Kenya – Climate Change & Wildlife for Teenagers – Images

Now Open: July 2026 Dates!

This 14-day program in Kenya offers a meaningful mix of community work, nature conservation, and cultural discovery. You’ll spend time supporting children in local schools and kindergartens, join experts in protecting wildlife and restoring habitats, and take part in interactive workshops on climate and sustainability. Beyond volunteering, you’ll experience Kenya’s incredible landscapes on guided safaris, boat rides, and city walks, as well as connect with the Maasai community through traditional dance, beadwork, and storytelling. Designed specifically for teens, the program combines structured volunteer work with fun group activities and memorable adventures.

 

Program Highlights:

  • Team up with local kids through games, reading, and creative classroom activities
  • Leave your mark with colorful murals and art projects
  • Swap stories, dance, and beadwork with Maasai youth
  • Go on safari adventures in Lake Nakuru National Park and Crescent Island
  • Get hands-on with tree planting and other conservation work
  • Join climate action workshops with Kenyan teens
  • Enjoy evenings full of soccer matches, bonfires, talent shows, and cooking classes

 

Your Schedule at a Glance (two-week commitment):

  • Day 1, Friday: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You will be met at the airport and transferred to your Nairobi accommodation for a welcome dinner and orientation.
  • Day 2, Saturday: Travel together with your group to Nakuru (approx. 3.5 hours). After settling in, visit a local kindergarten for your first volunteer activity, then enjoy a group talent show and bonfire in the evening.
  • Days 3-7, Sunday to Thursday: Volunteer in local schools and kindergartens, assisting teachers with reading, arts, sports, and creative lessons. Afternoon and evening activities include mural painting, soccer with local students, cooking classes, city walks, a Kenyan movie night, and a farewell program with the children.
  • Day 8, Friday: Cultural immersion with the Maasai community, including dance, beadwork, and storytelling. Afternoon climate workshop and evening bonfire.
  • Days 9-13, Saturday to Wednesday: Conservation-focused activities such as safaris in Lake Nakuru National Park, wildlife monitoring, tree planting, and invasive species removal. These days also include climate action workshops, group reflections, and evening events such as talent shows, a farewell barbecue, and bonfires.
  • Day 14, Thursday: Return transfer to Nairobi for your departure flight home.

 

Location icon Location of the Project: Nakuru, Kenya

Project length Project length: 2 weeks (14 days / 13 nights)

Arrival Airport Arrival Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Volunteer Work Volunteer Work: Classroom support, kindergarten activities, conservation projects, cultural exchange

Age Age:  Designed for teens aged 15-17

Number of Volunteers Number of Volunteers: Minimum of 10 participants up to 15

 

What’s Included

Accommodations Accommodations: Shared single-gender dorm room in a volunteer house.

Food Food: Three meals per day

Airport Transfers Airport Transfers: Round trip airport transfers are included on the arrival day and departure day.

Orientation Orientation: Volunteers will receive an orientation of the area upon arrival and will receive a program orientation on their first day of volunteering.

Support Support:Teen groups have designated support staff to support and chaperone their itinerary, comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.

 

What’s not Included

Flights, entry visa (approximately $50 USD), travel health insurance, personal expenses  (snacks & souvenirs), airtime for cell phone or internet

The project takes place in Nakuru, a vibrant city in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, known for its natural reserves and diverse wildlife. The nearby Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for its flamingos, rhinos, and giraffes. Nakuru offers a balance of urban energy and natural surroundings, with bustling markets and welcoming communities. Volunteers will also visit Lake Naivasha, where boat rides and Crescent Island walks provide unique wildlife encounters. The program includes cultural immersion with Maasai communities, allowing participants to experience traditions such as dance, beadwork, and storytelling. The climate varies between warm days and cooler evenings, with temperatures ranging from 12–30°C depending on the season.

About the Organization

The program partners with local Kenya schools and conservation groups dedicated to sustainable development and environmental preservation. These organizations aim to create a positive impact for both communities and ecosystems.

Your role as a volunteer

Volunteers assist teachers in kindergartens, lead games and creative activities, and support literacy and numeracy development. For the second half of your program in conservation areas, participants join experts in monitoring wildlife, planting trees, and tackling environmental challenges. Interactive workshops with local youth highlight the importance of climate awareness and sustainable practices.

