Responsible volunteering for sustainable development
Our mission is simple: we want to see communities truly thrive, and not just survive. Like communities around the world, the dream is for families to live in peace, to be empowered through good health and education , and to create a safe, supportive environment where children are protected and valued. Our work centers around nurturing strong family units as the foundation for a better tomorrow.
Volunteers have always been a part of Marafiki. In fact, it was through the support and passion of international volunteers that Marafiki Community International was born. With the support of international volunteers, we’re making our vision a reality by combining local knowledge with global perspectives. Together, we’re committed to sustainable, high-quality projects that create a long-term positive impact.
Why Volunteer with Marafiki Community International in Kenya?
LOCATION: We operate from two popular locations in Kenya:
Nairobi
Our headquarters and volunteer house are based in a lively suburb of Nairobi. From here, volunteers travel to various projects across the city, with the guidance of our local staff. Our house serves as a safe and welcoming home away from home for volunteers to relax and hang-out after their day’s work.
Maasai Mara - Anyoraa Camp Project
We also operate in the beautiful Maasai Mara, where our Anyoraa Camp provides volunteer and tourist accommodation near the Maasai Mara National Reserve (hello, Safari tours!). Our Camp is the first of its kind to contribute to the clean-up of plastic and waste material in the area by having its cabins built out of these materials. This ethical initiative offers volunteer opportunities that impact education, water and sanitation, women’s and youth empowerment, eco-farming, and recycling. Volunteers are encouraged to get involved, experience traditional Maasai life, and gain a deep understanding of the unique challenges the local community faces.
TRANSPARENCY: As we are a family-run organization, we have always been very transparent about how we operate and so we like to let you know exactly where your volunteer fee goes! We value our volunteers highly and so we reflect this in our costs, because we recognise that you are already giving up your time and skills to support our projects.
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE: As much as our focus is on our local projects, we wouldn’t be Marafiki Community without our volunteers and so we make sure you have an unforgettable experience by offering a variety of activities, projects, extracurricular excursions, as well as the infamous Safari tour (at a price you don’t get anywhere online!). Check out what our volunteers have to say about us at the end!
SAFETY: This is our number one priority as a charity that hosts international volunteers and we’re proud to have a 100% success rating with this! We invest in 24/7 security at both of our locations and always have staff on call to tour you around the area, especially when you first arrive and you’re needing directions to visit the local supermarket or shopping mall!
To find out more about the programs available at each location, select location below.
Nairobi
Maasai Mara
“I first came across Marafiki through a friend who volunteered with them the year before. I had always wanted to volunteer my time to support a charity like Marafiki and finally had the opportunity to in between my Uni studies and work. My volunteer experience really made me realise what I value in life and that’s to be happy, making a genuine impact in the world. My month in Kenya definitely brought me both, and it’s a trip I’ll never forget. Meeting other volunteers in the house was a huge plus, too. I’m always happy to recommend Marafiki!”
Angelo de Amat
“Volunteering with Marafiki Community has been life-changing for me in more ways than one. I first volunteered with them in August 2017, having never visited Kenya before. I had a rough idea of what to expect, but I really didn’t think my 2-week experience was going to be SO impactful, fun and life-altering! The main project that I supported was with an orphanage and school in Nairobi, but I also had the opportunity to volunteer on other outreach projects across the City. I even managed to squeeze in an incredible Safari tour one weekend! I loved my time with Marafiki so much that I decided to go back in 2018, and then again in 2021. I also so happened to meet my (now) husband at the volunteer house in 2017 - but we didn’t get together until 2019, so to visit together with our eldest son in 2021 was truly special. We can’t wait to visit again, and this time with our 2 sons!”
Alice Kingsnorth
