Kenya Volunteering Safari
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kenya Volunteering Safari worth booking?
Kenya Volunteering Safari is a 360-hour experience in Nairobi, Kenya, from $1250 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (12)
- Duration
- 360 hours
- From
- $1250 per person
Go Volunteer Africa allows you to give back to communities in Kenya while exploring the amazing diversity and rich cultural history of this stunningly beautiful country in Africa. Whether you are interested in teaching v
What you get
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Acccommodation
About this experience
Go Volunteer Africa allows you to give back to communities in Kenya while exploring the amazing diversity and rich cultural history of this stunningly beautiful country in Africa. Whether you are interested in teaching volunteer work, childcare volunteer work, construction volunteer work, healthcare volunteer work or sports coaching volunteer work or just interested in touring, surfing and safari, Go Volunteer Africa has something in Kenya that is suitable for you.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Acccommodation
Not included
- Visa
- Flights
- Insurance
- Personal Expenses
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 1440 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Go Volunteer Africa
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
8 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Organization
7 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Kenya Volunteering Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Extremely disorganized and poorly run company
Here is a link to the Volunteer opportunity I paid for. (Approx $1600 CA). https://govolunteerafrica.org/kenya-14-days-volunteer-safari/ I agree with many other reviews on here. Although they may not be a scam; they are certainly an extremely unprofessional and poorly run company. I am a 64 year old solo female traveller. I had originally booked a 3 week volunteer trip in Mombasa and then changed my mind when I was told that I would be the only volunteer at the orphanage. I was hoping to do a trip with a group of people. They told me about the Kenya 15 day Volunteer/Safari which was a group opportunity. It wasn’t. I was by myself. This sounded like a better option for me and I was pressured to pay immediately because it gets booked up. I sent them the funds and then things went downhill rapidly. Their communication skills are very poor. The contact I was dealing with changed in August and specific questions I asked were not answered. I asked for specific dates to book my flights and they advised me to arrive the day before the program date start date and leave one day after it ended. On Oct 3 I requested specifics on the itinerary. They responded with “looking forward to seeing you in Nairobi”.On Oct I0 I was sent an email with the name and phone number of the project coordinator that I was to contact for details; 3 days before I was leaving. I was picked up in Nairobi by my host family who was also the project coordinator. I was supposed to be in Nairobi and when I was picked up I was told we were going to Nakuru which was 2 hours away which ended up being 4 hours away with the traffic. On Oct 16 after I arrived I requested details for the rest of the trip and the response was that I needed to calm down since the country was mourning the death of a prominent politician and they would look after everything. No details were provided. The host family I stayed with were wonderful and they looked after getting me back and forth to the orphanage each day. After further emails requesting details I was finally told on Oct 22 that the safari company would meet me on Oct 25 for the 3 day safari. I would then be dropped off in Nairobi after the safari without a clue where I was going and who I was staying with. Although the price of the trip incl transportation I had to pay for a driver to take me from Nakuru to Mai Maihiu (2 hours away) to meet the safari driver. After the safari we went back to Nairobi and I had to pay my own way to get to the host family which was over 1/2 hour away. Once I arrived it was clear that Go Volunteer Africa had asked someone for a favour. I explained to the host how much I had paid GVA and he told me he had not received any money from GVA. The Nairobi city tour was not arranged so my host took me on his own. I emailed GVA letting them know how disappointed I was that they were not paying their hosts and they assured me that they would be paid and it was a delay in accounting. To date (Nov 18) they have still not been paid. I ended up paying the host $200 US because they were clearly struggling financially. GVA is taking my money and not giving it to their hosts on the ground. Okay maybe it is a scam. I also paid to get myself to the airport which was also to be incl. This was a very stressful situation not having any advance details of the itinerary. The whole trip seemed made up as they went along and not sure if I hadn’t kept contacting them if the safari or the city tour would have happened. You could do a much better job organizing this trip on your own. They also never told me I would need a Visa to travel there. Isn’t that their job to help with these details? I will email them one more time to see if they will reimburse me the money they owe me and the host in Nairobi but I’m not holding my breath. As far as the BBQ at the end of the trip well that never happened.
via Tripadvisor
Go Volunteer Africa is a fantastic organization
After my volunteer placement in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where I was doing the teaching volunteer project, my next destination was Mombasa, Kenya. I knew nothing about Kenya, so this country was a mystery to me. When I arrived, I was amazed. Kenya is beautiful. The view I got in the plane was mind-blowing and was getting me hyped up for my time there. In Kenya, I was doing the women empowerment project. So basically, I was working with women on their income generating projects! I worked with a Canadian volunteer called Alyssa. The work was very challenging but also very rewarding and really tested my capabilities. Like Tanzania, Kenya was wonderful. Not only the people there, but the culture and the country itself were just beautiful. I managed to make more friends in Kenya just like Tanzania, and my host family was the nicest people. They treated me like their own and this not only helped me with my Swahiri but I got to know their way of life. The Go Volunteer Africa local staff was so helpful throughout our stay. After everything, Tanzania & Kenya were unbelievable beautiful and I was very sad to leave. Tearful goodbyes and long hugs from the family, and before I knew it I was flying to my next and final, destination. Now, I was supposed to be there on the 22nd December 2024. However I misplaced my passport which delayed my travels to Uganda. So I left for Uganda on the 2nd January 2025, just after New Year. My final destination is Mukono, Uganda. Where I am spending my final 4 weeks, with another host family and I taking part in coaching various sports to local children. Sports is something I love doing in my free time so this work is extremely fun! I am teaching young kids how to swim, and because swimming is my favourite sport, I have no problem in the pool! Mukono itself is a very small but beautiful city with green villages. From visiting the source of River Nile, and taking part in zip-lining it was a fantastic time! I attempted a bungee jump but the nerves got the better of me! The weather itself here is a bonus. Go Volunteer Africa is a fantastic organization. On my parents behalf I can say they are extremely helpful and supportive. Doing a Gap Year has not only made me grow up, but has changed my views on life and made me think about my future.
via Tripadvisor
DO NOT Trust GVA With Your Money or Plans!
Do not trust Go Volunteer Africa with your money or your plans! Program: What we were told was going to happen prior to booking is not what happened at all. We were told our ‘Program Fees’ were going to cover: Project orientation Accommodation Three meals a day Airport pickup In-country emergency support We were met by our “coordinator” at the airport and the transfer went smoothly. She had never hosted volunteers or worked with GVA before. She took us to her house and did everything she could to make our stay comfortable. She provided us with accommodation and three meals a day as was outlined to us. However, we were incredibly disheartened to hear that none of our “program fees” were passed on to her for hosting our family of 4 for two weeks. We ended up paying out of our pocket for our food and expenses because we felt so bad. Where did the $1000usd in program fees we paid go if not to her? We have since heard that she hosted another family after we left and has not been paid for them either. The in country emergency support is also questionable. Paul was quick to respond to me when it came to bookings and payments, yet when I had any issues or raised any questions it took multiple emails over many days to get a response from him. When I started pressing about things he stopped responding all together Timeline: Arrival and orientation Volunteering Goodbye party/BBQ Night We arrived late at night and were brought to our accommodation. Not only did we not receive an orientation the following day, we signed up with GVA to volunteer in a school but were told that schools were on break so there would be no volunteering for us that week. How does this happen? Why would they send volunteers to help in a school when schools were not even in session? So we sat around that week doing nothing and honestly contemplated going home. I emailed Paul about it and he said he would “engage with our partners” to figure something out but nothing was ever done about it. We did start in the “school” the following week so were able to volunteer for half the time we were supposed to/were in the country. There was no good bye party or bbq night. Volunteer Placement: I am a teacher in Canada and requested a placement working in a school. I thought my skills would be most useful there and that it would be nice for my children to also interact with others their age. I was assured that we would be placed in a school and that my qualifications and skills would be sent along to those on the ground. We booked and paid months in advance and were told that everything was arranged but GVA only made plans for us shortly before our arrival. Once school finally got back in session we arrived on site to find that we were not actually placed in a “school” but in a daycare. Not only that, it did not seem like any information was sent ahead of time about our skills or that the staff were even made aware we were coming. This led to some very awkward standing around and feeling like we were just in the way. After a few days we got more comfortable and were able to help out. But this was not due in any part to GVA. We could have all been much more useful and helpful had this all have been better organized on their end. Safari: Paul told us that GVA could help arrange a safari for us. He sent multiple options for us, we picked on and had to pay in full. This raised red flags for me but when I asked questions he became hostile and aggressive. Despite my bad feelings I sent all of the money for the safari and he told me our safari seats were “booked and confirmed.” Fast forward to when we arrive with our homestay, one week before this safari we “booked” and find out that Paul has asked her to find a safari for us. It was not booked at all. When I asked questions I was told my job was not to worry and let them handle it. They ended up finding a provider for us. 2 days before we were due to leave the provider reached out and told us that GVA still had not paid him for the safari and it would be cancelled. When I asked about this I was still told not to worry, let them sort it out and given all sorts of excuses. One day before our bucket list safari was supposed to happen GVA still had not sent out money to the