Experience Kenya Founders & Friends Trips 2018
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J a mbo...................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Ke nya itine rar y........................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Tri p c osts................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 B o g a ni Cottag es ...................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 B o g a ni Te nted Camp ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 C ustomiz e yo ur trip : Safari ex ten si o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 C ustomiz e yo ur trip : Toriana ex ten si o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 S p e c ia l of f er: Safari & s and... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 S i gna tur e ser v ice.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 H ea lth a nd safet y.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 FAQ ............. .............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Testimonia l s............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1 J o in us........ ............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7
Table of contents
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Trip dates: July 2 - 8
|
July 13 – 19
Jambo! Dear friends,
I am honoured to warmly invite you to join us on a Founders and Friends Trip to Kenya—a meaningful journey you will never forget. Experience daily life and culture in the Maasai Mara, immersing yourself in the beauty of Kenya as you get to know our founders or executive team and are welcomed into a local community. Build a legacy alongside loved ones and fellow travellers—connecting with the community as you volunteer together on a sustainable development project. In the following pages, read more about this adventure to Kenya and all the experience has to offer for yourself and your family. This year’s trip will be hosted by co-founder Craig Kielburger. This is your time to change the world, Roxanne Joyal CEO, ME to WE
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
Day 1:
D AY 2 :
July 2 | July 13
July 3 | July 14
Evening arrival in Nairobi
Full breakfast at Hemingways
Collect your luggage and proceed through customs,
Enjoy your breakfast in the hotel’s old front garden or
where you will be welcomed by your in-country
in the comfort of your room.
facilitator in the arrivals hall. Enjoy a comfortable ride to your boutique hotel.
Fly from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara From Wilson Airport in Nairobi, take a short flight
Check in at Hemingways
that will descend into the Great Rift Valley. As you
Located at the foot of the Ngong Hills, in the historic
fly over the Maasai Mara, watch for circular shapes
suburb of Karen, Hemingways is a beautiful boutique
that characterize Maasai bomas, and look for herds
hotel. Enjoy spacious and uniquely decorated rooms—
of local wildlife and cattle.
the perfect way to begin your Founders and Friends trip in Kenya!
Arrive at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp Settle into your new lodgings at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp. The bespoke cottages and tents are a serene place to relax and reflect after an invigorating day of volunteering. Each accommodation is complete with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and comfortable beds, and is furnished with unique African fabrics and art.
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
Introduction and orientation Walk Bogani’s winding paths under yellow acacia groves, and get acquainted with the camp, learning some Swahili along the way. Enjoy lunch on the veranda overlooking the savannah.
Learn about the WE Villages model Learn
about
the
WE
Villages
international
development model, which works with rural villages and regional governments to support, teach and empower people within five Pillars of Impact: ►► Education ►► Water ►► Health ►► Food ►► Opportunity
Visit Enelerai Primary School Experience a guided walking tour of the of a WE Villages primary school in Enelerai, and see the difference between an old school structure, and a new working school.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific trip inclusions/exclusions are listed after the itinerary with costing. Accommodation in Nairobi may change subject to availability.
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
Day 3: July 4 | July 15 Community water walk
Visit Baraka Hospital and Medicinal Garden Visit one of WE Village’s newest projects, the Baraka Hospital, which serves over 30,000 community members, promoting healthy living and providing
Join the mamas at Emori Joi for a special walk
preventative, curative and rehabilitative services to the
through the community. Learn more about how the
most vulnerable segments of the Kenyan population
Kipsigis organize their homes and lives. Fetch water
with our newly opened surgical wing. These services
with the mamas, a task the women perform daily.
enable individuals and communities to enhance their
Lunch with the mamas Share a meal and participate in a discussion with the mamas about changes taking place regarding gender and culture in the community.
School-building Roll up your sleeves and grab some tools to work alongside Maasai and Kipsigis community members as you help to build a new school.
