The Maasai Mara Program
This program creates a safe and supportive space for Maasai women to learn new skills in an environment that respects their dignity and promotes equality. Some women also participate in ongoing Digital Empowerment workshops, and volunteers help lead additional sessions focused on baking, cooking, or other activities that encourage conversation and foster a sense of safety.
Volunteers will work closely with the project coordinator, who will guide the planning and delivery of workshops and activities. Before departure, volunteers receive support to prepare for their roles, ensuring everyone is confident and ready to contribute. This is a fantastic chance to share your hobbies, passions, or expertise—whether it’s baking, sewing, nail art, jewelry making, or any other skill that can engage and inspire the women.
Located in Maasai Mara, a region famous for its safaris and Maasai traditions, this project also addresses important social challenges. The community has only recently begun sending children to school, and educational resources remain limited. Moreover, the first generation of youth to finish secondary education face scarce employment opportunities. By empowering women and supporting youth development, this project aims to broaden opportunities and strengthen the community’s future.
Goals of this Project:
- Create a safe space for women, where they can get a change of environment and grow freely.
- Provide an educational foundation to give women from Maasai Mara a chance at better prospects.
- Introduce Digital Literacy.
- Promote gender equality and mental health through digital activities.
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play a crucial role in delivering workshops and activities for local women in Maasai Mara, helping to create the safe and supportive environment this project depends on. It is through the dedication of volunteers that these sessions can happen consistently and effectively.
Volunteers should be prepared to teach and facilitate with limited resources and work closely with local staff to organize activities.
Beyond the women’s program, volunteers also have the chance to get involved in other community initiatives, including Digital Empowerment workshops, the water project, and eco-farming efforts.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Brainstorm and propose different activities for the local group of women, based on volunteer’s abilities and the group of women attending.
- Help the coordinator with the administrative tasks that come with the lessons (ensuring laptops are charged, gathering materials for the classroom, managing attendance etc)
- Plan activities within the workshops with the supervision of the coordinator.
- Get involved in repairing the water grid, or planting new seedlings.
Requirements
Love Volunteers invites women aged 18 and over who are passionate about supporting some of Kenya’s most marginalized and vulnerable women.
No formal qualifications are required to volunteer in the Women’s Empowerment and Community Support program. However, it’s important that volunteers feel confident running workshops and planning additional activities. Those with practical skills to share or experience in mental health are especially encouraged to apply. While this program does not involve counseling, community workshops focused on mental health awareness are highly valued and welcomed.
All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Passport
- 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, amenities are limited—there are no large supermarkets, giving the area a distinctly local and unplugged feel.
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 any 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!
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.
There’s also plenty to do in the city in your down time - from taking in the stunning views of Nairobi at the top of the Kenyatta International Conference Centre to stocking up on souvenirs at the Maasai market. We can guarantee you won’t be bored on your days off!
*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.