1 Week Summer Special in Kenya - Maasai Mara

• Accommodation
• 3 meals p/day weekdays
• Arrival airport transfer & Drop off
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
• 1 day orientation
• Daily transportation to project
• Activities as per the program
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). You must arrive at the meeting point by 13.00 on Saturday or Sunday. If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge an additional fee for the extra night’s accommodation.

If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation, and for a private transfer.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 3.5 hours by car.   

Sunday
Warm welcome and transfer to accommodation

Monday
Engaging Orientation Session covering country’s history, culture, and dos
and don’ts
Basic Swahili language lessons
Walking safari along the outskirts of the Maasai Mara

Tuesday
Cultural morning with interaction with Maasai elders
Insightful knowledge about Maasai heritage
Traditional Kenyan cooking lessons with local Maasai women

Wednesday
Cultural journey collaborating with local Maasai women
Delving into traditional roles and practices for valuable insights
Artistry of Maasai Bead-making sessions
Unraveling the symbolism behind intricate ornaments

Thursday
Immersion in vibrant Maasai culture
Learning songs and dances performed during special ceremonies
Embracing face painting and Maasai dressing
Continuing cultural journey with rhythmic melodies, expressive dances, and
colorful traditions

Friday
Learning the art of milking cows and goats and essential for meal
preparation
Insights into animal grazing around the community
Hands-on experiences and deeper understanding of daily routines
Traditional Maasai BBQ dinner around a bonfire

Saturday
Farewell to the community after a hearty breakfast 

There are several things to do near Nakuru, Kenya. Here are some options:

1. Visit Lake Nakuru National Park: This park is home to a large population of flamingos and other bird species. It’s also a great place to see lions, leopards, and rhinos.

2. Take a hot air balloon ride: Get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery around Nakuru with a hot air balloon ride. This is a popular activity that offers amazing views of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru.

3. Hike Menengai Crater: This dormant volcano is a popular hiking destination. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the hike itself is challenging but doable for most people.

4. Visit Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site: This museum and archaeological site offers a glimpse into the prehistoric history of the area. You can see ancient tools and artifacts, and learn about the early human settlements in the region.

5. Explore Hell’s Gate National Park: This park is named for its geothermal activity and is a great place to see natural hot springs and geysers. You can also hike through the park’s stunning scenery and see wildlife like baboons, zebras, and giraffes.

6. Go on a safari: There are several safari options near Nakuru, including drives through Lake Nakuru National Park and private conservancies that offer a more intimate wildlife viewing experience.

∙ Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection
∙ Mosquito/insect repellent (Deet)
∙ Comfortable working shoes
∙ Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for personal hygiene
∙ Modest and comfortable clothing suitable for cultural interactions
∙ Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
∙ Personal toiletries for your convenience
∙ Daypack or backpack for daily excursions
∙ Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during activities

Kenya is a stunning country, featuring almost every terrain and climate from desert, beach, cities and forests.

There is something for every traveler here, particularly for wildlife lovers. It has over 40 National parks throughout the country and holds the some of the world’s most loved and endangered animals. Here you will find lions, leopards, elephants, hippos and so much more! Kenya is famous for its incredible safaris, which are the countries main source of tourism.

Also well known is the semi nomadic Maasai tribe- a hugely symbolic tribe known for its colourful adornments and traditional clothing. Kenya is a nature lovers paradise, with a visit to the Great Rift Valley being a must. For those who enjoy a gentler pace then Kenya also offers some beautiful beaches, its coast stretching almost 80,000 kilometres.

The beach is also sunny for most of the year! The capital, Nairobi is the fifth largest city in Africa, with unique vibes and a vibrant nightlife. This bustling and cosmopolitan city will throw you into Kenyan way of life and be an interesting eye opener.

Kenya is a huge country with its climate changing from tropical along the coast, to arid in the northern regions and then mild inland temperatures.

Kenya receives a large amount of sunshine year-round but generally, the hottest months are between February and March while the coldest months are July to mid-August. The “long rains” start from March to June, while the “short rains” are between October and December.

Due to Kenya being a major hub for migration over the years, it has now become one of the most culturally diverse countries with many different languages spoken.

There are over 40 different ethnic groups in Kenya, including Luo, Kamba, Maasai and more. Each have their own of mother tongue, although Swahili remains the most widely spoken language. You will also find ethnic groups from European, Arab, Indian and Pakistani, who migrated to the country in the 19th century.

Religions such as Christianity and Islam are widely spread, however many local people still believe in the ancestral world, where the dead have a bearing on the living. Today, the majority of Kenya’s culture, dress, music and food has taken strong influence from other parts of Africa, India, Europe and the United States.

In certain parts of the country however, many local communities hold onto their traditional lifestyle and customs. They still wear the clothes, animal skins and jewellery as they did centuries before. Many remote tribes remain completely isolated and indigenous.

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