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health. Next, learn about the medicinal plants grown in the shamba (garden), including moringa, aloe vera, thyme, spider plant and many more. This shamba supplements the lunch program in WE Villages schools, as well as helps to decrease malnutrition in the communities by providing supplements to both pregnant mothers and their children.
T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
Day 4:
Day 5:
July 5 | | July 16
July 6 | | July 17
Beading at the Women’s Empowerment Center
Mulot Market
Spend the afternoon beading with the mamas at
the economic environment in which the community
the Women’s Empowerment Center. Learn more
members live.
Visit an authentic Kenyan market and learn about
about the artisans and how their work ties into the Opportunity Pillar of the We Villages model.
School-building Roll up your sleeves and grab some tools to work
Visit to Kisaruni Girls Secondary School: Oleleshwa Campus
alongside Maasai and Kipsigis community members as you help to build a new school.
Meet students and learn about their experiences at which provides school meals at the secondary school
Visit to Kisaruni Girls Secondary School: Milimani Campus
and community primary schools.
Go on a guided tour of the first WE Villages secondary
school. Take a tour of the nearby Oleleshwa farm,
school in Kenya. Kisaruni focuses on community, and
School-building
provides empowering curriculum that gives girls the
Try your hand at new roles on the school-building site.
skills and opportunities to excel. Kisaruni serves to build on cultural values, promote leadership, value diversity and encourage active learning.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific trip inclusions/exclusions are listed after the itinerary with costing. Accommodation in Nairobi may change subject to availability.
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
Day 6: July 7 | | July 18 Meet the wood carvers Of Emori Joi Visit Set Kabor Men’s Group in Emori Joi to learn about one of the largest local businesses: rungu-
Medicine walk and Maasai Warrior training Enjoy a leisurely hike as you learn about medicinal herbs from a local Maasai warrior. You will also have the chance to train in the art of Maasai weaponry as you enjoy a cup of chai or a glass of wine on the hillside.
making. Try your hand at carving the cultural elder
Say Kwaheri to the community
sticks and weapons side by side with the men’s group
Wish your new friends in the community farewell
members as we learn the processes of their business
and debrief on your Immersive Volunteer Trip and
production from the ground up.
community experience with your facilitators.
School-building
Enjoy Nyama Choma dinner
Spend your morning finishing up your volunteer
Relax and enjoy a traditional Nyama Choma dinner—
project and say goodbye to the new friends that
Kenya’s barbecue.
you’ve made.
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
Day 7: July 8 | | July 19 Depart Bogani for Wilson Airport Fly back to Nairobi over the Maasai Mara, landing at Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Visit the elephant orphanage
Day room and dinner at Hemingways Hemingways Brasserie serves European classics with a twist. Enjoy sizzling steaks in the Josper oven—the only one of its kind in Kenya. Other favourites include steak tartar, bouillabaisse and omelette a choix.
Drive to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home Kwaherinina safari jemma!
The David Sheldrick Elephant orphanage offers a safe haven for baby elephants that have lost their
Or
mothers. Get an up-close look at the babies on a private visit and learn from their keepers how, with
Begin your customized extension
love and care, these elephants are able to return to Kenya’s National Parks when they are ready.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific trip inclusions/exclusions are listed after the itinerary with costing. Accommodation in Nairobi may change subject to availability.
