Careerbreaker Destinations - Kenya
Probably East Africa’s most popular tourist destination, bordering Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west and Sudan to north west; the Indian Ocean runs down the south west border. Kenya has over 25 national parks within its borders and is a land of great beauty providing a variety of natural habitats for a huge amount of wildlife.
Kenya has known the presence of mankind since the earliest development of our species and for a long time has been a natural migratory path for people from all over Africa and the Middle East. A British colony until 1968, it is one of Africa’s more politically stable countries. Kenya is also a natural migratory path for the millions of animals who, each year, famously migrate from the Serengeti in the South to the more lush vegetation of the north. A country of amazing natural beauty, with a low lying coast with coral reefs and islands, lush fertile plains, spectacular mountains and rolling savannah’s.
This geographical diversity and beauty is matched by its vibrant culture; there are over 40 tribes in Kenya. Due to the incredible ethnic mix most people speak to a lesser or greater degree, three languages, their own, Kiswahili (originally a language of the Bantu tribe, which is heavily overlaid with Arabic) and English, both the latter being official languages. Many have converted to Christianity and Islam and indigenous beliefs are starting to disappear, although 97% of the population remain of African descent.
The name Kenya is derived from ‘Kiinyaa’ the Wakamba Tribe’s name for Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain. ‘Kiinyaa’ literally means ‘white mountain’ and traditionally high places carry spiritual significance for many Kenyan people.
Ethnic groups are still easily identifiable through their dress, language and lifestyle; whether Masaai, Kikuyu, Kamba, Gusu or Luhya. Whilst tribal differences can be spotted, all Kenyans share natural warmth and inquisitiveness which ensures a friendly welcome to all visitors, if you get the chance to partake of some of ‘Dawa’, which is Kiswahili for ‘medicine’, you’ll find this pleasant but potent mix of vodka, honey, lime and ice good for whatever ails you!
Whilst a popular safari destination few tourists venture off the established trail. Kenya is also a land where most of the population live as subsistence farmers in abject poverty, and where the cherished grasslands and lush forests are under threat from the dramatic onset of desertification. With an increasing population Kenya has many development issues it is trying to address to provide a better future for its people.
Our Work Placement base is situated in the town of Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley, part of the fault system running between Jordan and Mozambique. The soda lakes nearby is host to hundreds of thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other bird life. Meanwhile the only freshwater lake in the valley, Naivasha, boasts the biggest variety of birdlife worldwide, and many families of hippos. Naivasha also has plenty of local places to eat and to hear infectious rhythmic African music. Our Community Development Projects are based in the rural villages in and around Naivasha and the nearby town of Gilgil.
Whatever project programme you become part of you are guaranteed a warm welcome from the people of this fascinating country. Weekends and project breaks can provide opportunity for sight-seeing and there is the option to do some adventurous travel after your volunteer placement with our in house travel agent Gap Club. Why not finish your time as a volunteer by taking a wildlife safari through the Serengeti and grabbing a few days relaxation on one of Kenya’s beautiful beaches!
What can I do in Kenya?
Volunteer on a Community Development
Project
Work Placements - Teach/TEFL
Adventurous Travel
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Destinations Homepage
About Kenya
Full Name
Republic of Kenya
Capital City
Nairobi
Area
583,000 sq km
225,096 sq miles
Population
31,639,000
Time Zone
3 hours ahead of UK
Languages
Swahili (official)
English (official)
Kiswahili and English are both official languages.
Religion
35% Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic, 30% Muslim, 5% Animist
Famous For
Masai Mara, Game Parks and wildlife
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