"Getting to see the migration of the animals was a once in a lifetime opportunity"

Mombasa Beaches

Baby Orphans

Outside Children's home

Mount Kenya..waiting..( We can arrange trips to the summit)

Sri Lanka Elephant orphanage

In Sri Lanka...

Inspire Staff can arrange off the beaten track trips for volunteers at weekends or during time off to visit many ancient cities or learn about Buddhism by visiting many isolated temples and attending traditional festivals.

Turtle conservation in Sri Lanka

Deserted Sri Lankan Beaches, explorers paradise.

"After starting to establish a relationship with the children, it's hard to be so far away and feel like we have abandoned them!".

Q. What happens when we first arrive?

A.   We collect you from arrivals at the airport and drive you to town. After a rest, meal, a drink, nights sleep or whatever you require we then take you to your placement. You will have plenty of time on arrival to ask questions and get organised before you are introduced to your chosen project. The whole experience is not formal and the pace is dictated by you. The approach is relaxed and informal.

Q. What if I don't like my project?

A. Initially we will discuss the problem with you, and try and resolve it. Failing that we will do our best to organise an alternative acceptable to you, although this may not always be possible. Changes sometimes are subject to additional arrangement fees too as people we use are paid in advance.

Q. Are female volunteers given extra assistance and can friends stay at the same accommodation?

A. Yes, many of our volunteers are lone females. Often over 70%! We do house couples and friends together at the same place too.

Q. How can I communicate with home from abroad?

A. When you arrive we can show you where to get local Sim cards for your mobile phones. Its cheap to text Europe and America using these. Alternatively, we will show you where the nearest internet cafe is so you can send email.

Q. What if I am taken ill?

A. It's not uncommon to have some small stomach problems early on as you adjust to the food. If you are in need of Hospital treatment be sure to carry your travel insurance details with you. We also take copies prior to you going and will assist you whereever we can. If you follow our guidelines in the travel pack you are unlikely to fall seriously ill!

Q. Can I do two different projects?

A. Yes. We can arrange that before you go.

Q. Is it possible to stay longer?

A. Yes. We can normally increase time at a project, and accommodation, with a little notice. You must, however, be aware that a longer stay may necessitate a visa extension. This would be your responsibility.

Q. What's not including in the price?

A. Flights are not included. Your spending money including drinks other than Water. (See prices page) Your travel insurance and visa cost are also not included.

Q. What's the food like?

A. Kenya is a real mixture. In the cities you can get pretty much everything you can in Europe. Most families eat a combination of fish, chicken and beef with mostly beans and rice. Food for vegetarians is often limited. Sri Lanka is mainly curry based food and vegetarian dishes are also very common. Please specify any dietary preferences and we can alert your host family ahead.

Q. How do I get a Visa?

A. You can collect one from your nearest Kenyan Embassy. Several Online companies sell them for a small charge and will send them quickly. You can also buy them on arrival but it does take time and you may be waiting a while in a queue! Sri Lanka only requires you purchase on  stays of over 30 days.

Q. How long do people go for?

A. Most volunteers stay for 1 to 3 months. Our placements are flexible, because, unlike many companies, they normally start to suit you. Many couples go for 2 weeks as that's the only time they get off from work. Some volunteers do 4 weeks then spend an extra week travelling, safari or just hit the beaches to get an all round experience.

Q. What's the accommodation like?

A. In most cases volunteers stay with host families. You get a basic ( by western standards) but comfortable and safe room and many of your daily needs will be attended too. We vet these carefully before deciding to place them and find generally people prefer the benefits of a host family. Sometimes however hotels are needed and the same principles apply. We let you know as much in advance where you will be staying and if there are any changes. Inspire offers superior accommodation in some cases in more western style accommodation with swimming pools and other features.

Q. When is my placement fully confirmed?

A. When its paid! As places are limited its only fair to give them to those serious about going. Payment must be made in full a minimum of 4 months before departure to secure. This is purely because we need enough time to transfer funds and secure your project with the various people overseas who will be involved.

Q. What if I need to cancel before I go, or come home early?

A. It depends how long in advance you wish to cancel. Our Terms and Conditions lists the timescales. If you wish to come home early or have to cancel due to circumstances beyond our control, we will help you prepare, and return you to the airport.  No refund is available to the remaining time. It is sometimes possible to pick up your placement again if you wish to cut short your break.

Please email any questions you may have.