Most Affordable Kenya Volunteer Programs in 5+ Locations from $280

The absolute best volunteer travel organization! The programs are responsible, safe, affordable and sustainable. I have volunteered in two counties through IVHQ and cannot wait for my next service trip!
I had the best time. I met so many amazing people. I look forward to continuing to support the NGO I worked with in the future. It was incredibly meaningful work that I am grateful to have been able to contribute to. To highly recommend International Volunteer Headquarters. The staff is great. So great!

Volunteering halfway across the world with IVHQ was easily one of the best experiences I’ve ever been on. IVHQ was very helpful during the days leading up to the trip. They were always checking to make sure we were well prepared and new what to expect to ensure a successful trip and arrival. They had an amazing team working for them in Kenya that were always available if we needed anything. IVHQ’s team went above and beyond to make sure our volunteer experience was an incredible one. They were very affordable and gave us the best possible deals whenever we wanted to branch out and do any excursions during our off time on the trip. We met tons of amazing people and made many life long friendships. It truly was life changing and I will definitely be going through IVHQ again in the future to plan my next volunteer trip!

I discovered IVHQ as I was doing a quick search for volunteer abroad trips. During college, I always dreamed of studying abroad but due to finances, it was never possible. IVHQ gave me the experience of going to another country at a much lower cost. In addition, giving me the opportunity to see the true side of some areas of the world. From start to finish, the IVHQ team was there to help me with any questions, comments or concerns I had. During my experience in Nairobi, Kenya, the local team was more than excited to help me while I was at my placement. Now that my trip is complete, I am still getting the guidance and support. The experience I had was unforgettable and I can't wait to hopefully do another volunteer trip with IVHQ. Would recommend this trip for individuals wanting to seek travel, but not luxury

Translated Review

Reliable association, very attentive support, the welcome and the organization was irreproachable and I would retry the experience with great pleasure! Everything is very well organized, we pick you up at the airport, all your accommodations are provided, you can leave safely.We had the opportunity to go to Safari, as well as to discover the Maasai culture, it was a great experience I would recommend IVHQ to all travelers in search of discovery A breathtaking journey and wonderful encounters I am already planning to return to Kenya in a short time to renew the experience, and I intend to go to Sri Lanka with IVHQ in December I discovered a new way to travel cheaply, while making myself useful and meeting people

Original French Review

Association fiable, support très à l'écoute, l'accueil et l'organisation était irréprochables et je retenterais l’expérience avec grand plaisir ! Tout est très bien organisé, on vous récupère à l"aéroport, tout vos logements sont prévus, vous pouvez partir en toute sécurité. Nous avons eu l'occasion de partir en Safari, ainsi que de découvrir la culture Maasai, ce fut une formidable expérience. Je recommanderais IVHQ a tout les voyageurs en soif de découvertes. Un voyage à couper le souffle et des rencontres merveilleuses. Je compte déjà retourner au Kenya dans peu de temps pour renouveller l'experience, et je compte partir au Sri Lanka avec IVHQ au mois de Décembre. J'ai découvert une nouvelle façon de voyager à moindre couts, tout en se rendant utile et en rencontrant du monde

My experience with IVHQ was great. I always heard good things about them and their programs. What I also liked was there prices, as they are all reasonable! IVHQ-Kenya was where I decided to go with 3 of my classmates. We are Occupational Therapy students and were so excited to give back to the Kenyan community. I was placed in an orphanage where children reside with various disabilities. We were able to provide a lot of range of motion, positioning, education, feeding, and play for the children. My experience at the orphanage and with my host family was fantastic as I learned so much about the Kenyan culture.
I also traveled while in Kenya. IVHQ recommended several day or two day programs that we took advantage of. If you are thinking about going to Africa, do it! You will not regret it. I never once felt unsafe and was always treated with great hospitality. I can't wait to go back one day! Thank you IVHQ - Kenya!

I had a wonderful experience in Kenya with IVHQ. I was there for four weeks and volunteered with the special needs program. While it's not required on the website or through IVHQ to have experience, I highly suggest only doing the special needs program if you do as there isn't specific training for working with kids with special needs during orientation and some of the placements are very challenging. The classroom I taught in had 43 students with moderate to intensive special needs and only two teachers! I am a special education teacher, so while I was definitely overwhelmed the first day, I was able to jump in and adapt quickly. Others who were in the special needs program without any prior experience were very overwhelmed and ended up switching placements. There isn't any training as it relates to teaching during orientation.

