Nairobi is a cosmopolitan, lively, interesting and pleasantly landscaped city in central Kenya. It is the largest city between Cairo in Egypt and Johannesburg in South Africa.
The central business district of Nairobi is compact and a good example of urban African life so here is a good place to become acclimatised to the city. However, in Nairobi, security is a concern particularly in more deprived parts of the city. One such area is the crowded market of River Road. This market place is full of energy and people from all walks of life.
Other sights in Nairobi are the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) Giraffe Centre. This is a sanctuary for the rare Rothschild giraffe (and maybe tourists in search of some calm in Nairobi!). Here there is a purpose built platform from which you can feed the giraffes and take photos of the creatures up close. In addition to this is Limaru, with its tea and coffee plantation. The area is an excellent example of white-settlers establishments with the Kentmere club.
Vistors to Nairobi should not be ignorant of the fact that mugging and crime is widespread in the city, however, they should not be put off by this because they will be sacrificing the sights and sounds of a true African city at its best.
Get involved with successful projects that aim to give children and families the means to sustain themselves. You can help provide food, shelter, clean water, training and health care – and most valuable of all, emotional support.
Learn about the ways of the African wilds and the culture of the Massai by volunteering on this incredible project. You can help to gather vital data about wildlife activities, immerse yourself in the nomadic culture, and explore the stunning landscapes of Kenya.
Make a small but meaningful difference to people in Nairobi. Work in a hospital or orphanage, reaching out to people who live in poverty. You can teach and care for the children, help repair infrastructure and learn Swahili too.
Teach English and computer skills in the morning and organise sports sessions in the afternoons. The lessons will greatly improve the children’s prospects, while sport will keep them fit and give them a chance to enjoy themselves.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Join this trip and feel a real sense of achievement as you reach the peak and witness spectacular views over Tanzania and Kenya.
Immerse yourself in Kenyan life and become part of a project to improve life in a rural village. Live and work with the community, helping with tasks such as construction, teaching, landscaping and painting.
Family Friendly! A rewarding two-week experience for families looking to give something back to underprivileged African communities. Plus, you’ll experience the beauty of Kenya through a varied activities programme. Minimum age 6 years.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects in Africa for grown up gappers. Because Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of ideas and options for grown up gap years, it has the widest range of volunteering programmes in Africa. These include animal/wildlife conservation, teaching English in Africa, community volunteering in Africa and Voluntary work with children in Africa.
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