ME to WE Adult Trips

ME to WE Adult Trips

TRIPS

Meaningful. Purposeful. Downright unforgettable.

Welcome to a truly unique kind of travel experience.

Ecuador Find adventure and a warm welcome from the local Kichwa people in the Amazon

India Connect with the people and culture of Rajasthan, nestled in the ancient Aravalli Mountains

Kenya Meet the Maasai and Kipsigis Communities, and discover the beautiful Mara they call home

WE.ORG/TRIPS | [email protected] | 1.833.999.6393

Meaningful. Purposeful. Downright unforgettable. We didn’t start as a travel company—we started as a movement to change the world. For over 20 years, we’ve worked hand in hand with communities in Kenya, Ecuador and India, helping to empower them with the tools to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Along the way, we’ve met remarkable communities who have welcomed us into their homes and lives, sharing with us their stories. Today, we’re privileged to call them our friends and family, and because of that, they’re welcoming our travelers, too. Forget tour groups and buses— your team will have the opportunity to experience the joys and challenges of daily community life, along with getting to know a country and its people through an extraordinary, unforgettable lens. We invite you to join us at our signature lodges in Kenya, Ecuador and India for a travel experience you won’t find anywhere else. Go beyond a safari to walk in the footsteps of families in rural Kenya, trek the Amazon jungle to meet the indigenous communities who call it home and discover India’s vibrant culture through the eyes of locals. With our over 20- year history of working with our charity partner, WE Charity, we’ve formed close bonds with local communities around the world, giving us the honor of offering our travelers an authentic, immersive travel experience. Our travelers connect with the people and places around them—joining families to collect water, participating in cultural traditions and even having the opportunity to contribute to a local project. This is a travel experience that stays with you. What makes us unique? Our story.

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Why we work in Ecuador The province of Chimborazo in central Ecuador, as well as the Amazon region, are home to large numbers of indigenous communities who suffer from some of the highest rates of poverty in the country.

POPULATION 16.9 Million

CURRENCY US dollar ($)

TIME Central Time (GMT/UTC minus 5 hours)

LANGUAGE Spanish

• The average length of schooling for the indigenous population is just 3.3 years. • Due to the unavailability of secondary schools and remoteness of communities, nine out of 10 children in rural regions do not continue their education past the primary level. • Thirty-five percent of the Ecuadorian population live below the income poverty line. • Almost 8 percent of children ages five to 14 are engaged in child labor. • Illiteracy continues to affect almost a third of the indigenous population.

Ecuador

Our work in Ecuador In Chimborazo and Napo provinces, we work alongside the local communities to implement WE Villages programming that includes:

WATER 3 water systems established

FOOD 4

pilot gardens implemented, with three kitchens and dining halls currently being rehabilitated

EDUCATION 1,000+ students we have helped support

Ecuador

OPPORTUNITY 8000

In the lush Amazon, witness the sights and sounds of the biggest rainforest in the world. With a ME to WE trip to Ecuador, you will explore your surroundings, not as tourists, but as part of the community who have lived in the jungle for generations.

community members impacted through the Women’s Empowerment Center, serving as a training space for artisans.

HEALTH 200+ people have been provided with medical care.

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Trip highlights

Discover the Amazon rainforest Join your naturalist guide on optional hikes to discover the Amazon’s incred- ible array of plant and animal life.

Explore the community

Step into the shoes of locals to learn about daily life in the rainforest and indigenous traditions—from seeing how chocolate is made to learning how to shoot a blowgun.

Get hands-on

Participate in a ceremony with a shaman Be invited to the home of a local shaman, who will guide you and your team through a traditional cleansing ceremony.

Give back directly to the places you’re visit- ing—volunteer on a local project like building a school or working on a community farm.

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Minga Lodge

A luxurious, peaceful oasis nestled in the Amazon on the banks of the Napo River that marries local design with comfort and convenience. After a day of volunteering, Minga Lodge offers serene and comfortable spaces to refresh and recharge. Accommodations : • Deluxe and Standard luxury, cabin-style accommodations available, furnished with local décor and modern amenities. • Inspired common spaces that include an al fresco dining platform overlooking the Rio Napo, offering spectacular sunset views. • Eco-friendly conveniences, including hot water, electricity and en suite bathrooms. Food: Start each day with fresh Ecuadorian coffee served alongside an array of tropical fruits such as fresh papaya. Enjoy family-style meals prepared fresh daily by expert chefs, including Western favorites and Ecuadorian specialties like yucca, rice and beans. Pricing: Starting at $4,495 USD per person based on double occupancy during high season.