Some of your tasks may include:

  • Assisting in classrooms and kindergartens
  • Leading reading, arts, crafts, and sports activities
  • Painting educational murals
  • Supporting teachers with lesson preparation
  • Participating in cultural workshops and exchanges
  • Joining wildlife monitoring and ecological surveys
  • Tree planting and habitat restoration

 

A Typical Day

Mornings usually begin with volunteer assignments in schools or conservation sites. Afternoons often involve outdoor activities, cultural exchanges, or workshops. Evenings are dedicated to group meals, team-building, and recreational activities such as cooking lessons, bonfires, and talent shows

Important Note: The volunteer work schedule is flexible, subject to the weather, needs of the community, local school holidays, and local considerations, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.

 

Example of a 2 week teen volunteering itinerary:

Meals: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

2 Week Teen Program Meals Morning Afternoon Evening
Day 1: Friday D Arrival at NBO Airport Orientation & Welcome Group dinner
Day 2: Saturday B/L/D Transfer to Nakuru Intro session at kindergarten, light classroom prep (organizing materials) Talent show & bonfire
Day 3: Sunday B/L/D Classroom support (assisting teachers, reading with children) Arts & crafts activities with kids Friendly soccer match with local students
Day 4: Monday B/L/D Teaching assistance (songs, storytelling, language games) Painting murals with children Kenyan cooking class & dinner
Day 5: Tuesday B/L/D Kindergarten support (basic numeracy/literacy games) Play-based learning & outdoor activities Nakuru city walk & local dinner
Day 6: Wednesday B/L/D Helping teachers prepare lessons & classroom resources Team building with local students, cultural exchange Kenyan movie night
Day 7: Thursday B/L/D Final classroom activities & farewell program with children Handover ceremony with teachers & staff Karaoke & dinner
Day 8: Friday B/L/D Cultural immersion: Maasai dance, beadwork & storytelling Climate change workshop: local conservation challenges Bonfire night
Day 9: Saturday B/L/D Intro game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park Picnic in the park & safari spotting rhinos, giraffes, flamingos Cooking lesson: traditional Kenyan dishes
Day 10: Sunday B/L/D Wildlife tracking (giraffes, birds, rhinos) Ecological monitoring & conservation volunteering Group reflections & games
Day 11: Monday B/L/D Tree planting at Dundori nursery Boat ride on Lake Naivasha & walk on Crescent Island Maasai storytelling & bonfire
Day 12: Tuesday B/L/D Environmental conservation (remove invasive species, plant trees) Climate action workshop with local youth Group talent show
Day 13: Wednesday B/L/D Wildlife safari & conservation wrap-up activities Evaluation session & sharing outcomes Farewell BBQ & bonfire
Day 14: Thursday B/L/D Departure transfer to NBO Airport

Please note that the schedule is flexible and may be subject to change.

Internet icon Internet: Wi-Fi is available in the accommodation, but local SIM cards with data are recommended for reliable access.

Laundry icon Laundry: Laundry can be arranged on-site or at local facilities for a small fee.

Accommodations icon Accommodations: Volunteers stay in shared, single-gender dorm rooms (6–8 per room), situated within a secure gated community. The housing is simple yet comfortable, designed for group living, and includes hot showers and communal spaces. The center is equipped with security measures, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

Food icon Food: Participants will enjoy three meals a day. Meals combine local Kenyan dishes with familiar Western options. Volunteers will also join cooking sessions to learn traditional recipes, making food an enjoyable part of the cultural experience.

  • Age: 15 to 17 years old
  • Interview with GoEco Advisor, legal guardian must also join the interview.
  • Signed Parental consent and program liability waivers
  • Two Character Reference Letters
  • Good physical health and willingness to participate in outdoor activities
  • Adaptability to challenging conditions and diverse cultures
  • Able to work in a hot and humid climate.
  • Ability to work well in a group setting.
  • Travel insurance covering any medical expenses.
  • Immunizations (please consult your doctor – note: yellow fever is mandatory for travel to Kenya)
  • Malaria prevention medication is strongly recommended
  • Explore Lake Nakuru National Park on safari and spot giraffes, rhinos, and flamingos.
  • Take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha and enjoy a guided walk on Crescent Island among free-roaming wildlife.
  • Join a Maasai cultural experience with traditional dance, beadwork, and storytelling.
  • Discover the vibrant city of Nakuru, with its bustling markets and local dining.
  • Get creative with art projects, including painting murals at partner schools.
  • Learn to cook Kenyan dishes during interactive group cooking classes.
  • Enjoy lively evenings filled with talent shows, bonfires, karaoke, and group games.
  • Participate in environmental conservation through tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and removing invasive species.
  • Engage in climate action workshops with local youth and exchange ideas on sustainability.
  • Take part in soccer matches and cultural exchanges with local students.

Volunteer Experiences

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