Summary
Experience the perfect blend of meaningful humanitarian service and breathtaking wildlife
adventure on this unique 7-day Social Work Mission Safari in Kenya. Begin your journey with three
full days supporting a children’s home in Nairobi, where your compassion and skills will make a
lasting impact on vulnerable children’s lives. Then transition to an unforgettable safari experience as
you explore Kenya’s most spectacular natural environments – from the rhino sanctuary of Lake
Nakuru to the iconic savannahs of the Maasai Mara. This carefully crafted program balances social
work with extraordinary wildlife encounters, offering participants a rare opportunity to support
children in need while experiencing the magnificent beauty and wildlife diversity of East Africa.
Description
The Social Work Mission Safari offers a rewarding blend of purpose and adventure for social
workers, counselors, educators, and anyone passionate about child welfare. During your mission
days in Nairobi, you’ll work alongside local staff at a children’s home to provide support through
educational activities, emotional counseling, recreational programs, and facility improvement
projects. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with children who have faced significant challenges,
sharing your skills and compassion while learning about child protection systems in Kenya.
Following your impactful volunteer service, you’ll embark on a classic Kenyan safari experience.
Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its rhino sanctuary, flamingo populations, and
diverse wildlife. 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 supporting vulnerable children
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 children’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 social work mission, cultural considerations when
working with vulnerable children, and an overview of the safari portion of your journey. The day
concludes with a welcome dinner where you’ll meet fellow participants and representatives from
the children’s home you’ll be supporting during your mission days.
Days 2-4: Social Work Mission at Children’s Home in Nairobi
You’ll spend three full days working with children and staff at a local children’s home in Nairobi. Each
morning begins with an early breakfast followed by transport to the children’s home. Working
alongside local staff, you’ll engage in various activities depending on the home’s current needs and
your skills:
Educational support: Tutoring children in various subjects, reading stories, and helping with
homework
Recreational activities: Organizing games, sports, arts and crafts, music, and dance
Emotional support: Spending quality time with children, listening to their stories, and
providing positive encouragement
Facility improvement: Helping with painting, gardening, or minor repairs to enhance the
children’s living environment
Skills workshops: Conducting age-appropriate workshops on topics like health, hygiene, or
life skills
The days typically run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a break for lunch. Each evening, the team will
debrief to discuss observations, challenges, successes, and plans for the following day. These three
days will be emotionally rewarding as you build relationships with the children and contribute to
their wellbeing and development.
Day 5: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast and a heartfelt farewell ceremony at the children’s home, 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 protected rhino sanctuary, flamingo populations, and diverse wildlife,
including 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 social work to
wildlife conservation and appreciation.
Day 6: 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 7: 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. You may also have the
opportunity to visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditional way of life and how they coexist
with wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner, perhaps around a campfire (depending
on your accommodation), where you can share highlights from both your social work mission and
safari experiences.
Day 8: 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 support to
vulnerable children 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 (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 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 mission work
Materials for children’s activities and facility improvement projects
Donation to support ongoing programs at the children’s home
Professional social work mission coordinator
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Cultural awareness training specific to working with vulnerable children
Excluded:
International flights to/from Nairobi
Visa fees for Kenya
Travel and medical insurance (required)
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 Social Work Mission Safari represents a uniquely rewarding way to experience Kenya by
combining humanitarian service with extraordinary wildlife encounters. By participating in this
program, you not only provide meaningful support to vulnerable children but also contribute to
sustainable community development through knowledge sharing with local staff. The transition from
impactful 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 children’s lives, alongside unforgettable memories of East Africa’s
magnificent wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re a professional social worker seeking to use your
skills in a new context or simply someone with a heart for vulnerable children looking to combine
service with adventure, this Social Work Mission Safari offers a perfect blend of purpose and
discovery.
FAQs
- Do I need social work qualifications to participate?
No formal qualifications are required, though experience working with children is beneficial.
Professional social workers, counselors, and educators can contribute their specialized skills,
while anyone with compassion and a willingness to help is welcome. All participants receive
orientation and guidance. - What is the nature of the children’s home we’ll be supporting?
The children’s home typically houses 30-50 children ranging from toddlers to teenagers who
have experienced abandonment, neglect, or other challenging circumstances. The home
provides shelter, food, education, and emotional support in a family-like environment. - How do I prepare for working with children who may have experienced trauma?
We provide pre-departure information and on-site orientation about trauma-informed
approaches. It’s important to remain patient, non-judgmental, and to follow the guidance of
local staff who know the children well. Focus on positive interactions rather than probing
about difficult past experiences. - What kind of activities will I be facilitating with the children?
Activities vary based on children’s ages, needs, and your skills. They typically include
educational support, arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dance, basic life skills workshops,
and simply spending quality time with children who benefit from positive adult attention. - 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. School holiday periods (April, August,
December) often allow for more extensive interactions with the children. - How emotionally challenging is this experience?
Working with vulnerable children can be emotionally intense. You’ll likely form attachments
and feel sadness upon leaving. However, most participants find the experience profoundly
rewarding despite these challenges. We provide group debriefing sessions to process
emotions throughout the mission.
- What lasting impact will my participation have?
Beyond the immediate joy and attention you provide to the children, your participation
contributes to the financial sustainability of the children’s home through program fees and
donations. Any skills or knowledge you share with local staff can enhance their ongoing
work. Additionally, facility improvement projects provide lasting physical benefits. - Can I bring donations for the children?
Yes, donations of educational supplies, hygiene items, clothing, and sports equipment are
welcome. We provide a specific list of needed items before departure. We discourage candy
or expensive gifts that create inequality. If possible, donations for all children rather than
individuals are preferred. - Can I maintain contact with the children after the program?
While direct contact with individual children is generally discouraged for child protection
reasons, you can maintain contact with the children’s home as an organization. Many
participants choose to provide ongoing support through donations, sponsorships, or return