Hosted by International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Most Affordable Kenya Volunteer Programs from US$280

Name: Most Affordable Kenya Volunteer Programs from US$280
Brand: International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ
SKU: 20973
Rating: 9.49 (43 reviews)

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9.49 Rating

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Location

Kenya
- Nairobi
- Mombasa

Length

1 to 12 weeks

Project Types

Music Childcare Street Children Sports Youth Wildlife Conservation Education Teaching Sexual Health Disabled Care Women's Rights +1

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Program Details

Language

English

Housing

Host Family

Travel Type

Budget Family Senior Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

$280 USD

Price Details

Fully hosted experience from only $280 for 1 week - this includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Jun 09, 2021

Last Reviewed: Jul 29, 2021

About Program

Trusted by 114,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's most popular volunteer programs in Kenya and 50+ other destinations around the world.

Based in the Kenyan towns and cities of Nairobi, Mamuru and Maasai, volunteers can choose from 10 meaningful programs starting at just US$280 for one week. When you're not giving back to local communities, you can immerse yourself in the welcoming Kenyan culture for periods ranging from 1 to 12 weeks.

Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in a volunteer house with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world.

IVHQ is trusted to support the meaningful adventures of thousands of volunteers, so even before you depart, you’ll receive outstanding service from your IVHQ Program Manager and gain exclusive access to volunteer training and preparation tools.

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Program Highlights

IVHQ’s Kenya programs are available year-round, starting the 1st and 15th of every month
Fully-hosted volunteer experience from only $280 for 1 week - IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs
You’ll be joining a global network of 114,000+ volunteers backed by the world’s leading team of volunteer travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record
Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community
Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence

Popular Programs

Kenya Childcare Program

Many childcare and kindergarten centres in Kenya are under-resourced, meaning there is a high demand for energetic volunteers who love children and can keep up with the lively atmosphere. You’ll help to teach basic English and Math, as well as assist with the general running of the center and daily chores such as cooking, cleaning, feeding, general care for children and babies and occasionally even helping with farm work.

Kenya Teaching Program

As a Teaching volunteer, you'll be based in either Nairobi or Masaai teaching at local schools and helping teachers to manage large classes. This project is one of a kind and suitable for volunteers looking for a teaching experience like no other. In Masaai, Giraffes, gazelles and dik-diks often wander freely across the school grounds. It’s also not unusual for wild animals to burrow holes in the school field overnight.

Kenya Women's Education Program

As a volunteer on the Women’s Education project in Kenya, you'll work closely with centers that support women affected by HIV/AIDS in providing companionship, guidance and sometimes childcare. Volunteers assist in a range of areas, including counseling, skill training and providing education. This project is particularly relevant for those with skills and interests in arts and craft-making, as well as an interest in supporting women to become self-sufficient.

Kenya Sports Education Program

Sport plays a big role in the lives of young, enthusiastic Kenyans. Many children grow up with very little, but by using sport as an outlet for fun and competition, they gain skills and coordination while enjoying themselves at the same time. As a volunteer on our Sports Education project in Kenya, you’ll help to broaden their knowledge of sports, teach foreign sports and educate them about general fitness, health and wellbeing.

Kenya Special Needs Care Project

Due to lack of support and education around disability awareness in Kenya, many disabled children and adults are kept out of the public eye. As a volunteer on this project, you'll assist with providing daily hands-on support and disability education among families and local communities. This project is well suited to caring and open minded individuals with an interest in helping those with special needs.

Program Reviews

9.49 Rating

based on 43 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer

9-10 rating 90.7%
7-8 rating 6.98%
5-6 rating 0%
3-4 rating 0%
1-2 rating 2.33%

Impact 9.2
Support 9.4
Fun 9.5
Value 9.3
Safety 9.2

Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 43 reviews

This was my first trip out of the country and my first major volunteering experience, but it was also the best part of my life. The friends I made along the way and the people I met will impact me forever. IVHQ has shown me how much I can do by helping those in poorer countries around the world. The organization also lets you go on side trips on the weekend, such as safari. These trips are fun and also let you experience the culture much more than regular touristy trips. Everyone who was with me in the program wanted to stay longer and the goodbyes were the saddest part.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would do more. This was my first volunteer experience and I was a bit timid, but by the end of the trip when I was looking back I was wishing I had done more.

I spent 6 weeks in South Africa and they were the best weeks of my life. The staff is amazing, since the very first moment you know that you are going to have the time of your life, it is an amazing program, I change my perception of life and grew so much as a person. It was the best experience of my life. You know that wherever you choose to go you will have so much fun, you will be safe and you will grow so much as a person. They have so many programs and all of them are amazing. My experience was amazing and I wouldn’t change anything about it

What was your funniest moment?

The best moment is when the children hug you everyday and they won’t stop smiling

The absolute best volunteer travel organization! The programs are responsible, safe, affordable and sustainable. I have volunteered in two counties through IVHQ and cannot wait for my next service trip!
I had the best time. I met so many amazing people. I look forward to continuing to support the NGO I worked with in the future. It was incredibly meaningful work that I am grateful to have been able to contribute to. To highly recommend International Volunteer Headquarters. The staff is great. So great!

