Safari + Scrubs: Shadow Doctors and Explore Africa on One Internship

Imagine starting your day on hospital rounds—shadowing physicians in the maternity ward, observing emergency cases, and learning how doctors navigate medicine with limited resources. Then, just days later, you’re out on safari, watching elephants cross the savannah and hearing lions roar at sunset.

At Go Elective, we believe global health exposure doesn’t have to be all work and no wonder. Our “Safari + Scrubs” experience lets you combine your passion for medicine with the thrill of exploring Africa’s wildest landscapes—all in one unforgettable trip.

Here’s how students are blending clinical learning and adventure while shadowing in Kenya and Tanzania. 

Wake Up in the Hospital, Wind Down in the Wild

Our hospital placements take place in coastal hubs like Mombasa, Kenya and urban centers like Arusha, Tanzania. Every weekday morning from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, you’ll be inside real hospitals like Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, observing everything from emergency procedures to pediatric care, surgical rounds, and tropical disease management.

But once your scrubs come off? Your afternoons and weekends are your own—and this is where the safari comes in.

Afternoons Are for Beaches, Giraffes, and Swahili Culture

After your shadowing shift, you could:

• Take a walk to the Indian Ocean beach just minutes away
• Feed giraffes or explore local animal sanctuaries
• Enjoy Swahili cooking lessons or cultural workshops
• Join a Go Elective seminar on global health and ethics
• Volunteer with outreach clinics or local schools

It’s the perfect balance of clinical exposure and cultural immersion.

Spend Your Weekends Where the Big Five gs Are

Your weekends are free to explore—and we make sure they’re worth remembering.

In Kenya, you can:

• Go on safari to Tsavo East, Amboseli, or the Masai Mara 
• Take a coastal weekend trip to Malindi or Watamu for snorkeling, beaches, and coral reefs
• Visit Lamu, a Swahili island town with ancient architecture and no cars
• Explore Fort Jesus, Old Town Mombasa, or go on a dhow sunset cruise
  
  

In Tanzania, options include:

• A full-day or overnight safari to Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park
• Visiting local Maasai villages or hiking the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro
• Exploring Arusha’s vibrant local markets or relaxing at a natural hot spring

Why It Works: Learning Medicine in the Context of Life

We know that becoming a doctor is about more than memorizing anatomy. It’s about seeing how people live, how systems work, and how care is delivered under pressure. Pairing that experience with the natural beauty and culture of East Africa creates a sense of balance, purpose, and perspective.

Here’s what past students say they gained:

• A renewed passion for medicine
• Clinical experience in conditions rarely seen back home
• Deeper empathy through cultural exchange
• A global understanding of healthcare system
• Unforgettable memories with new friends—and zebras

Who Is This For?

Our “Safari + Scrubs” internships are designed for:

• Pre-med students seeking shadowing hours and global perspective
• Nursing, PA, or medical students wanting diverse clinical exposure
• High school or undergrad students exploring healthcare careers
• Anyone looking to build their resume while living an adventure

We offer full shadowing documentation, letters of recommendation, and flexible start dates. You’ll also have 24/7 in-country support and built-in excursions to make your journey smooth and safe.

Ready to Put on Your Scrubs—and Spot a Giraffe?

Our hospital internships give you real clinical learning. Our excursions give you wild, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Together? They create the perfect fusion of medicine, meaning, and memory.

Apply now or learn more about Go Elective’s programs in Kenya and Tanzania.

Because who says you can’t prep for med school and go on safari?

Article Details

Categories

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

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 13, 2025