Data Loading...
ME to WE, Safari & Celebration: Kenya 25th Anniversary Trip
35 Downloads
44.44 MB
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Copy link
RECOMMEND FLIP-BOOKS
TRIPS
BY INVITATION ONLY:
ME to WE, Safari & Coast WE’s 25th Anniversary in Kenya
Join us to celebrate 25 years of making an impact.
WE.ORG/TRIPS | [email protected] | 1.647.961.2784
Table of contents
20 Bogani Cottages 24 Our signature service 26 Health and safety 28 FAQ 30 Join us
4 Jambo 6 Timeline of WE 8 25th Anniversary Trip itinerary 16 Trip costs
Visit Baraka Hospital Witness the positive impact of WE’s Baraka Hospital, which began as a health clinic in 2010 and has now grown into an expanded hospital serving the Maasai and Kipsigis communities.
Go on Safari Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the breathtaking savanna of the Maasai Mara. Experience one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, home to an astounding array of animals including lions, giraffes, rhinos and zebras.
Connect with mamas at the Women’s Empowerment Center Meet remarkable women at the new Women’s Empowerment Center, a supportive space for them to realize their potential and make their dreams a reality.
Spend time with the members of the Village Savings and Loans Association See the positive difference that WE’s project, the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA), is making in the lives of community members, empowering them with the opportunity and financial literacy to invest in their futures, from the students themselves as they share their dreams and plans for the future.
2
3
Jambo!
Dear friends,
This is our 25th anniversary of making doing good doable at WE and to celebrate, we’re honored to warmly invite you on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kenya! This extraordinary experience is by invitation only, just for our closest friends to share in this historic moment. For the past 25 years it’s been an incredible journey in helping to make a meaningful impact in the world, and we’re excited to welcome the next chapter of our story—with you! Whether you’ve traveled with us before or have yet to join us, this is one trip you can’t miss. Unique, unforgettable and truly unsurpassable, we’ll take you into the heart of transformation in the making as we show you all of our finished development projects and ones in the works. From a visit to our new WE College to being invited into the homestead of a local mama, exciting new adventures are in store for you. Meet new friends or catch up with old ones, like the exceptional young students of our primary and secondary schools who are now enrolled at our WE College.
Dive into culture as you hear from leaders discussing the impact of sustainable development in their homes. See firsthand the incredible change that has happened over the years as a result of our projects such as VSLAs (Village Saving and Loaning Associations), the newWomen’s Empowerment Center and more. And when you embark on this journey, you’ll have the fantastic opportunity to connect with locals and bond with our global WE family of friends, supporters and partners. Join us in Kenya to celebrate this pivotal milestone as we commemorate our past —and look ahead to the future. We can’t wait to see you there!
Craig Kielburger, Marc Kielburger and Roxanne Joyal
4
5
A meaningful milestone, a dazzling celebration and an exciting next chapter.
Kenya
It’s been an extraordinary 25 years of doing good at WE and we’re so grateful to everyone who has been a part of the movement. The gracious contributions and support of our global community make what we do possible. Now, it’s time to celebrate the close of one chapter of our journey and welcome another exciting one. And we’re doing it in style! Celebrate our 25th anniversary with us on a special trip to Kenya! With surprises around every corner, our 25th anniversary trip is one you can’t miss. Exclusive new activities, delightful wonders and so much more await you on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. What makes this trip even more unique? You’ll have the heartwarming opportunity to connect with the local mamas at the newWomen’s Empowerment Center, the WE College students who started with us at our primary and secondary schools, and the community members we partner with every day. Unlike any of our offerings, or anything you’ll find elsewhere, this trip invites you to the heart of culture in Kenya and takes you on an unforgettable adventure. From looking back on the past amazing 25 years at WE to kicking off another marvelous 25 years with us, you’re in for a treat!
Join us for an exclusive new trip to celebrate our 25th anniversary!
1995
1998
2000
2004
2007
2011
2017
Today
We’re continuing our domestic and international programing, including partneringwith communities inKenya, India and Ecuador to help increase access to education, water, health care, food and income opportunities. With 25 years of doing good, WE looks forward to another 25 of making doing good doable.
