Summary
Combine humanitarian service with adventure on this unique 7-day Dental Mission Safari in Kenya.
Begin your journey with two full days providing essential dental care to underserved communities in
Nairobi, where your skills will make an immediate and meaningful difference. Then transition to an
unforgettable wildlife experience as you explore Kenya’s most spectacular natural environments –
from the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Nakuru to the iconic savannah landscapes of the Maasai
Mara. This carefully crafted program balances professional fulfillment with extraordinary wildlife
encounters, offering dental professionals a rare opportunity to serve communities in need while
experiencing the breathtaking beauty and wildlife diversity of East Africa.
Description
The Dental Mission Safari offers a perfect blend of purpose and adventure for dental professionals
and students. During your mission days in Nairobi, you’ll work alongside local healthcare providers
to deliver critical dental services to communities with limited access to care. You’ll perform
procedures ranging from basic cleanings and examinations to extractions and restorative work based
on your qualifications and the community’s needs.
Following your impactful volunteer service, you’ll embark on a classic Kenyan safari experience.
Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its flamingo populations and diverse wildlife
including rhinos, lions, and numerous bird species. Continue to the world-famous Maasai Mara
National Reserve, where you’ll witness the incredible biodiversity of the African savannah, including
the possibility of seeing the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other iconic
wildlife in their natural habitat.
This dual-purpose journey offers the profound satisfaction of providing essential healthcare services
to those in need combined with the awe-inspiring experience of observing Africa’s magnificent
wildlife. You’ll return home with both the fulfillment of having made a tangible difference in people’s
lives and unforgettable memories of Kenya’s natural wonders.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred
to your comfortable accommodation in Nairobi. After checking in, you’ll have a comprehensive
orientation session covering the details of your dental mission work, cultural considerations, and an
overview of the safari portion of your journey. The day concludes with a welcome dinner where
you’ll meet fellow participants and the local dental team you’ll be working with during your mission
days.
Days 2-3: Dental Mission Work in Nairobi
You’ll spend two full days providing dental care to underserved communities in and around Nairobi.
Each morning begins with an early breakfast followed by transport to the day’s clinic location, which
may be at a local school, community center, or healthcare facility. Working alongside local dental
professionals, you’ll provide examinations, cleanings, extractions, basic restorative procedures, and
oral health education based on your qualifications and experience level.
The clinic typically operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a break for lunch. At the end of each day,
the team will debrief to discuss challenges, successes, and plans for the following day. These two
days will be both challenging and deeply rewarding as you provide much-needed care to patients
who may have never before seen a dental professional.
Day 4: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast and a farewell ceremony with the local dental team, you’ll transition to the safari
portion of your journey. Board comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles and depart Nairobi for Lake Nakuru
National Park, approximately a 3-hour drive through the scenic Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, you’ll
check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive in the park.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingo populations and diverse wildlife, including both black and
white rhinos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and numerous bird species. As the sun begins to set, you’ll
return to the lodge for dinner and an evening of relaxation, reflecting on your transition from dental
mission work to wildlife conservation and appreciation.
Day 5: Drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After an early breakfast and a short morning game drive in Lake Nakuru, you’ll depart for the world-
renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. This drive of approximately 5-6 hours takes you through
beautiful Kenyan landscapes and rural communities. You’ll stop for lunch en route and arrive at your
safari camp or lodge in the Maasai Mara by mid-afternoon.
After checking in and a short rest, embark on your first game drive in this iconic reserve, known for
its exceptional concentrations of wildlife and the spectacular Great Migration (seasonal). Your expert
guide will help you spot a variety of animals as you begin to explore the vast savannah. Return to
your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay, falling asleep to the distant sounds of the
African wilderness.
Day 6: Full Day in Maasai Mara
This day is dedicated to experiencing the incredible biodiversity of the Maasai Mara. You’ll have the
option of a full-day game drive with a packed lunch or morning and afternoon game drives with
lunch at your accommodation. Your skilled guides will track wildlife throughout the reserve,
searching for the “Big Five” and numerous other species including cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes,
and various antelope species.
The Maasai Mara offers some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in Africa, with rolling
grasslands providing excellent visibility. During your drives, your guide will share insights about the
ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and conservation efforts in the reserve. In the evening, enjoy a special
farewell dinner, perhaps around a campfire (depending on your accommodation), where you can
share highlights from both your dental mission work and safari experiences.