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
Trip costs $4,850 USD PP
Bogani Tented Camp: based on double occupancy
$500 USD PP
Single supplement
$600* USD PP
To upgrade to Bogani Cottages: minimum of 3 guests
$400 USD PP
Reduction for youth 16 & under
Inclusions ► ► ME to WE professional facilitator ► ► Ground transportation throughout the duration of the trip ► ► Hotel accommodation in Nairobi (one night) ► ► Entrance fees to sights in Nairobi ► ► Meals as indicated in Nairobi ► ► Return airfare from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara ►► Accommodation at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp (five nights) ► ► All meals and drinks at Bogani, including purified water, sodas, beer and wine ► ► All activities as outlined in the itinerary ► ► Access to a day room on the final day of the trip ► ► Dinner and welcome drink at Hemingways Brasserie on final night of trip ► ► Flying doctors insurance (evacuation in-country)
Exclusions ► ► International airfare to and from Nairobi ► ► Kenya entry visa: This must be obtained prior to travel at a cost of $50 USD per person (cost subject to change) ► ► Evening snack in Nairobi upon arrival ► ► Additional alcoholic beverages at Hemingways Brasserie on final night of trip ►► Travel insurance: out-of-country medical, trip cancellation & interruption insurance ► ► Gratuities are not expected but appreciated, and are shared among all staff. We humbly suggest $5-10 per adult per day *Please note that arrival and departure transfers are included in your trip cost. Pick-up time at the airport begins at 2:30 p.m. on your arrival day, to accommodate check-in at the hotel, which begins at 3:00 p.m. Should you decide to extend your stay by arriving earlier or departing later than the scheduled times of your ME to WE Immersive Volunteer Trip, airport pick-up and drop-offs can be arranged at an additional cost.
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
A property designed with authentic African dĂŠcor set in the heart of the Maasai Mara, Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp offers relaxing spaces to recharge and refresh after a day of volunteering.
Bogani Cottages
360 Bogani Tour
After a full day of volunteering, escape to your home away from home. Cottages offer a variety of Mara-inspired spaces, including fireplaces, bedrooms, and gathering spaces for you and your family to recharge and refresh. 11
T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
► ► All accommodations offer modern conveniences including hot water, power and en suite washrooms. ► ► Enjoy family style meals prepared fresh daily by expert chefs on our al fresco dining platform. ► ► We have a 15-year record of travel safety for our guests.
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
Bogani Tented Camp 360 Bogani Tour
Traditional safari tents offer a truly authentic experience, tempered with modern conveniences including hot water, electricity and en suite washrooms. Enjoy authentic African decor, stone flooring and fully screened and paneled windows and doors. 13
T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
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Customize your trip: Safari extension
Safari extension
Fa i r m o n t M a ra S a f a r i C l u b The well-appointed resort is situated by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The exclusive tented safari camp features a veranda overlooking the hippo-filled river. Each tent is furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom and comfortable
Tr a n s f e r t o / f r o m safari property ►► Three nights full board accommodation ►► Twice daily game drives (six game drives) ►► All meals ►► Conservation fees
Optional upgrades ►► ►► ►► ►► ►►
Exclusive use of vehicle Scenic flights Hot air balloon safari Lengthen or shorten stay Private guide
If you’d like to extend/shorten your stay, please ask for more details.
pillow-topped beds. Includes transfer from Bogani. Excludes all beverages.
w w w. f a i r m o n t . c o m
R i c h a r d ’s R i ve r C a m p Designed with privacy, exclusivity and adventure in mind, Richard’s River Camp is located on the banks of the Njageteck River and surrounded by 70 acres of private land in the Olare Orok Conservancy. The camp allows for total privacy and exclusivity with only seven tents. The Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around camp. Includes alcoholic beverages, guided bush walks and cultural visits, sundowners, laundry services and transfer from Bogani. Excludes champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines.
w w w. r i c h a r d s c a m p . c o m
Mahali Mzuri Newly opened, this highly exclusive safari camp is owned by Sir Richard Branson. The camp is located in the Motorogi Conservancy, just north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and is committed to respecting the local community and environment with the key priority of leaving as minimal a footprint as possible on the land. Includes alcoholic beverages, guided bush walks and local market visits and laundry services. Excludes champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines.
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w w w. m a h a l i m z u r i . c o m
Customize your trip: Safari extension
From
$1,895 USD PP
Based on double occupancy
From
$3,295 USD PP
Based on double occupancy
From
$3,795 USD PP
Based on double occupancy
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Customize your trip: Toriana extension
Toriana extension Inclusions ► ► Accommodation at Toriana Beach House (three nights) ► ► Domestic airfare (Mara to the Coast & back to Nairobi) ► ► All activities as identified in the itinerary ► ► All meals Exclusions ►► Optional activities while at Toriana ►► Beverages at Toriana ►► Gratuities are not expected but appreciated, and are shared among all staff. We humbly suggest $5-10 per adult per day If you’d like to extend/shorten your stay, please ask for more details.
Day 1: Depart for Kilifi from the Maasai Mara Fly from an airstrip near Bogani and make your way to the beautiful Kenyan coast.
C h e c k - i n t o To r i a n a Graceful arches and authentic detailing welcome you home to Toriana after a short drive from the Vipingo Airstrip. Discover Swahili culture and history from the comfort of our coastal beach house. Situated on four waterfront acres near Kilifi, we encourage you to enjoy fresh meals served on the vast terraces, inspiring Swahili and Moroccan architecture, and the white sand and blue waters of Bofa Beach footsteps away.
Sunset stroll Walk along the beach to take in the breeze and experience a sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Beach-side welcome Warm yourself by our beachside firepit under the stars as you enjoy a complimentary drink.
Day 2: Recharge or discovery day Continue to relax by the pool, explore the coastline and indulge in the serenity of Toriana. Or, if you are craving some more action, take a look at some of our optional activities and discover all that coastal Kenya has to offer, from scuba diving to golfing nearby.
Relax and recharge
Day 3:
As the local people say, “There’s no rush while you’re in paradise.” Reward yourself after a week of volunteering and spend the afternoon unwinding on a breezy lanai terrace or exploring the beach.
Yo g a b e a t s Take some time to treat your body and mind with a private yoga class. Whether it’s early morning by the beach or on the rooftop patio at sun set, our instructor will lead you through a fun and casual session to invigorate your body! From beginner to advanced, all levels are welcome.
Dhow boat excursion The best way to experience Kenya’s beautiful coast is from the deck of a dhow boat. These traditional sailing vessels have been used for hundreds of years to transport goods up and down the coast, and on your excursion they will grant you access to a unique view of the coast and the beautiful wildlife that surrounds you.
Fa r e w e l l d i n n e r Spend your last night of the trip watching the sun set over the ocean.
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Customize your trip: Toriana extension
From
$1,495 USD PP
Based on double occupancy
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C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p : To r i a n a o p t i o n a l e x t e n s i o n
Toriana optional extension Sink into coastal culture Experience coastal Kenya’s rich history of diverse peoples, languages and customs. We welcome you to add any of these optional activities to personalize your stay at Toriana: Explore Gedi ruins
S n o r k e l i n Wa t a m u M a r i n e R e s e r v e
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore
A favourite destination of Ernest Hemingway,
the partially excavated ruins of once-vibrant Gedi, a
discover this special reserve and its ecosystem in a
vast trading city abandoned more than 200 years ago.
glass-bottom boat.
Dive the reef
Golf at Vipingo Ridge
Explore the Indian Ocean’s underwater landscape—
Experience the acclaimed Baobab Golf Course, a
our water sports diving experts can create the
short drive from Toriana. Sweeping views to the
perfect experience, from earning your certification to
Indian Ocean in the east and the sunsets in the west
advanced diving adventures.
make this a stunning experience.