Overall my time with IVHQ was incredible! My placement was AMAZING and the kids absolutely stole my heart! I still keep in touch with the teacher at the school as well as others I met in Kenya. The staff on site in Kenya were so kind, personable and easy to reach for any sort of help. I would definitely travel with IVHQ again.

You think 2 weeks are enough until the last day arrives, and the first thought that comes into your mind is “I need more time.” All the ideas of volunteering started with one of my friends saying “I volunteered in Africa 2 years ago, let’s do it together this year!” One year passed by and now I’m here returning from the volunteering program of IVHQ and NVS Kenya.

I volunteered alone for two weeks in Ngong Kenya, and I can’t find the words to describe how wonderful was the life I experienced there. From meeting incredible people, to playing, to taking care of children, to hearing people screaming “Muzungu” in the streets, to giving hi-fives to all the kids, to learning the culture, to helping, but most importantly, to learning about myself, something that has changed my life forever. IVHQ gave me the most memorable experience of my life, and I will definitely travel with them again!

Throughout the trip, the staff supports you, gives you attention and make sure you are safe. Everyone is incredibly friendly and just want you to be happy. In my placement, I was able to meet people from all around the world, that now I’m so glad to call them my friends! Now I feel I have a family in Kenya that is waiting for me to come back.

Before coming there, I was just an 18 years old girl who wanted to help. My mom, obviously, was scared for me to go alone to Africa. She wasn’t sure if IVHQ was safe, but after talking with some volunteers, She let me go to this fantastic adventure. Now if I were to ask her for permission again, she would let me go anywhere with them. IVHQ and NVS Kenya had changed my life.

Reading this, if you are thinking of volunteering or you are going to, here is my best advise: - Come without expectation, be prepared to get out of your comfort zone, be yourself, put yourself out there and embrace the culture, respect other people and just enjoy the adventure :)

It was amazing and unforgettable trip.
Organization of the program deserve all credits, everything was ready and especially you wouldn't face insecurity or safety concerns.
Orientation day was full of information and even if you are alone or worried all needed is described and acknowledged.
I think that volunteering mostly about taking rather than giving, because you cannot count how much kids, country, people, experience, other volunteers contribute to your development, joy and happiness and you think that you never can do the same or more to community.
If you have doubts - try, if you are worried - try, if you just started to think about - try. It would be one of the best decisions of your life.

I'm so blessed to have taught children in different cities of Kenya. They said I impacted them, but really they impacted me with their hard work, kindness and love more than they'll ever know. All the staffs and volunteers helped and taught me a lot so that I can have a wonderful time there. The three months memories will be cherished for my lifetime. Plus, I seriously would love to come back again!

I spent one week with IVHQ in Kenya and this was my first time doing a volunteer trip in Africa.
This experience was fantastic!! I loved everything about Kenya: the people, the food, the culture, the animals.

The school I worked for was filled with amazing kids who were able to teach me so much. On my first day at the school I was overwhelmed with the ammount of love and affection that I received. Working with those kids was a heart warming and spirited experience that changed my life!

The accomodation was simple and modest, but it had all the necessities needed for every day´s life. It was great to stay with locals and spend time with them. They provided us with great meals and support when we needed it.

The organization offered many opportunities to explore the country, to grow and learn. They were available 24/7 for any issues or help any of us might have needed.

The trip was well beyond my expectations. It changed me as a person in a unique way and it was by far the best experiece I have ever done! I am already planning my next trip with IVHQ :)

My last trip was in Kenya . Our team worked in baby rescue centre in Mombasa . For us it’s vwry important to make our own impact to make world liitle better ! I hope we can be useful in your program ! There are three elements that permitted me to succeed in life through volunteering: passion, determination and patience. Volunteering has helped me to become a job creator not a job seeker.One secret in volunteer work is to avoid thinking about money because that is where the problem is.

I just finished my time in Kenya volunteering with Special Needs! The time spent was not long enough! I was so pleased with the communication of the team for local placement, local transportation, and even back at the office with IVHQ. You have to be open minded and ready for anything, and you will have a GREAT experience. The orientation really helped prep me for what to expect as far as making Kenya home for my time here, and my home stays were welcoming and treated me like family. Plus I have made friends for life with the other volunteers! I fell in love with all the children at my placement, and I was so sad to leave! I am already planning my return back to stay longer. I also got the opportunity to go on a safari and see an amazing city tour, thanks to the companies IVHQ partnered with. I always felt taken care of, which is important! Highly recommend and to come ready for anything!!

