Year after year, many of you choose Kenya for your volunteer experience. In Kenya, we are based in two different locations: Gatanga and Diani Beach, the coastal area.
In Diani Beach, you can participate in various projects, including childcare, special needs support, women’s empowerment, teaching, medical assistance, and the conservation of Colobus monkeys.
Today, we want to share some of the activities that Cooperating Volunteers offers, so you can make the most of your free time after attending your volunteer projects.
Being a coastal area, the possibilities for things to do are endless!
First, we offer the opportunity to visit Tsavo East National Park, one of the largest national parks in Kenya, located in the eastern coastal region of the country. It is known for its impressive wildlife and scenic landscapes, including vast savannas, acacia forests, and rocky hills. Some of the animals you can find in Tsavo East include lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and many others.
We will pick you up early in the morning from the hotel and take a three-hour drive with a few stops along the way until we reach the park, where we will spend the day spotting wild animals in their natural habitat.
We also offer a round-trip excursion to Wasini Island, a small island located on the southern coast of Kenya near the town of Shimoni. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. During the right season, it is possible to see dolphins and humpback whales.
Once you arrive in Shimoni, you will board our motorboats for an hour-long trip, where you may spot dolphins. Afterward, we head to Kisite Marine Park, where you can swim and snorkel.
Kisite Marine Park is the second most famous marine park in the world after the Australian Marine Park. It covers an area of 30 km² and is home to sea turtles, coral reefs, and a great variety of fish species.
Another tour option is a visit to Funzi Island, a small island located on Kenya’s southern coast in the Indian Ocean. It is part of Kwale County and is known for its pristine beaches, mangroves, and diverse marine life. It is a lesser-known destination, perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
On this excursion, we pick you up and, after a 40-minute drive, arrive in Bodo, where we board a motorboat. We then navigate along the Ramisi River, offering an opportunity to see crocodiles and various bird species, before reaching a sandbank where you can snorkel. This tour is ideal for relaxation.
You can also visit Chale Island, a small private island on the southern coast, famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique ecosystem, which includes mangroves and coral reefs. It is an excellent place for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
After your pickup, we drive to Chale and board a glass-bottom boat to observe the marine life as we sail. Once on the island, you can enjoy the waters before heading to Gazi Beach to relax and visit a group of local women who run a wonderful project aimed at improving the productivity, stability, and ecological integrity of mangrove ecosystems and sustainable fisheries.
Another popular activity among those offered by Cooperating Volunteers is the Malindi nature tour.
For this tour, we pick you up very early and start by visiting the Portuguese Chapel, Vasco da Gama Pillar, and exploring the local people and culture. Then, we take a 15-minute drive to the Gede Ruins, the remains of a Swahili city, similar to many others along the East African coast. Its origins date back to the 12th century, but it was rebuilt with new walls in the 15th and 16th centuries.
We will have lunch at Crab Shack, a restaurant run by the Mida Creek conservation community, perfect for a relaxed meal in a rustic setting or just enjoying a drink while admiring the estuary. Mida Creek is a tidal inlet with open waters, surrounded by vast mangroves and lined with palm trees.
Afterward, we head to Marafa Hell’s Kitchen, an impressive geological formation known for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant colors. Once we finish exploring, we will prepare for our return.
Lastly, we offer the opportunity to visit the city of Mombasa, the second-largest city in Kenya after its capital, Nairobi, and a major port in East Africa.
We will pick you up early from the hotel and head to the Akamba Wood Carving Factory, one of Kenya’s largest wood carving industries and markets. Next, we visit the Elephant Tusks, the emblem of Mombasa. These tusks were built in honor of King George of England during the British colonial period.
You will have a guided tour of the park and visit the Hindu temple. We will then continue our journey to Fort Jesus Museum, built by the Portuguese in 1593 primarily to protect and control the port of Mombasa. You will also explore the Old Town, where you will walk through its narrow streets, visit the old harbor with ancient Arab ships, and see the city’s oldest mosque, located near the port.
After that, we will proceed to the market, where you will learn about local spices, Kenya’s best coffee and tea, as well as fresh local food and vegetables.
Finally, we will have lunch and end our tour at Haller Park, where you can feed giraffes and watch hippos and crocodiles being fed. This is a private sanctuary with beautiful landscapes covered with casuarina trees, bamboo, and eucalyptus. The animals here are harmless, and the park is home to buffalo, antelopes, elephants, giraffes, waterbucks, oryx, snakes, hippos, tortoises, and various bird species.
There are many activities you can do in Diani Beach, Kenya, to truly immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and way of life of the Kenyan people.
The combination of volunteering and responsible tourism makes this experience unique and unforgettable.
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