KENYA

Kenya was where the Camps International story began.

We ran our very first Camps International expedition here in 2002, and over two decades later it remains one of our most established and best-loved destinations.

From the red earth and open landscapes of Tsavo to the palm-fringed coastline of Diani, Kenya offers students an unforgettable introduction to East Africa.

Students live and work from permanent camps set within or close to the communities we partner with. Days might involve rebuilding a school damaged by seasonal flooding, planting native trees in the sacred forests, or training to dive on a reef that local conservationists are working hard to protect. Whatever the project, it always happens in partnership with the local staff and families who call this place home, and who’ve been welcoming students here since the very beginning.

Group of students on a Camps International expedition to Kenya working on making some elephant deterrent fences for the local communities

Why Choose Kenya?

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Our Original Destination

We’ve been running expeditions in Kenya since 2002, building long-term partnerships with local communities and project leaders.

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Varied Expedition Experience

Students may spend time near village schools, sacred coastal forests, wildlife habitats and the Indian Ocean coastline.

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Community-led Projects

Every project is shaped by local priorities, so students contribute to work that supports long-term community and environmental goals.

Kenya is one of East Africa’s most iconic destinations, celebrated for its spectacular wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and dramatic natural landscapes. Home to everything from tropical beaches and coral reefs to rolling savannahs and national parks, it offers an unforgettable setting for educational travel.

Our Kenya camps are spread across the southeast coast and inland toward Tsavo, giving students different perspectives on the country in one expedition. From village-based community camps to coastal bases near Diani Beach, each camp offers a distinct setting, project focus and experience of daily life in Kenya.

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Let your students explore the underwater world on this scuba diving trip to Kenya.

Our Camps

Where Can You Stay

Every Camps International base has its own unique character, shaped by the local community, surrounding landscape and the people who call it home. Whether you’re staying by the coast or beneath the Marungu Hills, each camp offers an authentic and welcoming place to live, learn and connect.

Traditional Banda accommodation with veranda at Camps International's Camp Tsavo.

Camp Tsavo

Set near the Marungu Hills and within reach of Tsavo National Parks, this is Kenya’s wild side, home to elephant, lion and cheetah, with sweeping views straight from camp. Accommodation is in traditional bandas with bunk beds, modern showers and sinks, eco-friendly long-drop toilets, and mains electricity.

Toilet facilities at Camp Muhaka.

Camp Muhaka

Camp Muhaka sits right in the heart of Muhaka village, close to school, community and conservation project sites. Students walk to many projects alongside camp staff, and often to school alongside the children of the community. Accommodation is in traditional bandas and tents with comfortable mattresses and bedding, modern toilets and showers, and mains electricity available during the evenings.

Athi River Camp is one of Camps International's unique camps in Kenya. The photo shows the entrance, with two totem sculptures leading the way down a winding grass path with the traditional thatched accommodation in the distance.

Athi River Camp

Bordering Nairobi National Park, Athi River Camp offers a unique introduction to Kenya’s incredible wildlife, with the chance to spot giraffes, zebras, lions and even cheetahs on the journey to camp or during a guided nature walk. Accommodation is in traditional bandas with comfortable bedding, modern flushing toilets, modern showers, and power available on site.

Camps International coastal camp in Kenya showing the ocean and social area. This is where student completing their PADI Scuba Dive Course would spend their time when not on pool or practise dives.

Camp Firefly

Camp Firefly is based right on the beach on Kenya’s stunning coastline. Enjoy the spectacular views across sparkling clear waters when you are not working on completing your PADI Open Water Dive Course. Accommodation is in tents with comfortable bedding, modern flushing toilets and modern showers.

Traditional Round Banda's are part of Camp Ndoto accommodation

Camp Ndoto

Camp Ndoto is run by the incredible local woman Mama Mercy, who we have worked with for many years. Its location close to Tsavo East National Park makes it an ideal base for our ongoing conservation and environmental projects. Accommodation is in traditional round bandas with bunk beds featuring comfortable mattresses and bedding, eco-friendly long-drop toilets, modern showers and sinks, and mains electricity.

Camp Cuisine

What Will You Eat

Camp kitchens serve up hearty, locally rooted Kenyan food, cooked fresh each day by camp staff. Students can expect curries, rice and fresh vegetables, with Camp Tsavo’s chapatis regularly named a trip highlight by past expedition groups. Mealtimes are an important part of camp life, giving students time to come together, share stories from the day and feel part of the camp community.

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Chapatis

food

Curries and Vegetables

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Western Style Dishes

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Coconut Rice

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houses built
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recycled flip-flop keyrings

How you’ll make a difference

You’ll work on a range of projects throughout your expedition, each aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and designed to make a significant and lasting impact on the region’s most critical issues.

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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 Icon

No poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

4 Quality Education

Quality education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5 Gender Equality

Gender equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

6 Clean water and santitation

Clean water and sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

8 Decent work and economic growth

Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

10 Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

13 Climate Action

Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

14 Life below water

Life below water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15 life on land

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

School improvement

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 Icon

No poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2 Zero Hunger Icon

Zero hunger

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

4 Quality Education

Quality education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5 Gender Equality

Gender equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

10 Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

13 Climate Action

Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

15 life on land

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

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Kenya – Marine Conservation

Students will take part in our Marine Conservation Programme, combining hands-on conservation with environmental education. Activities include marine workshops, beach clean-ups, and creative recycling sessions transforming discarded flip-flops into unique souvenirs. To date, expedition participants have removed more than 23 tonnes of marine waste from over 100 miles of coastline.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

6 Clean water and santitation

Clean water and sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

14 Life below water

Life below water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

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Kenya – Wildlife and human-wildlife coexistence

Near Tsavo, project work supports peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife, with the aim of protecting specifies from extinction. This work can include creating elephant deterrent fences, making elephant dung paper and lion lights project, a solar-powered deterrent initiative that reduces livestock loss by up to 90% and helps minimise conflict between local communities and predators.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

13 Climate Action

Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

14 Life below water

Life below water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15 life on land

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

My Kenya expedition really was the best experience of my life. My perspective on life has changed and I continue to be more appreciative of our quality of life and the luxuries we have in the UK. Since my expedition I have become more confident to step out of my comfort zone and I believe that I am more courageous about undertaking new opportunities. The best advice I have been given, and will continue to share, is to ‘say yes to every opportunity’ and to ‘take on the world!’ I would do anything to go on another expedition with Camps International, it was an amazing experience which I am so glad I got to experience.

Millie, Travelling Student to Kenya, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What projects will students actually work on?

Projects vary by camp and typically include school building and renovation, community development, reforestation and habitat restoration, and, for Scuba Expedition participants, marine conservation and reef diving.

Is Kenya safe for a school expedition?

Every camp is staffed around the clock by experienced local team members, and all our expeditions follow UK FCDO travel advice and structured risk assessment processes. You can read more on our Safety Standards page.

What’s the food like?

Meals are cooked fresh daily by camp staff and reflect local Kenyan cuisine, including curries, rice and fresh vegetables, with Camp Tsavo’s chapatis a particular favourite among past students.

Who are the staff at camp?

Camps are run by experienced local staff, many of whom have worked with Camps International for years and have deep roots in the surrounding communities.