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.

Good to know

What Makes This 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.

It's an experience designed to broaden horizons, build independence and create memories that last a lifetime.

Your Home In Kenya

You'll stay at Bahari Hai, our beachfront base in Vipingo on Kenya's stunning Indian Ocean coast. Set amongst tropical gardens and just steps from the beach, Bahari Hai is a safe, welcoming and sociable environment where students quickly settle into life as part of the team.

Accommodation is in comfortable shared ensuite bungalows, with communal spaces, a swimming pool and plenty of room to relax after a busy day of adventure.

The wonderful Bahari Hai team, alongside our experienced leaders from Oceans Alive, will ensure you feel supported, comfortable and at home throughout your stay.
Godfrey will cook delicious, home-cooked meals. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know, as these can be easily accommodated. Safe drinking water, tea, coffee, and fruit squash will be available throughout your stay. There is a little shop on site for snacks and other drinks.

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 one’s own pace.
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Cost of Diploma2026 and 2027- £450 This is an optional add on to the cost of the expedition, giving flexibility to the planned experience.

Kenya Essentials

Team Leaders

Your experience will be led by Tilda and Des Bowden, who oversee the entire programme with warmth, energy, and years of experience in youth expeditions. In addition you’ll be guided day-to-day by Joseph and Juma - our trusted team leaders who know the community inside out and will be by your side for every activity.

Supporting the group throughout is a member of The Leap’s UK staff, who will travel out with the team and act as your dedicated pastoral lead throughout. Together, this expert team ensures you feel supported, and inspired from start to finish.

Communication

It's very easy to call or text home from Kenya. Should there be any issues, our team leaders will communicate directly with families and The Leap's UK office.

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

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.

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 bacmk into the UK and have at least two blank pages.

Flights

You’ll fly into and out of Mombasa airport, with exact dates depending on flight availability. Please do not book any flights independently - wait for our admin email, which will include your recommended flight itinerary.

We coordinate flights through Trailfinders, the UK’s most trusted travel brand, ensuring your booking is ATOL-protected for peace of mind (ATOL number T1458).

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 cycle/safari/football

Equipment

2+ 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
Waterproof phone case
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

under 18s Programme

Under 18s Kenya Good to know

MARINE CONSERVATION + COMMUNITY IMPACT + SAFARI + ADVENTURE