Volunteer in forest, coastal and rural environments to support communities and nature in Kenya
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Why volunteer in Kenya?
Infrastructure issues and limited access to water have a negative impact on education for many young people in Kenya, affecting their future prospects. Deforestation is further compromising the livelihood of rural communities and the survival of endangered endemic wildlife species.
By volunteering in Kenya with Raleigh, you’ll get involved in classroom construction and overall maintenance work to improve school facilities. You’ll also work to support indigenous tree planting and on mangrove conservation.
Apply nowDownload a guide
Where will I be in volunteering Kenya?
You’ll fly into Mombasa Airport and transfer to our Fieldbase ‘Camp Muhaka’. Located in the Kwale District on the Kenyan South Coast, our Kenya Fieldbase will be your first port of call when you arrive on your Expedition.
This will be your home for induction, changeover and relaxation time. With stylish traditional buildings and situated in the heart of the village, the Kenya Fieldbase will give you a strong flavour of Kenyan life and culture.
Apply now
Projects in Kenya
You can get involved in up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and an Adventure Challenge. You’ll also spend time at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.
Community Phase
Improve educational facilities for local people
Volunteering in a primary school within the Kasigau corridor, on the periphery of Rukinga Wildlife ranch, your project will improve educational facilities for local people
For example: Your team will get involved in classroom construction and overall maintenance work to support a School Improvement Programme in the area. This may include mixing cement to replace the worn-out classroom floors and walls, painting, doors and window installation and desk repairs.
Environmental phase
Split into two projects, your Environment Phase will take you into both forest and coastal areas to work on conservation initiatives protecting nature and local wildlife.
Project 1: Kaya Muhaka Sacred Forest Project – You’ll work alongside this community to help develop an Environmental Education Center which will serve as a hub for environmental education, raising awareness about forest conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable living practices.
Project 2: The Baraka Mangrove Project – You’ll support a community managed aquaculture project. Your work will involve maintaining the mangrove tree nursery, refurbishment of fish ponds, recording data about the fish, support construction of the Environmental Education Center, tree-planting, as well as supporting the creation of tree nurseries and nature trails.
Adventure Challenge
Led by specialist Raleigh staff and Venturer Managers, you’ll trek approximately 260 km through arid and hilly areas close to the Kenyan coastline.
This phase is split into two separate treks, taking you to different areas so your experience will be more varied. While trekking the Kasigau Circuit and exploring the Shimba Hills, on your trek routes you will have the opportunity to potentially see incredible wildlife – including elephants, giraffe, zebra and possibly leopards and cheetahs. You’ll be with a guide at all times.
Trek takes you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine! Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.
Fieldbase
Induction
At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase and have time for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities to get to know each other.
Changeover
During each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort out your kit, learn about your next project and pack up again for the next phase.
Endex
This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on all your experiences, receive some final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes (or plan your next adventures together).
Example itinerary for Kenya
Everyone’s Raleigh Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay and what time of year you go. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition to Kenya. For information on camp life and project information, download your Kenya Guide.
Arrive at Mombasa airport
You will be met by the country team
Induction and training (4-7 days)
Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community Project (19 days)
Volunteering in a primary school within the Kasigau corridor, on the periphery of Rukinga Wildlife ranch, your project will improve educational facilities for local people.
Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.
Adventure Challenge (19 days)
This phase is split into two different treks with a rest break at Fieldbase Muhaka in between. You’ll be trekking not far from the Kenyan coastline – it’s arid, hilly and hot. On at least one of the trekking sections you’re likely to encounter some incredible wildlife – elephants, giraffe, zebra and maybe some cats. You’ll be with a guide.
Environmental Phase (19 days)
Split into two projects, your Environment Phase will take you into both forest and coastal areas to work on conservation initiatives protecting nature and local wildlife.
Final review at Fieldbase (2 days)
All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at Fieldbase. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.