I spent the last two weeks volunteering at an orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. Something I never imagined myself doing, but there I was. Moments after stepping off the plane and meeting other volunteers, from all around the world and who were a similar age, I could tell this was going to be an amazing experience. Fast forward two weeks and I was right. During my time at the orphanage I was able to spend time with many young children who were disadvantaged but were so happy and loved. We played games, did some sport, helped teach and just spent time with them. We helped prepare their meals, and even brought them pizza on my last day which made their faces light up. During my time in Kenya I was also lucky enough to go on a 4 day safari, with all the other volunteers. The main thing I realised on this trip is that when you volunteer you really get to see the country through the eyes of the local rather than a tourist which to me is so much more authentic. This is an experience I will never forget and I can't wait to start planning my next volunteering trip with IVHQ!

I have always wanted to volunteer overseas, specifically in Africa. I knew this was something I wanted to do, but I did not even know where to begin. I also had never been to a third world country, and did have some reservations about travelling alone. I wanted to volunteer with a company that was honest, trustworthy, compassionate, and had a clear vision. That's when I stumbled upon IVHQ. I spent only minutes looking at photos on their website and reading articles from former volunteers before I found myself applying. The volunteer coordinator who I was assigned; Will, was fantastic. He answered all of my questions and made me feel confident and reassured, but most of all excited. This experience truly was one of the most life changing experiences of my entire life. The local family I was assigned made me feel so comfortable and at home, I am forever grateful for their hospitality and kindness during my stay. I volunteered at an orphanage during my stay. The children who lived their had the most amazing personalities which was a huge contribution to making my trip as amazing as it was. I travelled to Kenya with the intent that I would make a difference, that I could help, to teach others. I came to find out that I would be the one who would do the learning. The children taught me so much. They taught me to always be humble, thankful, kind, and that in even in the most devastating situations of poverty, fun is still free! For anyone who has ever considered travelling to this country, all I can say is DO IT. It is the biggest favor you will ever do for yourself. It really was the most amazing life changing experience, you will never regret it. I would recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a fun, caring, and safe organization. THANK YOU IVHQ!!!!

Kenya was my first volunteering trip as well as the first country I have ever travelled to on my own. Despite knowing the economic and political instability in most of Sub-Saharan Africa, not once did I feel scared or anxious before my trip. IVHQ and NVS' very prompt response to every question I had made me feel at ease and comfortable with everything. I fell in love with this vibrant place and its beautiful people on my first day. I can now say that I've definitely left my heart in Africa. It's been over a week since I've been physically back in England, and yet my heart and mind is still in Africa.

I had the absolute pleasure of working with the most selfless and courageous women at Positive Life Kenya in Mlolongo during my Women's Education programme. PLK is an NGO that supports HIV+ families living in the slum areas surrounding Mlolongo and Athi River. They're a safe haven to so many families in numerous communities by providing them with health care, education, income generating programs, rehabilitation and counselling making them healthier, empowered, happier and more independent people.

My 2 weeks at PLK was mostly spent on accompanying their social workers on community support and outreach, doing home visits and food distributions in Mlolongo, Kicheko Slum, City Carton and the Athi River Area. The other volunteers and I also spent most of our mornings guest teaching at Tumaini. This is one of the schools that PLK runs. Tumaini is Swahili for "hope" and is an education and nutrition centre in the Kicheko Slum which provides an education for the children that cannot access it otherwise. One of my favourite memories from Kenya happened here. On the children's last day of school, before their August holiday, we surprised them with new PE equipments, biscuits and enough notebooks, pens and pencils to last them until the next school year. Everyone was so excited that we ended up having an early break time to play with the new PE equipments. Seeing all the children with so much hope, happiness and energy was incredible. This is definitely a day I will never forget.

PLK also runs a Women Empowerment Centre where the women are taught bead-making, tailoring, dressmaking, entrepreneurship and micro-finance. This enables them to be financially stable and positively contribute to the society. I had the opportunity to run a business and financial workshop which further inspired me to pursue a career working for sustainable economic development in less economically developed countries. Furthermore, the other volunteers and I have become so passionate about the work of Positive Life Kenya that we are currently in the process of setting up their first Junior Board of Directors. We, as founding members, have all committed to supporting PLK’s mission and vision through outreach, fundraising, recruiting, and volunteer service.

My overall experience in Kenya has been so unique due to my amazing placement, my lovely host family and fellow volunteers. This programme was everything I could’ve possibly ever asked and wished for, AND MORE. I’ve tried my best to keep this review short because I can literally write a whole book about my time in Kenya. I’d love to re-live this experience over and over again! I would like to say a massive thank you or “asante sana” to IVHQ for making this happen.