Kenya | AMA YMCA GLOBAL

Local people with typical kenyan clothes hug and smile together.jpg

KENYA
"Let's All Pull Together"

Kenya is a vibrant East African country known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, from the savannas of the Maasai Mara to the white-sand beaches of the Indian Ocean.

With Harambee "Let’s all pull together" as its national motto, Kenya embraces a strong sense of unity, resilience, and collective progress.

Global Engagement Trip- Kenya

Attend Info Session

Trip Dates: January 3-12, 2027

Non-Member: $4,195

YMCA Member: $3,495 or $256*/month

What's Included:

All in-country transportation (including airfare and trains), meals, lodging (double occupancy), safari, travel medical insurance, cultural attractions, service projects and trip shirts.

What’s Not Included:

International flights (to/from Africa), visa/passport fees, personal items, souvenirs, snacks, optional excursions, and meals during free time.

When in the Neighborhood:

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Trip Dates: January 12-16, 2027

Trip Cost: $1,995 (includes airfare from Kenya to S.A.)

Want To Learn More?

Attend a virtual one-hour information session with the trip leader.

Josie Smith, Mansfield, TX

“Going to Africa was always a dream, but I didn’t know where to start. The YMCA made it simple, safe, and meaningful—and the experience completely changed my perspective on the world.”

Learning and interacting with...

Community Members

Participants engage side-by-side with community members while traveling throughout Kenya, including during school visits, youth programs, and service projects in Nairobi, Mtito Andei, and Mombasa.

These interactions go beyond service—they include shared meals, conversations, cultural exchange, and time spent with children and families, allowing for genuine connection and mutual understanding.

Learning and interacting with...

School Children

Engaging with children and young people at YMCA Kibera Primary School, the YMCA National Training Institute, Mombasa YMCA, and Baraka Academy, participants support learning activities, lead games, and build relationships through mentorship and conversation.

For many school children, their parents and school faculty, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with travelers from abroad that they will never forget.

Learning and interacting with...

YMCA Staff & Volunteers

Working with and getting to know YMCA Kenya staff and volunteers is an incredibly welcoming and inspiring experience. Their deep commitment to community service and youth empowerment is evident in everything they do.

Many participants say this is the most meaningful part of the trip experience, as we build strong partnerships that transcend language and culture, creating lasting impact and lifelong friendships.

Destinations & Excursions

Exploring Kenya - the quintessential African experience.

With its warm hospitality, diverse traditions, and world-class safaris, Kenya provides an authentic and life-changing journey that connects visitors to nature, history, and the heart of Africa.

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Southwest Kenya

Narobi

Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty where you can experience world-class restaurants, lively markets, and a rich cultural heritage.

Whether you're exploring the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, or the bustling Maasai markets, Nairobi provides an **unforgettable mix of adventure, history, and culture.

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East Coastal Kenya

Mombasa

Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal gem, offers a stunning mix of white sandy beaches, warm tropical climate, crystal-clear waters, Swahili culture, and rich history, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration.

Visitors can wander through Old Town’s narrow streets, explore the iconic Fort Jesus, and experience the vibrant local markets filled with spices and handcrafted goods.

Kilimanjaro mountain Tanzania snow capped under cloudy blue skies captured whist on safari

South-Central Kenya

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for nature lovers, with breathtaking landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial peaks.

Participants have sightseeing opportunities while on safari where—weather permitting—they may catch a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro along with other beautiful scenery.

Sri Lankan leopard, Panthera pardus koti

South-Central Kenya

Tsavo Safari

A Tsavo Safari in Kenya offers an unparalleled wilderness experience in one of Africa’s largest and most diverse national parks, home to the iconic "red elephants" of Tsavo, lions, and countless other wildlife species.

The park’s dramatic landscapes, from rolling savannas to volcanic lava fields and lush riverine forests, provide breathtaking scenery and incredible photo opportunities.

Southwest Kenya

Village Market

Visiting Village Market in Nairobi offers a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience in a beautifully designed open-air setting, great for all ages.

The mall features a mix of local and international boutiques, art galleries, and handicraft shops, making it a great place to find authentic Kenyan souvenirs.

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Southwest Kenya

National Park

Visiting Nairobi National Park offers a unique safari experience just minutes from Kenya’s capital, Narobi, where you can see lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roaming freely against the backdrop of the city skyline.

As the only national park located within a capital city, it provides an easily accessible yet authentic wildlife experience, perfect for those with limited time.

Kenya Trip Schedule
January 3: Travel Day
January 4: Orientation & Nairobi Tour
January 5: YMCA Leadership Academy
January 6: YMCA Kibera Primary School
January 7: Train to Mtito Ande

January 8: Tsavo West Safari & Spa
January 9: Tsavo West Safari & Spa

January 10: Train to Mombasa, YMCA
January 11: Mombasa Tour & Spa
January 12: Flight to USA/South Africa

South Africa Trip Schedule

January 12: Arrive Cape Town

January 13: Robben Island Tour

January 14: Cape of Good Hope

January 15: Vineyard & Wine Tasting

January 16: Depart for USA

Your trip leader will review the detailed and expanded schedule information schedules and pre-trip departure meetings.

Cheryl McCarver

US-Based Kenya Trip Leader

Jambo! I’m Cheryl McCarver, and I’m excited to lead the YMCA Kenya trip this year. With decades of experience in YMCA trip leadership, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many transformative journeys.

We pack a lot into this experience, and it’s a meaningful journey that offers deep cultural insights and lasting memories.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Thank you!

Email Me!

Merci Nzisa

Kenya-Based Trip Leader

Jambo! I’m Merci Nzisa, and I’m delighted to welcome you to my amazing country of Kenya.

I am honored to serve as the Kenyan YMCA’s International Relations Director. Our YMCA serves children, young adults, and families across the nation, and you will experience firsthand the smiling faces and warm hospitality that define our communities. We look forward to welcoming you as you visit our YMCAs and connect with the people we serve.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you in Kenya!

Email Me!

KENYA "Let's All Pull Together"

Global Engagement Trip- Kenya

Destinations & Excursions

Narobi

Mombasa

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Tsavo Safari

Village Market

National Park

Cheryl McCarver

Merci Nzisa

KENYA
"Let's All Pull Together"