The Maasai Mara Program
This program focuses on creating a safe space for Maasai women while learning new skills, in an environment where they are treated with dignity and equality. At times, some of the women’s group will join the Digital Empowerment workshops already taking place. Volunteers will assist with additional workshops around baking, cooking, or any other activity that can facilitate conversations and safety.
Volunteers will be guided by the project coordinator on the activities and workshops that need to be delivered and will work with volunteers' pre-departure to ensure that everyone is ready to deliver their part of the workshop or activities. This is a great opportunity to use your hobbies, passions, expertise or skills - from baking to sewing or doing nails or making jewelry. The point is to get them involved in something new.
This volunteer program takes place in Maasai Mara, an area known for safaris and the traditional way of life of the Maasai tribe. What is not commonly known, is that this community only started sending their kids to school quite recently and the education they have access to is limited. In addition to this, the first generation of youth that have completed their secondary education are coming back to their community with limited options of employment. This project aims to increase the opportunities for the local youth.
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 on this program will play an important role in delivering workshops and activities to the local women in Maasai Mara. Volunteers help create the space and safety that this project needs to thrive. It is through volunteers that these workshops and activities can happen regularly. Volunteers will need to be prepared to teach lessons with limited equipment and resources and liaise with local staff to organise activities.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to get involved in other local projects, such as the Digital Empowerment workshops, the water project or eco farming initiative.
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 welcomes females 18 years and over who wish to help us provide support to some of Kenya's most marginalized and vulnerable women.
Volunteers in the Women’s Empowerment and Community Support program do not need to be qualified but it is key that they are able to support and run a workshop, as well as planning and executing additional activities. Volunteers who can teach a practical skill or work in mental health are particularly welcome (keeping in mind that counselling will not be an activity, but community workshops on mental health are of great interest to the project).
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 village in Maasai Mara. Maasai Mara is known as the Kenyan’s Serengueti and thousands of tourists flock to Mara during the year to go on safari.
The area is rural, with a town about 5 mins walk from the project and a Maasai Village just across the road. While there are local shops and bars, it is a very small town without supermarkets and limited resources. Tuesdays is Market day, where there is a display of cattle, fruits, vegetables and all kinds of other goods, for sale.
The nights are extra special at Oloolaimutia, since the stars can be clearly seen, and often times, volunteers settle around the fire to exchange stories of the day.
Start Dates & Duration
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
Volunteers are collected from the airport, and depending on the arrival time of your flight, you will be either taken to the volunteer house in Nairobi to rest, or you will be driven straight onto Maasai Mara so you can settle in.
Volunteers will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Kenya. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- 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.