How to Travel Around Kenya During Your Internship (Safari + Culture Guide)

Kenya isn’t just a destination for clinical internships — it’s a country that offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to explore stunning wildlife, vibrant cultures, and iconic landscapes. Whether you’re spending two weeks on a Go Elective internship or staying longer, knowing how to travel around safely, affordably, and meaningfully will make your experience even richer.

This guide breaks down how to plan cultural excursions and safaris during your internship in Kenya, including weekend getaways, travel logistics, safety tips, and must-see destinations.

Why travel during your internship?

• Unwind and reset: 

Clinical work can be intense — safaris and coastal escapes offer time to relax

• Cultural immersion: 

Interacting with local communities deepens your understanding of public health and social dynamics

• Adventure of a lifetime: 

From the Great Rift Valley to the Indian Ocean, Kenya offers unmatched biodiversity and landscapes

• Build shared memories: 

Many Go Elective interns travel in small groups, forming bonds through weekend adventures

Where are Go Elective’s internship locations in Kenya?

Go Elective places students primarily in:

• Mombasa (Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital)
• Naivasha (Naivasha County Referral Hospital)
• Kisumu (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital)

Each location is strategically placed near natural attractions, cultural centers, and weekend travel options.

Top safari and travel destinations during your internship

Tsavo East National Park 

Best for: Big Five game drives

• Duration: 1–2 days
• Affordable and easily accessed from Mombasa

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Best for: Big Five game drives, wildebeest migration (July–October)

• Duration: 2–3 days
• Travel from Nairobi or Naivasha via road or domestic flight
• Combine with visits to Maasai villages for cultural insight
  
  

Diani Beach & South Coast

Best for: Beach relaxation, snorkeling, dolphin safaris

• Easily accessed from Mombasa by ferry or short drive
• Crystal-clear Indian Ocean, white sands, coral reefs
• Great weekend trip after hospital shifts in Mombasa
  
  

Lake Naivasha + Hell’s Gate National Park

Best for: Boat rides, hiking, geothermal landscapes

• Close to Naivasha placement
• Cycle through Hell’s Gate with zebras and giraffes nearby
• Affordable, safe for day trips or overnight stays
  
  

Nairobi National Park + Giraffe Centre

Best for: Quick wildlife experiences near the city

• Great for a weekend visit during transit through Nairobi
• Pair with cultural sites like the Karen Blixen Museum
  
  

Mount Kenya or Mount Longonot

Best for: Challenging hikes and breathtaking views

• Mount Longonot is a popular day hike from Naivasha
• Mount Kenya treks require 2–5 days and a guide
• Ideal during longer breaks or after your internship ends

> Check more safaris and excursions at goelective.com/safaris

Cultural experiences not to miss

1. Visit a Maasai or Samburu community

Learn about pastoralist traditions, beadwork, and village life. Go Elective can help coordinate ethical and educational community visits that support local tourism.

2. Explore Old Town Mombasa

Walk through centuries-old Swahili and Arab architecture, visit Fort Jesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and enjoy coastal cuisine.

3. Join Swahili cooking or language classes

Enhance your immersion by learning the basics of Swahili or local dishes like pilau, samaki wa kupaka (coconut fish), and mandazi.

4. Participate in hospital outreach days

In Naivasha and Mombasa, Go Elective sometimes facilitates rural outreach programs, giving students a glimpse into healthcare delivery beyond city limits.

How to travel around Kenya safely and affordably

Domestic transport options:

• Matatus (shared minibuses): Cheap but can be crowded and unpredictable
• Buses (e.g., Modern Coast, Easy Coach): Reliable for intercity travel
• Domestic flights: Jambojet and Safarilink offer affordable flights between Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and regional airports
• Bolt and Uber: Available in major towns for short distances
• Go Elective’s program transport: Included for all internship-related hospital commutes
  
  

Safety tips:

• Travel in groups, especially after dark
• Use GE or reputable transport companies for safaris or intercity travel
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance)

Can I combine travel with my internship?

Yes — and we encourage it. Many interns plan weekend trips or extend their stay before or after their internship. Go Elective staff can help coordinate:

• Weekend safaris from Mombasa, Naivasha, or Nairobi
• Group travel with other interns
• Budget accommodation and ethical tour providers
• Tailored safari + clinical immersion packages (Scrubs & Safari)

Planning ahead ensures that your travel won’t interfere with clinical hours, and you’ll have time to fully immerse in both medicine and exploration.

How much should I budget for travel?

Here’s a rough estimate of typical travel costs:

Internship fees already include transport to your hospital, meals, accommodation, and orientation — so most travel expenses are optional and customizable.

Final thoughts

Kenya is more than just a place to intern — it’s a place to learn, explore, and grow. With Go Elective Safaris, your clinical experience is complemented by an environment rich in culture, nature, and discovery.

Whether you’re rounding in the pediatric ward or watching elephants roam the savannah, every day is an opportunity to expand your worldview. Take advantage of weekends, public holidays, or post-internship travel to experience the full beauty of Kenya.

Let Go Elective help you combine scrubs and safari for an unforgettable internship abroad.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives, Dental Internships, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jul 1, 2025