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C u s t o m i z e y o u r t r i p : To r i a n a o p t i o n a l e x t e n s i o n
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Special offer: Safari & sand package
Two nights Fairmont Mara Safari Club & three nights Toriana Beach House Special offer Inclusions ► ► Full board accommodation at Fairmont Mara Safari Club (two nights) ► ► Twice daily game drives (four game drives) ► ► All meals ► ► Conservation fees ► ► Full board accommodation at Toriana Beach House (three nights) ► ► Domestic airfare (Mara to the Coast & back to Nairobi) ► ► All activities as outlined in itinerary Exclusions ► ► Exclusive use of vehicle, scenic flights, hot air balloon safari ► ► Private guide ► ► Optional activities while at Toriana ► ► Beverages at Toriana ► ► Gratuities are not expected but appreciated
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Day 1: D e p a r t B o g a n i f o r t h e Fa i r m o n t M a r a S a f a r i C l u b Relax as we transfer you to the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, an exclusive tented safari camp. Surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and on the edge of the world’s Seventh “New” Wonder of the World—the Maasai Mara— Fairmont Mara Safari Club is the epitome of tented luxury. With four poster, pillow-topped beds and a veranda overlooking the hippo and crocodile-filled river, each tent at Fairmont Mara Safari Club is superbly furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom. The location provides a perfect base for visiting the Maasai Mara, one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, and home to an astounding array of animals including zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, gazelles and of course the “Big Five.”
Embark on a sunset safari Hop onboard your four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser and embark on an evening game drive guided by your experienced driver naturalists. Drive through the Mara in search for giraffes, lions, elephants, hippos and buffalos!
Day 2: Fa i r m o n t M a r a S a f a r i C l u b Your day is designed to be as exciting or relaxing as you wish. Set out again to explore the Mara Plains, viewing the natural habitat of various species on morning and evening game drives or simply soak up the amenities offered at Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
Special offer: Safari & sand package
From
$2,395 USD PP
Based on double occupancy
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Special offer: Safari & sand package
Day 3: Depart for Kilifi from the Maasai Mara Fly from an airstrip near Bogani and make your way to the beautiful Kenyan coast.
Check-in to Toriana Graceful arches and authentic detailing welcome you home to Toriana after a short drive from the Vipingo Airstrip. Discover Swahili culture and history from the comfort of our coastal beach house. Sited on four waterfront acres near Kilifi, we encourage you to enjoy fresh meals served on the vast terraces, inspiring Swahili and Moroccan architecture, and the white sand and blue waters of Bofa Beach footsteps away.
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Sunset stroll Walk along the beach to take in the breeze and experience a sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Beach-side welcome Warm yourself by our beachside firepit under the stars as you enjoy a complimentary drink.
Day 4: Recharge or discovery day Continue to relax by the pool, explore the coastline and indulge in the serenity of Toriana. Or, if you are craving some more action, take a look at some of our optional activities and discover all that coastal Kenya has to offer, from scuba diving to golfing nearby.
Special offer: Safari & sand package
Relax and recharge As the local people say, “There’s no rush while you’re in paradise.” Reward yourself after a week of volunteering and spend the afternoon unwinding on a breezy lanai terrace or exploring the beach.
Day 6: Yoga beats Take some time to treat your body and mind with a private yoga class. Whether it’s early morning by the beach or on the rooftop patio at sun set, our instructor will lead you through a fun and casual session to invigorate your body! From beginner to advanced, all levels are welcome.
Dhow boat excursion The best way to experience Kenya’s beautiful coast is from the deck of a dhow boat. These traditional sailing vessels have been used for hundreds of years to transport goods up and down the coast, and on your excursion they will grant you access to a unique view of the coast and the beautiful wildlife that surrounds you.
Farewell dinner Spend your last night of the trip watching the sun set over the ocean.
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
Our signature service
Whether you’re preparing for your trip or experiencing the real deal on the ground, we take care of all the details! Leave the planning to us—including flight arrangements, packing lists and information about vaccines and visas. While in country, we encourage you to focus on what’s really important: being in the moment. That’s why we ensure every detail is accounted for— from world-class accommodations and meals, to in-country transportation and excursions with your local guide.
