• Kenya

Overview

This hospital volunteer project is an opportunity for medical students & professionals to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from diseases & various health conditions in Kenya’s Limuru region. The hospitals & clinics continuously see patients with HIV/AIDS, hydrocephalus, tuberculosis, & cardiovascular disease – amongst other illnesses. Participants can observe the staff at one of these facilities, or put their experience to work by assisting the staff with their patients. In addition, this 12-day program in Kenya features wildlife adventures & unique cultural experiences. What better way to embrace Kenya – to touch the lives of its people, & discover its fascinating nature. 

Highlights

  • Limuru Hospital Volunteer Project – Work alongside local medical personnel at a hospital in the Limuru region. Assist in caring for patients according to your medical experience.
  • Maasai Market – Famous, travelling market featuring textiles, jewelry, sculptures, & other handicrafts.
  • Giraffe Centre – Situated in the capital city. Home for the endangered Rothschild giraffe.
  • Daphne Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage – Nursery for young elephants & rhinos.
  • Maasai Mara – Site where the great migration of wildebeests takes place annually.
  • Wildlife Safari – Enjoy game drives on the Maasai Mara. Observe the wildlife from above in a hot air balloon (optional).
  • Boating Adventure – Take a ride on the waters of Lake Naivasha.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Limuru

Arrive at the airport in Nairobi, & transfer to your accommodation in Kenya’s Limuru region. Situated at a higher altitude, the region offers a milder climate than the nation’s capital & a rich, inviting terrain. You’ll enjoy the views surrounding your historic housing, & its neighboring features. These include a lecture hall, a café, & walking/running trails. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening with your group.

Day 2: Limuru

After breakfast, learn more about the local healthcare system & how you will be making a difference in the community during the hospitals orientation. You’ll tour two local hospitals, & get a better understanding of their patient profiles. Some of the conditions patients are commonly seen & treated for at these local hospitals include HIV/AIDS, diabetes, & tuberculosis. Volunteer responsibilities/opportunities at these medical facilities are dependent upon experience & comfortability. Participants may also choose to observe only. Return to your accommodation for dinner & time of relaxation. 

Day 3: Limuru

Fuel up for the day at breakfast before heading to your placement hospital to begin your volunteer project. You’ll spend a full day at the hospital, which includes a midday break to enjoy your boxed lunch meal. Dinner will be held again at your accommodation. Enjoy time of leisure afterward. 

Day 4: Limuru

Today you will spend a half-day volunteering at your assigned hospital. Break for lunch at midday. This afternoon, explore the Maasai Market. This famous, travelling market features Kenyan handicrafts such as textiles, jewelry, & sculptures. Return to your accommodation for dinner & an overnight stay. 

Day 5: Limuru – Lake Naivasha

Enjoy breakfast before bidding farewell to the Limuru region for now. Along the way to today’s destination, you’ll visit a local, non-profit hospital. This particular hospital sees more patients for the conditions of hydrocephalus & spina bifida than any other facility in Kenya & Africa as a whole. Arrive at the shores of Lake Naivasha around midday. Enjoy lunch at your accommodation. This afternoon, get to know the breathtaking nature around you. The Lake is home to a number of fascinating animals, including buffalo, giraffes, monkeys, & hippos. Don’t forget to have your camera ready, to capture the wildlife in its habitat, roaming amongst the “yellow fever” trees. Take a boat ride on the lake, & enjoy a visit to Crescent Island. Enjoy dinner at your accommodation this evening. 

Day 6: Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara Reserve

Head to one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife locations, the Maasai Mara. Every year, the great migration of wildebeests takes place here & the neighboring Serengeti of Tanzania. Enjoy lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. You’re bound to see more than the wildebeest on this safari though. The reserve is home to elephants, lions, gazelles, & other African wildlife. Optional activities include hot air balloon rides over the reserve & a visit to a local Maasai village. Enjoy dinner at your accommodation this evening. 

Day 7: Maasai Mara Reserve

Spend the day on the reserve observing its amazing wildlife.

Day 8: Maasai Mara – Limuru

Spend the morning enjoying another safari on the Maasai Mara. Return to Limuru afterward. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay at your accommodation.

Day 9: Limuru

After breakfast, continue volunteering at one of the local hospitals in the Limuru region. A boxed lunch & dinner are included. 

Day 10: Limuru

Spend another full day volunteering at the hospital.

Day 11: Limuru

Spend your last full day volunteering at the hospital. Tonight, enjoy a farewell BBQ dinner at your accommodation.

Day 12: Limuru – Nairobi – USA

Discover Kenya's capital city today before heading to the airport. Your Nairobi tour includes visits to the Giraffe Centre, where you’ll find the endangered Rothschild giraffe; Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, & the International Conference Center. Tonight, dine at a local favorite, then head to the airport for your return flight home.