At home in Toronto, WE opened the WE Global Learning Center, our do-good headquarters, and WE Charity opened WE College, the only postsecondary institution in Kenya that provides full scholarships.
Big changes came to the Maasai Mara. Not only did WE Charity open Kisaruni Secondary School to educate and empower girls graduating from primary school, but they also opened the Baraka Health Clinic to provide health care, which has now become a leading hospital in the region.
New initiatives begin at WE. Our first everWEDay in Toronto inspired 8,000 students and began the work of empowering a generation of change-makers. Inspired by the traditional crafts made by women inKenya and Ecuador, Roxanne Joyal foundedME toWEArtisans to help those women earn a sustainable income.
WE Villages, our holistic sustainable development model that partners with global communities, is launched. This program tackles the primary causes of poverty—education, water, health, food and opportunity—through its five Pillars of Impact.
We hosted our first volunteer trip to Kenya. Since then thousands of guests, including youth, school groups, families and corporate groups, have visited developing countries around the world.
We built our first schools in the mountainous region of Waslala in northern Nicaragua, and in West Bengal, India. The next year, we broke ground on schools in Kenya, and the year after that, in Ecuador.
After learning of Iqbal Masih, a former child worker who was murdered for speaking out against child labor, 12 year-old Craig Kielburger, and his 11 classmates founded WE Charity (formerly known as Free The Children).
6
7
ME to WE, Safari & Coast Itinerary
Trip dates: July 9 – 20, 2020 July 15 – 26, 2020 Day 1
Day 2
Evening arrival in Nairobi Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Collect your luggage and proceed through customs, where you will be welcomed by your in-country facilitator in the arrivals hall. Enjoy a comfortable ride to your boutique hotel. Check-in to The Sheraton, Nairobi The Sheraton, Nairobi, offers a comfortable and exquisite place to settle in and relax. Enjoy the peace of fresh, spacious rooms in a city renowned for its vibrant culture. Rest for the evening and night to start your ME to WE adventure the next day. Evening snack and dinner are out-of-pocket tonight.
Breakfast After a good night’s rest, enjoy a delicious, full breakfast at The Sheraton to start off your one-of-a-kind trip! Fly from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara FromWilson Airport in Nairobi, take a short flight that will descend into the Great Rift Valley. As you fly over the Maasai Mara, watch for circular shapes that characterize Maasai bomas (traditional houses), and look for herds of local wildlife and cattle.
Welcome to your home-away-from-home 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 savanna. Walk through WE’s history and kick-off the next chapter As you make yourself comfortable, we’ll take you through the past 25 amazing years of doing good at WE to kick-off our exclusive anniversary trip. From building our first schools in Kenya to opening WE College, celebrate the incredible change we’ve been honored to help make with these communities. Together, we can step forward into a transformative future. Connect with the Kisaruni Learners You’ll have the wonderful opportunity to go on a guided tour of Kisaruni Girls Secondary School at Milimani Campus, WE Charity’s first all-girls secondary school, and bond with the students! Kisaruni focuses on community and provides empowering curriculum, giving their students the skills and opportunities to excel. Kisaruni strives to build on cultural values, promote leadership, value diversity and encourage active learning.
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. Each accommodation is complete with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and comfortable beds, and is furnished with unique African fabrics and art.
8
9
Day 4 Beading at the Women’s Empowerment Center Create lasting friendships and connections with the extraordinary mamas as you spend the morning beading and learn about how their work empowers them to earn a sustainable livelihood under the Opportunity Pillar of the WE Villages model. 0UcTafPaSh^d'll have an opportunity to support these and other local people by purchasing locally sourced gifts made by them atcWT3dZP^da^]bXcT bW^_. School-building This is your chance to continue where you left off yesterday. Tour the new WE College We’re proud to welcome you to one of our many exciting new projects in Kenya, the WE College! When you walk around the campus, which is constantly expanding to introduce new programs, you may recognize some familiar faces. That’s because you may have met them as young students at our primary and secondary schools! Now, they’re taking the next step in their academic careers and can’t wait to share with you their stories and ideas. Celebrate our 25th anniversary in the heart of the Maasai Mara Our 25th anniversary soirée will go down in history! Jam-packed with inspirational fun, wonderful thrills, unforgettable surprises and so much more, the party of the century awaits you.