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

• Arrive at the airport in Quito to return home, or book an

• Arrive in Quito and meet your ME to WE guide upon arrival at the airport.

• En route from Quito,

• Travel by motorized canoe down the Rio Napo and arrive at Minga Lodge to a welcome from our team.

• Take part in a local community project.

• Continue volunteering on a community project.

• Spend more time volunteering in the community.

• Explore how cacao is harvested and produced with a local farmer before trying your hand at making chocolate. community project and say goodbye to the new friends you have made. • Take in a grass-skirt- swaying spectacle of traditional Ecuadorian music and dance performed by local community members. • Finish building on your

• Depart Minga Lodge and explore Old Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

travel through the cloud forest on a scenic and relaxing bus ride into the Amazon basin.

• Meet a local artisans’ group and learn more about opportunity projects they’re working on with WE Villages. • Enjoy delicious meals on our terrace, which offers stunning views of the Napo River.

• Visit a farm to experience a day in the life of a family.

• Meet a local shaman and experience traditional jungle weapons training.

optional extension to the Galapagos Islands

• Transfer to your hotel and settle in for the night.

• Learn some Spanish and settle in.

• Check in to the hotel

or nearby Peru to experience Machu Picchu.

• Enjoy dinner on our al fresco dining platform.

• Amazonian night walk with your guide to discover fascinating creatures of the rainforest.

and enjoy a final dinner.

*Please note that this is a sample trip itinerary and details are subject to change. We are happy to work with you to customize an adventure.

Customize your trip with an Ecuador extension

OTAVALO AND COTOPAXI From Quito, drive overland to the regions of Otavalo and Cotopaxi. Both offer a unique glimpse into Ecuadorian life—from vast, open- air markets to snow-capped

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Embark on a breathtaking adventure, bringing you face to-face with the vast biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. Be expertly guided through the flora and fauna

MACHU PICCHU AND BEYOND Start your journey in Peru’s bustling coastal capital of Lima, before traveling to the ancient city of Cusco. Spend a day

Explore more of Ecuador with your team on a trip extension. From the stunning Galapagos Islands to the historic Machu Picchu, enjoy all that Ecuador has to offer.

mountains in the highlands. Recharge and refresh at traditional and welcoming haciendas, set high in the Andean mountain range. Embark on optional daily hikes and excursions provided by our partner haciendas, leading you to breathtaking vistas, trickling waterfalls and tranquil villages. Optional activities extra.

of this famous archipelago on an unforgettable journey. Located 1,000 kilometers from the Ecuadorian mainland, enjoy a remote paradise made famous by Charles Darwin and mingle with the vast array of natural wonders—on land or by sea! No matter which option you choose, we are happy to create the perfect adventure for you and your team. Book early to secure your spot—Galapágos trips sell out very quickly. Price subject to availability and occupancy. Land and sea-based options available. Optional activities extra.

wandering the cobblestone streets, exploring Incan ruins and admiring beautiful Spanish architecture, all with the backdrop of the cloud-topped Andes mountains. Then, begin your journey to Machu Picchu itself, traveling through the Sacred Valley aboard a glass-topped Vistadome train. Along the way, take in stunning views of Peruvian villages nestled beside lush forests and rushing rivers. Your final ascent to Machu Picchu begins the next day! Price subject to availability and occupancy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the weather like in Ecuador? A: Because Ecuador is so geographically diverse, different regions experience different climates. Minga Lodge is located in the Amazon rainforest, and therefore weather is generally hot and humid. The average temperate hovers around 26°Celsius (78°F). Travel to Ecuador all year round with the best times in April, May and June! Q: What time zone is Ecuador in? A: Quito is on ECT (Ecuador Time), and is the same as Toronto (Eastern Standard Time). However, they do not have Daylight Saving Time, so the region is an hour behind during DST periods. Q: Can I bring a laptop, iPod, expensive camera, etc.? A: We suggest traveling as lightly as possible to minimize the risk of damage to or loss of your possessions. The rooms and cabins at Minga Lodge can be locked and most have their own safe. We ask that you leave your key with reception if you choose to lock your room during the day. Q: Is there filtered water? A: The water at our lodge comes from natural springs, is purified before use to prepare food and is chlorinated in all other areas of the lodge. Our lodge provides filtered water stations so you can refill your water bottle throughout the day. Q: What is the electrical voltage in Ecuador? A: Plugs in Ecuador take 240v. Moreover, Ecuador’s outlets are the same as those in North America—two flat, parallel prongs. Q: What will my meals be like while I’m in Ecuador? A: Participants can expect to eat meals consisting of traditional cuisine, which includes beans, rice, meat, salads, soups and potatoes, as well as Western favorites. This food is prepared with great care by our local lodge staff. Minga Lodge is also able to accommodate any dietary needs—just let us know before you leave for your trip. Q: Can I bring gifts for the kids? A: We ask that you do not. ME to WE and WE Charity work in solidarity with the communities we are partnered with. 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 support their basic needs.

