ADVENTURE AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE KENYA
NAIROBI, LAKE NAKURU, LAKE NAIVASHA AND MASAI MARA, KENYA
This adventure is based in Kenya a country that is widely considered Africa’s finest safari destination. The expedition not only offers varied safaris with incredible wildlife viewing but also the opportunity to experience the fascinating cultures of the Masai and Sumburu people. There are also two days of community vounteering where help is needed in local orphanages, adult literacy groups and sports development initiatives. Travel along the edge of the beautiful Rift Valley and camp out in the National Parks under the beatuiful night sky - an experience you will never forget!
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Location: |
NAIROBI, LAKE NAKURU, LAKE NAIVASHA AND MASAI MARA, KENYA |
Dates: |
1-13 February, 3-15 May, 7-19 June, 5-17 July, 2-14 August, 6-18 September, 1-13 November 2009 |
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Fees: |
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Payment: |
£180 deposit at time of booking – balance of project fee due 8 weeks before departure |
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Reference: |
AA018 |
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General Information
Kenya is revered by many as the true “cradle of humanity”, this trip will give you the opportunity to explore what may well have been the birth place of man. Kenya has enough of wild Africa left to give you a real feel for the heartbeat of this majestic continent. Embark on your safari (literally meaning “journey” in Swahili) and experience the majestic plains of the Masai Mara, home to the great annual migration.
Itinerary summary
Day
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Travel
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Activities
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Accommodation
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Meals
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| 1 |
Arrive in Nairobi and travel to Limuru |
Limuru |
Volunteer base |
D |
| 2 |
Travel through the Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park |
Sight flamingoes at soda lakes and tree climbing lions! |
Tented camping |
B,L,D |
| 3 - 4 |
Travel to Lake Naivasha |
Enjoy amazing wildlife sightings |
Tented camping |
B,L,D |
| 5 - 7 |
Travel by road to Masai Mara |
Masai Mara game viewing safari |
Tented camping |
B,L,D |
| 8 |
Travel to Limuru |
Relax back in Limuru |
Tented camping |
B,L,D |
| 9 - 10 |
Limuru/Nairobi area |
Community Volunteering |
Volunteer base |
B,L,D |
| 11 |
Depart Nairobi |
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B |
Community Work Activities
• Orphan care work
• Community skills development
• Local community sports development
• Home based care projects
• Adult literacy
Your specific community project activities will be outlined by your project manager on arrival. This is partly dependent on the status and needs of the projects at the time of your trip.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrival in Nairobi. As your flight comes in to land, you will be passing over the Nairobi National Park, literally a stone’s throw from the capital city of Nairobi. At the right time of day, you can even spot game crossing the plains below. Upon landing, you will be met by our local representatives and taken to Brackenhurst International Conference Centre, set in the picturesque tea plantations 40km north of Nairobi. After freshening up from your flight, the project coordinators will give a thorough orientation, to help make the most of the trip.
DAY 2: Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park
You will journey to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, where stunning views will accompany our journey to one of the valley's most famous destinations – Lake Nakuru National Park. We will set up camp in comfortable domed tents at the Makalia Falls Campsite in the heart of the National Park. The afternoon will be spent on a game drive in overland vehicles to savour the fantastic wildlife on the lake's shores. The park is famous for its clouds of flamingos, abundant leopard and rhino, as well its unusual tree climbing lions, unique to the region.
DAYS 3-4: Lake Naivasha
After beginning the day with an early morning game drive and a relaxed camp breakfast, you will continue on your adventure with a short drive to Lake Naivasha, another of the rift valley's shallow soda lakes. You will be based at Fish Eagle camp-site, where the shady lawn on the lakeside offers the ideal place to relax. If you are still feeling energetic you may wish to take advantage of some of the exciting optional activities. These activities include hippo safaris, horseriding, fishing or even mountain biking in the nearby Hell's Gate National Park.
DAYS 5-7: Masai Mara National Reserve
Today’s destination is the Masai Mara National Reserve, Africa as you've always imagined it – rolling savannas, dramatic skies and roaming herds of animals. Your base will be the Riverside Campsite on the banks of the Talek River. Here you will spend three nights in search of unforgettable wildlife sightings in Kenya's most famous safari destination and the area which boasts the highest concentration of wild animals in the country. There is no better place on the continent to spot the “big five” and abundant plains wildlife.
DAY 8: Limuru
Travel back to the volunteer base in Limuru.
DAYS 9-10: Community Volunteer Projects
You will spend the next 2 days participating in local community volunteer projects. These are well established projects working towards the common goal of benefitting and helping develop the local people and community. The exact activity you participate in will partly depend on the needs and status of the various projects at the time of your visit but options include: the chance to interact with children and other community members while assisting in local orphanages, skills development, adult literacy, home based care and sports development.
DAY 11: Departure
Depart from Nairobi International Airport. Project staff will take you to the airport.
Support
Support and advice is available from your expedition staff whilst in Africa and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support
Orientation
A comprehensive information pack will be sent to you upon booking the expedition and further advice and information will be provided via telephone and email before departure. A full orientation will be provided when you arrive at the project by the local support team.
Accommodation and Meals
You will be provided with three meals a day.
Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals/porridge, toast, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be cooked for you.
Note: Please advise us of any specific dietary requirements before you arrive.
Getting There
Fly into Nairobi airport where you will be met by the local expedition team.
(There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport - for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you.
Project Fees
What is included
• Community project fee: this fee is used to provide items and supplies for the projects that are currently running and to help with the development of future projects to benefit the local community.
• Transfer from Nairobi Airport to the project accommodation in Limuru.
• Orientation and introductions to project work upon your arrival .
• All daily transportation whilst in Kenya, including to the Masai Mara and other safari areas.
• Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day.
• Assistance in your projects by staff and project managers.
What is excluded
• Travel insurance to cover your placement (to include cover for repatriation)
• Personal items e.g. clothes, travel goods
• Return flights to Nearest International Airport
• Use of internet and telephone, soft drinks, wines and spirits.
• Visas and any trips undertaken other than in the planned programme