelope. Capping off the day with a refreshing swim and a well-earned supper at the Ridge.

Accommodation

Popes.

Food

Lunch: Popes
Supper: Pizza night at the Vipingo Ridge Resort.

10th July

Coral Restoration + Market

Today is all about making a difference. The morning will be dedicated to hands-on work with coral regeneration projects, focusing on three key tasks: plug creation, coral gardening, and building artificial reef structures. You'll be divided into three teams and rotate throughout, ensuring you experience each stage of the process.

Team A: Plug Creation

This is where it all begins. You'll create small concrete plugs, about the size of an egg cup, onto which broken fragments of coral are attached. These newly formed plugs are then placed into the coral nursery in the ocean, helping to nurture new coral growth.

Team B: Coral Gardening

Equipped with a snorkel and mask, you'll head into the shallow waters to tend to the coral nursery. Your task will be to gently clean the coral plugs using a brush. If the coral has grown large enough, you'll help transfer it onto an artificial reef.

Team C: Artificial Reefs

Here, you'll assist in building artificial reef structures made of concrete or wire. These are constructed on land and later submerged in the ocean, where they serve as a base for the coral plugs you've helped cultivate.

After lunch, you’ll visit the vibrant Shariani Market for a firsthand look at local community life. From fresh produce to clothing and electronics, this bustling market offers a true taste of everyday Kenyan life. It's the perfect opportunity to practice your haggling skills and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Accommodation

Popes

Food

Lunch: Popes
Supper: Popes, fancy dress night having bought something at the market

11th July

Joyland School + Community Jiko Stove

Today will be spent at the local school, where you'll be guaranteed to have a day full of smiles as you engage with the children. Expect a lively mix of games, arts and crafts, and perhaps even an impromptu football match. The kids are always excited to meet new people and will welcome you with open arms, making for a truly heartwarming experience.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the nearby village to participate in one of Oceans Alive’s community projects aimed at reducing the pressures of overfishing and reef damage in the lagoon.

Jiko Stoves

You’ll notice that many homes in the village still rely on open flames for cooking, which is both hazardous and fuel-inefficient. Oceans Alive is addressing this issue by introducing Jiko stoves into fishermen’s homes. These stoves not only make cooking safer but also help preserve fish by providing a frying option, extending shelf life and reducing the need for overfishing. You’ll have the chance to help build a Jiko stove—an experience that puts you right at the heart of community life.

Accommodation

Popes

Food

Lunch: Popes
Supper:
Tonight, we have arranged for you all to have a cooking lesson from some of the local women, learning to make authentic Kenyan dishes such as mandazi (a sweet, doughnut-like form of bread), and of course enjoying the fruits of your labour at the end.

12th July

Marine Projects + Community Football + Dhow

This morning, you’ll dive back into the coral regeneration project, focusing on your next task and continuing your hands-on contribution to marine conservation.

In the afternoon, prepare for some friendly competition as you join an exciting football tournament against the spirited and football-loving teenagers from the Shariani community. They live and breathe the sport, so expect a lively and energetic match.

After the game, you’ll unwind with a serene sunset cruise along the Kilifi River aboard a traditional dhow sailing boat, before returning to Popes for a relaxing late supper.

Accommodation

Popes

Food

Lunch: Popes
Supper: Popes

13th July

Church Service + Vertical Gardening

Today is all about immersing yourself in the vibrant local community, beginning with an unforgettable church service—a lively, joyful, and colorful celebration of local culture that will leave a lasting impression.

Vertical Gardening

After lunch, you’ll dive into another meaningful community project. As Oceans Alive works with fishermen to reduce overfishing, they also promote alternative sources of income and food. One such initiative is the innovative community farm, where fishermen are introduced to vertical gardening—a brilliant technique for growing fruits and vegetables in compact spaces. Using recycled cement sacks, the community has created tiered gardens, resembling wedding cakes. This method not only conserves water but also allows a variety of crops to flourish without taking up much land. During your visit, you’ll roll up your sleeves and help maintain these vertical gardens, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Accommodation

Popes

Food

Lunch and Supper: Popes

14th July

Water Appreciation + Beach Club

This morning, you'll return to the coral regeneration project to complete your final marine task, contributing to the preservation of Kenya's marine ecosystems.

Afterward, you'll head back into the community to support Ocean Alive’s water appreciation project. This initiative involves gathering water from the well and delivering it to the homes of elderly and sick villagers—an essential effort that is deeply valued by the entire community.

The afternoon will be a relaxing break at the beach club, where you can unwind, play volleyball, or take a swim. Later, you'll head back to Popes to pack up in preparation for your exciting safari tomorrow.

Accommodation

Popes

Food

Lunch: Beach club
Supper: Final celebratory supper at Popes with entertainment from local musicians and acrobats who will showcase their talents

15th + 16th July

Tsavo National Park Safari

No trip to Kenya would be complete without a safari, and we’ve planned an unforgettable experience at the stunning Ngutuni Conservancy, renowned for its thriving elephant population. You'll then head to the iconic Saltlick Lodge in Tsavo East National Park, where a night under the stars promises an incredible array of wildlife sightings.

Leading the way is Chris Angel, your expert guide and safari coordinator—one of the best in Kenya. With an uncanny ability to track wildlife and bring the landscape to life, Chris ensures you won’t miss a thing. To make the journey even more unique, he’ll bring along a fleet of bicycles for a scenic cycling adventure en route to the park gates.

Ngutuni Lodge: Your adventure begins with a 7 a.m. departure from Popes. After a 2-hour drive to Bachuma, you'll stop for refreshments and explore the sprawling craft center before embarking on a gentle cycling challenge. The route is a peaceful, smooth, and mostly flat 6 to 11 km ride along a pipeline—perfectly timed with refreshment breaks and offering serene views. It should take around an hour.

You'll spend your first night at the beautiful Ngutuni Lodge, which boasts a brand-new swimming pool and, more importantly, a spectacular waterhole where you can watch wildlife gather right in front of the lodge. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a game drive where you're likely to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and a wide variety of birds—with the possibility of spotting lions, cheetahs, and more.

Saltlick Lodge: Start the day with an early morning game drive before returning for breakfast. Afterward, you’ll drive through the park, heading towards Saltlick Lodge, stopping at Taita Hills for lunch and a refreshing swim. By 3 p.m., you’ll continue your journey to Saltlick, arriving in time for a 4:30 p.m. evening game drive, where you’ll spend two hours exploring the incredible wildlife that this part of Tsavo is famous for.

Accommodation

Ngutuni and Saltlick Safari Lodges.

Food

All meals included. Soft drinks extra.

17th -18th July

Depart Kenya Landing back to the UK on the 18th July.

Your safari adventure concludes with an early morning game drive—an excellent opportunity to catch the lions as they prowl through the park in the cool dawn hours. After this thrilling experience, you'll return to the lodge for breakfast at 8 a.m., before departing by 10 a.m. for Voi, where you’ll board the train to Mombasa.

As the landscape rolls by, you'll have time to reflect on the incredible experiences, from the breathtaking wildlife to the vibrant community projects. Your journey will end in Mombasa, where you'll catch your flight home, leaving Kenya with unforgettable memories of adventure, connection, and the extraordinary beauty of nature.

Landing at Heathrow airport in the morning of the 11th July.

Kenya Under 18 Volunteer Abroad

Earn UCAS points

The International Volunteering Diploma
Students have the option to pursue an International Volunteering Diploma through The Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS), accredited by the National Open College Network. This diploma adds a powerful edge to university applications and resumes, showing commitment to global responsibility and personal growth. Worth 16 UCAS points.

The diploma consists of five modules which are supported and delivered both online and, in the field by CGCS and The Leap. Each module takes about 6-8 hours of student time, all online, working at ones own pace.

Module 1: Learn about cultural awareness, safety, and ethical responsibilities.

Module 2: Understand the motivations and skills needed for volunteering.

Module 3. Explore global citizenship, sustainable development, and the role of volunteers.

Module 4. Apply concepts in real-world settings, document experiences, and implement leadership skills. Delivered by Tilda Bowden – co-founder of OA.

Module 5: Reflect on personal growth, community impact, and future implications.

Cost of Diploma
£600 paid directly to the The Centre for Global Citizenship Studies (CGCS). This is an optional add on to the cost of the expedition, giving flexibility to the planned experience.

