What makes this Kenya adventure special?

This isn't a typical holiday or school trip. Working alongside Oceans Alive, one of East Africa's leading marine conservation organisations, students become part of real conservation and community projects that are creating lasting change on Kenya's coast. From restoring coral reefs and supporting community initiatives to exploring Swahili culture and heading out on safari, every day combines challenge, contribution and adventure.

What are the weather and travel conditions in Kenya?

Hot and sunny with general temperatures between highs of 35C and lows of 22C. It is hot for the better part of the year despite heavy downpours between April and May and occasional showers towards the end of the year.

What should I pack for the Kenya programme?

Essential items include sports tops and shorts, swimsuits, UV sun rash vest, reef shoes, flip-flops, trainers, 2+ reusable water bottles, head torch, snorkel and mask, reef-friendly sun cream factor 50, insect repellent, and a main bag that must be a rucksack or soft duffel bag (no rigid suitcases).

What are the visa and passport requirements for Kenya?

Visa applications can be completed at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en. Valid passport is required for entry.

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What Makes This Internship Different?

This isn't work experience spent watching from the sidelines.

OMBS has partnered with The Leap to create an international internship where you'll apply your business, finance and digital marketing skills to a real challenge with Oceans Alive, our community conservation partner on Kenya's coast.

You'll work as a junior consultant, developing ideas to help local women build sustainable businesses, while gaining practical experience in teamwork, problem-solving and communication.

And because this is Kenya, you'll also have extraordinary adventures along the way — from snorkelling over coral reefs to sailing traditional dhows and heading out on safari.

Real experience. Real responsibility. Real evidence for your future.

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volunteering adventure abroad for teens kenyan kids with English volunteer

Your Home In Kenya

You'll stay at Bahari Hai, our beachfront base in Vipingo on Kenya's beautiful Indian Ocean coast.

Set among tropical gardens and just steps from the beach, Bahari Hai offers comfortable shared ensuite bungalows, communal spaces, a swimming pool and plenty of room to relax after a busy day.

You'll be looked after by the wonderful Bahari Hai team, alongside our experienced Oceans Alive leaders.

Expect delicious home-cooked meals, plenty of fresh fruit and a welcoming atmosphere. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

teen volunteering abroad adventure programme location beach hut with blue skies and palm trees

What Will You Gain?

This internship is designed to complement your studies at OMBS, particularly Business & Finance, Digital Marketing & Social Media and Personal Development.

You'll return with practical experience of working on a live business challenge, examples of your own contribution and a clearer understanding of your strengths.

From presenting ideas and solving problems to working with people from different backgrounds, you'll develop skills you can demonstrate in coursework, CVs and future interviews.

You'll have more than memories. You'll have something to show for the experience.

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teen volunteering and adventure abroad african lady talking to young english woman

Kenya Essentials

Your Team & Support

The programme is designed and managed by The Leap and OMBS in partnership with Oceans Alive, whose experienced local team will guide your project work and activities.You'll have support throughout the internship, both on the ground in Kenya and from The Leap's UK team, with clear arrangements for safety, wellbeing and emergencies.

Communication

Wi-Fi is available at Bahari Hai, making it easy to stay in touch with home. Local SIM cards are also available.

Weather & Travel Times

Kenya's coast is warm and tropical throughout the year.

Expect sunshine, humidity and the possibility of showers, particularly around April.

Pack lightweight clothing, sun protection and a waterproof layer.

Visas & Entry Requirements

You will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
The ETA fee is USD 32.50.

Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for six months from your return date back into the UK and have at least two blank pages.

Flights

The Leap will provide recommended flight arrangements and travel guidance for the OMBS group - into Mombasa Airport.
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Please wait for our instructions before booking flights independently.

Insurance

For UK Residents: 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 personalized advice:
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Hepatitis A
Tetanus
Typhoid
Malaria tablets (essential for the full duration)

Money

We recommend bringing a Revolut card or similar prepaid currency card and take Kenya Shillings with you.

What to Pack?

Clothing & Shoes

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. With bikinis, no thongs please
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 football

Equipment

1 reusable metal water bottles
Head torch (with sufficient batteries)
A notebook and pens/pencil
2 x towels (quick drying microfibre ones are best)
Day rucksack and bum bag
Your main bag MUST be a rucksack or soft duffel bag - NO rigid suitcases
UK plug adapter - only for USA and EU leapers.
Portable phone charger
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.

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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)
Travel wash - for hand washing underwear

First Aid

Immodium
Rehydration powders
Savlon
Antihistamines
E45/Sudocrem
Mediplasters
Bite cream
Asthmatic volunteers must bring their own inhalers and make sure there is enough to last the whole trip
Volunteers with allergies must bring an epi-pen
Diabetics must bring their own insulin/equivalent medication

OMBS international internship

OMBS Kenya Good to know

REAL BUSINESS CHALLENGES + PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT + KENYA ADVENTURE