How old do I have to be to participate in a project?

We welcome people of all ages, although we prefer volunteers aged 21 and older. If you are between 18 and 21, we prefer that you be able to demonstrate a commitment to the field of your chosen project in writing, or have relevant work experience.

What qualifications do I need?

Most of our projects do not require any formal qualifications, although there are one or two exceptions. The only qualities we expect from all our volunteers regardless of the project are: enthusiasm, an open mind and willingness to learn. That said, previous experience in a field relevant to your chosen project is also highly desirable. Feel free to call our travel advisors for further clarification.

What are the costs? Will I be paid?

Each project has a different price. This is because the price of food, housing and travel and the amount donated differs for each placement. For more details and prices in other currencies see our costs page. Please note that none of the organizations we work with pay salaries. If they could afford to do so, they would hire local people, who would be able to commit on a long-term basis.

Why do I have to pay to volunteer?

Tembeza Kenya is not a charity and does not receive any financial support or sponsorship. The only way for us to continue our work is by volunteers covering their own unavoidable costs, which include:

· Accommodation, meals and transportation
· Investing in and developing projects to make them accessible for volunteers
· Paying local staff to offer support while you are on placement.
· Administrative costs like salaries, office expenses, insurance and legal fees.

Tembeza Kenya also ensures a significant part of the fee you pay goes directly to the project you will be working for. For teaching, community work and conservation placements each fee includes a donation to your own project of over £100 per month (nearly $200 USD).

What’s included and what’s not included in the costs?

Very few things are not included. The only “hidden” costs are: international flights, travel insurance and entry visa. Additionally, a few of our city-based placements will require that you buy your own lunch, but unless you plan on dining at five star hotels, it won’t cost you more than a couple of dollars a day. Please refer to individual project descriptions for details of which ones have lunch included. Finally, although you could get by theoretically without any cash, the chances are you will want to bring some personal spending money, which will allow you to travel on weekends, go out at night, use Internet cafes and buy souvenirs for friends and family. It is difficult to be specific about how much is enough, but most volunteers seem to get by on $30 a week. Also, volunteers in cities tend to need more than our conservation volunteers out in the bush, who can’t spend any money even if they try.

Do I need to speak Swahili?

No, you don't. Very few of our volunteers know how to speak Swahili before they arrive. It is an advantage to learn a few basic words and phrases, but it is certainly not necessary to be fluent, especially since almost all Kenyans are bilingual and speak English as well as you!

How does the application process work?

The first thing to do is read through our website thoroughly to ensure that you have a good idea about what we offer and what you can expect. Once you have familiarized yourself with our various projects and have a sense of what interests you most, just go ahead and give us a call. Our travel advisors are always available to give you expert advice on projects and availability and to discuss your travel plans.

Alternatively, just fill out our online application form. It does not put you under any obligation to volunteer with us, it is merely a preliminary means for us to find out a bit more about you, and determine what projects might be suitable for you. Don’t worry if you are not sure which project you want to do, or what dates you want to travel, just fill it out to the best of your knowledge at the time. Once you have applied, one of our travel advisors will contact by phone to discuss your options in more detail.

What happens after I have applied?

Once you decide that we are the right organization for you, and we decide that you are the right volunteer for us, we will formally offer you a place on your chosen project for your selected dates. At this point, a deposit of $250 will be required to secure your place, and the final balance will be due 90 days before your arrival date. For more information about deposits and securing your place, please see our terms and conditions.

Once your place has been secured, you will be sent a Welcome pack and one of our travel advisors will call you again for a follow-up conversation about what to expect. Remember, you’re free to call us anytime if you have any questions during this process. That’s what we’re here for!

When can I start?

Whenever you want to- the choice is yours. Almost all of our projects accept volunteers on a rolling basis, but please see each individual project for any date restrictions. For example, teaching placements cannot start at the beginning of the local school holidays, particularly if they are long holidays. Also bear in mind that some projects are extremely popular, but can only accept a limited number of volunteers at any given time. So the further in advance you can book, the better your chances of getting the project you want.

How long do placements last?

Tembeza Kenya prides itself on its flexibility. You choose how long your placement lasts as well as your own starting date. Our mini-adventures range from four days to two weeks, but our placements can range from two weeks to six months. We have found the most popular length to be between one and three months.