Volunteering halfway across the world with IVHQ was easily one of the best experiences I’ve ever been on. IVHQ was very helpful during the days leading up to the trip. They were always checking to make sure we were well prepared and new what to expect to ensure a successful trip and arrival. They had an amazing team working for them in Kenya that were always available if we needed anything. IVHQ’s team went above and beyond to make sure our volunteer experience was an incredible one. They were very affordable and gave us the best possible deals whenever we wanted to branch out and do any excursions during our off time on the trip. We met tons of amazing people and made many life long friendships. It truly was life changing and I will definitely be going through IVHQ again in the future to plan my next volunteer trip!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be open to anything. Try new things, branch out and meet new people and do something you’ve never done before. Don’t hold back. Leave your comfort zone. Live everyday to the fullest on this trip and you will have the most amazing time ever. It WILL 100% change your life.

I discovered IVHQ as I was doing a quick search for volunteer abroad trips. During college, I always dreamed of studying abroad but due to finances, it was never possible. IVHQ gave me the experience of going to another country at a much lower cost. In addition, giving me the opportunity to see the true side of some areas of the world. From start to finish, the IVHQ team was there to help me with any questions, comments or concerns I had. During my experience in Nairobi, Kenya, the local team was more than excited to help me while I was at my placement. Now that my trip is complete, I am still getting the guidance and support. The experience I had was unforgettable and I can't wait to hopefully do another volunteer trip with IVHQ. Would recommend this trip for individuals wanting to seek travel, but not luxury

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Poverty. Going to Africa, people typically think of 3rd world. Yes, there were people who had money but I got to see the side of Africa that needs the most. I got to see what the real life struggle of living in the slum. Hearing the women's stories and struggles was the most eye opening experience I have encountered yet.

Kids waiting for us to exit a slum home so they could play

An elephant orphanage where baby elephants are rescued from the wild due to multiple reasons. Rehabilitated and hopefully strong enough to return to the wild.

Translated Review

Reliable association, very attentive support, the welcome and the organization was irreproachable and I would retry the experience with great pleasure! Everything is very well organized, we pick you up at the airport, all your accommodations are provided, you can leave safely.We had the opportunity to go to Safari, as well as to discover the Maasai culture, it was a great experience I would recommend IVHQ to all travelers in search of discovery A breathtaking journey and wonderful encounters I am already planning to return to Kenya in a short time to renew the experience, and I intend to go to Sri Lanka with IVHQ in December I discovered a new way to travel cheaply, while making myself useful and meeting people

Original French Review

Association fiable, support très à l'écoute, l'accueil et l'organisation était irréprochables et je retenterais l’expérience avec grand plaisir ! Tout est très bien organisé, on vous récupère à l"aéroport, tout vos logements sont prévus, vous pouvez partir en toute sécurité. Nous avons eu l'occasion de partir en Safari, ainsi que de découvrir la culture Maasai, ce fut une formidable expérience. Je recommanderais IVHQ a tout les voyageurs en soif de découvertes. Un voyage à couper le souffle et des rencontres merveilleuses. Je compte déjà retourner au Kenya dans peu de temps pour renouveller l'experience, et je compte partir au Sri Lanka avec IVHQ au mois de Décembre. J'ai découvert une nouvelle façon de voyager à moindre couts, tout en se rendant utile et en rencontrant du monde

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Having a bucket shower, you feel sustainable and wild

Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Corentin - thanks for your feedback, it's awesome to hear you had a positive experience with IVHQ and would travel with us again in the future. We wish you all the best and hope to have you join us again soon. :) Kaila - IVHQ Program Manager

By IVHQ on July 23, 2019

My experience with IVHQ was great. I always heard good things about them and their programs. What I also liked was there prices, as they are all reasonable! IVHQ-Kenya was where I decided to go with 3 of my classmates. We are Occupational Therapy students and were so excited to give back to the Kenyan community. I was placed in an orphanage where children reside with various disabilities. We were able to provide a lot of range of motion, positioning, education, feeding, and play for the children. My experience at the orphanage and with my host family was fantastic as I learned so much about the Kenyan culture.
I also traveled while in Kenya. IVHQ recommended several day or two day programs that we took advantage of. If you are thinking about going to Africa, do it! You will not regret it. I never once felt unsafe and was always treated with great hospitality. I can't wait to go back one day! Thank you IVHQ - Kenya!

What would you improve about this program?

I did not know of the many programs that were offered until I arrived in Kenya at the volunteer house. I would recommend letting future volunteers know of these programs in advance to plan out their trip. I was very happy I came a couple days early to travel some!

Feeding giraffes at the giraffe centre in Nairobi!

One of the lovely ladies I had the pleasure of working with at the orphanage.

Helping Mama Sara at the volunteer house to pluck corn with our hands!

Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Brittany - Thanks for sharing your experience on the Kenya Program, it was so awesome to read! It sounds like our local team supported you well and you got to experience some pretty magical things while visiting the program. We hope to have you join us again soon! Kaila - IVHQ Program Manager.

By IVHQ on January 31, 2019

I had a wonderful experience in Kenya with IVHQ. I was there for four weeks and volunteered with the special needs program. While it's not required on the website or through IVHQ to have experience, I highly suggest only doing the special needs program if you do as there isn't specific training for working with kids with special needs during orientation and some of the placements are very challenging. The classroom I taught in had 43 students with moderate to intensive special needs and only two teachers! I am a special education teacher, so while I was definitely overwhelmed the first day, I was able to jump in and adapt quickly. Others who were in the special needs program without any prior experience were very overwhelmed and ended up switching placements. There isn't any training as it relates to teaching during orientation.

Overall my time with IVHQ was incredible! My placement was AMAZING and the kids absolutely stole my heart! I still keep in touch with the teacher at the school as well as others I met in Kenya. The staff on site in Kenya were so kind, personable and easy to reach for any sort of help. I would definitely travel with IVHQ again.

What would you improve about this program?

More training at orientation specific to the placement that you are going to, general training on teaching

Questions & Answers

Can high school students volunteer?

As long as you are 18 or over you can volunteer!

By Carly Freeman on January 10, 2017

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

What inspired you to volunteer abroad with IVHQ in Kenya?

One of the sweetest kids at the orphanage!

Paula: I was inspired to volunteer in an African country when I was about 12 years of age and went to my first Me to We concert with my grade 7 elementary school. Since then, I have wanted to travel abroad to an African country to volunteer. And, well, my opportunity came along after graduating high school, when I decided to take the year off.

Once it was decided that I would take the year off, I began looking for organizations with which I could go volunteering. Many of these organizations were pretty expensive. But after an extensive search including various organizations, I finally came upon IVHQ, which had really affordable prices. And it also offered volunteer opportunities in many different countries.

After finding the organization, I had to decide between three countries to volunteer in Africa. After reading through all of the previous volunteers' experiences in all the countries, I chose to volunteer in an orphanage in Kenya, probably the best decision of my life.

What was your favorite moment of the trip?

Last day before the kids went back to school from their break

Paula: My whole trip was so amazing that it's definitely hard to point to just one of my best memories! My first favorite memory was when I slept over with kids at the orphanage. Two of the other volunteers and I decided to throw a little party for the kids since it was one of the volunteers' last weekend with them. We decided to buy food and a couple of movies, and we paid a lady to provide the kids with electricity for the night.

That night all of the kids danced and sang with us to the upbeat African songs that play everywhere in the streets. The kids were full of energy, dancing and watching movies until almost 4 in the morning. Meanwhile I didn't even last past one in the morning.

This is one of my favorite memories because I was able to spend time with the kids who went to school from 7am til 8pm, which meant I didn't really get to see them much. To say that these kids are the most beautiful human beings that I've ever met is an understatement; they made my whole trip that much more worthwhile.

My second favorite moment of the whole trip was when a group of volunteers and I went to a music festival in Kibera. This is a place where there are over 2.5 million people living in the slum and yet they are able at the end of the day to forget their situation and just go grab a Tusker (East African beer, definitely recommended to try if you go to Kenya) and enjoy the live music. That day we all danced with the locals and shared great memories with some great people!

Tell me about one person you met.

Paula: Mamma Grace. She was my host mom for the time spent in Kenya who cooked for the volunteers and was always attentive to their needs. She is a mother of two who also takes care of her 2 nephews, with the help of her sister.

She is a hardworking woman who is always looking out for the volunteers and her family. Mamma Grace and I were able to bond through telling stories of our childhood, and even stories of the crazy things that I experienced in Kenya. She has a big heart and up to this day I keep in contact with her.

If you could go back and do something different, what would it be?

Paula: If I could go back and change something from my trip, it would be the amount of time spent. I would have loved to have stayed in Kenya for 2-3 months longer. Six weeks just seemed too short of a time for me. Everything seemed to go at a good pace while living in Kenya, but once the time had actually passed and the sixth week came, I looked back and was amazed at how fast everything went. Other than that little change, everything was perfect and I wouldn't have changed one thing of it.

Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?

The kids trying to teach Paula dance step to the upbeat Kenyan music.

Paula: My worldview changed completely after my trip to Kenya! When I left Kenya it was obvious that half of my heart was left behind. I left Kenya with the yearning to learn more about the country, the culture and the people, I fell in love with all of it. It even made me want to explore more of Africa and the whole world!

This trip made me see how privileged I am, and how little I and the society I live in take the time to appreciate the little things that we are fortunate to have access to. Having the opportunity to meet people living in the most humble state and yet being probably some of the happiest people, made me see how much more I need to smile and acknowledge what and who I have, instead of concentrating on what I don't have.

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About International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. We offer the world’s largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 50+ destinations - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering. With over 13...

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