One of the most stunning countries in Africa, Kenya is full of natural wonders. From tropical beaches to spectacular scenery to rich cultures and unparalleled wildlife, Kenya has it all in abundance. In Global Crossroad's Summer Escapes Program, you will meet the traditional Masai on their ancestral lands, and watch millions of wild animals in their natural habitat at Kenya's renowned game reserves. Explore the beautiful range of Kenyan habitats while experiencing the Kenyan rural life. Global Crossroad's Summer Escape Program in Kenya is a great opportunity to taste the mosaic of East African cultures and traditions.

 

June 24: Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya

June 25: Orientation in Nairobi

Meet with Global Crossroad‘s staff members, facilitate a general question/answer sessions, discussion on program itinerary, general orientation on history, culture, tradition, and other important issues (health, safety), and exploration of nearby areas in free time Accommodation: hostels or simple hotel (shared room)

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

June 26 - July 19: Work in Orphanage or other service projects

Enjoy the warm and welcoming hospitality of Kenyan people living while living with a host family or working with local people. Experience the rich Kenyan culture and tradition and the day to day lifestyle of the local people. Hike in the villages and explore Kenyan life. For 23 days, participants will work in an orphanage – sharing their love and time with the needy children in Nairobi and Mombasa , teaching them basic conversational English and encouraging them to face the challenging world where English is becoming more and more of a necessity. You can organize games, drawing lessons, singing, dancing, and other creative educational and extracurricular activities. In free time, participants can hike to nearby bazaars and/or hillsides; explore the beauty of mesmerizing Kenya – gaining firsthand experience of Kenyan lifestyle, culture, and values.

Accommodation: hostels or host families
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

July 17: Closing of service project and preparation of Safari

Volunteers prepare for the safari – picked up from their respective host families/ hostels.

Kenyan Safari (5 days/4 nights): Amboseli National Park , Lake Nakuru , Maasai Mara Game Reserve (Day 23-27)

Covering some of the most appealing and amazing parks in Kenya over the course of five (5) days, participants are treated to the Kilimanjaroboasting Amboseli National

Park – overflowing with elephants, giraffe, cheetah, zebra, and wildebeest. Other amazing destinations include the rhinos and flamingos of Lake Nakuru National Park , the geological wonderment of the Great Rift Valley as well as the unfettered culture of the Maasai Mara and its epic kaleidoscope of wildlife species – zebra, antelope, buffalo, wildebeest, hyena, etc.

All volunteers are required to arrive at Hotel 680 at 7 AM (pls arrive to hotel taking Matatu as we can not collect all participants from projects or host families)

 

Proposed Itinerary (July 18-22rd)

July 18th & 19th: Amboseli National Park :

 

The day's safari will begin with a drive to Amboseli National Park near Kilimanjaro – jutting skyward and dominating the horizon with its glorious peak reaching approximately 19,340 feet. The afternoon unfolds – treating participants to numerous wildlife-viewing opportunities, including: the area's massive elephant population as well as giraffe lions and cheetahs. The wildlife experience continues the next morning as participants are treated to even more of Amboseli National Park 's wonderment – zebra and wildebeest run amok as the safari continues into the afternoon and early evening.
Overnight Accommodations: Twin Share Camping
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

July 20th :Lake Nakuru:

 

After breakfast, participants will travel to Thompson Falls , followed by a descent to the floor of the daunting Rift Valley and onto Lake Nakuru National Park . The remainder of the day will consist of exploring the wonderful diversity of birds as well as opportunities to observe Lake Nakuru 's famed population of rhinoceros, leopards and flamingo. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.
Overnight Accommodations: Twin Share Camping
Meals Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

July 21st and 22nd : Maasai Mara Game Reserve:

 

For the duration of these two days, this particular stretch of the tour – guaranteed to supply lasting memories – explores the enchanting, awe-inspiring land of the world-renowned Maasai – a cattle-herding culture still defiantly untouched by the trappings of the western world. This stretch of the journey will commence in a grand finale at the Maasai Mara – an amazing park brimming with Kenya 's most concentrated, most diverse examples of wildlife. Within the realm of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, multiple safaris provide opportunities to observe Africa 's largest pride of lions as well as herds-upon-herds of zebra and antelope, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah and hyena. On day fifth Participants awake for an early morning game drive, followed by breakfast. Here, participants say their good-byes and express their gratitude to their guides before being escorted back to their respective project locations.

Accommodation: Global Crossroad home base
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 

July 23rd: Fly out from Kenya

 

Program itineraries are merely samples and may change to meet the needs of the volunteers as well as field conditions. This itinerary will be finalized on the start day of this program during orientation in Nairobi .

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

Additional Note

 

Your program fee covers room and food from the first through last day of project (June 25-July 24).

Global Crossroad does not cover the cost of room and food for the first day of arrival (June 24) and after the completion of project. If you choose to use Global Crossroad's hostel, you will only be required to pay $30 USD per day for food and accommodations.