What to Expect

Travel & Documentation

• Flight to Kenya
• Valid Passport
• Visa for Kenya (we provide a letter)
• Travel Medical Insurance (mandatory)
• Enhanced Criminal Background Check (we provide a letter)

Health Requirements

• Yellow Fever Vaccine
• MMR Vaccine
• Typhoid Vaccine
• Malaria Tablets
• Any other routine vaccinations

Clothing

• T-shirts
• Skirts & dresses
• Jeans & shorts
• Flip-flops & running shoes
• Light jacket
• Rain jacket

Toiletries & Health

• Towel
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Personal medications
• Any special treats from home

Electronics & Documents

• Phone & charger
• Power adapters
• Camera (optional)
• Passport copies
• Insurance documents
• Flight confirmations

Culture Shock & Jet Lag

Culture shock is very real and can happen upon your arrival in Kenya. The way of life here is very laid back. People are never in a hurry to get anywhere and they take their time when doing things or going places. You can expect locals to be late—they have a saying here: when you’re in Kenya, you’re on Kenyan time. It’s just part of the way of life and can sometimes be hard to adjust to, but once you do, things are great.

Depending on how far you’re travelling from, you could likely sleep for one or two days after your arrival in Kenya. Don’t be alarmed—this is completely normal. After you’re rested, you’ll be feeling great and ready to get busy.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying either in a volunteer house or a homestay with a local family. You’ll be treated as part of the family and cared for as if you’re one of their own.

Your daily routine: Breakfast of tea and toast (sometimes with fruit or eggs), then head to your placement. Lunch with the children you’re volunteering with. After finishing for the day, return home or go out and about. Dinner made by your host family—you’ll eat together as part of the family.

You may be sharing a room with other volunteers or have your own room. Hot showers are available in most locations; remote placements may have bucket showers with cold water. WiFi is not available at accommodations, so we recommend getting a Kenyan SIM card ($10/month with 5GB data).

Safety & Security

While there is danger of travelling in any country around the world, Kenya is a developing country so things may happen that you aren’t used to. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Don’t walk down the street reading or texting on your phone—this puts you at risk for theft
• Keep cameras and anything expensive in a secure backpack or sling bag
• Keep bank and credit cards out of sight
• Store your passport locked in your suitcase; only take it when mandatory
• Don’t carry lots of cash—credit cards are widely accepted
• You’re rarely alone; BACM staff will accompany you on outings. Once you’re comfortable and we feel you’re safe, you can go out on your own

Note: The weather in Kenya isn’t always hot. It can be cold and rainy at any time day or night. We recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket as well as a rain jacket for unexpected rainy days. On average though, the weather is fantastic and warm, sometimes very hot.

Diani Beach, Mombasa

Indian Ocean paradise with white sand continually lapped by azure tides and swaying palm trees.

Mount Kenya

Africa’s 2nd highest mountain, situated on the equator. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

Masai Mara

See the most beautiful animals in their own habitat. One of Africa’s absolute must-do destinations.

Registration Fee: CAD $100

Includes:

• Comprehensive program guide
• Help with flight and travel insurance deals
• Volunteer letter for criminal record check
• BACM T-shirt
• BACM commemorative statue
• 24/7 pre-planning support
• Certificate in International Volunteering

Program Fee: CAD $280 + CAD $100 × (weeks–1)

Covers:

• 24/7 in-country support from local staff
• Airport pick-up and transfers to your placement
• Volunteer placement
• Accommodation (homestay or volunteer house)
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner at placement)
• Airport departure transport
• City excursions around Nairobi (David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Manor, and more)

NOT Included

• Flight to Kenya
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Visa fee ($52 USD)
• Vaccinations
• Enhanced criminal background check
• Water (~$5/week)
• SIM card ($10–25/month)
• Weekend outings and local transport
• Souvenirs and spending money (~$50/week)