As one of the most beautiful and scenic countries in Africa, Kenya is the ideal destination for any occasion, especially if you’re looking to experience a gap year. Kenya and its surroundings form the ultimate climatic backdrop to aid several leading charities through volunteer work.

The Worldwide Experience has diligently set up specific volunteer and gap year projects, combining conservation with the community development of Kenya. Conservation volunteers work 4 week periods that combine work at both the Colobus Trust and at the Ng'onzini school for the local community. From pristine coral reefs to the harsh snowfields of Mount Kenya, experience the amazing national parks of Kenya and the endless opportunities for adventure gained by taking this Kenya volunteer opportunity.

About Kenya
Kenya is Africa's original safari destination, attracting explorers, adventurers and travellers for centuries. known for its remarkable diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures. From sweeping savannahs to tropical beaches and coral reef, dense equatorial forests to mighty snow capped mountains and more, Kenya is a world unto itself.

The Land
Kenya lies on the east coast of Africa on the warm Indian Ocean, bordering 5 countries; Ethiopia to the North, Tanzania to the South, Uganda to the West, Somalia to the East and Sudan to the North West.
The total land mass of Kenya is some 222,961 sq miles which is about twice the size of Nevada, and has a population of about 32,000,000 people.

Kenya actually lies over the equator and is made up of several geographical regions, from narrow coastal strips to bush covered plains, Kenya has an amazing geographical diversity.

The History
The history of Kenya dates back to roughly 2000BC. Evidence from fossil records shows footprints found by what are believed to be the Cushitic Tribes of Ethiopia. Kenya was occupied by a second group of tribes in around 1000 BC. However, the main ancestors of the countries' tribes date back to some 500BC - 500AD.

It wasn't until the 15th Century that the Portuguese started showing an interest in Kenya. After rounding the Cape of Good Hope and working their way up along the East coast, it didn't take the Portuguese settlers long to show a dominating presence. By the 16th Century most of the trading towns had been occupied by the Portuguese.

Some years later (late 19th Century) the Europeans began to show an interest in Kenya and by the early 20th Century British settlers had created a number of successful colonies.

Climate
Because Kenya is situated on the Indian Ocean, the climate is tropical, hot and humid. The coastal regions tend to be hot and humid, while cooler climates are found inland. It tends to be drier in the North and North East of the country. The weather is constantly warm through out the year, while temperatures drop in the evenings and early morning.

Migration of wildlife between the Serengeti National Park and the Massai Mara National Park occurs between June and September. The migration of nearly 2 million animals has been one of the most spectacular natural happenings found throughout the history of Kenya.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall