The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by cheri, 2019-02-28 15:07:59

2019 Ebook - Kenya Maasai Project 2019

2019 Ebook - Kenya Maasai Project 2019

ME to WE & Veritage Present:

The Kenya
Maasai

Project 2019

August 25-31, 2019

2

Jambo................................................................................. 2
Who we are......................................................................... 3
Kenya itinerary................................................................... 5
Bogani Cottages................................................................11
Bogani Tented Camp........................................................ 13
Customize your trip: Safari extension............................ 15
Customize your trip: Toriana extension...........................17
Customize your trip: Safari & Toriana extension............21
Signature service............................................................. 25
Health and safety............................................................. 27
FAQ.................................................................................... 29
Testimonials..................................................................... 31

Table of
contents

1

Trip dates:

August 25 - 31, 2019

Jambo!

Dear Friends,
You are warmly invited to join us on a special trip to rural Kenya
this summer. We will be welcomed into WE Villages partner
communities and work alongside community members on a
sustainable development project driven by need, such as laying
the foundation for a school.
As you embark on this journey, please make note of any particular
areas of impact that provide that extra piece of meaning to you.
At the end of the trip we will have a chance to reflect on the most
impactful moments from the experience. Together as a group we
will decide on a project to support to further our impact and keep
giving back once we’ve returned home.
I sincerely hope that you are able to join us and I look forward to
sharing this experience with you.

Francesco Lombardo

2

Who we are

Your hosts

Francesco Lombardo

For more than 20 years, Francesco Lombardo has been a family
business advisor and facilitator who has worked with some of the
world’s most successful and affluent families to foster a culture
of safe space. Among his many accomplishments, Francesco is
the co-creator and one of the leading facilitators of the recently
developed Scone Project, an annual, invitation only experiential
and interactive next-generation leadership development program
for business families.

Mitchell Kurylowicz

Mitchell Kurylowicz is a strong advocate for the work of WE and
has been involved with the organization for twelve years in various
capacities as a former trip participant, WE Day speaker and board
member, and currently as an international trips host. He is the
founder of an initiative called Project Jenga that works with WE
to bring secondary education to Kenya. Project Jenga opened
a high-school in 2017 with over $1M raised. Mitch is also the
founder of MAKE LUCK HISTORY; a consulting firm that works with
firms and non-profit organizations to create positive impact and
positive returns in the form of corporate social responsibility. As a
function of his group, Mitch works in collaboration with Francesco
Lombardo to support families in their pursuits of sustainable multi-
generational human capital transfer. For his work, Mitch has been
recognized in Canada by the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal
and internationally by the Mandela Legacy Award. He currently sits
on the board of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and holds a B.A.
from the University of Toronto in Political Science.
3

Jackson Ntirkana Benson

Jackson attended schools in our partner communities Benson has been working with us since 2007. He
and has worked with us since 2007. Jackson is a graduated from college with a degree in Tourism and is
passionate naturalist with a degree in botany and passionate about working with people. Outside of work
guiding. Fun fact – he has killed five lions (killing a lion he enjoys spending time with his son.
is a Maasai warrior rite-of-passage.)

Mama Jane

Mama Jane is known as the CEO of the Maasai Mara and a caretaker
to all. She is a strong female leader in her community, empowering
others around her every single day. Mama Jane was part of the
first Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) in the Maasai
Mara, and has since helped 70 other women’s groups start their
own VSLA group. Mama Jane’s passion for financial literacy comes
from a need to create a bright future for her family. In the last ten
years, Mama Jane has been able to go from saving a few shillings
here and there, to having a savings account that will help her and
her family get through the next drought, medical emergency or to
fund her children’s education.

4

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

Day 1 Day 2

August 25 August 26

Evening arrival in Nairobi Beginnings
Collect your luggage and proceed through customs, Introduction to the team, travel to the Maasai Mara
where you will be welcomed by your in-country and meet our Maasai Facilitators.
facilitator in the arrivals hall. Enjoy a comfortable
ride to your boutique hotel. Breakfast
After a good night’s rest, enjoy a full breakfast at
Check in to the Four Points Sheraton Hotel Four Points Sheraton.
The Four Points Sheraton, Nairobi offers a comfortable
and exquisite place to settle in and relax. Enjoy the Fly from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara
peace of fresh, spacious rooms in a city renowned for From Wilson Airport in Nairobi, take a short flight
its vibrant culture. Rest for the evening and night to that will descend into the Great Rift Valley. As you
start your ME to WE adventure the next day. fly over the Maasai Mara, watch for circular shapes
that characterize Maasai bomas, and look for herds
Welcome Cocktail reception of local wildlife and cattle.
Meet fellow participants and facilitators as you enjoy
the surroundings and view of the Ngong hill. This is Arrive at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp
where the journey begins, and connections are forged Settle into your new lodgings at Bogani Cottages and
towards becoming the Maasai warrior in your Family Tented Camp. The bespoke cottages and tents are a
Business. serene place to relax and reflect after an invigorating day
of volunteering. Each accommodation is complete with
hot and cold running water, flush toilets and comfortable
beds, and is furnished with unique African fabrics and art.

5

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

Introduction and orientation
Walk Bogani’s winding paths under yellow acacia
groves and get acquainted with the camp, learning
some Swahili along the way.

Learn about the WE Villages model
Learn about the WE Villages international
development model, which works with rural villages
and regional governments to support, teach and
empower people within five Pillars of Impact:

►► Education
►► Water
►► Health
►► Food
►► Opportunity

Dinner with the Maasai warriors
Learn the path required to become a Maasai warrior.
Understand what it means to achieve this responsibility
and how Maasai serve the community. Examine the role
of traditions in the Maasai warrior in the Maasai culture.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific trip inclusions/exclusions are listed after the itinerary with costing. 6
Accommodation in Nairobi may change subject to availability.

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

Day 3 Milimani Campus
Go on a guided tour of the first WE Villages secondary
August 27 school in Kenya. Kisaruni focuses on community, and
provides empowering curriculum that gives girls the
Character skills and opportunities to excel. Kisaruni serves to
Work with the participants to identify who they are build on cultural values, promote leadership, value
today and understand why they do what they do, based diversity and encourage active learning.
on their character, beliefs and values. We will build on
the learnings from the Maasai. Day 4

Learning module August 28
Explore how our personal story impact who are and how
we behave. Examine the power of one’s story and how Lion
it plays out in the family and the business. Learn how to Participant will explore what fear is, how it holds
create a Safe Space so the warrior can grow and flourish. them back from stepping into leadership; they will
learn how to develop an action plan to face it and
Community visit releases it, on their way to becoming a warrior.
Visit a rural community and get immersed in the
culture and tight knitted community. Experience the Learning Module
simplicity of the way of life in rural Kenya in the Mara. Learn what fear is, and how the Maasai overcome
their fear, when facing the Lion; the final test towards
Visit to Kisaruni Girls Secondary School: becoming a Maasai warrior.

7

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

Community Water walk Return to Bogani
Community water walk Join the mamas at Emori Return to camp as a Maasai warrior with your fellow
Joi for a special walk through the community. Learn warriors, with a clarity on what new personal standards
more about how the Kipsigis organize their homes and traditions will serve the family and business with.
and lives. Fetch water with the mamas, a task the
women perform daily. School building
Roll up your sleeves and grab some tools to work
Weapons Training alongside Maasai and Kipsigis community members
Learn weapons training with the Maasai, enjoy a walk as you help to build a new school.
in the bush with your personal warrior as a guide in
finding your internal warrior. Examine what is in the Project Maasai
way of the warrior emerging. Examine how can give back to the community that has
assisted you in becoming a Maasai warrior. Engage in a
Birth by fire group conversation and pick a project that will support
Maasai share their story of how overcome fears while and your continued connection to each other and the
facing the lion. Discuss new traditions want to create Maasai community.
and step into as a new warrior of the family.
Celebration dinner
Day 5 Receive your Maasai warrior name and blessing from
the elders and enjoy a traditional Maasai dinner.

August 29

Celebration Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific
Develop the group project and start to implement the trip inclusions/exclusions are listed after the itinerary with costing.
server leadership learnings as Maasai warriors. Accommodation in Nairobi may change subject to availability.

8

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

Day 6 Return to Bogani
Gather at the bush bar prior to dinner to share the
August 30 learning and the journey with your new friends and
warrior, knowing you are ready for the next stage of
Reflection & Safari your path.
Enjoy the day to reflect on the journey towards
becoming a Maasai warrior and becoming part of the Final dinner celebration with a special
new community. Take time with your new tribe and choir performance.
allow the magic of the Maasai Mara engulf you.

Lunch with the Hippos
Relax as you take in the beauty of this experience
with your new friends and warriors as you prepare to
return to back. Give your self-permission to journal
about the last 6 days and how you have changed and
grown into the warrior you now are.

9

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

Day 7 Visit the elephant orphanage
The David Sheldrick elephant orphanage offers a
August 31 safe haven for baby elephants that have lost their
mothers. Get an up-close look at the babies on a
Depart Bogani for Wilson Airport private visit and learn from their keepers how, with
Fly back to Nairobi over the Maasai Mara, landing at love and care, these elephants are able to return to
Wilson Airport in Nairobi. Kenya’s National Parks when they are ready.

Lunch at ME to WE Artisans Atelier Day room and dinner at Trademark
Visit the nearby Atelier to see the bespoke pieces Inspired by a Kenyan’s true love for meat, the open
being created by ME to WE Artisans in our workshop. grill Brasserie focuses on farm fresh ingredients
Travel via Limuru through lush and serene carefully paired together to take you on a true
countryside dotted with small towns and tea farms culinary journey.
before reaching the Atelier in Rosslyn. Enjoy a high
tea lunch while browsing through the latest jewellery Drive to Jomo Kenyatta International
collection, handmade with love in Kenya, fair-trade Airport for your flight home
crafts from across the continent, and other special Kwaherinina safari jemma!
items curated by Roxanne Joyal, founder of ME to WE
Artisans, during her travels around the world. Or

Begin your customized extension

Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. Details of specific trip inclusions/exclusions are listed after the itinerary with costing. 10
Accommodation in Nairobi may change subject to availability.

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

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.

Bogani 360 Bogani Tour

Cottages

After a full day of volunteering, escape 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.

11

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

►► 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 15-year record of travel
safety for our guests.
12

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

Bogani 360 Bogani Tour

Tented Camp

Traditional safari tents offer a truly authentic experience, tempered with modern
conveniences including hot water, electricity and en-suite washrooms. Enjoy authentic
African decor, stone flooring and fully screened and paneled windows and doors.

13

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

14

Customize your trip: Safari extension

Safari Fairmont Mara Safari Club
extension
The well-appointed resort is situated by the Mara River at the foot of
Transfer to/from the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area bordering
safari property the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The exclusive tented safari camp
►► Three nights full board features a veranda overlooking the hippo-filled river. Each tent is
furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom and comfortable
accommodation pillow-topped beds.
►► Twice daily game drives (six
Includes transfer from Bogani. Excludes all beverages.
game drives)
►► All meals www.fairmont.com
►► Conservation fees
Richard’s River Camp
Optional upgrades
►► Exclusive use of vehicle Designed with privacy, exclusivity and adventure in mind, Richard’s River
►► Scenic flights Camp is located on the banks of the Njageteck River and surrounded by
►► Hot air balloon safari 70 acres of private land in the Olare Orok Conservancy. The camp allows
►► Lengthen or shorten stay for total privacy and exclusivity with only seven tents. The Ngoyanai
►► Private guide springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals
to the area around camp.
If you’d like to extend/shorten your stay,
please ask for more details. Includes alcoholic beverages, guided bush walks and cultural visits, sundowners, laundry
services and transfer from Bogani.
Excludes champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines.

www.richardscamp.com

Angama Mara

Welcome to Angama Mara, a remarkable owner-run safari lodge
inspired by the Swahili word for “suspended in mid-air”. Located
high above the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara
overlooks Kenya’s Maasai Mara, considered by many as the loveliest
game reserve on the continent. Here guests will find a lodge where
everything is as it ought to be: two intimate camps of just fifteen
tented suites each, a private airfield and access to the Mara below,
tailor-made safari days and a famously warm Kenyan welcome.

Includes alcoholic beverages, guided bush walks and local market visits and laundry services.
Excludes champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines.

15
www.angama.com

Customize your trip: Safari extension

16

Customize your trip: Toriana extension

Toriana Day 1
extension
Depart for Kilifi from the Maasai Mara
Inclusions Fly from an airstrip near Bogani and make your way to the beautiful Kenyan coast.
►► Accommodation at Toriana
Check-in to Toriana
Beach House (three nights) Graceful arches and authentic detailing welcome you home to Toriana after
►► Domestic airfare (Mara a short drive from the Vipingo Airstrip. Discover Swahili culture and history
from the comfort of our coastal beach house. Situated on four waterfront
to the coast and back to acres near Kilifi, we encourage you to enjoy fresh meals served on the vast
Nairobi) terraces, inspiring Swahili and Moroccan architecture, and the white sand
►► All activities as identified and blue waters of Bofa Beach footsteps away.
in the itinerary
►► All meals Sunset stroll
Walk along the beach to take in the breeze and experience a sunset over the
Exclusions Indian Ocean.
►► Optional activities while at
Beach-side welcome
Toriana Warm yourself by our beachside firepit under the stars as you enjoy a
►► Beverages at Toriana complimentary drink.
►► Gratuities are not expected
Day 2
but appreciated, and are
shared among all staff. We Recharge or discovery day
humbly suggest $5-10 per Continue to relax by the pool, explore the coastline and indulge in the serenity
adult per day 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
If you’d like to extend/shorten your stay, scuba diving to golfing nearby.
please ask for more details.
Relax and recharge
Day 3 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.

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.
17

Customize your trip: Toriana extension

18

Customize your trip: Toriana optional extension

Toriana
optional extension

Sink into coastal culture

Experience coastal Kenya’s rich history of diverse peoples, languages and customs. We

welcome you to add any of these optional activities to personalize your stay at Toriana:

Explore Gedi ruins Snorkel in Watamu Marine Reserve
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore A favorite destination of Ernest Hemingway, discover
the partially excavated ruins of once-vibrant Gedi, a this special reserve and its ecosystem in a glass-
vast trading city abandoned more than 200 years ago. bottom boat.

Dive the reef Golf at Vipingo Ridge
Explore the Indian Ocean’s underwater landscape— Experience the acclaimed Baobab Golf Course, a
our water sports diving experts can create the short drive from Toriana. Sweeping views to the
perfect experience, from earning your certification to Indian Ocean in the east and the sunsets in the west
advanced diving adventures. make this a stunning experience.

19

Customize your trip: Toriana optional extension

20

Special offer: Safari & sand package

Two nights Fairmont
Mara Safari Club & three nights
Toriana Beach House

Special Day 1:
offer
Depart Bogani for the Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Inclusions Relax as we transfer you to the Fairmont Mara Safari Club, an exclusive
►► Full board accommodation tented safari camp. Surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and on the
edge of the world’s Seventh “New” Wonder of the World—the Maasai Mara—
at Fairmont Mara Safari Fairmont Mara Safari Club is the epitome of tented luxury.
Club (two nights)
►► Twice daily game drives With four poster, pillow-topped beds and a veranda overlooking the hippo
(four game drives) and crocodile-filled river, each tent at Fairmont Mara Safari Club is superbly
►► All meals furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom.
►► Conservation fees
►► Full board accommodation The location provides a perfect base for visiting the Maasai Mara, one of the
at Toriana Beach House world’s richest wildlife reserves, and home to an astounding array of animals
(three nights) including zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, gazelles and of course the “Big Five.”
►► Domestic airfare (Mara to
the Coast & back to Nairobi) Embark on a sunset safari
►► All activities as outlined in Hop onboard your four-wheel-drive Land Cruiser and embark on an evening
itinerary game drive guided by your experienced driver naturalists. Drive through the
Mara in search for giraffes, lions, elephants, hippos and buffalos!
Exclusions
►► Exclusive use of vehicle, Day 2:

scenic flights, hot air Fairmont Mara Safari Club
balloon safari Your day is designed to be as exciting or relaxing as you wish. Set out again
►► Private guide to explore the Mara Plains, viewing the natural habitat of various species on
►► Optional activities while at morning and evening game drives or simply soak up the amenities offered at
Toriana Fairmont Mara Safari Club.
►► Beverages at Toriana
►► Gratuities are not expected
but appreciated

21

Special offer: Safari & sand package

22

Special offer: Safari & sand package

Day 3: Sunset stroll

Depart for Kilifi from the Maasai Mara Walk along the beach to take in the breeze and experience
a sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Fly from an airstrip near Bogani and make your way to the
beautiful Kenyan coast. Beach-side welcome

Check-in to Toriana Warm yourself by our beachside firepit under the stars as
you enjoy a complimentary drink.
Graceful arches and authentic detailing welcome you home
to Toriana after a short drive from the Vipingo Airstrip. Day 4:
Discover Swahili culture and history from the comfort of
our coastal beach house. Sited on four waterfront acres Recharge or discovery day
near Kilifi, we encourage you to enjoy fresh meals served
on the vast terraces, inspiring Swahili and Moroccan Continue to relax by the pool, explore the coastline and indulge
architecture, and the white sand and blue waters of Bofa in the serenity of Toriana. Or, if you are craving some more action,
Beach footsteps away. take a look at some of our optional activities and discover all that
coastal Kenya has to offer, from scuba diving to golfing nearby.

23

Special offer: Safari & sand package

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.

Day 5:

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 sun set, 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.
24

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

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.

25

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

Don’t worry about the details,
our team is on call to provide:

International and domestic flights on Immunization information
world-class airlines At ME to WE, our participants’ health is our top
Our ME to WE Travel Team members are experts at priority. We always recommend visiting a travel
buying the best flights and finding you the top sales doctor a minimum of six weeks before your departure
on international airfare. Whether you want to fly first date. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, we are
class or snag the most cost-effective deal, our team happy to recommend a travel doctor who is familiar
can book your travel from door-to-door. with ME to WE Trips.

Travel insurance On-ground transportation
Whether it is medical, cancellation or lost baggage and local guide
(or any combination of the above), we are able to Once you arrive in Kenya, we take care of all your
create and purchase the plan that will give you and transportation, so you can sit back and enjoy the vast
your family peace of mind. rolling plains of the Mara unfolding in front of you.
Your experienced local guide will welcome you into
Passport and visa information the communities and be an invaluable resource for
If you are unsure about what is needed to enter in-depth information about the places and people
Kenya, we will walk you through any and all special you visit.
requirements and make sure you have everything you
need to begin your journey worry-free! 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!