Day 3
Visit Baraka Hospital and Medicinal Garden Witness the inspiring progress of one of our WE Villages projects, Baraka Hospital, which first began as a health clinic in 2010 and has now grown into a full-fledged hospital with a newly opened surgical wing. Serving over 30,000 community members, the hospital promotes healthy living and provides preventative, curative and rehabilitative services to the most vulnerable segments of the Kenyan population. Then, tour the shamba (garden) that helps to supplement lunch at the WE Villages schools while growing medicinal plants such as moringa, aloe vera, thyme, spider plant and more. School-building After a satisfying lunch, begin your hands-on opportunity thats second to none. Not only will you have the unique chance to create a positive impact in the community you visit, but youll also forge new friendships alongside the locals.
Homestead visit with a local mama A unique, authentic cultural experience you won’t find elsewhere. Take a deep dive into the habits of a healthy home—be invited to a local mama’s homestead to see how these simple steps have changed their lives and supported sustainable development. Visit the mamas of the Village Saving and Loaning Association An immersive, unparalleled experience where youll sit side by side with the strong-willed women of the Village Saving and Loaning Association (VSLA). Sit in on a meeting and learn how they are empowered through this project to pursue their dreams and invest in their futures. Every month, members contribute to the group savings which allows them to take out low- interest loans. The interest goes back into the VSLA, allowing more loans to be given out to help members.
10
11
Day 6 Depart Bogani for your Safari Adventure Depart Bogani to begin your choice of Safari adventure. See the following pages for which package you prefer. Arrive at your Safari camp Settle into your new accommodations. Tour the grounds and enjoy a satisfying lunch as you prepare for some game-viewing. Afternoon Game Drive Head out to the Mara on your search to spot the big five! Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo await as you explore the vast beauty of the Maasai Mara. Day 7-8 Safari Adventure Continue your hunt for the big five over then next two days as you enjoy the experience of being on Safari. Stay comfortably in world- class safari camps, and always be where the game is with knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Day 5
School-building Spend your morning finishing up your volunteer project and say goodbye to the new friends that you’ve made. Medicine walk and Maasai warrior training An immersive, unprecedented experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime—embark on a leisurely hike to learn about medicinal herbs from a local Maasai warrior and master the art of Maasai weaponry. Afterwards, enjoy a hot cup of chai or a glass of wine on the hillside, overlooking the beautiful region. Say Kwaheri to the community Wish your new friends in the community farewell and debrief on your Immersive Volunteer Trip and community experience with your facilitators. Chow down on a traditional Nyama Choma dinner A traditional Nyama Choma dinner, Kenya’s barbecue, is a mouth-watering delight you will want to savor. As you indulge in this rich and heavenly feast, kick back and reflect on your past week filled with cherished memories and experiences.
12
13
Day 9 Depart for Kilifi from the Maasai Mara Fly over southernKenya as youmake your way to the
Day 12
beautiful Kenyan coast. Check-in to Toriana
Depart for Nairobi and check in to the Radisson Blu, Nairobi Fly back to Nairobi where you'll check into the Radisson Blu Hotel, a sophisticated retreat in Upper Hill, the central business district within this commercial center of East Africa. Stay for an afternoon of relaxation as you prepare for your international flight home. Drive to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight home Kwaherinina safari jemma! OR Begin your customized extension
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 10 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 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.
Just for our honored guests, countless surprises are in store for you! We’ve planned a ton of extra-special events and activities with our co- founders on this thrilling 25th anniversary trip. Enjoy this awe-inspiring adventure to usher in the next 25 years of our journey together!
Day 11 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 sunset, 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.
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.
14
15
FROM $8,995 USD PP Based on double occupancy
Resort-Style Safari Package
Trip Cost & Safari Options
Enjoy the comforts of home as you get to explore the wild Maasai Mara. At camps such as; Kichwa Tembo or Fairmont Mara youll be in good company as your guides escort you through the reserve spotting animals on your twice daily drives. The option is great for those seeking the classic safari experience.
