Onaris Africa - www.salvonaris.com

As a not-for-profit organisation, Onaris Africa stood out from the crowd from other volunteer organisations. It caught my eye, and the more I read, the more I couldn't believe the opportunity they were offering. Not only that, the actual freedom and input I could have on my experience is something that I had not seen elsewhere. From first contact I was greeted and supported through the whole process, including discussing what I wanted from the experience, what I could give back during my stay. All the questions I had, and I had a lot of questions, were talked through at length. I never once felt in the build up to my trip that I was stepping into a scenario that I wasn't 100% sure about.

When I eventually landed in Kenya, I was greeted at the airport and given all the time I needed to adjust. I was just blown away. I have never been anywhere as beautiful as the Kenyan coast. The people are incredibly friendly, the food is out of this world and I never once felt uneasy or unsafe. It took me a while to set used to all the change, but you soon find yourself becoming a little more Kenyan everyday!

My placement was at Gede Health Clinic. Having discussed with Onaris Africa prior to my trip the type of experience I wanted, they suggested that this particular scenario would be ideal, and they were so right. Having an amazing number of contacts in the area meant that had I wanted a different type of medical placement, it could have been catered to by Onaris. My placement was very hands on from day one, and it was the best time of my life. I was challenged and supported to do so many things I never thought I'd do. Everything from patching up cuts and bruises, to getting up close and personal in the maternity ward. I was very much a working piece in a busy hospital-like environment.

When I wasn't working up a sweat in the health clinic, the coast was mine to explore! The beaches are so much fun, and you make so many friends. In the local area there are several amazing beaches, tourist attractions, cafes and restaurants, bars, and old ruins. I can honestly say, I was never bored, even being the only volunteer at that time.

It's a fantastic opportunity, and I would urge anyone, if they have even the mildest interest, to spend five minutes talking to this utterly professional and incredibly friendly group of people working at Onaris Africa. I'm so glad that I did, because I had the time of my life.

Salvonaris Africa was recommended to me by a friend of mine. I ultimately decided to book because they were more affordable than other organisations and I felt more confident booking with a not-for-profit organisation, who were using my fee to make a difference.

From the start I was given lots of information, they took the time out to have Skype chats with me before my visit and make sure I was prepared and knew what to expect. This personal touch really made the difference!

I had a thoroughly positive experience from start to finish. I was greeted at the airport by the in country coordinator and she told me all about Kenya and lots interesting facts, it was so useful having a host who knew the local area so well. When I arrived the accommodation I was really shocked at how nice it was, I was not expecting it to be such high quality.

I was staying with some really lovely fellow volunteers from the UK. We did lots of amazing group experiences together that I’ll remember forever, including Safari, the Turtle watch and the canoe tour at Mida creek. But the best part of the whole experience was definitely working with the wonderful children!

Overall I loved every second of my time in Kenya. I would definitely recommend Salvonaris Africa to my friends and I can’t wait to book another trip as soon as possible!

A friend had recommended Salvonaris to me as she knows one of the ladies who started the organisation. I will be honest I was quite nervous about booking with this company as they are so new and seem like quite a small organisation.

But from when I first contacted I knew I had made the right choice. Everyone I spoke to from salvonaris really went out of their way to help me and make sure I was I was prepared before I left (To the Salvonaris team - sorry for being a little bit difficult!).

What I loved about this company (and what made me book with them) was that they are so transparent with where my money goes. They are a non-profit organisation and it shocked me to find out how many other Gap year organisations operate for profit.

Tina was really great and looked after me for the whole of my trip. I was volunteering at a children's home in Malindi which has school attached to it, I was left to teach a class at one point but luckily I had been warned beforehand that this may happen so I was prepared (they are very short staff - it felt good to actually be needed!). I can't speak about the kids enough! They were some of the most gorgeous, friendly and loving little people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting! There was one little girl who I absolutely fell in love with, if you go there, please please please give her a hug from me! I can't wait to go back again and volunteer in same place - I think next time I'll take more gifts with me though lol.

The accommodation was far nicer than I expected (I had my own bedroom with a lock and a private bathroom). They take you out for a meal and a catch up half way through (Pizza and beer! best pizza ever by the way - no wonder Malindi is known as little Italy!). Its little touches like this that really makes the company special.

The beaches in Malindi are stunning - I recommend you travel a little further to Watamu - the beach there is out of this world (we had a beach trip included for free).

The people of Kenya in general are so friendly and welcoming - we did often get called Mzungu (white person) and isn't nice I wont lie - but you do get used to it, I don't think the local people really mean any offence by it.

All in all it was a once in a life time experience - I'm so proud to be an Onaris Warrior! Since I've been back she has sent me messages from the Children at the home - which I think is lovely of her.

We did Tsavo East Safari - which is just out of the world! (ticked it off my bucket list!)

I really can't wait to again next year and stay for longer and meet those beautiful kids again!