Where
Nakuru, Kenya
When
Sunday to Saturday
Duration
2 weeks
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone after a meaningful experience built on community, new friendships and everyday Kenyan life
Project details
Explore Kenya as a group through local communities, nature and volunteering. Choose your project and share each day with new friends.
With HeyLocals we work in Nakuru, in the heart of the Rift Valley, where schools, childcare centres, women's groups and environmental projects work hard every day with limited resources. Your time, energy and skills genuinely make a difference.
The projects cover education (English and activities for children and teens), women's empowerment to support women's autonomy, and wildlife conservation looking after local ecosystems and Rothschild giraffes.
Travelling out as a group, you'll have an experience that brings together hands-on contribution, real connection and a closer look at Kenya.
The projects cover education (English and activities for children and teens), women's empowerment to support women's autonomy, and wildlife conservation looking after local ecosystems and Rothschild giraffes.
Travelling out as a group, you'll have an experience that brings together hands-on contribution, real connection and a closer look at Kenya.
Group volunteering trip in Kenya
Explore Kenya as a group through local communities, nature and volunteering. Choose your project and share each day with new friends.
With HeyLocals we work in Nakuru, in the heart of the Rift Valley, where schools, childcare centres, women's groups and environmental projects work hard every day with limited resources. Your time, energy and skills genuinely make a difference.
The projects cover education (English and activities for children and teens), women's empowerment to support women's autonomy, and wildlife conservation looking after local ecosystems and Rothschild giraffes.
Travelling out as a group, you'll have an experience that brings together hands-on contribution, real connection and a closer look at Kenya.
The projects cover education (English and activities for children and teens), women's empowerment to support women's autonomy, and wildlife conservation looking after local ecosystems and Rothschild giraffes.
Travelling out as a group, you'll have an experience that brings together hands-on contribution, real connection and a closer look at Kenya.
Take a closer look at the projects
This is a suggested schedule. It can change from time to time depending on what the local organisation needs, your skills, and external factors like the season or weather.
+£165/week extra
45+ confirmed participants
Helps protect a rare species and supports local reforestation
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Rothschild giraffe conservation in Nakuru
Nakuru, Kenya
Take part in a unique conservation project in the Rift Valley. Work alongside the rangers protecting Rothschild giraffes, help plant trees with the local communities and discover one of Kenya's most striking areas, between safaris, craters and forests.
37+ confirmed participants
Helps widen access to local education
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Teaching in Nakuru schools
Nakuru, Kenya
Help younger pupils improve their English, build confidence and grow in a stimulating environment, supporting the teachers at the primary schools in Nakuru. Join us for a real cultural exchange that makes a difference for local education.
37+ confirmed participants
Helps widen access to local education
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Childcare in Nakuru
Nakuru, Kenya
Share games, songs and new words with young children taking their first steps in learning. Work alongside local educators at a community nursery in Nakuru and see the difference your time can make.
37+ confirmed participants
Helps tackle discrimination and violence
4–6 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Women's empowerment in Nakuru
Nakuru, Kenya
Join the work of a centre supporting women survivors of violence and abuse. Through workshops and community sessions, help women build independence and explore new opportunities.
+£30/week extra
37+ confirmed participants
Helps improve living conditions in the community
4–5 hours of activity each day
From 1 week
Building and renovation in Nakuru
Nakuru, Kenya
Get your hands dirty, literally. Help the rural communities around Nakuru build safer homes, better schools and more functional shared spaces. A practical, physical experience with a purpose.
Your weekly programme
Weekdays
During the day, each participant heads to their chosen project and joins the activities from the morning until early afternoon.
The rest of the day is for prepping activities, group time with the other travellers, anything the local team has planned, and free time to get a feel for everyday Nakuru and the Rift Valley landscapes.
07:30Breakfast at the house and time to get to know the group
08:30Heading to the chosen project and starting activities with the local team
12:00Lunch at the house or near the placement, with participants and coordinators
14:00Afternoon activities at the projects or time to explore
16:30Back to the house, extra activities with the team or free time in Nakuru
19:00Group dinner at the house, followed by chats, games, downtime or evenings put together by the team
Weekends
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers. Before you travel, the group can choose safari and extra activities to do with the local team or on your own.
Safari at Lake Nakuru National Park
Spot pink flamingos, rhinos and giraffes in one of Kenya's most spectacular parks.