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
Don’t worry about the details, our team is on call to provide: International and domestic flights on world-class airlines
Immunization information
Our ME to WE Travel Team members are experts at
priority. We always recommend visiting a travel
buying the best flights and finding you the top sales
doctor a minimum of six weeks before your departure
on international airfare. Whether you want to fly first
date. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, we are
class, or snag the most cost-effective deal, our team
happy to recommend a travel doctor that is familiar
can book your travel from door-to-door.
with ME to WE Trips.
Tr a v e l i n s u r a n c e Whether it is medical, cancellation or lost baggage
On-ground transportation and local guide
(or any combination of the above), we are able to
Once you arrive in Kenya, we take care of all your
create and purchase the plan that will give you and
transportation, so you can sit back and enjoy the vast
your family peace of mind.
rolling plains of the Mara unfolding in front of you.
At ME to WE, our participants’ health is our top
Your experienced local guide will welcome you into Passport and visa information
the communities and be an invaluable resource for
If you are unsure about what is needed to enter
in-depth information about the places and people
Kenya, we will walk you through any and all special
you visit.
requirements and make sure you have everything you need to begin your journey worry-free!
Tr a v e l r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s From the Mara, you are at the perfect gateway to explore either safari or sand options—both of which we are more than happy to arrange for you. Whatever you choose, we are more than happy to arrange the next leg of your journey!
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
Health and safety Your safety is our top priority! We take care of all the details to ensure you stay safe and healthy throughout your trip including: ► ► Flight, luggage and medical insurance ► ► Airport arrival assistance
“
► ► 24-hour security staff ► ► Filtered water available at all times
“
The water we will drink is f iltered. The food is prepared by their own kitchen,
their own chef. We have these wonderful facilitators around us that are fountains of knowledge, but they also make sure that everything is seamless. D on n a M ac Far l i n e M E t o W E I m m e r s i ve Vol u n t e e r Tr i p , 2 0 1 3
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
Frequently asked questions Q : W h a t i s t h e w e a t h e r l i k e i n K e n y a i n J u ly ? A: Because Kenya has a tropical climate, you can expect hot temperatures all year round. In July, temperatures tend to hover around 29 °C (83 °F) during the day and lowers to about 16 °C (61 °F) at night. Q: What should I wear while in the Maasai Mara? A: Dress will be casual for the majority of the time. There will be laundry service available during your trip, so there is no need to bring along more than the necessities. Kenyan nights can be cool (in the mid-50s °F / 10 °C), so bring a lightweight jacket and heavy wool sweater with you. We have found that 100% cotton clothes are the coolest and most comfortable. Q: Is this a good time of year to visit? A: Absolutely. Around this time you will have the unique opportunity to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, which happens annually in the Mara. This time of year is also quite temperate, so it will be unlikely that you will be building a school in the rain! Q: What time zone is Kenya in? A: Kenya is on EAT (East African Time), and is 7 or 8 hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time). Q: Can I bring a laptop, iPod, expensive camera etc.? A: We suggest travelling as lightly as possible to minimize the risk of damage to or loss of your possessions. For essential items, Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp provides a small safe in every tent and cottage. Q : A r e t o i l e t r i e s p r o v i d e d a t B o g a n i C o t t a g e s a n d Te n t e d C a m p ? A: Yes, shampoo, conditioner and soap will be provided. Q: Is there filtered water? A: We provide filtered water for our guests to drink. We bring jugs full of clean drinking water to our camps and then recycle them after each trip. We recommend bringing along a good water bottle that you can fill up as you head from our camp for your day trips to the community.
