Eco farming and Water Project
This program is part of a holistic community empowerment initiative based in the heart of the Maasai Mara. Focused on sustainable development, the project supports eco-friendly farming practices and provides clean, reliable water to local Maasai villages and the surrounding town.
At its core, the program helps the community diversify its sources of income and improve food security through agriculture. A central feature is the community shamba (vegetable garden), which is actively cultivated year-round. Alongside this, an innovative water distribution system supplies essential water to homes and farms throughout the area.
Volunteers play a hands-on role, supporting local staff with daily tasks—ranging from maintaining the water grid to planting, weeding, and harvesting crops. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on both the land and the lives of the people who depend on it.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide clean water to the local community.
- Understand the landscape and soil in the area and continue to plant, harvest and grow different types of food and herbs.
- Empower local children and youth in matters of conservation and recycling.
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers in this hands-on, community-focused program make a real difference by bringing fresh energy and ideas to areas where extra support is truly needed. Beyond their primary role, volunteers are encouraged to explore and contribute to other initiatives, discovering new ways to collaborate and support other empowerment programs.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Preparing the soil for planting.
- Planting and harvesting fruits, vegetables and herbs.
- Join the water project coordinator on his usual rounds.
- Fix pipes or taps (some digging is usually involved!).
- Play sports with the local youth in the evenings.
- Get involved in any other activities in the area.
Requirements
No specific qualifications are required to volunteer—just a genuine desire to make a difference. However, we especially welcome individuals with a passion for gardening, agriculture, or water supply, as these skills can greatly benefit the community.
If you have a background in conservation, there are opportunities to get involved with local environmental initiatives, including projects at the nearby school.
Most importantly, we’re looking for volunteers who are motivated, proactive, and bring a positive, can-do attitude. If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Volunteers will be based in Oloolaimutia, a peaceful village on the edge of Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara—often referred to as the “Kenyan Serengeti.” This world-renowned wildlife reserve attracts thousands of visitors each year, eager to experience its breathtaking safaris and rich natural beauty.
The area is rural and authentic, with a small town just a five-minute walk from the volunteer project site and a traditional Maasai village located directly across the road. While the town offers a few local shops and bars, —there are no large supermarkets, and limited resources.
Every Tuesday, the community comes alive for Market Day, where you'll find a lively display of cattle, fresh produce, handmade goods, and more—a vibrant glimpse into daily life in the Mara.
Evenings in Oloolaimutia are especially memorable. Under vast, starlit skies, volunteers often gather around the fire to share stories and connect, making lasting memories in a truly magical setting.
Start Dates & Duration
| « | June 2025 | » | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. The local team are flexible, so if a different start day suits you better, please let us know. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by a member of our team. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll either be taken to the volunteer house in Nairobi to rest or head directly to the Maasai Mara to begin settling in.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll take part in a comprehensive orientation led by a local team representative. This session covers everything you need to know—from cultural customs and travel tips to local rules, safety guidelines, and what to expect during your volunteer experience in Kenya. It’s also a great chance to meet your fellow volunteers, get to know your hosts, and ask any final questions before diving into your adventure.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SUNDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya (CODE: NBO)
Our local team are flexible, so if a different arrival day suits you better, please let us know.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers in Maasai Mara stay in shared cabins. Private cabins are available on request (for an additional fee).
The cabins have hot water and electricity, as well as an emergency light, as power cuts are not uncommon in this area.
Linen and towels are provided.
All meals are provided, and volunteers will get to experience a variety of delicious Kenyan food, with vegetarian and vegan options as needed.
Drinking water is provided from a fountain in the main dining hall, volunteers are required to bring a refillable water bottle.
Wifi is not available, volunteers are recommended to purchase a SIM card for their phone on arrival. The local team will assist with this.
Fees
That’s just USD 67 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Safaris and Excursions for Volunteers
During your time in Kenya, why not use the opportunity to explore the country! If you're looking for an authentic adventure that takes you ‘off-the-beaten-track’, you can take an excursion directly with our local partner organization. As a Love Volunteer, not only will you get an excellent price, but every time you take a trip with them, a portion of the fee is donated to one of our development projects!
Here is some of the options available to volunteers:
Maasai Mara Safari: The ultimate safari experience with the chance to see the Big 5 - lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard - you can be assured of three days of fun that you will never forget!
Mt Long’onot: If you’re up for a challenge and love to hike, Mt Long’onot is the adventure for you - make it to the top and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and Hell’s Gate.
Hell’s Gate National Park: Fancy cycling through the land that inspired The Lion King? From cycling to hiking, swimming to sailing, the Hell’s Gate tour promises action-packed day for the adventure seekers.
Animal City Tour: Animal lovers rejoice - this is the perfect wildlife experience just for you. Visiting four different animal parks in just one day, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and giraffes!
Watamu Coast Tour (1-week): Escape from the city with a week of relaxation, sun and fun on Kenya’s beautiful coast. You’ll have the opportunity to take a snorkelling trip and get inches away from beautiful wild dolphins. On your final day, a trip to Mombasa is on the cards before returning to Nairobi, chilled and fulfilled.
Kilimanjaro (1-week): Taking the top spot on almost every thrill seeker’s bucket list, Kilimanjaro is for the brave and mighty. On this eight-day trip, you will depart from Nairobi ready to conquer the mountain - and you will return a champion.
*Special rates available to Love Volunteers alumni only. Bookings are made directly with the local team after a place on the program has been confirmed. Spaces subject to availability.