Ready to Combine a Dental Mission With a Safari?
Talk to your Mission and safari planner about building a trip around your schedule and goals.
+1 (800) 505-0874 · info@safarinsmiles.org · Washington DC
Practical guides for combining a dental mission trip with an African safari from planning your first volunteer trip to Kenya, to packing lists, budgeting, and the best time of year to see the Big Five. Every trip we plan helps fund dental outreach across East Africa.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.”
Why this trip
Most Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages cover the same national parks. What sets this itinerary apart — as highlighted across Safari N Smiles Blogs — is what happens between the game drives and the fact that every booking helps fund Safari N Smiles’ dental mission work across East Africa.
Bringing Healthy Smiles to Africa Through Purposeful Dental Outreach
Top 10 Reasons Every Dentist Should Visit Africa at Least Once in Their Career
Why Every Dental Professional Should Do a Kenya Dental Mission Trip in 2026
Why Safari N Smiles Does What It Does
How to Manage Dental Volunteering and an African Safari
Ultimate Family Dental Safari: Dental CE, Culture & Wildlife Conservation
10 Guides
Practical planning advice for the safari half of your trip timing, budgeting, packing, and choosing where to go.
Top Safari Destinations in Africa 2025/2026
How Many Days Should You Spend on an African Safari?
Factors Influencing the Cost of an African Safari
Find the Best Time for Your African Safari: Maximize Wildlife Sightings & Minimize Crowds
Essential African Safari Gear: What to Pack for a Perfect Adventure
Top Destinations for the Perfect African Vacation: Best Safari, Beaches, and Culture
Private Safaris vs. Group Safaris: Which Is Right for You?
Discovering the Maasai Mara: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
Big Five Explained: What They Are & Where to Find Them
EXCELLENT
Based on 71 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Ian Murithi1 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very professional and organisedPosted on Google![]()
emmanuel riri30 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was honored to volunteer at the Safari N Smiles Kenya Medical Mission Camp in Kiereni and Ikuu. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience to give back to the community and witness the positive impact the team had on so many lives. The Safari N Smiles team did an exceptional job organizing the mission from start to finish. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving the community were truly inspiring. Kudos to the entire team for a job well done! If you're looking for an unforgettable African safari experience with a company that is passionate about both conservation and giving back to local communities, I highly recommend Safari N Smiles. 10/10 experience!Posted on Google![]()
Arenda McDowell7 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our recent trip to Kenya with Safari N Smiles was truly the experience of a lifetime. From the moment we arrived, every detail was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty, culture, and wildlife that Kenya has to offer. The safari experiences exceeded every expectation. Seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and countless other animals in their natural habitat was unforgettable. The guides were knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about conservation, making every game drive both exciting and educational. What made this trip even more special was the opportunity to connect with the Kenyan people. Their kindness, warmth, and hospitality left a lasting impression on us. We were welcomed with genuine smiles and open hearts everywhere we went. The cultural experiences provided a deeper appreciation for the country, its traditions, and its incredible communities. Kenya itself is breathtakingly beautiful. From the vast savannas and stunning sunsets to the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, every day felt like a dream. Beyond the scenery, the relationships formed during the trip made it even more meaningful. A group of strangers came together and quickly became a little family, sharing unforgettable moments and creating memories that will last forever. Safari N Smiles did an outstanding job creating an experience that was both adventurous and impactful. Their dedication to providing authentic experiences while supporting local communities was evident throughout the journey. We returned home with amazing memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for Kenya and its people. If you’re considering a safari or volunteer experience in Kenya, I cannot recommend Safari N Smiles enough. This trip changed us in ways we never expected, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity.Posted on Google![]()