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
Q: Will I have access to phone and internet while in Kenya? A: Both phone and email communication is easily accessible in Nairobi. Cell phone service is intermittently available while you are staying at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp. If you would like to have access to the Internet while staying in the Maasai Mara, we suggest getting in touch with your network provider to purchase a data plan. Q : H o w i s t h e f o o d a n d w a t e r a t B o g a n i C o t t a g e s a n d Te n t e d C a m p ? A: Filtered water is always available. Food is prepared fresh daily by our chefs and adheres to the highest safety standards. We are able to accommodate all dietary requirements at Bogani, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies. Q: Will there be electricity while at Bogani and what is the voltage? A: Power at Bogani is generally available throughout the day from the local grid. At times, we rely on backup generator which would run between 6-11 p.m. only. During this time, you can charge your camera batteries and iPods. The voltage in Kenya is 240 V, and the electrical plugs are British-style with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade. Please make sure to bring a converter with you. We also provide a hair dryer (compatible with 240V) in each cottage and tent for your convenience. Q: Is there a minimum age for the trip par ticipants going to Kenya? A: No. We welcome guests of all ages! Whether young or old Âthere is something for everyone. Parents of a young one? You’re in luck. Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp happily offers daycare service for your little one upon request. Q: Can I bring gifts for the kids? A: We ask that you do not, as we work in solidarity with our partner communities. Put simply, your gift is your presence. We ask that our trip participants do not bring candy, toys or presents for community members, as we would like to promote fairness for all children. A portion of your trip cost goes to in-country communities to help support their basic needs.
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
2 0 16 Fou nders and Frie n d s Tr i p p a r t ic i p a n t s M ar ti n and Trey work i n g h a rd o n t h e b uild s i t e
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
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Martin’s story
Trey and I can’t thank you enough for our life-changing experience in Kenya. We were particularly moved to see the
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incredible impact that the Universal McCann family have been able to create in partnership with WE Charity in Mwangaza. Truly transformative. And we were blown away by all of the ME to WE staff, who not only took amazing care of us before and during the trip but were also so knowledgeable, engaged and just a lot of fun. We send our many thanks!
M ar t i n B r yan St ra t e gy Pa r t n e r, Un i ve r s a l M c C a n n Fo u n d e rs an d Fri e n d s Tri p 2 016
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
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Petra’s story
A soulful “Jambo!” with smiles as bright as the African sun warmed our hearts from the day we arrived on our trip to Kenya. What was truly impactful was seeing the five pillars of holistic development and living it. For miles, we carried 20-litre water canisters on our back alongside mamas, and beaded with them under majestic acacia trees. We picked vegetables from farms,
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we witnessed hope in the eyes of a toddler who had received essential medical treatment, and we were brought to tears by high school girls who advocated so passionately for their education. On this trip, my son Gabriel and I learned life lessons no textbook or website could ever teach—it was a priceless opportunity that sparked our passion to say ‘how do we do more when we get home?’
Pe t ra Kure t
Foun d e rs a n d Frie n d s Trip 201 4
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
2 0 1 4 Fou n d e r s a n d Fr i e n d s Tr i p p a r t i c ipant Pe t ra Ku r e t w i t h h e r son G a briel .
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Founders and Friends Trip: Kenya itinerar y
M E to WE am bassad o r a n d awa r d - wi n n i n g p o p ar tist Dem i Lovat o sp e n d s t i me c o n n e c t i n g w ith local st u dent s o n a t r i p t o Ke n ya .
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T r i p d a t e s : July 2 - 8 | July 13 – 19
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Demi’s story
I wanted a memorable and meaningful way to celebrate, rather than throw a big birthday bash. I knew travelling and volunteering with ME to WE would give me the opportunity to
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have a life-changing experience that my family, friends and I would never forget. There’s been so many amazing things that have happened on this trip. When I go home I don’t know how I’m going to describe this to anybody—there’s something about just being here that I can’t describe. It was an incredible experience and I really feel like this has had a huge impact on my life.
D e m i Lova t o Fou n d e r s an d Fr i e n d s Tr i p 2 0 1 4
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Join us!
R O X A N N E J O YA L CEO, ME to WE
1 . 8 7 7. 6 3 8 . 6 9 3 1
specialexperience@we.org
KENYA Photographs courtesy of Scott Ramsay and V. Tony Hauser
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TICO # 50017614