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under 18s Programme
Under 18s Kenya Itinerary
MARINE CONSERVATION + COMMUNITY IMPACT + SAFARI + ADVENTURE
Spend your days restoring coral reefs, building community projects, spotting elephants on safari and experiencing life on Kenya's stunning Indian Ocean coast.
Working alongside Oceans Alive, one of East Africa's leading conservation organisations, you'll contribute to real projects, immerse yourself in Swahili culture and share the adventure with a team of like-minded young people from across the UK.
It's an experience packed with challenge, friendship, purpose and unforgettable moments.
Bahari Hai
Arrival
Welcome to Kenya. As you leave Mombasa behind and head north along the coast, you'll get your first taste of life in East Africa. Palm-lined beaches, bustling villages, tuk-tuks, markets and warm Indian Ocean air provide the backdrop to the adventure ahead.
Arriving at Bahari Hai, your beachfront home for the week, you'll meet your team, settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first swim in the Indian Ocean before getting to know the Oceans Alive team and the projects you'll be supporting.
Coral Reefs & Giraffes
This morning you'll discover why Kenya's coral reefs are so important as you head into the warm waters of the Kuruwitu Lagoon for your first underwater safari. Expect colourful fish, coral gardens and an introduction to the marine conservation work you'll be supporting throughout the week.
Later you'll head inland to Vipingo Ridge, where giraffes, antelope and spectacular coastal views await before dinner overlooking the African sunset.
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Coral Regeneration
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.
Shariani Market
Time to test your bargaining skills. Shariani Market is a riot of colour, noise and energy, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday Kenyan life. Challenge yourself to find the most outrageous outfit possible for tonight's fancy dress dinner.
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Joyland School
Spend the morning with students at the local school, sharing games, sports, arts and laughter. Expect plenty of smiles, lots of curiosity and a reminder that some of the best connections happen when people from different worlds come together.
Jiko Stoves
In the afternoon, you'll visit the nearby village to build jiko stoves which is one of Oceans Alive’s community projects aimed at reducing the pressures of overfishing in the lagoon.
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. You’ll have the chance to help build a Jiko stove - an experience that puts you right at the heart of community life.
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Marine Projects
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.
Football Fever
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.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
After the game, you’ll unwind with a serene sunset cruise along the Kilifi River aboard a traditional dhow sailing boat, before returning back to base for a late supper.
Church Service
Today is all about immersing yourself in the vibrant local community, beginning with an unforgettable church service — a lively, joyful, and colourful 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.
Water Appreciation + Beach Club
This morning, you'll return to the coral regeneration project to complete your final marine task, before you head back into the community to support the water appreciation project. This initiative involves gathering water from the well and delivering it to the homes of elderly and sick villagers - a huge 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, and hang out. You'll then head back to base to pack up in preparation for your safari tomorrow and have a magical final celebratory supper with entertainment from local musicians and acrobats who will showcase their talents.
Safari in Tsavo National Park
No trip to Kenya would becomplete without a safari, and we’ve planned an unforgettable experience at the stunning Ngutuni Conservancy, renowned for its thriving elephant population and Taita Hills in Tsavo East National Park.
Leading the way is Chris Angel, your expert guide and safari coordinator, one of the best in Kenya, who has an uncanny ability to track wildlife and bring the landscape to life.
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Taita Hills to Mombasa Airport
Your safari concludes with one final early morning game drive before boarding the train back to Mombasa for your flight home.
As the Kenyan landscape rolls past your window, you'll have time to reflect on an extraordinary journey; from restoring coral reefs and supporting community projects to spotting elephants on safari, sailing traditional dhows and making friendships that will last long after the adventure ends.
Arrive Home
After 10 unforgettable days, you'll return home in the early morning full of stories, new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
More importantly, you'll return with new perspectives, a greater understanding of the world around you and a stronger sense of what you're capable of achieving.
The adventure may be over, but the impact will stay with you long after you leave Kenya.