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FAQs
🏡 The volunteer house in Nakuru
During your stay in Nakuru you'll be based at the volunteer house, a simple but welcoming place set in greenery a few minutes from the south entrance of Lake Nakuru National Park. The house is made up of four units with shared rooms (2–8 people), en-suite bathrooms and roomy common areas to socialise and relax.
🔹 Shared or private rooms
For more privacy, private rooms with a private bathroom are also available. The accommodation doesn't have Wi-Fi or air conditioning, but it's set up for a real taste of everyday local life.
If you'd like to stay connected for messages, maps or calls, we'd suggest using an eSIM you can buy via Airalo and have ready before you travel.
🔹 The everyday basics
Rooms have beds with linen provided, running water and hot showers. The spaces are cleaned at weekends, but every volunteer is encouraged to keep things tidy and welcoming.
🛏️ What's included
• Shared or private rooms
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
• Drinking water always available
• Ongoing support from the local team
• Lockbox and lockable rooms
• Quiet, safe setting surrounded by nature
🤝 A place to meet and share
The volunteer house is also a meeting point. You'll live alongside other participants from around the world, sharing experiences, meals and everyday moments in an open, welcoming atmosphere.
During your stay in Nakuru you'll be based at the volunteer house, a simple but welcoming place set in greenery a few minutes from the south entrance of Lake Nakuru National Park. The house is made up of four units with shared rooms (2–8 people), en-suite bathrooms and roomy common areas to socialise and relax.
🔹 Shared or private rooms
For more privacy, private rooms with a private bathroom are also available. The accommodation doesn't have Wi-Fi or air conditioning, but it's set up for a real taste of everyday local life.
If you'd like to stay connected for messages, maps or calls, we'd suggest using an eSIM you can buy via Airalo and have ready before you travel.
🔹 The everyday basics
Rooms have beds with linen provided, running water and hot showers. The spaces are cleaned at weekends, but every volunteer is encouraged to keep things tidy and welcoming.
🛏️ What's included
• Shared or private rooms
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
• Drinking water always available
• Ongoing support from the local team
• Lockbox and lockable rooms
• Quiet, safe setting surrounded by nature
🤝 A place to meet and share
The volunteer house is also a meeting point. You'll live alongside other participants from around the world, sharing experiences, meals and everyday moments in an open, welcoming atmosphere.
🔒 Safety first
Your safety is our top priority. All our programmes are carefully chosen and monitored to keep things safe, both at the schools where you'll be working and at the house that hosts you during your stay.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things calm and safe for everyone, we ask each participant to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. The step is essential to keep local communities and other participants safe.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We only work with schools and communities that offer welcoming, well-organised settings for international volunteers. The accommodation is in safe areas with controlled access, with the local team always on hand. Our partners host more than 2,000 travellers a year worldwide, ages 14 to 70+, and are experienced at supporting that mix.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival to the end of your trip, the local staff are available, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also a WhatsApp message away whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
Before you travel, you'll receive a detailed pack with everything you need on culture, etiquette and safety. On your first day, you'll join an orientation briefing with helpful pointers for getting the most out of the experience.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Kenya is warm and welcoming, but as anywhere it's worth keeping a few things in mind:
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas.
✔ Travel with the other volunteers when you can.
✔ Always follow the local team's advice on where to go and how to get around.
💡 Our aim
To give you a safe, well-supported and welcoming environment, so you can focus on what really matters: a meaningful experience.
Your safety is our top priority. All our programmes are carefully chosen and monitored to keep things safe, both at the schools where you'll be working and at the house that hosts you during your stay.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep things calm and safe for everyone, we ask each participant to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. The step is essential to keep local communities and other participants safe.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We only work with schools and communities that offer welcoming, well-organised settings for international volunteers. The accommodation is in safe areas with controlled access, with the local team always on hand. Our partners host more than 2,000 travellers a year worldwide, ages 14 to 70+, and are experienced at supporting that mix.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival to the end of your trip, the local staff are available, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also a WhatsApp message away whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
Before you travel, you'll receive a detailed pack with everything you need on culture, etiquette and safety. On your first day, you'll join an orientation briefing with helpful pointers for getting the most out of the experience.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Kenya is warm and welcoming, but as anywhere it's worth keeping a few things in mind:
✔ Avoid going out on your own at night, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas.
✔ Travel with the other volunteers when you can.
✔ Always follow the local team's advice on where to go and how to get around.
💡 Our aim
To give you a safe, well-supported and welcoming environment, so you can focus on what really matters: a meaningful experience.
