Students should get the latest medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention before coming to Kenya from their physician. Malaria risk exists all year round. Immunisation against yellow fever, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, but please consult your physician prior to travel.

One of the key reasons for using Elective Africa to facilitate and organize your elective or volunteering in Africa is that we will do everything we can to ensure you are safe during your time abroad. Kenya is one of the safest countries in Africa. We ensure you are placed in safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Kenya. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards visitors.

Yes we do. All of our programs are suitable for any type of volunteer and even those who are traveling as a group. However we also tailor programs for groups and individuals seeking to volunteer in specialized programs that may not be part of our standard projects. So whether you are a group, a researcher or a student seeking to volunteer in a specific area, we will design a program for you. For these volunteers, we ask you to contact us so that we may get in touch with you and begin working with you to develop a program that will meet your specific requirements.

Yes you can. This is an enriching experience for students undertaking a Gap Year Volunteer or and Medical Electives and Internship Program. Working in multiple locations can give you a chance to experience different aspects of your program such as an urban elective and rural elective experience or two different countries electives such as Kenya and Tanzania and thus enhance your overall volunteer experience.

This depends on your arrival airport. If you arrive in Mombasa’s Moi International Airport, we meet you at the airport and take you directly to our safe student housing. However, flying to Mombasa can be expensive compared to flying to Nairobi, so some of our participants choose to fly to Nairobi and then take a 6 to 7 hour bus ride to Mombasa. If you fly to Nairobi, we pick you up at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport and drive you Park Side Hotel in the city centre or any other hotel of your choice where you stay and relax overnight. You depart the following day for your project. Students are required to send flight details prior to their traveling dates. Please note that if you arrive in Nairobi, you will be paying the cost of overnight stay at a hotel in the city and the cost of bus ride down to Mombasa. We cover the cost of airport pick and transfer for both Nairobi and Mombasa airports.

Our participants live in student housing, by default, but upon request we do arrange a Kenyan host family. For student housing, you get to spend time with like minded people, and you have a house that you can call home for your duration in the program. You have a place that has the peer environment to unwind and get to spend time with colleagues. For those who prefer host family, we believe that goes a long way in giving volunteers greater insight into the lives and culture of the Kenyan people thus enriching the volunteer experience. We make efforts whenever possible to accommodate specific requests that a volunteer may have with regards to their preferred accommodation.

No you do not. You will get a long extremely well with just English. However, it is helpful to learn some basic words and phrases of Swahili and this is covered during our training and orientation program.

Foods served during your volunteer period include traditional Kenya foods like ugali and sukuma wiki (corn meal and greens), githeri (maize and beans), irio as well as chapatis. Kenyan meals also consist of other universal dishes such as beef, chicken, fish, rice and pasta. French fries, burgers, pizza etc are available in restaurants and hotels. Breakfast usually consists of bread, eggs and tea. Fruits and vegetables are plenty in Kenya and feature frequently in menu preparations. Kenyan-grown coffee and tea are common beverages

It is generally recommended that you drink bottled water during your volunteer stay in Kenya both in Nairobi and whilst upcountry or on a safari. You can buy bottled water from any supermarket and most shops in Kenya. The most common water-borne diseases in Kenya are typhoid, cholera and dysentery. Other less common ones include gastroenteritis and amoebiasis. We have a constant supply of clean water in the water cooler in our student housing.

When you arrive we will show you where to get local Sim cards for your mobile phones. Through this you will be able to text or call back home. Also at our accommodation facilities we offer Wi-Fi services that allow you to set up video and voice calls with your friends and family.

Yes. We can normally increase time at a project, and accommodation, with a little notice. You must, however, be aware that a longer stay may necessitate a visa extension and extra cost

Flights, insurance and cost of getting your visa is not included in the price. Additionally, if you choose the Safari supplement, the cost of park entrance fee, meals to and from the safari and any overnight stays before or after the safari are NOT included in your trip. The safari supplement includes ONLY the following:

• Full cost of transportation to and from the game reserve
• Two nights accommodation while on the actual safari in a camp
• A drive guide and van
• Any other costs while on Safari are the students costs

Kenya is a real mixture. In the cities you can get pretty much everything you can in Europe and America. Most families eat a combination of fish, chicken and beef with mostly beans and rice. Food for vegetarians is often limited.

Visa can be obtained on arrival at the Airport. Pretty much all foreigners require a passport and a visa to enter the country. Its easy to get a Visa to Kenya or Tanzania on arrival at the airport. We however strongly encourage our participants on volunteers or short term education placement programs to obtain their visas before they depart from their country as it is more convenient and saves on time. Kenya: Ordinary or a single journey entry visa costs $50. Multiple journey visas costs $110 for all nationalities. Tanzania: US Citizens Single and all multiple entry visas cost $100. Non-US Citizens visa fees is $50 for single entry and US$ 100 for double entry.

