Kenya

Kenya is the classic African destination for wildlife and Kenya is probably the best place in the world in which to go on safari. All of the ‘big five' animals (lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino) can be seen in Kenya, and Kenya's unique natural environment make it an excellent place to visit if you're passionate about African wildlife.

Kenya's most popular and widely visited game reserve is the Massai Mara. The Massai Mara, in western Kenya, has an amazing density of wildlife and is the main reason why most people have come to Kenya in the first place. Of Kenya's big cats, lions can be found in large prides throughout the Massai Mara. Leopards and cheetahs are more difficult to see, but are still relatively common. Hippos, zebras, buffaloes and elephants can all be seen in large numbers. The famous annual migration of the wildebeest occurs in July and August when literally millions of these animals, along with accompanying zebras, move north towards Kenya from the Serengeti in searcher of better grass to feed on. If you want to get involved in a wildlife volunteer project in Kenya, we offer two excellent Maasai wildlife programmes. The Maasai Elephant Conservation and the Maasai Lion Research Kenya. These volunteer project work directly with the Maasai Tribes of Kenya and are excellent programmes if you are looking to volunteer with wildlife and African communities. Our other Kenya volunteer programmes involve working with children, communities and with other animals.

If you plan to stay in Kenya for a while, and don't want to spend the entire time looking at wildlife, there are some superb beaches to be found along Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline. The beaches north and south of Mombassa are some of the most picturesque in Africa. If you're in to snorkelling or diving, this section of the coastline in Kenya has some excellent coral reefs.

Mount Kenya National Park, in Kenya's Central Highlands, is another highlight of any stay in Kenya. Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest mountain, (5199 metres to be precise), and its snow-covered peaks can be seen from miles away. Mount Kenya's two highest peaks can only be reached by experienced mountaineers. However the third highest peak, Point Lenana, can be reached simply by trekking. Those who make the effort are rewarded with some amazing views of Kenya.

Without a doubt the wildlife viewing in Kenya is amongst the very best, if not the best, in Africa. If wildlife and the environment are a passion of yours then you are guaranteed not to leave Kenya disappointed.

Kenya gap year - Gap year programmes in Kenya


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