provider. When I asked them about it I was told they cancelled with this provider. We were devastated. They said they would set us up on another safari leaving the next day but at that point we had completely lost trust in them. I asked them to return the money we had given them for our safari and they said they would. It has now been almost 7 weeks since we were supposed to go on safari and our money ($1600 USD) has still not been returned. They no longer respond to us. We are not sure how people can be so terrible. We are a family who has visited over 20 countries in the last year and a half. As you can see, I have posted many verified reviews on TripAdvisor. Trust me when I say not to trust this “company” with your travel plans or money. They are taking advantage of both the people on the ground (home stay families, tour operators) and the tourists looking to come to their counties to help. ** Note: I would be happy to update this review if they ever decide to do the right thing and return our money to us **
via Tripadvisor
I had an amazing 3 weeks in Nairobi
I had an amazing 3 weeks in Nairobi, Kenya. I went for a volunteering experience working in the slums of Kibera. I was placed at a community outreach center. It was enriching and the best possible way to spend a summer break. I loved the opportunity to not be a tourist, but actually, immerse myself in a culture completely unlike mine. At work, I had a lot of self-direction in what I did, but some of my larger tasks included; researching and drafting a grant proposal, writing a weekly newsletter, overseeing fundraising. I also chose to work with the kids in the Early Childhood Development Center when I had some free time. I was always learning something new at work and felt completely welcomed by the entire staff. I was touched and left in happy tears on my last day of work as the staff gathered to say goodbye and gave me a lovely handwritten letter with notes from everyone at the staff. In my free time I explored Masai Mara with other volunteers, I also visited Mombasa, the Masai markets, surfing. and seeing as many sunsets as possible. All the other volunteers were lovely, it was sad saying bye, but exciting having a network of friends all across the world.
via Tripadvisor
food and living conditions were much better than I expected
AIRPORT COLLECTION The collection from the airport was well arranged, and very helpful in showing me where to exchange currency. The project briefing was informative and clearly explained the main objectives of the project and how activities were carried out. ACCOMMODATION Very good, any issues/problems I had with the homestay were dealt with professionally. Amir was a great help in supporting everyone with any queries. Location was great, could walk to work (if the sun wasn't trying to melt me that day) and was even walking distance to the city centre - but again I’m lazy and relied on Taxis. Our home mother at the homestay made the place very special, and the family was wonderful. Really appreciated the cold shower. Bring extra money for your own meals though, breakfast is very basic - toast. Dinner is interesting, a bit different but any future volunteers should push themself to try it all! Nothing ever tasted bad and even meat eaters were asked if they wanted seafood or not which was greatly appreciated - I feared, I would be eating fish with heads the whole time I was there but it was largely vegetarian meals. The food and living conditions were much better than I expected and overall, I had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed my time on project. WORK I worked with school in Dar-es-Salaam. The school is a little all over the place, but you get used to it and settle into TZ time - aka, slow paced life. The school project for me was very rewarding I made a real connection with the kids and was really sad to leave. Ubungo is a lovely town and all the people are so welcoming I didn’t feel unsafe once throughout my whole time on project. SUPPORT 10++ for this one, Amir kept an eye on any illness or injury I had, from the tiniest little scrape to a suspected case of strep throat. My health seemed so important here and had a high priority as did my safety. OVERALL Amazing experience. So much free time and flexibility for you to go and explore the Tanzania. You learn so much about the culture here. I'd recommend it to all, just be prepared for a difference in setting as it is a low-income nation. This was my first ever time in a low-income (developing) country and it has really opened my eyes but in a positive way. The entire project for me was an experience I will never forget I loved every minute of it. I couldn’t tell you the best aspect as it was all amazing.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 360 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 6+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kenya Volunteering Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Nairobi.
How much does Kenya Volunteering Safari cost?
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Prices start at $1250 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Nairobi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kenya Volunteering Safari take?
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Plan for about 360 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Nairobi is not rushed.
Is Kenya Volunteering Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Nairobi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kenya Volunteering Safari?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kenya Volunteering Safari suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 6. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 360-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Kenya Volunteering Safari?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Nairobi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Nairobi and add a light layer if any part of the 360-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kenya Volunteering Safari start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Nairobi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Nairobi?
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On Outty we rank every Nairobi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 days group joining safari to Maasai Mara with a Land Cruiser Jeep, 1 Day trip to Hells Gate and optional Lake Naivasha From Nairobi, Nairobi Masai village Day Tour Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Nairobi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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