Day 7: Departure
After a final early morning game drive and breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Nairobi.
Depending on your flight time, you may have the opportunity for lunch and some souvenir shopping
in Nairobi before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.
As you leave Kenya, you’ll carry with you the dual satisfaction of having provided essential dental
care to those in need and experiencing the natural wonders of East Africa’s wildlife.
Inclusive & Exclusive Features
Included:
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
Professional English-speaking guides throughout
Accommodation as specified (mid-range hotels in Nairobi, safari lodges in national parks)
Meals as per the itinerary (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners)
Transportation in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof for game viewing
All park entrance fees and conservation fees
Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
Bottled water during game drives and dental mission work
Basic dental supplies and equipment for mission work
Coordination with local healthcare facilities and communities
Donation to support ongoing dental care in the communities visited
Professional dental mission coordinator
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Excluded:
International flights to/from Nairobi
Visa fees for Kenya
Travel and medical insurance (required)
Advanced dental supplies beyond what’s provided
Personal professional equipment (dental loupes, specialized tools)
PCR tests or other COVID-related testing if required
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks not specified
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and local staff
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Any extensions to the program
Conclusion
The 7-Day Dental Mission Safari represents a uniquely rewarding way to experience Kenya by
combining professional service with extraordinary wildlife encounters. By participating in this
program, dental professionals not only provide critical care to underserved communities but also
contribute to sustainable healthcare development through knowledge sharing with local
practitioners. The transition from meaningful service work to the awe-inspiring landscapes of
Kenya’s premier national parks creates a journey of contrast and completion.
This carefully balanced itinerary ensures you’ll return home with the profound satisfaction of having
made a tangible difference in people’s lives, alongside unforgettable memories of East Africa’s
magnificent wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced dental professional seeking to
use your skills in a new context or a dental student looking to gain international experience while
exploring one of Africa’s most spectacular countries, this Dental Mission Safari offers a perfect blend
of purpose and adventure.
FAQs
- What dental qualifications do I need to participate?
Participants should be qualified dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, or dental
students in their clinical years. All clinical work is assigned based on qualifications and
experience, with students working under supervision. - What dental procedures will I be performing?
Procedures typically include examinations, cleanings, extractions, basic fillings, and oral
health education. The specific procedures you’ll perform depend on your qualifications,
experience level, and the needs of the communities you’ll serve. - Do I need to bring my own dental equipment?
Basic equipment and supplies are provided, but we recommend bringing your own hand
instruments, loupes if you use them, and any specialized tools you prefer. A detailed supply
list will be provided before departure. - How many patients can I expect to treat during the mission days?
Typically, the team collectively treats 100-150 patients per day. Your individual patient load
will depend on your experience level and the procedures you’re performing. - What type of accommodations can I expect?
In Nairobi, you’ll stay in comfortable mid-range hotels with essential amenities. During the
safari portion, accommodations are in established safari lodges or luxury tented camps with
en-suite facilities, providing comfort while maintaining an authentic safari experience. - What is the best time of year for this program?
The program runs year-round, but July through October coincides with the Great Migration
in the Maasai Mara and generally offers excellent wildlife viewing. January through March
provides good wildlife viewing with fewer crowds. - Is it safe to participate in dental mission work in Kenya?
Yes, we prioritize participant safety. We work only in secure areas, provide comprehensive
orientation, and have local staff familiar with the communities. All mission sites are pre-
screened and have established relationships with our organization. - What immunizations will I need?
Required immunizations typically include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and up-
to-date routine vaccinations. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Consult with a
travel medicine specialist at least 8 weeks before departure. - Can I extend my stay to see more of Kenya or neighboring countries?
Yes, we can arrange extensions to your program, including longer safaris, beach stays in
Mombasa or Zanzibar, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or cultural experiences with Maasai
communities. Contact us for customized extension options. - How physically demanding is this program?
The dental mission days require standing for extended periods in sometimes basic
conditions. The safari portion involves sitting in vehicles during game drives, with some
bouncing on unpaved roads. Participants should be in reasonable physical condition and
able to manage their own luggage.