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I’ve just returned from leading our Under-18s Leap to Kenya, a 10-day group volunteering adventure and immersion in marine conservation, community outreach, and a two-night safari finale for good measure. What an adventure it was. This trip was the perfect blend of beach and bush, with the power to unlock...
What began with 21 slightly nervous (but very excited) 15–17-year-olds, ended with 21 inquisitive, engaged, and confident young adults. The transformation wasn’t loud or showy. It happened in the quiet, subtle ways: in steady eye contact, in the growing confidence to hold conversations, in the questions asked, and the personalities that unfolded during beach clean-ups, walks, and shared meals.
They realised that patchy WiFi and the occasional power cut didn’t spell disaster. In fact, they weren’t missing much at home - because the real magic was happening right here.
Our home for the week was the stunning Vipingo coastline - a hidden gem with a virtually private white-sand beach. It became our sanctuary for bonfire nights, team games, and peaceful reflections. Seeing the group’s jaws drop at the view from the terrace on arrival? That was a moment to remember.
This peaceful haven was the perfect antidote to the buzz of the day’s projects. From dancing the Macarena with five-year-olds, to the full-bodied joy of a local church service (hours of dancing and singing - sweaty but unforgettable), to cleaning coral in a protected marine reef, every experience was vibrant and meaningful.
Watching David Attenborough’s Ocean documentary with the group just before our reef work made it even more impactful. It helped them truly understand the urgency and relevance of the conservation work they were contributing to.
A word that keeps coming back to me is unlocked. My husband, who co-led the trip, summed it up best:
“It’s amazing what this programme can unlock in people. Just look at how far they’ve come since we left Heathrow.”
And he’s right. This kind of growth doesn’t happen in a classroom. It’s lived, felt, and experienced. It’s the result of being present, tuning out the digital noise, and simply connecting - with people, with place, and with purpose.
One of the most powerful parts of the trip was the sense of community. Not just within the villages we volunteered in, but also amongst our group and the incredible local team. It was heartwarming to see how quickly strangers became friends, and how those bonds deepened with each shared challenge and moment of joy.
This trip reminded me how each of our Leaps - whether for Under-18s, Gap Year Students, Midlifers, Corporates, or Tailored Groups - has the power to unlock something new. Something personal. Something lasting.
The farewells at the airport said it all: promises to return next year, plans to join a Gap Year Leap, and genuine tears as the group hugged it out. That’s the magic of Kenya. That’s the power of The Leap.
Whether you're a teen setting off on your first solo adventure, a student starting your gap year with purpose, a midlifer in search of a solo holiday with reconnection and meaning, or a group or team of 8 or more intrepid explorers wanting a Tailored Adventure - Kenya is calling.
They say Africa never really lets you go. A part of you stays behind, and a part of it stays with you. I can’t wait to see what this transformative destination unlocks in you.
Zoe, The Leap Team
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.
From the savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Kenya is a land of breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and impactful conservation work. Our 4-week programme combines wildlife conservation, community engagement, and adventure, giving you the chance to experience Kenya in a way that few travellers do.
