Kenya – School improvements and conservation work Many local schools are in very dilapidated buildings which suffer from erosion and seasonal flooding. You’ll help to build or renovate school buildings so that local children have a clean and safe academic environment. You’ll also get involved in initiatives to promote a peaceful co-existence between the community and the local wildlife, such as improving natural waterholes and planting indigenous trees for habitat and food sources. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Kenya – Community development and coastal forest protection Muhaka village remains one of the poorest communities in Kenya. You will help to support community development projects such as traditional house building and school improvements. You may also work on our reforestation projects within the sacred Kaya forest, an important habitat home to many species of monkeys. UN Sustainable Development Goals No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Clean water and sanitation Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life below water Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Kenya? Kenya is where Camps International began. Founded in 2002, we opened Camp Kenya in 2003 making it our original and longest-running destination. For over twenty years we have built an unrivalled depth of local knowledge, community relationships and in-country expertise that school groups can rely on with confidence.
What community and conservation project work will students do on the Kenya Trek Expedition? Students take part in community project work, which could include building classrooms, constructing and refurbishing community buildings and installing water storage systems. Conservation project work includes environmental activities such as tree planting and goat de-worming, with students learning how working alongside local people sustains long-term impact, as well as wildlife conservation work such as building elephant deterrent fences and making elephant dung paper to generate community income. There may also be the chance to contribute to community project work in a local village near the trek preparation camp.
What is the Mount Kenya Trek and how challenging is it? The Mount Kenya Trek is a five-day mountain challenge that passes through open savannahs and equatorial rainforests before reaching Point Lenana, the third highest peak on Mount Kenya and the second highest mountain in Africa. On the final day, students wake in the early hours of the morning to attempt the summit and witness a spectacular sunrise. It is a significant physical and personal achievement unlike any other. All routes are led by experienced local guides and students will have spent time acclimatising and preparing at a trek preparation camp before setting out.
What wildlife and cultural experiences are included in the Kenya Trek Expedition? The expedition includes a safari at Tsavo East National Park, one of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations, where students may spot elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras. Students also spend time with the Maasai tribe to learn about their unique culture and traditions alongside the wildlife conservation project work. The trek itself passes through some of Kenya’s most spectacular and diverse natural landscapes, from savannah to equatorial rainforest, providing an extraordinary wildlife and wilderness experience over five days.
How fit do students need to be for the Kenya Trek Expedition? A good level of cardiovascular fitness is essential. The Mount Kenya Trek is a demanding five-day mountain challenge reaching Point Lenana at altitude, with a pre-dawn summit attempt on the final day. Students should prepare physically before departure. The expedition also includes community and conservation project work which involves physical activity in a warm climate. All trekking is led by experienced local guides and our in-country team has been supporting this trek since Camp Kenya opened in 2003.
Is the Kenya Trek Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Kenya is where Camps International was founded and we have operated there since 2003, longer than any of our other destinations. Our experienced permanently based in-country teams know the environment and communities intimately. All trekking on Mount Kenya is led by qualified local guides with appropriate safety equipment and protocols in place. 24/7 emergency support is maintained throughout and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au).
What is included and excluded in the Kenya Trek Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation across all camps including trek preparation camp and mountain accommodation, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, safari at Tsavo East National Park, Mount Kenya Trek with experienced local guides, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
