Serve With Purpose. Explore Africa Beautifully.

A dental mission safari combines meaningful volunteer healthcare outreach with cultural experiences and a professionally guided African safari. With Safari N Smiles, volunteers may participate in dental, medical or optometry outreach before experiencing destinations such as Kenya's national parks, wildlife conservancies and cultural attractions.

It is designed for travelers who want more than a traditional vacation — you serve communities first, then experience Africa.

Safari N Smiles welcomes dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, physicians, nurses, optometrists, healthcare students and other qualified professionals. Non-medical volunteers, spouses, friends and family members can also participate.

Clinical duties are assigned according to professional qualifications, while non-clinical volunteers can help with patient flow, education, logistics and other mission-support activities.

No. You do not need to be a dentist, doctor or healthcare professional to join every Safari N Smiles mission safari.

Non-medical volunteers can assist with registration, community engagement, patient coordination, oral-health education, logistics and other non-clinical roles. Licensed healthcare professionals are responsible for clinical treatment within the scope permitted for the destination.

Yes. Dental, dental hygiene, medical and other healthcare students can join selected Safari N Smiles trips and gain exposure to community outreach, international healthcare delivery and cross-cultural service.

What a student may do clinically depends on the destination, supervision available, professional regulations and the student's level of training.

Outreach days are organized with local communities, clinics, schools and partner organizations. Depending on the mission, services may include dental screenings, extractions, cleanings, oral-health education, medical assessments, basic treatment, vision screening and distribution of reading glasses.

Interpreters, local coordination and mission support help volunteers work effectively while respecting the community and local healthcare environment.

Safari N Smiles develops mission and purpose-driven travel opportunities in destinations including Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania and South Africa.

Kenya is one of the organization's primary mission safari destinations, with outreach combined with wildlife experiences such as Amboseli, Tsavo East, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha and other destinations, depending on the itinerary.

Inclusions vary by departure, but Safari N Smiles mission packages commonly combine organized outreach, accommodation, scheduled ground transportation, safari activities, professional coordination and meals specified in the itinerary.

Some Kenya itineraries also include airport transfers, private safari transportation and additional cultural or beach experiences. Always check the individual trip page because each departure has its own exact inclusions.

The cost depends on the country, trip length, accommodation, safari itinerary and optional extensions. Current Safari N Smiles mission safaris commonly start in the range of approximately $3,000–$4,000+ per person.

The individual mission page should always be used for the current price, payment requirements, inclusions and optional upgrades.

International airfare is generally not included unless a specific trip says otherwise. This gives volunteers flexibility to use preferred airlines, reward miles, travel from different cities or extend their trip before or after the mission.

Review the specific departure page before purchasing flights so your arrival and departure schedule matches the mission itinerary.

Entry requirements and health recommendations vary by nationality, destination and date of travel. Volunteers should check the current entry requirements for the country they are visiting and consult an appropriate healthcare professional or travel-health clinic about recommended vaccines and medicines.

Safari N Smiles provides mission-specific preparation information, but government and medical guidance should be checked again before departure because requirements can change.

Safari N Smiles organizes mission travel with planned accommodation, coordinated transportation, local partners and structured outreach schedules. Volunteers travel as part of an organized itinerary rather than arranging each part of the mission independently.

No international trip can be guaranteed risk-free. Travelers should review current government travel advisories, obtain appropriate travel insurance and follow the mission team's destination-specific preparation guidance.

Professional requirements depend on the country, profession and type of care being provided. Dental and medical volunteers may need documentation or local authorization before providing clinical services.

Confirmed professional volunteers should follow the mission-specific documentation process provided for their departure and should not assume that a U.S. or other foreign professional license automatically authorizes clinical work in another country.

Continuing education opportunities are available on select Safari N Smiles trips. CE availability, credit hours, eligibility and documentation vary by departure and should be confirmed before booking if CE is an important reason for joining.

Dental professionals should also confirm that any offered credits satisfy the requirements of their own licensing board.

Yes — the combination of service and safari is central to the Safari N Smiles mission safari experience. After scheduled outreach days, itineraries typically continue with professionally guided wildlife, cultural or leisure experiences.

The exact safari varies by trip and may include destinations such as Amboseli, Tsavo East, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha or other parks and conservancies.

Selected mission safaris offer optional extensions such as Diani Beach, additional safari nights, hot-air-balloon experiences and other destination add-ons. Some itineraries can also be extended into Tanzania or other East African destinations.

Availability and pricing depend on the specific departure, so extensions are best requested when reserving your mission trip.

Yes. Spouses, friends, family members and non-medical travelers are welcome on many Safari N Smiles departures.

They can participate in suitable non-clinical mission activities and join the group for the cultural and safari portions of the journey.

Start by choosing the mission safari that best matches your dates, destination and professional background. The individual trip page will show the itinerary, current pricing, inclusions and reservation options.

Some departures allow you to secure your place with a deposit rather than paying the entire trip cost at once. Follow the payment terms shown for the specific mission you select.

Booking early is recommended because mission teams have fixed travel dates and accommodation, room configurations, safari extensions and professional documentation may require advance planning.

Earlier registration is especially helpful if you need a single room, CE participation, additional safari nights, a beach extension or time to coordinate international flights.

Safari N Smiles works with local communities and partners to combine direct care with oral-health education, vision support, community engagement and continued relationships.

Since 2021, Safari N Smiles reports that more than 3,000 patients and community members have been impacted through programs across Africa.

Yes. Travelers who want the safari experience without participating in the healthcare outreach can book a private, group or custom African safari through Safari N Smiles' trusted reservation partner, Nesh Tours & Safaris.