Immerse yourself into the Kenyan culture as you work closely with farmers who are developing new methods of farming in soil-less environments. Provide them with the extra hands they need to continue farming and supporting their rural community.
Program Highlights:
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your new home in Gatanga Village. Take the time to settle in and meet other volunteers.
Day 1, Monday: Begin your time in Gatanga Village with an orientation to the project. Today you will learn a little bit about Kenyan culture and history, as well as participate in a Swahili language class. You will also be taken on a tour of the village, a local coffee factory and will end your day with a hike to a local waterfall.
Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: Volunteers will work 5-6 hours on the farm each day. Your tasks will include assisting the farmers with their day to day tasks on the farm. These tasks vary depending on the season, the needs of the farm and your skills.
Days 6-7, Saturday-Sunday: Your weekends are free for you to rest or explore. The nearby town of Thika and the capital, Nairobi, will be your gateways to the rest of Kenya and its hidden gems.
Remaining Weeks: The remaining weeks will follow a similar schedule of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Take the time to go on a safari, visit a national park or enjoy the nearby beaches of Mombasa. Departures are on a Saturday.
Program Highlights:
- Gain experience working in agriculture and hydroponic farming
- Harvest fruits and vegetables
- Care for livestock
- Support the local community by helping farmers with their day-to-day work
- Explore Kenya on your weekends, visiting waterfalls, safaris and natural wonders
- Learn about Kenyan culture through Swahili lessons and history talks
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your new home in Gatanga Village. Take the time to settle in and meet other volunteers.
Day 1, Monday: Begin your time in Gatanga Village with an orientation to the project. Today you will learn a little bit about Kenyan culture and history, as well as participate in a Swahili language class. You will also be taken on a tour of the village, a local coffee factory and will end your day with a hike to a local waterfall.
Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: Volunteers will work 5-6 hours on the farm each day. Your tasks will include assisting the farmers with their day to day tasks on the farm. These tasks vary depending on the season, the needs of the farm and your skills.
Days 6-7, Saturday-Sunday: Your weekends are free for you to rest or explore. The nearby town of Thika and the capital, Nairobi, will be your gateways to the rest of Kenya and its hidden gems.
Remaining Weeks: The remaining weeks will follow a similar schedule of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Take the time to go on a safari, visit a national park or enjoy the nearby beaches of Mombasa. Departures are on a Saturday.
Location of the Project:
Gatanga Village, Kenya
Project length:
Min 1 week - Max 8 weeks
Arrival Airport:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Volunteer Work:
Farming, agriculture
Age:
18-70. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 may apply with parental consent.
Number of Volunteers:
Up to 20 international volunteers
What's Included
Accommodations:
Shared, dorm-style rooms
Food:
3 meals per weekday, 2 on weekends are provided
Airport Transfers:
Airport pickup is provided upon arrival
Orientation:
All necessary training and introductions are provided upon arrival.
Support:
Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What's not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches on weekends, personal expenses.
Experience rural Africa as you base yourself in Gatanga Village, approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Explore the nearby town of Thika, where you can stock up on basics, visit restaurants and check out it’s highlights, such as the Fourteen Falls, before heading back to the quieter Gatanga Village for an authentic cultural immersion. Other excursions can include sightseeing in Nakuru, a beach weekend in Mombasa, hiking in Mount Kenya and visiting Kenya’s national parks.
Help local farmers develop their farming methods so as to create a sustainable produce system. This will help them ensure food security for the future as well as be able to continue offering employment opportunities to the local community members.
Some of your tasks may include:
Some of your tasks may include:
- Cutting and cleaning up the grass areas around the farm
- Planting, weeding, watering, picking fruits
- Caring for the livestock
- Addressing various community needs
- Learning about the use of nutrient rich water for soil-less farming (hydroponic farming)
Internet:
Wifi is available in public areas.
Laundry:
A laundry service is available for an additional fee.
Accommodations:
Volunteers will stay in simple, shared, single-gender rooms with 3-7 other volunteers. A bathroom will be shared with other volunteers and hot water will generally be available. Room upgrades are available for an additional fee.
Food:
You will be served three authentic Kenyan meals every during the week, and two each day on weekends. Typical dishes consist of vegetables, potatoes, eggs, bread and fruit. Special diets can be accommodated , but must be requested in advance.
Please take note of this program's minimum requirements:
- Good level of English
- Police clearance
- Good level of physical fitness
- Able to work in hot and humid climate
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)
Gatanga Village is located a short drive away from the town of Thika and the nation’s capital, Nairobi. You will easily be able to take excursions from either of those places to further explore Kenya.
The Fourteen Falls
Be astounded by the beauty of the Fourteen Falls as you feel the cool breeze and splashes of water from the falls. The park is also an excellent spot for bird watching.
Nairobi National Park
Have the best of both worlds as you enjoy lunch in the city and an afternoon exploring a national park filled with giraffes, lions, leopards, baboons and more, in the wild.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is a breathtaking World Heritage Site, boasting a dense forest, endangered species of animals, mineral springs and more. It is also the second tallest mountain in Africa, making it a perfect place for a day hike or an extended excursion opportunity after the volunteer program.
The Fourteen Falls
Be astounded by the beauty of the Fourteen Falls as you feel the cool breeze and splashes of water from the falls. The park is also an excellent spot for bird watching.
Nairobi National Park
Have the best of both worlds as you enjoy lunch in the city and an afternoon exploring a national park filled with giraffes, lions, leopards, baboons and more, in the wild.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is a breathtaking World Heritage Site, boasting a dense forest, endangered species of animals, mineral springs and more. It is also the second tallest mountain in Africa, making it a perfect place for a day hike or an extended excursion opportunity after the volunteer program.
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