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Sightseeing Tour Options
GAPS offers a number of sightseeing tours to ensure that you are able to get the most out of your time in Kenya. There are numerous scheduled tour options interspersed through the normal volunteer program itself which act as a break from project work and an opportunity for the volunteer group to come together. All trips are fully escorted by either professional tour guides or GAPS staff.
Note that all trips are offered subject to sufficient numbers of volunteers signing up. In case a trip is cancelled you will be offered the choice of a full refund or an alternative trip.
Maasai Mara and Nakuru safari
No trip to Kenya would be complete without a safari. See the ‘Big Five’ up close in one of the most famous parks in the world, the Masaai Mara. You will spend two days in the Mara and then travel to Lake Nakuru, where you will be greeted by a sea of pink flamingos. Nakuru is also home to some of the last remaining black rhinoceroses in the world. Our safari includes tented accommodation in the Mara, a hotel in Nakuru and all meals and transfers.
Lamu
Journey back in time to the days of Arab traders and ancient Swahili fishing tribes in the Lamu archipelago. The world heritage listed town of Lamu is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Explore the narrow laneways of the old town by donkey (there are no cars on the island) or simply spend the day on the pristine beaches of Lamu or the nearby Manda Island. The trip includes an all day dhow trip to Manda Toto Island where you will go fishing and then snorkel or sunbathe while the morning’s catch is prepared into lunch. The price includes flights and transfers to Lamu as well as accommodation in an ancient Swahili guesthouse with a full breakfast each day.
Mombasa
Catch a traditional steam train to Mombasa, the largest city on the Kenyan coast. Traders have been coming here since the 12th century, and during its bloody history Mombasa changed hands dozens of times between the Arab-Swahilis, Portuguese, Omanis and finally the British. Spend the day learning about the vibrant Swahili culture of Mombasa, sunbacking on the world famous beaches or participating in a host of water-sports. The three night trip includes a luxury dhow boat ride around the port whilst enjoying a traditional dinner, the overnight train ride to Mombasa and return flight to Nairobi, along with accommodation and buffet breakfast.
Imutan Maasai Village Stay
Spend a weekend living in a traditional Massai village on the grasslands near the Tanzanian border experiencing the culture of one of Africa’s most famous tribes as it has been practiced for thousands of years. Sleep with a family in a Manyatta (house made of sticks and cow dung) on a bed of sicks and cow hide. Accompany the children as they herd cows across the grasslands in the company of zebra, gazelle and ostrich. Come home to a traditional dinner of mukemo, ugali and chai. Those willing to rough it for a weekend – there is no electricity, running water, TV or internet – will be rewarded with a unique experience and memories to last a lifetime.
Mountain Gorilla Trek in Parcs des Volcanoes (Rwanda)
Trek through the dense forest of Parcs des Volcanoes, climbing through bamboo thickets and along a mountain ridge overlooking the lush forest below to reach the world famous gorillas in the mist. Spend an hour watching mountain gorillas in their natural habitat as they partake in their everyday activities. Afterwards spend the night in the rural resort town of Gisenyai situation on Lake Kivu and immerse yourself in the local community with a visit to a school for the Deaf. The price includes gorilla permit, two nights accommodation, all transport and personal guide. Please note that this tour is subject to permit availability.
Gisenyai
Interested in walking off the beaten track to explore community life in rural Rwanda? Spend two days in the rural lakeside resort town of Gisenyai. Immerse yourself in the local community with a visit to a school for 50 deaf youth or simply relax by spending a day on the beautiful lakeside beaches of Gisenyai. The trip includes all accommodation and transport.