What to pack for a school trip to Kenya
The essential packing list for students and teachers heading to Kenya — plus ethical photography and cultural awareness guidelines.
Essentials
These are your non-negotiable items. Check them first:
— Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates)
— Printed eVisa confirmation
— Travel insurance documents (printed and digital copies)
— Emergency contact information
— Copies of all documents (one set in your carry-on, one set digital in cloud storage)
— Consent letters for minors (notarised)
— Medical information and prescription documentation
— School letter confirming trip purpose
Pro tip: take photos of all documents on your phone and email them to yourself. If anything gets lost, you have instant access to copies.
Clothing
Pack for warm days, cooler evenings, fieldwork, and community visits:
— Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (3-4) — sun protection and mosquito protection in evenings
— Long trousers for fieldwork (2-3 pairs) — lightweight but durable
— Shorts for downtime (1-2 pairs)
— Closed-toe shoes or boots — essential for fieldwork, walking, and garden work
— Comfortable walking sandals — for accommodation and casual time
— Warm layer — a fleece or lightweight jacket for mornings and evenings (temperatures drop to 15-18°C)
— Rain jacket — lightweight and packable
— Wide-brimmed hat — essential for sun protection
— Swimwear — some accommodations have pools
— Modest clothing for community visits — shoulders and knees covered. This is a sign of respect, not a restriction.
— Sleepwear
— Enough underwear and socks for the trip (laundry may not always be available)
Avoid: all-white clothing (gets dirty quickly), camouflage patterns (associated with military in Kenya), and overly branded or expensive clothing.
Health & Safety
Health preparation items you'll need:
— Prescribed malaria tablets (start before departure as directed)
— Insect repellent containing DEET 50%+ (essential — apply every evening)
— Sunscreen SPF50 (apply generously and reapply throughout the day)
— Basic personal first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, pain relief)
— Hand sanitiser (small bottles — useful throughout the day)
— Refillable water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
— Any personal medication (with doctor's letter if prescription)
— Lip balm with SPF
— Rehydration sachets (useful in hot weather)
The school group will also carry a comprehensive group first aid kit. Students should carry their personal medication on them at all times.
Tech & Learning
Pack smart, not heavy:
— Camera or smartphone (for documenting the experience — see ethical photography guidelines below)
— Notebook and pen/pencil (for journaling and reflection)
— Portable charger/power bank (essential — charge it fully before departure)
— UK-to-Kenya power adapter — Kenya uses Type G sockets, the same as the UK. US, EU, and other nationalities will need an adapter.
— Small torch or headlamp (useful for evenings and early mornings)
— Headphones (for travel days)
— E-reader or book (for downtime)
Optional but useful:
— Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)
— Reusable bag (for daily excursions)
Leave behind: laptops (not needed), gaming devices (you won't miss them), expensive cameras with extensive gear.
What NOT to Pack
Some items are best left at home — and here's why:
Excessive electronics — this trip is about being present, not being online. One phone or camera is enough.
Flashy jewellery or expensive accessories — unnecessary and creates an unhelpful visual contrast in community settings.
White saviour t-shirts — this includes any clothing with 'charity mission,' 'saving the world,' or similar messaging. You're visiting as learners, not saviours.
Items to 'give away' to children — this is a well-intentioned but harmful practice. Giving gifts to children you don't know reinforces dependency, creates inequality between children who receive gifts and those who don't, and encourages begging. If you want to contribute, we channel all donations through community-defined priorities.
Excessive amounts of cash — you won't need much spending money. We'll advise on an appropriate amount.
Plastic bags — Kenya has one of the strictest plastic bag bans in the world. Plastic bags are illegal to import, and you can be fined at customs.
Ethical Photography Guidelines
Photography is a powerful tool for learning and documentation — but it requires ethical awareness:
Always ask permission — before photographing any person, ask their permission. A smile and a gesture toward your camera works if there's a language barrier. Respect a 'no.'
Don't photograph children without guardian consent — this is a safeguarding issue. Our team will facilitate appropriate photography opportunities with proper consent.
Avoid poverty porn — don't seek out images that emphasise hardship, deprivation, or suffering. These images reduce complex people to their circumstances.
Focus on agency, not helplessness — photograph people doing things, making things, building things. Show strength, skill, and dignity.
Ask before sharing on social media — before posting any images online, consider how the people in the photos would feel about it. When in doubt, don't share.
We provide a comprehensive ethical photography guide as part of our pre-trip curriculum. We'll discuss this in detail before you arrive.
Cultural Awareness
A few cultural guidelines that will enrich your experience:
Dress modestly in communities — shoulders and knees covered is the standard for community visits. This shows respect for local customs.
Ask before photographing — this bears repeating because it's important. Always ask.
Learn basic Swahili greetings:
— Jambo — Hello
— Habari — How are you?
— Asante — Thank you
— Asante sana — Thank you very much
— Karibu — Welcome / You're welcome
— Pole pole — Slowly slowly (a Kenyan life philosophy)
Remove shoes when asked — at some homes and community buildings, it's customary to remove shoes before entering. Follow your host's lead.
Follow community guides' lead — your community hosts know the protocols. Follow their guidance on behaviour, dress, and interaction. When in doubt, ask.
Accept hospitality graciously — if offered food or drink, accept with both hands (a sign of respect in many Kenyan cultures). Even a small taste shows appreciation.
Get the full preparation pack
Our comprehensive preparation guide includes detailed packing lists, cultural guidelines, health preparation checklists, and pre-trip curriculum materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
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