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Why we work in India We are inspired by every country we work with, but India in particular holds a special place in our hearts because it’s where our work first started with WE Charity. • More than a quarter of India’s population live below the poverty line. • Nearly half of all children in rural areas are underweight. • Thirty-five percent of women are illiterate. • Child labor impacts at least 12 percent of children. • Only half of girls attend secondary school.

POPULATION 1.27 billion

CURRENCY Indian rupees ( ₹ )

TIME India Standard Time (GMT/UTC plus 5½ hours)

LANGUAGE Hindi, English (official languages)

India

Our work in India We’re partnering with communities in the Rajasthan region to implement WE Charity’s five-pillar sustainable development model that includes projects like:

WATER 9 community wells rehabilitated

HEALTH 3000+ people have been provided with medical care.

OPPORTUNITY 23 women’s groups have been established and over 725 goats have been distributed.

12 partner communities

India

Travelers from all over the world visit India for the vibrant colors, delicious delicacies and beautiful sights like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. On a ME to WE Corporate Trip, you not only get to experience everything that India has to offer, but we also bring you beyond the sights, onto the beaten path and into the communities that live there.

EDUCATION 100+

FOOD 200 farms participating in food programming

schoolrooms have been built including classrooms, teacher offices and libraries.

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Trip highlights

Meet local artisans

Have the chance to learn about the origins of tie-dye and block printing as you try your hand at creating colorful masterpieces.

Get hands-on

Visit local projects, including schools and water well where you will contribute firsthand and give back to the places you’re visiting.

Community discovery

Indian cooking class

Walk side-by-side with women as they fetch water, care for their goats and cows, and cook chapatti for their families—learning what it takes for a community to thrive.

Join our chefs to learn how to prepare traditional favorites like butter chicken and samosas.

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Framed by the pink-hued Aravalli Mountains, Araveli makes the perfect retreat offering delightful spaces to recharge and refresh after a day of volunteering and exploring India’s vibrant culture. Accommodations: • Private cottages and luxury tents designed with authentic Indian décor and royal Rajasthani flair. • Modern conveniences including hot water, electricity and en suite bathrooms. • Nearby hiking trails in the scenic mountain foothills. Food: Enjoy the rich flavors, aromas and spices of Indian cuisine, prepared fresh by our chefs. Savor each meal on our al fresco dining platform, which offers an incredible vista of the landscape below. Pricing: Starting at $3,995 USD per person...during high season. Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

• Say alavida (goodbye) and indulge in a special farewell breakfast.

• Arrive in Delhi and meet your ME to WE guide upon arrival at the airport.

• Take a morning flight to Udaipur.

• Watch the sun rise over the nearby Aravalli Mountain Range with an optional yoga session.

• Join local women to share in their daily activities like

• Enjoy sunrise yoga.

• Volunteer on a community project.

• Say a farewell to the community.

• Take part in sunrise yoga.

• Take part in a community project.

collecting water, feeding animals and preparing chapatti.

• Travel to Araveli in the heart of rural Rajasthan, a two-hour drive northeast of Udaipur.

• Learn a few words of the local language, Hindi.

• Spend a leisurely afternoon at Araveli. Relax, reflect or play cricket or volleyball.

• Meet locals taking part in goat-rearing initiatives with WE Villages.

• Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, which boasts the second-largest wall after the Great Wall of China. • Enjoy a “dinner cart extravaganza” meal, with a selection of colorful stalls at

• Transfer to your hotel and settle in for the night.

• Experience a community welcome with local students and families.

• Try Bollywood dancing, then join local artisans for traditional crafts like tie- dye and block printing. • End the day with a colorful performance that will showcase local folk dance traditions.

• Try traditional Mewari painting.

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• Take part in a poja—a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony that marks the beginning of an auspicious event.

• Be welcomed to Araveli by our team.

• Take part in a community project.

• Settle in and enjoy a delicious dinner.

• Enjoy a lunch back at Araveli, followed by jhapki, which is Hindi for siesta.

Araveli serving some of India’s most amazing gastronomic dishes.

• Explore the nearby mountain foothills with a guide on an optional nature hike.

• End the day with a colorful performance from a local dance troupe.

*Please note that this is a sample trip itinerary and details are subject to change. We are happy to work with you to customize an adventure.

Customize your trip with an India extension

After a week of meaningful activities, treat yourself to a special cultural excursion marked by authentic Indian hospitality. Explore the Taj Mahal, a must-see on any traveler’s bucket list, or visit the marvelous sights of the Golden Triangle.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: JAIPUR AND AGRA Discover the regal splendor of Jaipur and Northern India with magnificent forts, palaces and landscaped estates. From the aristocratic grandeur of Deogarh Mahal to the mighty ramparts of Amber Fort, royal Rajasthan will pamper you with hospitality and luxurious splendor. End your adventure with a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal.

TA J MAHAL Explore the hidden wonders of Agra, made famous by the Taj Mahal. With the city’s surviving art, culture, architecture and royal cuisine, contemporary Agra can only be described as a grand experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the weather like in India?

A: December to February offers pleasant temperatures during the day with cooler temperatures at night. April to August is when it begins to warm up, with June being very hot. July is monsoon season, a beautiful, transformative time in India. From February to March and September to November are the perfect times for visitors who are fleeing colder climates! Q: What time zone is India in? A: India is on IST (India Standard Time), and is 10 or 11 hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time), depending on the time of year. Q: Can I bring a laptop, iPod, expensive camera, etc.? A: We suggest traveling as lightly as possible to minimize the risk of damage to or loss of your possessions. For essential items, Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp provides a small safe in every tent and cottage. Q: Is there filtered water? A: We provide filtered water for our guests to drink. We bring jugs of purified drinking water to the camp and then recycle them after each trip. We recommend bringing along a good reusable water bottle that you can fill up as you head from our lodge for your day trips to the community. Q: Will I have access to phone and internet while in India? A: Both phone and email communication is easily accessible in New Delhi. Internet and phone access are not readily available at Araveli. In Udaipur, you will be able to use your phone if it is activated for international use. Q: How is the food? A: Participants will have the opportunity to sample a range of traditional Indian and Asian cuisines. Participants enjoy their meals from local restaurants that are regularly visited by ME to WE and are pre-arranged by ME to WE facilitators, as well as meals prepared on site at Araveli. The majority of the food we will be eating in India is vegetarian, as it is the local custom. Don’t worry—there will be lots of protein options as well as Western favorites available at all times. Q: What is the electrical voltage in India? A: Electricity will be available in New Delhi and while in Rajasthan. The voltage in India is 230–240V/50Hz. There are two types of Indian-style plugs. The first has two circular metal pins while the other has two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin. Please make sure to bring a converter with you. Plugs C and D are used in India. 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 support their basic needs.

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Why we work in Kenya Kenya is a beautiful country with booming tourism and, in some places, great wealth. However, there are areas that also experience great poverty. • More than 75 percent of Kenya’s population live in rural areas. • Only 54 percent of those in rural areas have access to improved water sources. • The literacy rate in Kenya is 78 percent and the average for school attendance is six years. • Twenty-six percent of children aged five to 14 are engaged in child labor. • One out of five children suffer from malnutrition and 35 percent of children are affected by stunting.

POPULATION 47.7 million

CURRENCY Kenyan shilling (KSh)

TIME East Africa Time (GMT/UTC plus three hours)

LANGUAGE English, Swahili, other tribal languages

Kenya

Our work in Kenya Working alongside Maasai and Kipsigis communities, we’re implementing WE Charity’s five-pillar sustainable development model, WE Villages, with projects including:

OPPORTUNITY 125+ women’s, men’s and youth groups have been established, and over 1,400 artisans supported by WE.

EDUCATION 11,500+

Kenya

students who we have helped support from elementary school through to high school. WE is now building a WE College to help continue their academic careers.

HEALTH 36

mobile clinics held each year in the most remote communities.

Kenya offers travelers a beautiful landscape, an array of wonderous wildlife and a cultural experience like no other. On a ME to WE Trip, we’ll also take you and your team beyond the safari and onto the beaten path—the one that’s not walked by tourists, but by the people who call this beautiful country home.

WATER 14 boreholes—half of which are solar —that are currently serving 15 communities, with four more boreholes planned for 2018.

FOOD 10

demonstration gardens that have been implemented in schools, along with three community farms in Sikirar, Pimbiniet and Kipsongol.

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Trip highlights

Be part of a community project Give back to places you’re visiting by contributing to a local project like building a school’s foundations or planting trees.

Meet local artisans

Join Maasai women under the shade of acacia trees to practice the traditional art of beading, learning how their work empowers them to earn a sustainable income.

Go on a safari

Head out into the nearby Maasai Mara National Reserve with your local guide.

Community discovery Walk side-by-side with local women as they fetch water, feed their animals and cook for their families—learning what it takes for a community to thrive.

Walk in the footsteps of a Maasai warrior Head out on a leisurely hike to learn about medicinal herbs from a Maasai warrior, and have the chance to train in the art of Maasai weaponry.

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Bogani Lodge

Discover all Kenya has to offer as you enjoy Bogani, a sprawling 40-acre camp designed with authentic African décor, located in the heart of the savanna. Accommodations: • Private cottages and luxury tents, and Mara-inspired spaces, including fireplaces, bedrooms and gathering spaces. • Beautiful property situated on the edge of the Maasai Mara national reserve. • Modern conveniences, including hot water, electricity and en suite bathrooms. Food: Our chefs, Wesley and Shake, invite you to join them on a culinary journey of Kenya, including rich and savory Kenyan favorites like ugali, polenta and barbeque, enjoyed on our al fresco dining platform. Pricing: Starting at $4,995 USD per person based on double occupancy. Connect to learn more about off season pricing!

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Sample Itinerary

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 1

• Depart from Bogani.

• Arrive in Nairobi and meet your ME to WE guide upon arrival at the airport.

• A visit to the Kenya Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, home to orphaned baby elephants.

• Walk side-by-side with local women to collect water from the Mara River.

• Visit Mulot Market, an

• Take part in a community project.

• Embark on a sunrise safari through the Maasai Mara to look for giraffes, lions, elephants, hippos, buffalos, gazelles and resident zebra herds. • Visit Oleleshwa Farm to learn what is grown sustainably to supply nearby schools with lunches and Bogani with fresh ingredients for delicious meals.

• Visit the Duka, our on-site shop, which offers locally sourced gifts, Kenya- exclusive products and beaded accessories and homewares made by local Maasai women. • Visit Kisaruni, an all-girls high school opened by our charity partner in a nearby community.

• Take part in a

authentic Kenyan market.

community project.

• Check in to a hotel day room in Nairobi.

• Volunteer on a local community project.

• Join Maasai women

• Say a final kwaheri— farewell—to the local community. • Head out on a leisurely hike and learn about medicinal herbs from a local Maasai warrior.

• Transfer to your hotel and settle in for the night.

• Fly from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara.

• Take part in a local community project.

and practice traditional beading, learning how it is helping them earn a sustainable income.

• Relax, recharge and enjoy lunch.

• Visit Baraka Hospital, a project owned by our charity partner.

• Arrive at Bogani and be welcomed by our team.

• Depart Nairobi or book an optional extension, including a multi-day safari or a retreat to the Kilifi coast.

• A lesson in Swahili, the local language.

• Train in the art of Maasai weaponry.

• Settle in to Bogani.

• Take a drive through the Mara on a sunset safari.

• Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.

• Relax and enjoy a traditional Nyama Choma dinner— Kenya’s barbecue.

*Please note that this is a sample trip itinerary and details are subject to change. We are happy to work with you to customize an adventure.

Customize your trip with a Kenya extension

After a week of meaningful activities, treat yourself to a special excursion. We will help customize the perfect Kenya extension, tailored to you and your team.

SAFARI Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the breathtaking savanna of the Maasai Mara—a region famous for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscape. Stay comfortably in world-class, ecofriendly safari camps, and always be where the game is with knowledgeable and friendly guides. Experience one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, home to an astounding array of animals including lions, giraffes, rhinos and zebras.

TORIANA Experience coastal Kenya’s rich history and diverse peoples, languages and customs. Join us at Toriana Beach House, ME to WE’s Kenyan coastal retreat. Enjoy the jewel-toned Indian Ocean, fresh meals served on vast terraces inspired by Swahili and Moroccan architecture, and the white sand of secret tropical Bofa Beach— footsteps away. In the style of coastal hospitality, our home is your home, and we want to welcome you to experience an authentic piece of coastal Kenya.

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Q: What is the weather like in Kenya? A: Because Kenya has a tropical climate, you can expect hot temperatures all year round. In August, 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 around 10°C (50°F), so bring a lightweight jacket and heavy wool sweater with you. We have found that 100 percent cotton clothes are the coolest and most comfortable. Q: What time zone is Kenya in? A: Kenya is on EAT (East African Time), and is seven or eight hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time). Q: Can I bring a laptop, iPod, expensive camera, etc.? A: We suggest traveling 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: Will I have access to phone and internet while in Kenya? A: Both phone and email communication are 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 >Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24-25 Page 26-27 Page 28-29 Page 30-31 Page 32-33 Page 34-35 Page 36

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