Giraffes in the wild in Kenya.
Marine conservation in Kenya where they are encouraging coral growth.
Safari vehicle in Tsavo National Park Kenya.
Mangrove planting in Kenya.
An underwater photo of the fish.

Next Steps

Reserve Your Place: Pay a £150 deposit (refundable if we don’t reach the minimum of 12 participants). Group size: 12–24 students, aged 15–18. Click book now.

Flights: Once we have 12 participants, we'll send you flight details to book directly through Trailfinders.

Options and costs

Whats included?

Earn UCAS Points

This diploma enriches university applications, giving students a competitive advantage.

Skill up

Build skills and strength in resilience, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication.

Community Contribution

Fully immerse yourself into a local community and provide the manpower to contribute to life changing projects

Team Work

Meet new people from different schools, bond over shared challenges, and make friends for life.

Working Hours

Each day the itinerary will be different but expect to carry out projects every week day for about 5 - 8 hours.


Join an award winning initiative

You’ll be collaborating with Oceans Alive, an award-winning community project dedicated to creating positive environmental, economic, and socio-cultural change in the region. Working closely with Tilda, one of the passionate co-founders, you’ll benefit from her deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm.

Oceans Alive established Kenya’s first Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) in response to the declining fish stocks in the Kuruwitu Lagoon. Their work goes beyond marine conservation, offering holistic support to the community by helping locals find sustainable livelihoods, reducing their dependence on fishing.

Through Oceans Alive, you'll engage in a unique blend of marine conservation, environmental sustainability, and community development, all intricately connected to drive meaningful change in this stunning setting.

"The Leap is doing a great job"

The organisation and the briefing on the entire trip was great by "the leap". I felt very well prepared and ready to start my adventure. The people in the office are very friendly and always ready to answer your questions or problems. They take care all over the trip of you and they make everything to give you the perfect time in a beautiful new world.

- Johann Plato

"Hand on my heart it's been the experience of a life time"

I've just been having THE best time here! It's gone so quickly, but I feel like I've been here forever at the same time.

We've done a lot of work already, so I feel like we've made a big difference. Through this work we've all learnt a lot, but it's mostly given us a good sense of liberation and generally put a lot of things in perspective. And of course, we now understand how difficult it is for these communities to get just essential amenities!

But the main thing is that I am very happy with the programme, and I can put my hand on my heart when I say it's been the experience of a life time, and I can't wait to continue for the 2nd half of it!

- Peter Blake

"Your support is very much appreciated"

We knew in choosing The Leap she was travelling with your ‘safety blanket’ and so it proved. Rachel at Trailfinders is also just the best. Very best wishes for continued success in such a challenging environment. The Leapers who are able to travel this year owe you and your team lots of gratitude for getting them away (and back!!).


- Anne ( mum )

"How on earth you have managed to pull this off I don't know!"

But you have all been absolutely incredible. I never could have imagined Charlie being able to take part in such a fantastic project in this, the strangest of years! I have huge admiration in your professionalism and ability to deliver in the toughest of times. Thank you so much, I'm sure the presence of the team will do wonders for the project and wonders for the Team Members... what a fantastic opportunity for them all!!

- Andrew Fairs

"The best experience of my life!"

Thanks to everyone involved as they have managed to make the trip a once and a life experience! I have learnt so much about the local community which will stay with me forever, this has shown that at home we are so privileged in every aspect of life and that anything we have done for the community has and could change lives. Also helping the fish community and restoring the ocean has opened my eyes.

- Niamh Anderson

"Grown in confidence"

I have grown in confidence from meeting new people and I have realised how much of an impact everyone could make with everyday things

- Louisa

"So grateful"

I feel more socially able with new people and feel more grateful for what I have back in the UK

- Sam

"Helped my confidence so much"

Its helped so much with my confidence and I feel like I know myself better as a person. I’m leaving the trip in such a better place than when I arrived and I’m so grateful for that :)

- Isla

"I always felt in good hands"

Our daughter has had the most amazing time in Kenya, The Leap group have been fantastic with details and organization throughout, I always felt we were in good hands. The breadth of volunteering and involvement has been wonderful to see and I know this will have changed her life forever. Thank you.

- Tanya Crone

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