The non-refundable reservation deposit guarantees you a slot on our program. The amount enables us to process your paper work, plan your mentorship program, book accommodation, organize your detailed pre-departure and it also enables you to create”My Elective Account” As places are limited it is only fair to give them to those serious about going. The reservation deposit is applicable to the healthcare internships and the school teams and gap year volunteer programs.

Students in health degrees coming for medical electives or medical volunteering and re health students on premed, pre-nursing, pre-physician assistant, pre-dental and pre-midwifery internship programs are required to come with a Lab Coats or 3 to 4 pairs of scrubs.

They are several bank ATM facilities that accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard.) This may be found at the Airport or across Town.

We have enough food variety even for vegetarians. We just need to know your special needs in advance.

Nairobi & Mombasa are major metropolitan areas and the largest cities in Kenya. It has a selection of shopping malls and large supermarkets that will cater for most of your shopping needs. However, like any big city, it has criminal elements and we ask all our volunteers to apply common sense. While out, do not wear any expensive clothing and excessive jewellery. Avoid dark or isolated alleys and always take a taxi after dark. Common criminal incidents involve snatching of purses, watches and jewellery. It is safe to shop in most sections of the city. We shall recommend and guide you regarding appropriate areas to shop and visit during your volunteer orientation and training.

There is real poverty in the developing world and you are likely to be more fortunate than most local people you meet. You will probably attract souvenir hawkers as well as street children and beggars in smaller towns. Be sure to take some precautions such as:

• Have a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
• Do not walk on your own at night in the major cities.
• Do not wear excessive or expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a lot of cash with you.
• Do not carry a lot of camera equipment..
• Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
• More safety issues will be discussed at your orientation.

Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing such as sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm clothing for nights, especially if you volunteer in the rainy season (April to May) or the cold season (June and July).

When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine. Avoid excessively flashy or revealing items. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate.

Footwear can be any comfortable walking shoes such as sports shoes. It is also advised to carry a pair of open-toed sandals, especially for those who will be volunteering in the hot season (December to February; August to September). Carry a few smart outfits for special occasions that you might be part of e.g. dinners or parties.

Volunteers need to bring their own towels, toiletries and other personal effects. Please note that volunteers are responsible for their own laundry. It is safe to bring your hair dryers, shavers and other electrical products. Other suggested items:

• Malaria tablets; consult your doctor
• Adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances
• Moisturizing cream and suntan lotion
• Insect repellent (e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, OFF, etc.)
• Basic medical kit (e.g. aspirins, plasters, Immodium, antiseptic cream, and anti-histamine cream, etc.)
• A journal to document your experience

The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 volts/50 Hz (240V 50 Hz D & G). The electric sockets are three-pin square. Countries with different voltages and frequencies will need a power converter. It is important to check this as incorrect use may damage your equipment. Check your electrical equipment to see if you will need a power converter and/or a plug adapter. Volunteers may purchase power converters in their home countries or here in Kenya. For plug adapters, these are widely available in shops and supermarkets all over the country. We advise volunteers to purchase them after arrival in the country and after confirming what type of sockets they have in their accommodation.

All our programs are currently available for your consideration. Our programs range from healthcare programs to gap year and business treks. When you sign-up more details about the start dates and how your interests will be met.

To apply for our programs click on the “Apply Now” button at the top of the website page. And proceed to fill in all the details in the form that you will be provided. Once you have submitted our placement advisor will reach out to you in less than 24hrs.

Yes, you will be able to travel to other destinations besides your placement location. To know more about what locations are available for excursions and travels get in touch with our placements advisors..

Elective Africa offers customised and meaningful travel abroad experience. Guaranteed to meet your interest and provide a holistic experience within and outside of you program location.

Yes, you can bring a non-internship friend along during your internship period. However you will be charged for accommodation and other extra costs for bringing along your friend. You will also need to inform our placement advisors in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements.

In case you fall sick during your stay with us, you will be taken to the nearest hospital for diagnosis and treatment at your expense.

You have to undertake a minimum of 5 hrs a day for your hospital rotations from Monday to Friday. You are also free to extend the hours at your own will or even undertake night shifts at no extra cost. If you want to have a hospital rotation on weekends there is room for that too.

Our placement facility centres offers numerous departments for your consideration to rotate in, therefore you are free to rotate or stick to a specific department regarding on your interests.

If you need assistance in organising for your visa and flights, please inform us we will guide you in booking your flight and applying for your passport.