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WELCOME TO AFRICA
KENYA

Volunteer in Kenya

Live on the Kenyan coast - and protect marine life or endangered primates through conservation volunteering.

Palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and rich Swahili heritage make Kenya unforgettable. It’s also a place where volunteers can support hands-on conservation work along one of East Africa’s most biodiverse shorelines.

Choose your path: join our Turtle and Marine Conservation programme in Watamu, supporting turtle protection and coastal research. Or head to Diani Beach for Colobus Monkey Conservation, helping monitor and protect these threatened primates through fieldwork and habitat support. With local guidance, a welcoming volunteer community, and weekends made for exploring, you’ll experience the best of Kenya while doing work that matters.

  • Turtle Conservation

Support turtle monitoring and protection along Kenya’s coastline.

  • Colobus Monkey Conservation

Help protect threatened primates through conservation tasks.

  • Coral Coast Adventures

Snorkel, swim, and explore Kenya’s reef-fringed beaches in your free time.

  • Swahili Culture

Immerse yourself in coastal traditions, food, and a laid-back beach lifestyle.

  • Coast to Canopy Conservation

Enjoy areas where reef-fringed beaches meet coastal forest.

Kenya base areas

Here’s a breakdown of the bases in Kenya:

Watamu Base

Watamu is a relaxed coastal town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean shoreline, set within a protected marine park where coral reefs thrive just offshore. This is one of the country’s most important nesting areas for endangered sea turtles, so conservation feels woven into everyday life here. Between project activities, you can snorkel in the marine park, wander local markets and cafés, or enjoy quiet beach time in a place shaped by Swahili coastal culture. It’s a warm, ocean-first base where your weeks are structured around meaningful marine work, and your free time is made for salt air, sunsets, and exploring the coastline at an easy pace.

KILIFI COUNTY, KENYA
Watamu at a glance

Open: Year-round

Daytime highs: 27-32°C (80-90°F)

Night-time lows: 20-24°C (68-75°F)

Climate: Tropical coastal and humid

Landscape: Marine park, reefs and white-sand beaches

Languages: English and Swahili

Diani Beach Base

Diani is a laid-back beach town on Kenya’s south coast, where palm-lined shores meet pockets of threatened coastal forest. This unique landscape supports some of the region’s most important primate habitat, with conservation work happening close to communities and everyday life. Outside of project time, Diani is ideal for recharging – think beach walks, local cafés, and exploring forest trails that bring you closer to the ecosystem you’re helping protect. It’s a brilliant base for volunteers who want conservation that feels grounded and hands-on, with a coastline that delivers both adventure and calm in equal measure.

KWALE COUNTY, KENYA
Diani Beach at a glance

Open: Year-round

Daytime highs: 28-32°C (82-90°F)

Night-time lows: 20-24°C (68-75°F)

Climate: Tropical coastal and humid

Landscape: Beaches and coastal forest patches

Languages: English and Swahili

Our Projects in Kenya

Kenya faqs

Do I need experience to volunteer in Kenya?

No. Most volunteers are first-timers. What matters is enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn and follow guidance from the local team.

What’s the difference between the two Kenya projects?

Watamu focuses on sea turtle and marine conservation along the coast, while Diani focuses on monitoring and protecting colobus monkeys in coastal forest habitats. Both are conservation-led and hands-on.

Can I combine Watamu and Diani in one trip?

Often, yes. Many volunteers choose to split their time across both bases to experience marine and forest conservation. Your team can advise on dates and how to plan transfers.

Where do I fly into for each base?

For Watamu, most volunteers fly into Malindi or Mombasa. For Diani, most volunteers fly into Mombasa (or Ukunda for a closer option when available). Your pre-departure info will confirm the best route for your dates.

Can I volunteer as a solo traveller?

Absolutely. Many volunteers arrive solo and quickly make friends through shared accommodation and team activities.

Enquire Now

All the Logistics

For planning your trip to Kenya

You’ll stay in shared volunteer accommodation at either Watamu or Diani Beach, designed to be comfortable, social, and well suited to early starts and active days. Expect shared rooms, mosquito nets, fans, and communal spaces where volunteers can relax, plan the week, and get to know the team.

Both bases are set up to help you settle in quickly, with a supportive on-the-ground team and a simple routine that keeps you focused on your programme. Meals are provided as part of your placement, with a mix of local Kenyan and coastal Swahili flavours. If you have dietary requirements, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Most volunteers fly into Mombasa for Kenya’s coast. From there, you’ll travel onwards to your base, either north to Watamu or south to Diani Beach. Watamu can also be reached via Malindi, while Diani can sometimes be accessed via Ukunda depending on flight availability.

We’ll guide you on the smoothest route for your dates and confirm your arrival instructions before you travel. If you’re combining both projects, moving between Watamu and Diani is straightforward by road and we can advise on the best way to plan it so your transition feels easy and organised.

Wi-Fi is available at the bases, so you can message home, keep up with plans, and stay connected between activities. As with many coastal areas, speed and reliability can vary, so it helps to be flexible with video calls and larger uploads.

Many volunteers use a local SIM and mobile data for day-to-day connectivity. WhatsApp is the go-to for group updates and everyday communication, and the team can advise on the best local options for coverage in your area.

Entry requirements for Kenya vary by nationality, so check early and ensure your passport meets validity requirements for your full stay. Most travellers need to arrange Kenya entry permission in advance, and your Journey Team will guide you on what to prepare before you fly.

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and the full duration of your placement. If you plan to add any extra activities in your free time, make sure your policy covers them too.

You’ll receive an orientation on arrival, including local customs, day-to-day safety, and how to move around responsibly. Your programme is designed with clear protocols and staff support, so you always know what’s expected and where to go for help.

Kenya’s coast is welcoming, but sensible travel habits matter – keep valuables secure, be aware after dark, and follow local advice on transport and areas to avoid. You’ll also be briefed on ocean and wildlife safety, including how to behave around turtles, marine life, and primates so your impact is responsible and respectful.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in shared volunteer accommodation at either Watamu or Diani Beach, designed to be comfortable, social, and well suited to early starts and active days. Expect shared rooms, mosquito nets, fans, and communal spaces where volunteers can relax, plan the week, and get to know the team.

Both bases are set up to help you settle in quickly, with a supportive on-the-ground team and a simple routine that keeps you focused on your programme. Meals are provided as part of your placement, with a mix of local Kenyan and coastal Swahili flavours. If you have dietary requirements, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Communication

Wi-Fi is available at the bases, so you can message home, keep up with plans, and stay connected between activities. As with many coastal areas, speed and reliability can vary, so it helps to be flexible with video calls and larger uploads.

Many volunteers use a local SIM and mobile data for day-to-day connectivity. WhatsApp is the go-to for group updates and everyday communication, and the team can advise on the best local options for coverage in your area.

Getting There

Most volunteers fly into Mombasa for Kenya’s coast. From there, you’ll travel onwards to your base, either north to Watamu or south to Diani Beach. Watamu can also be reached via Malindi, while Diani can sometimes be accessed via Ukunda depending on flight availability.

We’ll guide you on the smoothest route for your dates and confirm your arrival instructions before you travel. If you’re combining both projects, moving between Watamu and Diani is straightforward by road and we can advise on the best way to plan it so your transition feels easy and organised.

Visas & Insurance

Entry requirements for Kenya vary by nationality, so check early and ensure your passport meets validity requirements for your full stay. Most travellers need to arrange Kenya entry permission in advance, and your Journey Team will guide you on what to prepare before you fly.

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and should cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and the full duration of your placement. If you plan to add any extra activities in your free time, make sure your policy covers them too.

Safety

You’ll receive an orientation on arrival, including local customs, day-to-day safety, and how to move around responsibly. Your programme is designed with clear protocols and staff support, so you always know what’s expected and where to go for help.

Kenya’s coast is welcoming, but sensible travel habits matter – keep valuables secure, be aware after dark, and follow local advice on transport and areas to avoid. You’ll also be briefed on ocean and wildlife safety, including how to behave around turtles, marine life, and primates so your impact is responsible and respectful.

Our favourite weekend activities in Zanzibar

Explore the vibrant markets and restaurants around the island on weekends. From forest walks to traditional safaris, kite surfing to spice markets, make the most of your free weekend time whilst in Zanzibar!

Snorkelling & Reef Exploration

Discover the coral reefs of Watamu Marine Park, home to colourful fish, turtles, and other marine life. Snorkelling conditions are often calm and clear, making this an ideal weekend activity.

Local Markets & Cafés

Explore Watamu’s small markets, cafés, and beachfront restaurants, offering fresh seafood, Swahili flavours, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere shaped by local culture.

Beach Walks & Coastal Relaxation

Unwind on Watamu’s white-sand beaches with long coastal walks, swimming, or simply relaxing by the ocean. It’s the perfect way to recharge after a week of conservation work.

Your impact in Kenya

Coast to canopy conservation

Responsible, ethical conservation- shaped with local partners and guided by best practice.

Volunteering is most powerful when it strengthens long-term, locally led conservation. In Kenya, your time supports two priority ecosystems along the coast – protecting marine life in Watamu and safeguarding threatened primates in Diani’s coastal forest. We take responsible volunteering seriously, with clear roles, structured support, and guidance designed to ensure your contribution is helpful, respectful, and sustainable.

In Watamu, you’ll support turtle and marine conservation through practical fieldwork that helps protect nesting beaches and builds understanding of the wider coastal environment. In Diani, you’ll help monitor and protect colobus monkeys through observation, habitat support, and conservation tasks that strengthen protection efforts over time. Throughout both programmes, you’ll follow best-practice wildlife protocols, learn from experienced teams, and contribute with confidence and care.