10 Exciting Things To Do During Your Volunteering Experience in Kenya

Volunteering abroad, especially in healthcare, is incredibly rewarding. It allows you to make a difference where it's most needed, gain global experience, and grow as both a person and future healthcare provider. But even the most passionate volunteers need time to recharge.

If you're participating in a healthcare internship or medical volunteer program in Kenya, you’re in for a life-changing experience. Not just inside the hospital, but outside of it, too. Kenya offers a stunning range of activities that allow you to unwind, learn, and explore during your time off.

At Go Elective, we know that your time in Kenya isn’t just about what happens in the hospital, it’s also about discovering the vibrant beauty, wildlife, and culture that surrounds you. That’s why we offer Go Elective Safaris: curated, safe, and unforgettable adventures designed to fit seamlessly into your volunteer schedule. 

Here are 11 meaningful and fun things to do during your breaks as a volunteer or Go Elective intern in Kenya.

Coastal Kenya (Mombasa)

1. Relax on the Beach

After busy days at your hospital placement or public health program, the white sands and turquoise waters of Diani or Nyali Beach offer the perfect spot to recharge. Bring a book or just soak in the Indian Ocean sunset.

2. Snorkel or Dive Along the Coral Reefs

Kenya’s coastal waters are teeming with marine life—from sea turtles to vibrant coral. Take a guided trip to snorkel or dive in protected marine parks like Kisite Mpunguti and discover the underwater side of East Africa.

3. Try Surfing or Kitesurfing

Feeling adventurous? Take a surf or kitesurf lesson in Diani, where calm mornings and steady afternoon winds create ideal conditions for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.

4. Visit Historic Fort Jesus and Mombasa Old Town

Explore Kenya’s Swahili-Arab heritage by visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander cobbled streets, admire intricate wooden doors, and learn about centuries of trade, migration, and resistance.

Central Kenya (Around Nairobi)

1. Take a Day Trip to Nairobi National Park or Lake Nakuru

Just outside the capital, Nairobi National Park is a unique wildlife sanctuary where giraffes and lions roam against the backdrop of city skyscrapers. Or head further out to Lake Nakuru for flamingos, rhinos, and sweeping Rift Valley landscapes. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature and experience Kenya’s biodiversity up close.

2. Visit the Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Feed endangered Rothschild giraffes by hand or spend a morning learning about orphaned elephants being reintroduced to the wild. These conservation centers are inspiring reminders of the intersection between medicine, sustainability, and wildlife protection.

3. Explore Local Markets or the Karen Blixen Museum

Take a break from clinical work and wander the vibrant Maasai Market, known for handmade jewelry, colorful fabrics, and local crafts. For history buffs, the Karen Blixen Museum (the former home of the Out of Africa author) offers a look into colonial-era Kenya.

4. Visit a Coffee Plantation

Kenya is world-famous for its coffee. Take a short trip to a nearby plantation, tour the fields, and learn how beans are harvested and roasted. It's a relaxing and caffeinated way to appreciate local agriculture and culture.

Western Kenya and Lake Victoria

1. Hike or Camp in the Great Rift Valley

If you’re based in western Kenya, you’ll have easy access to dramatic escarpments, lush forests, and volcanic hills. Spend a weekend hiking Mount Longonot, camping in Menengai Crater, or just enjoying the cool highlands air.

2. Experience Village Life and Cultural Exchange

The people you serve as a volunteer are often your best guides to Kenyan culture. Take time to visit nearby villages, join in traditional cooking, dancing, or storytelling, and build genuine connections with the community.

3. Boat Ride on Lake Victoria

Africa’s largest lake is not only stunning—it’s vital to regional ecosystems and livelihoods. Join a guided boat trip, spot hippos and exotic birds, and learn about its importance to the communities you’re working with.

Why Breaks Matter for Volunteers

Research shows that short breaks and time off can improve well-being, increase compassion, and reduce burnout—especially in emotionally intense fields like healthcare. Taking time to recharge means you’ll return to your work more focused, energized, and present for the patients who need you.

At Go Elective, we design our Kenya healthcare internships to include time for both cultural immersion and rest. Whether you're shadowing in surgery, working in public health, or observing in pediatrics, we believe exploring Kenya is part of your learning. And part of your care for yourself.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering or interning in Kenya is about more than what happens in the clinic. It’s about engaging deeply with people, landscapes, history, and yourself. Whether you spend your breaks on safari, at the beach, or sipping local coffee with new friends, every experience will enrich your journey.

Ready to make a difference and experience Kenya for yourself? Explore our healthcare internships and see how you can combine purpose with adventure.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Safaris Stories, Travel Tips,

Author: Go-Elective Africa

Date Published: Jun 14, 2025