As part of your ME to WE Trip you'll get to experience an amazing safari adventure. The safari option you choose will determine your overall trip price. Prices include accommodation, game drives, food, and conservation fees.
Kichwa Tembo
Boutique-Style Safari Package
FROM $11,995 USD PP Based on double occupancy
For a smaller group size, boutique-style camps offer elevated comfort and service with greater privacy. These, often family run, camps create an authentic experience with private game drives and customizable itinerary. This is a great option for Safari goers who want to easily customize their safari experience. Get the boutique touch at camps such as; Little Governors, Richards River or Neptune Mara Rianta.
Richard's River Camp
Luxury-Style Safari Package Remarkable experiences await those who choose a luxury-style camp. With above and beyond accommodation, amenities and services, these camps will blow you away with their attention to detail as they craft bespoke adventures for you and your group. Experience the Maasai Mara in ways like no other at camps such as; Bataleur, Mahali Mzuri, Governors II Moran or Angama Mara.
FROM $14,995 USD PP Based on double occupancy
Angama Mara
16
17
Trip Inclusions
Inclusions
ME to WE professional facilitator Ground transportation throughout the duration of the trip Hotel accommodation in Nairobi (one night) Meals as indicated in Nairobi Domestic airfare as indicated in itinerary
Accommodation at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp ( four nights) Accommodation at your choice of Safari Camp (three nights) Accommodation at Toriana Beach House (three nights) All meals and drinks at Bogani, your safari camp and Toriana Beach House, including purified water, sodas Beverages at Bogani All activities as outlined in the itinerary Access to a day room on the final day of the trip Flying doctors insurance (evacuation in-country) Conservation fees Twice daily game drives (six game drives) 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 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 $10-15 per adult per day
Optional upgrades Exclusive use of vehicle on Safari Scenic flights Hot air balloon safari Lengthen or shorten stay Private guide Optional Toriana Activities
$750 USD PP
$500 USD PP Single supplement
To upgrade to Bogani Cottages: minimum of 3 guests
18
19
Bogani Cottages
A property designed with authentic African décor 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.
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 17-year record of travel safety for our guests.
360 Bogan i Tour
After a full day of exploring, retreat 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.
20
21
Bogani Tented Camp
23
18
Don’t worry about the details, our team is on call to provide:
International and domestic flights on world-class airlines Our ME to WE Travel Teammembers are experts at buying the best flights and finding you the top sales on international airfare. Whether you want to fly first class, or snag the most cost-effective deal, our team can book your travel from door-to-door. Travel insurance Whether it is medical, cancellation or lost baggage (or any combination of the above), we are able to create and purchase the plan that will give you and your family peace of mind. Passport and visa information If you are unsure about what is needed to enter Kenya, we will walk you through any and all special requirements and make sure you have everything you need to begin your journey worry-free! Immunization information At ME to WE, our participants’ health is our top priority. We always recommend visiting a travel doctor a minimum of six weeks before your departure date. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, we are happy to recommend a travel doctor that is familiar with ME to WE Trips. On-ground transportation and local guide Once you arrive in Kenya, we take care of all your transportation, so you can sit back and enjoy the vast rolling plains of the Mara unfolding in front of you. Your experienced local guide will welcome you into the communities and be an invaluable resource for in-depth information about the places and people you visit. Travel recommendations 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!
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.
24
25
NEW YEAR TRIP 2018-2019
Health & 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: 24-hour security staff Filtered water available at all times
The water we will drink is filtered. 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.
Donna MacFarlane ME to WE Immersive Volunteer Trip, 2013
26
27
Frequently asked questions
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. Q: What is the weather like in Kenya? A: Because Kenya has a tropical climate, you can expect hot temperatures all year round. In December, temperatures tend to between around 24°C (75°F) and 27°C (81°F) at higher altitudes and 30°C (86°F) at lower altitudes. In the summer, it’s dry season in Kenya so temperatures are around 23°C (73°F) at higher altitudes, such as the Maasai Mara, and 28°C (82°F) at lower altitudes.
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
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog