Experience rural Kenya in a unique way: by working on local farms and learning how they practice sustainable farming.
Work alongside local farmers in the Kenyan countryside! Your tasks will include working in mango, potato, cabbage, papaya and other farms. You may also help out with livestock. Get prepared to truly experience the authentic Kenya and see more than what a simple guidebook may ever tell you about!
- Program & Schedule
- Living & Location
- Country Information
Program & Schedule
Agriculture is the main economic backbone of Kenya, as well as the primary source of income for basic households in many parts of the country.
Gatanga is one of those places, and local villagers spend their lives harvesting fruits, vegetables and coffee, as well as taking care of their livestock.
In this program, you’ll get the chance to experience the authentic countryside of Kenya by living amongst locals and helping out the villagers on their farms.
Your tasks may include:
- Cutting and cleaning up the grass areas around the farm
- Planting, weeding, watering, picking fruits
- Helping take care of the livestock
- Addressing various community needs
Working up close with local farmers will not only teach you new skills, but will also allow you to get authentically immersed in a new culture and lifestyle.
Aims & Objectives
- Experience local Kenyan agricultural practices
- Assist the local farming community by providing extra hands and effort
- Cultural immersion and engagement with the local community
Schedule
Monday to Friday
You can expect to spend four to six hours on the farm, with a lunch break in between these hours. The tasks you will engage in depend largely upon the season and the priority needs at that time. Tasks will vary based upon your own knowledge, skill and ability to carry out tasks independently. The day could look like:
- Breakfast
- Helping on the farm/plantation
- Lunch
- Helping on the farm/plantation
- Dinner
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: -
Maximum age: -
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: No
Resume copy required: No
Required qualification: None
Additional Requirements
There are no further requirements.
Living & Location
Gatanga Village will be your new home and will give you the chance to see authentic rural Kenya. Close by is Thika, an industrial town where you will be able to find anything you need. Nairobi is not too far either, and you can head there during the weekend for nights out or sightseeing. Likewise, there are many natural areas in close proximity to Gatanga, a simple example are Fourteen Falls, a set of waterfalls that will leave you awestruck.
You will be accommodated in our center. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. Sometimes there are power and water cuts during the day, but do not panic. This is life in the village. This is a very simple local accommodation, but you will have all of the necessities while here. You will have meals provided and rooms cleaned on the weekends, but you will also be expected to clean up after yourself and play your part in keeping the accommodation neat and organized. The location is very close to the Police station and a short walk to local market and shops.
Food Arrangements
Food served will mainly be Kenyan food, which consists of vegetables, potato, eggs, bread, pancakes (commonly known as “chapati”) and fruits such as oranges, bananas and avocados.
Facilities
Thika town is located a thirty minute drive away from our center and is filled with supermarkets, shops, ATMs, local markets and good restaurants. There is local transport available such as bicycle and motorbike taxis, van taxis and buses. Vehicles come up to our project sites every hour and drop you off in Thika town. Moreover, the bus station in Thika is your launching spot into other parts of Kenya.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
There are many places for you to visit during your free time. For example, you can visit the Fourteen Falls in Thika, go hiking in Kenya Mountain, visit Mombasa and enjoy the beach or head for a weekend of sightseeing in Nakuru or Nairobi, which are filled with national parks. Nairobi is also the nightlife hub of Kenya.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Quick Facts
Name: Republic of Kenya
Population: 45 million
Capital: Nairobi
Language: English, Swahili
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time zone: UTC +3
Country Information
The first thing that might pop to mind when thinking of Kenya are lions, zebras and leopards. However, this vast country has much more to offer. With 40 national parks and reserves scattered around the country, Kenya features almost every landscape and activity that you can imagine and it will suit any type of traveller’s palette.
Undeniably, safaris are the core of tourism in Kenya, but you might also venture in deeper and discover the Maasai, a semi-nomadic tribe known for its color-filled adornments. Nairobi is another destination to explore, with its bustling nightlife and unique vibes. For those who love nature, a visit to the Great Rift Valley is a must. And for those who enjoy chilling at the beach, Kenya’s coastal area covers almost 80,000 square kilometers and remains sun-filled during most of the year!
Climate
Kenya is a big country and its climate varies from tropical along its coast to arid in the north and quite temperate inland. Kenya receives a large amount of sunshine year-round but generally, the hottest period is considered take place in February and March while the coldest one between July and mid August. The “long rains” season happens between March and June, while the “short rain” season is between October and December.
Culture
Over the course of history, Kenya has been the hub of migration and henceforth, the country has become one of the most diverse culture and language-wise.
The country has over forty different ethnic groups, including Luo, Kamba, Maasai and more. Each speaks a variety of mother tongues, although Swahili remains the most widely spoken language. Moreover, European, Arab, Indian and Pakistani groups who came to the country in the 19th century can be added to the mix of diversity.
Even though religions such as Christianity and Islam are widely spread, many still believe in the ancestor world, where the dead have an impact on the lives of the living.
Today, Kenya’s culture, including forms of dress, music and food sees its strong influences from other parts of Africa, India, Europe and the United States. However, in certain parts of the country, many communities retain their traditional lifestyle and culture and people still wear clothes, skins, jewelry as they did centuries ago. Many remote tribes remain absolutely isolated and indigenous as
Gastronomy
Traditional Kenyan food are known for consisting corn, potatoes and beans. A staple dish is Ugali, a porridge made out of maize. Another typical delicacy is irio, a blend of corn, beans, potatoes and beans dipped into meat or vegetable stews.