Expedition lengths and times of year
We run three cycles every year and offer different Expedition lengths
10 weeks
The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.
7 weeks
Take part in two full phases – either the Community or Environmental project with the Adventure Challenge.
5 weeks
Take part in a full phase of a Community Project or Environmental Project (assigned) with a shorter trek.
Expedition Dates & Pricing
2025
CYCLE 2
JUNE - AUGUST
10 Weeks
27th June – 1 September 2025
£4,595$5,925$5,925$5,925ZAR
7 Weeks
A: 27th June – 12th August 2025
B: 17th July – 1st September 2025
£4,125$5,260$5,260$5,260ZAR
5 Weeks
A: 27th June – 1st August 2025
B: 17th July – 22nd August 2025
£3,499$4,595$4,595$4,595ZAR
Application deadlines:
10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) and 5 weeks (A) – 9th May 2025
7 weeks (B) and 5 weeks (B) – 29th May 2025
Apply now
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
11th October – 16th December 2025
£4,595$5,925$5,925$5,925ZAR
7 Weeks
A: 11th October – 25th November 2025
B: 31st October – 16th December 2025
£4,125$5,260$5,260$5,260ZAR
Application deadlines:
10 weeks, 7 weeks (A) – 24th August 2025
7 weeks (B) – 12th September 2025
Apply now
2026
2026 dates coming soon
Apply for an Expedition
Apply online
Fill in the online application form and tell us why you want to go on Expedition!
Screening
If your application is successful, we send you a booking form and process a deposit of £200$200$200$200ZAR .
Confirmation
You will be assigned a volunteer coordinator who will send you all the information you need about your Raleigh Expedition.
Pre-departure
Get ready for your Expedition – we will support you all the way!
What’s included
- Airport welcome and transfers
- All food, transport and accommodation on Expedition
- 24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
- Safety expertise
- Extensive pre-departure information and support
- Local orientation, project training & equipment
- Raleigh t-shirt
Not included
- Flights
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Personal kit
- Travel insurance
- First aid training (Venturer Managers)
A full breakdown of what’s included and not will be provided on application.
Kenya Expedition FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expeditions in Kenya
What sort of food will I be eating in Kenya
Raleigh provides dry and fresh food (Raleigh Rations), and Venturers rotate to cook for the group.
Staple foods in Kenya include ugali (maize meal), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and githeri (maize and beans). You will be able to buy fresh fruit and vegetables from the local women in the community.
Basic Rations might include
- Breakfast: Porridge (oats) with milk powder and sugar to flavour.
- Lunch: Bread or Crackers with Jam, tuna, cheese.
- Dinner: Maize, beans, tinned sauce, tinned vegetables, collard greens.
- Additional: Tea, coffee, fruit and fresh produce when available.
Where will I be staying on Expedition with Raleigh in Kenya?
You’ll likely sleep in tents and/or in hammocks on your project sites. While accommodation may vary and it will be basic.
What is the weather like in Kenya?
Kenya lies on the equator so is a pleasant tropical climate, meaning there are no real seasons – it’s generally warm all the time whether it is winter or summer.
There are however dry (June to October) wet (November to May) seasons. The wet season has ‘short rains’ and ‘long rains’. Short and long referring to the number of days/weeks the season last rather than the amount of rain. ‘Short rains’ from November to December and ‘long rains’ from April to June. As with many tropical areas with rainy seasons, there is still plenty of sunshine and while downpours are heavy they are short lived and the sun comes back out and dries everything.
Temperatures where you’ll be will be warm and in the summer season (January to March) it can get very hot so you’ll need plenty of sun cream and hats.
Will I need a visa for Kenya and is it included in the cost?
Whether you need a visa to travel to Kenya will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and length of your stay. Your Venturer Coordinator will provide you with all the relevant information. The costs of visas isn’t included in the price of your Expedition.
What language is spoken in Kenya?
Kenya is home to 68 different languages, spoken among different tribal communities. The two official languages are English and Swahili.
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