Can I do multiple placements?

Yes, it is possible to do multiple placements during your trip, in fact, we even encourage it! It will ensure you have a diverse range of experiences, and that you are making the most of your travels to Kenya, an opportunity that may not come around again for a long time. If, for example, you have three months to spend in Kenya, there is nothing stopping you from teaching English in Nairobi for your first month, working at a newspaper for your second month, then spending your last month researching cheetahs in the Masai Mara.

Can I extend my stay once I arrive in Kenya?

Yes, provided your host organization can support you and there are no visa restrictions. You initial visa will be valid for up to three months, and can be extended for another three. If you wish to stay longer than six months, you may have to make a trip to Uganda or Tanzania and purchase a new visa upon re-entry. Many of our volunteers do extend their stay, and this is why we encourage volunteers to purchase flight tickets with flexible return dates.

How do I get a visa?

There are two options. First, you can arrange your visa in advance by contacting your nearest Kenyan consulate or embassy or by using a visa service. Be sure to apply for it well in advance (if you are departing in less than six weeks, you are strongly encouraged to use a visa service). Secondly, you can just purchase your visa upon arrival at the airport in Kenya. In either case, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure date. For more information about visas, click here. At the time of writing, visas can be purchased for US $50 or £30 sterling.

What kind of insurance do I need?

It is a requirement that all our volunteers purchase comprehensive travel insurance in order to join our program. If you are not sure what kind of policy you want, just contact one of our travel advisors who will advise you, and suggest a couple of reliable companies we have worked with in the past.

What immunizations and inoculations will I need?

Volunteers should be up to date on all the routine immunizations recommended by their home country. These usually include: DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (if you have not already had chicken pox). Other standard immunizations can include: HIB (haemophilus influenza), pneumococcal, meningococcal and hepatitis B.

The following inoculations are our recommendations for travelling to Kenya, but remember, medical decisions are your responsibility. Health conditions there are constantly changing, so keep yourself informed. The US Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and the World Health Organization (www.who.int) are valuable resources for up-to-date information. Most importantly, consult your physician regarding any specific questions you may have.

What about malaria?

Unfortunately malaria is rampant in Kenya, especially in the coastal region, so all volunteers must take anti-malaria tablets for the duration of their placement. Although this will heavily reduce the risks, tablets aren’t always 100 percent effective, so volunteers are strongly encouraged to take additional precautions like spraying insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.

What do I need to pack?

Included in our travel guide, which we will send you after you have applied, is a comprehensive packing list, which lists everything you need to bring. It will also tell you what items are easily purchased in the area you’ll be based at. Also check out the individual project briefings, where we’ll let you know any specific items that may come in handy for that project. A fairly good rule of thumb to go by is don’t to bring more than you can personally carry, especially if you plan to travel around after your placement. Toiletries and other personal supplies can be easily purchased in Kenya. The book and music selection in Kenya, however, may not be to everyone’s taste, so you may want to stock up on those before you arrive.

Will I be met at the airport?

Yes. Your Tembeza supervisor, whose details will be sent to you after your placement has been confirmed, will be at the airport waiting for you, holding up a Tembeza Kenya sign. He or she will also be able to spot you easily because your application file, including your photo, will have been sent to our Nairobi office beforehand. Don’t be surprised if your supervisor is there with other volunteers, who often come along for the ride. Once you’ve been picked up, and you’re exhausted after the flight, don’t be bullied into going out for dinner and drinks by your supervisor; demand to be taken to your host family!

Will I be able to travel around while I’m there?

On weekends you'll be able to visit local places of interest and many of our volunteers get together in groups to go on trips to explore Kenya’s amazing countryside. Aside from your weekends off, we also strongly recommend you put time aside at the end of your placement before you fly home to do some longer-term travelling. You never know when you’ll get another chance to come back to Kenya, so make the most of it! Check out our mini-adventures for fun things to treat yourself to after working hard on your project. Be warned though, the list of things to do in East Africa is truly mind-boggling. Between climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, white-water rafting on the Nile, fishing in Lake Victoria or SCUBA diving off the coast of Pemba Island, even a year wouldn’t be long enough to tick everything off the list.

Where will I be staying?