Sonya Maria Douglas29 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My mother has wanted to take me to visit her friends and experience the magic of Kenya for many years. When I came across Safari N’ Smiles on a dental social media page, I was so intrigued. After speaking with Morris to answer any questions I had, I sent the itinerary to my mother, who said it was an incredible itinerary, and very reasonably priced. The idea that we could combine dental mission work with such a fantastic group itinerary was extremely attractive. It was my first mission trip as a clinician and it was so meaningful. Even my mother, who is not a healthcare worker, was able to volunteer! Providing extractions in the field to patients in-need was tremendous, and traveling with purpose has been extremely meaningful. Aside from our dental (and optometry) mission work, seeing much of what Kenya has to offer was the trip of a lifetime. Each day was carefully curated with excursions and well-organized transportation. To know that there was always someone to talk to and answer questions was such a huge bonus for me, not having travelled to Kenya before, and even though my mother had been several times, it was her first time in such a group, and it was so much fun. The friendships made over these two weeks will stay with me always! From mission days to Safari days, hot air ballooning, game drives, or exploring the beach, seeing Kilimanjaro at sunrise, it was a trip to remember, and I would recommend Safari N’ Smiles to anyone looking to travel with purpose!Posted on Google![]()
Chris Main27 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The trip was amazing! We were able to help so many people, way more than I thought possible in a short time. They were so appreciative and welcoming. The staff of the tour went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The safari portion was more than I could have hoped for. The Maasai village, elephants, hot air balloon and all. It was a once in a lifetime trip that I can’t wait to do again.Posted on Google![]()
tracy andiwa27 May 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Safari N Smiles gave me more than a trip. It gave me purpose and unforgettable memories. Serving during the mission and seeing lives changed truly changed my life too. Then experiencing the beauty of Kenya through the safari made the journey even more special. A perfect blend of impact, adventure, and memories that will stay with me forever. Highly recommendPosted on Google![]()
Denise Maultsby-Brown5 February 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is truly a 5 star organization. Very professional. A once in a lifetime experience for me from start to finish.Posted on Google![]()
Zahra Souri23 January 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I definitely enjoyed a well-organized, rewarding, and relaxing trip with them! Everyone was very professional yet warm, kind, and genuinely caring. Food and hotels/lodges were amazing! The crew went above and beyond to make sure we see the wonders of nature and to make us feel comfortable and safe. The CE that was provided was to the point and important to learn. Got a chance to see rural Kenya and to engage with and serve the local population which was a true blessing. I left a piece of my heart in Kenya and I really miss my Safari N Smiles peeps! Can't wait to travel with them again!Posted on Google![]()
Danny Cuadra22 January 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Smiles and Safari was a really fun, well-organized experience that offered a unique way to travel through Kenya while combining dentistry, continuing education, and adventure. The dental portion focused mainly on education and cleanings, which made the clinical work approachable and low-pressure. While the impact was modest, it was still rewarding to interact with patients, share oral health education, and collaborate with fellow dental professionals in a new setting. The CE component was short, straightforward, and easy to complete—perfect if you’re looking to earn credits without an overwhelming academic load while traveling. It felt intentionally designed to complement the trip rather than dominate it. A huge highlight of the experience was everything outside the clinic. We did a ton of sightseeing, explored incredible parts of Kenya, and had unforgettable safari experiences. Just as meaningful were the friendships formed along the way—traveling with a great group of like-minded people made the entire trip even more special. Overall, Smiles and Safari is an excellent option if you’re looking for a dental-themed travel experience with light clinical involvement, easy CE, and a strong focus on cultural immersion, adventure, and connection. I came home with amazing memories, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for travel and dentistry abroad.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Questions
A dental mission safari combines short-term volunteer dental work treating patients in underserved communities with a traditional African safari, so travelers can give back and see wildlife on the same trip.
No. While licensed dentists and hygienists lead clinical work, dental students, dental assistants, and non-dental family members can join to support outreach days and take part in the safari portion.
Some dental mission and safari trips offer continuing education (CE) credit for licensed dentists check the specific trip listing, such as the Kenya dental mission guide above, for CE eligibility.
The dry seasons (roughly June–October and January–February in East Africa) are generally best for wildlife viewing and easier travel between clinic sites and safari parks.
Cost varies by destination, trip length, and accommodation level. Factors include international airfare, in-country transport, lodging, and whether dental supplies or CE credit are included. See our safari cost guide above for a full breakdown.
Talk to your Mission and safari planner about building a trip around your schedule and goals.
+1 (800) 505-0874 · info@safarinsmiles.org · Washington DC