🧭 Orientation day
Your time in Kenya starts with a full day of orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local setting and start the experience safely and confidently.
🔹 What happens on your first Monday
On your first Monday, you'll join a series of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and local etiquette
• A short introduction to Kenyan culture, a few words in Swahili and useful local insights
• A walk around the area, with useful info on supermarkets, transport and local SIMs
• Visit to Nakuru town to pick up any essentials
📱 Staying connected
If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active without having to track down a SIM locally, you can buy one before you travel through Airalo, our partner.
👉 Get your eSIM here
🤝 A first step into the community
Orientation is also a good moment to start coming together as a group with the other volunteers, share what brought everyone here, and get pointers from people who know the area inside out.
From Tuesday you'll start the project activities, but already by day one you'll feel part of a community.
Your time in Kenya starts with a full day of orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local setting and start the experience safely and confidently.
🔹 What happens on your first Monday
On your first Monday, you'll join a series of activities led by the local team:
• Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
• Practical advice on health, safety and local etiquette
• A short introduction to Kenyan culture, a few words in Swahili and useful local insights
• A walk around the area, with useful info on supermarkets, transport and local SIMs
• Visit to Nakuru town to pick up any essentials
📱 Staying connected
If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active without having to track down a SIM locally, you can buy one before you travel through Airalo, our partner.
👉 Get your eSIM here
🤝 A first step into the community
Orientation is also a good moment to start coming together as a group with the other volunteers, share what brought everyone here, and get pointers from people who know the area inside out.
From Tuesday you'll start the project activities, but already by day one you'll feel part of a community.
For an easy start, we'd recommend booking your flight into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, ideally on Saturday or Sunday morning, between 08:00 and 18:00. That's when our pickup and transfer to Nakuru is running.
If you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the house (small supplement applies).
If you arrive after 18:00, pickup is still possible with a small fee for out-of-hours transport.
Arriving too early or too late? Not a problem: you can make your own way or arrange a private transfer (with a small supplement). Either way, please send us your flight details as soon as you book so we can help.
On arrival, a member of our team will be at a clearly marked meeting point outside the terminal, with a sign with your name or our local partner's name. All practical info is sent by email after your booking is confirmed.
📱 A useful tip
If you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link: https://airalo.pxf.io/e15b2O
The drive from the airport to the volunteer house takes about 3 hours, and you may share it with other participants arriving around the same time.
If for any reason you can't spot our team at the meeting point, stay where you are: we'll find you. Emergency contacts are sent after your booking, along with detailed instructions.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
When the project finishes, check-out from the volunteer house is by 12:00 on the Saturday. The return transfer to the airport (or anywhere else) isn't included, since there are usually lots of people leaving at different times and only a small coordination team.
That said, our team will happily help you book a taxi or share a private transfer with the others heading back at the same time.
We'd suggest booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the house at your own pace and get to the airport without rushing (about 30 minutes by car).
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip elsewhere?
Let us know in advance and we'll share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pre-departure pack with all the practical info and emergency contacts.
If you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the house (small supplement applies).
If you arrive after 18:00, pickup is still possible with a small fee for out-of-hours transport.
Arriving too early or too late? Not a problem: you can make your own way or arrange a private transfer (with a small supplement). Either way, please send us your flight details as soon as you book so we can help.
On arrival, a member of our team will be at a clearly marked meeting point outside the terminal, with a sign with your name or our local partner's name. All practical info is sent by email after your booking is confirmed.
📱 A useful tip
If you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link: https://airalo.pxf.io/e15b2O
The drive from the airport to the volunteer house takes about 3 hours, and you may share it with other participants arriving around the same time.
If for any reason you can't spot our team at the meeting point, stay where you are: we'll find you. Emergency contacts are sent after your booking, along with detailed instructions.
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
When the project finishes, check-out from the volunteer house is by 12:00 on the Saturday. The return transfer to the airport (or anywhere else) isn't included, since there are usually lots of people leaving at different times and only a small coordination team.
That said, our team will happily help you book a taxi or share a private transfer with the others heading back at the same time.
We'd suggest booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the house at your own pace and get to the airport without rushing (about 30 minutes by car).
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip elsewhere?
Let us know in advance and we'll share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pre-departure pack with all the practical info and emergency contacts.
Local holidays
The completeness of the 2026 calendar has not been verified. Unlisted dates do not confirm normal operation.
Public holidays
School holidays
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Choose a project and tell us when you’d like to travel. Applying is free, with no obligation to book.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
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