We use many different types of accommodation. For example, whilst on a teaching placement, you will most likely be staying with a host family. Some families will merely house and feed you and leave you to your own devices, but most families will 'adopt' you and make you an integrated part of their household. You may find yourself sharing an apartment with another Tembeza volunteer or you might even stay for a short while in a hotel. On our conservation projects you will probably be staying in a variety of accommodation, ranging from tents to guest houses in the national parks. We are always open to suggestions, though, and will bear in mind any preferences you make clear to us during the application process. Wherever you are placed, we guarantee that it is safe and comfortable. And contrary to the opinion of some our past volunteers, the occasional weird bug in your room does not constitute a breach in safety.

Will I be on my own or can I be placed near other volunteers?

On some placements you will live and work with other volunteers. In others there will be other volunteers close by. But if you've chosen an out-of-the-way destination (like Masai Mara for example), you may be quite far from volunteers on other projects. Make sure you look at our map to get a good idea about where you’ll be geographically. But even if you are in remote location, our local organizers frequently arrange get-togethers either in Nairobi or Mombasa, so that volunteers can meet each other and make friends, go out together, and generally socialize.

What kind of food can I expect?

This depends on where you stay. If you are staying with a host family, you will be eating breakfast and dinner with them, and can look forward to authentic home-cooked Kenyan cuisine. Breakfast will usually consist of tea, toast, eggs and fruit. You may have to arrange for your own lunch in town, which is simple enough, as there are restaurants and cafes everywhere. A word of warning for vegetarians, Kenya is a meat-lover’s paradise and roast meat barbeques in the evenings are a staple. On conservation placements, depending on how comfortable you are with cooking, you can either prepare your own meals, or we can arrange for a chef to do it for you. Meals in Kenya will probably be quite different to what you are used to, so don’t be surprised to see a man wielding a machete chasing a goat round the back after you’ve ordered some barbeque meat.

What if I am ill?

Unfortunately volunteers do sometimes get ill and our staff will ensure that you receive medical attention as quickly as possible, as will your host work organisation and your host family. If you are seriously ill, we will take immediate steps to get you to a medical facility in Nairobi or Mombasa, where you can be assured of expert treatment. In this event, you will be covered by your medical insurance policy, which is why we stipulate insurance as a requirement. We will, of course, also liaise with your family and insurance company to ensure you are taken care of in the best possible way. A word of warning, though, if you get an upset stomach in the first few days, we won’t be calling the medical evacuation helicopter service for you; our supervisors in Kenya consider it a volunteer rite of passage.

Can I go with my boyfriend or girlfriend?

Yes, you can. However, we do appreciate knowing in advance if you want to live together so that we can ensure that appropriate arrangements are made. If you'd like to live and work together with a friend, we will ensure that you're placed together - just let us know. Note to couples: Kenyans are very conservative when it comes to displays of affection, so keep your hands to yourself while in public!

Do you give guidelines on safety issues?

Yes, we do. We give you an exhaustively comprehensive safety guide that contains lots of useful information, both general and specific, about staying safe in Kenya. Personal safety is mostly plain common sense, but it’s something we take very seriously, so once we have confirmed your placement, we will send you the guide, which has been compiled over time by Tembeza staff, past volunteers and other information resources. We also advise you to invest in a traveller’s guide to Kenya (Lonely Planet and Rough Guide are both pretty good, and they’ll also give you ideas about where to travel after your placement).

Do women encounter any special problems?

In certain places women can attract more attention than men, but by following some common-sense rules, like wearing conservative clothing, your safety will not be compromised. If you are concerned about this, ask to be e-mailed our safety guide, which has a couple of other useful tips for discouraging unwanted attention.

If I am dissatisfied with where I am placed, will it be possible for me to change locations?

We will consider any request to move to a different location very seriously, and in many cases, it is possible to change the working areas to better meet the expectation of volunteers. However, we cannot change positions frequently without genuine, sufficient reason. This is why we encourage you to speak in detail with our travel advisors prior to departure about your chosen project(s) to make sure you know what to expect.

I still have more questions, what do I do?

Just send us an e-mail or give us a call. Our travel advisors are paid to be on hand to answer any and all of your questions, so make use of them (They’ll just be sitting there playing Solitaire otherwise…).

I’m ready, sign me up!

First, go ahead and fill out an application form. Once we receive your details, someone will call you back to get the process started.