26

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

27

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019 “

Health and
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:

►► Flight, luggage and medical insurance
►► Airport arrival assistance
►► 24-hour security staff

“►► Filtered water available at all times
The water we will drink is f iltered. 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 MacFarline
ME to WE Immersive Volunteer Trip, 2013

28

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

Frequently
asked questions

Q: What is the weather like in Kenya in August?
A: Because Kenya has a tropical climate, you can expect hot temperatures all year round. In August,
temperatures can reach as high as 31 °C (88 °F) during the day and lowers to about 23 °C (73 °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 cool (in the mid-50s °F
/ 10 °C), so bring a lightweight jacket and heavy wool sweater with you. We have found that 100% cotton
clothes are the coolest and most comfortable.
Q: Is this a good time of year to visit?
A: Absolutely. Around this time it can get very hot and wet, but you will still have the unique opportunity to
view wildlife and the landscape with its lush greenery.
Q: What time zone is Kenya in?
A: Kenya is on EAT (East African Time), and is 7 or 8 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: Are toiletries provided at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp?
A: Yes, shampoo, conditioner and soap will be provided.
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.

29

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

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 data plan.
Q: How are the food and water at Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp?
A: Filtered water is always available. Food is prepared fresh daily by our chefs and adheres to the highest
safety standards. We are able to accommodate all dietary requirements at Bogani, including vegetarian,
vegan, gluten-free and food allergies.
Q: Will there be electricity while at Bogani and what is the voltage?
A: Power at Bogani is generally available throughout the day from the local grid. At times, we rely on backup
generator which would run from 6–11 p.m. only. During this time, you can charge your camera batteries and
iPods. The voltage in Kenya is 240 V, and the electrical plugs are British-style with two flat blades and one
flat grounding blade. Please make sure to bring a converter with you. We also provide a hair dryer (compatible
with 240V) in each cottage and tent for your convenience.
Q: Is there a minimum age for the trip participants going to Kenya?
A: No. We welcome guests of all ages! Whether young or old ­there is something for everyone. Parents of a
young one? You’re in luck. Bogani Cottages and Tented Camp happily offers daycare service for your little one
upon request.
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 help support their basic needs.

30

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

2016 Founders and Friends Trip
participants Martin and Trey
working hard on the build site

31

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019 “

Martin’s

“ storyTrey and I can’t thank you enough for our life-changing

experience in Kenya. We were particularly moved to see the
incredible impact that the Universal McCann family have been
able to create in partnership with WE Charity in Mwangaza.
Truly transformative. And we were blown away by all of the
ME to WE staff, who not only took amazing care of us before
and during the trip but were also so knowledgeable, engaged

and just a lot of fun. We send our many thanks!

Martin Bryan
Strategy Partner, Universal McCann

Founders and Friends Trip 2016

32

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019 “

Petra’s
storyA soulful ‘Jambo!’ with smiles as bright as the African sun

“warmed our hearts from the day we arrived on our trip to Kenya.

What was truly impactful was seeing the five pillars of holistic
development and living it. For miles, we carried 20-litre water
canisters on our back alongside mamas, and beaded with them
under majestic acacia trees. We picked vegetables from farms,
we witnessed hope in the eyes of a toddler who had received
essential medical treatment, and we were brought to tears
by high school girls who advocated so passionately for their
education. On this trip, my son Gabriel and I learned life lessons
no textbook or website could ever teach—it was a priceless
opportunity that sparked our passion to say ‘how do we do more

when we get home?’

Petra Kuret
Founders and Friends Trip 2014

33

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

2014 Founders and Friends Trip
participant Petra Kuret with
her son Gabriel.

34

The Kenya Maasai Project 2019

ME to WE ambassador and award-winning pop
artist Demi Lovato spends time connecting
with local students on a trip to Kenya.

35

Tr i p d a t e s : August 25 - 31, 2019

Demi’s “

“ storyI wanted a memorable and meaningful way to celebrate,

rather than throw a big birthday bash. I knew traveling and
volunteering with ME to WE would give me the opportunity to
have a life-changing experience that my family, friends and I
would never forget. There’s been so many amazing things that
have happened on this trip. When I go home I don’t know how I’m
going to describe this to anybody—there’s something about just
being here that I can’t describe. It was an incredible experience

and I really feel like this has had a huge impact on my life.

Demi Lovato
Founders and Friends Trip 2014

36

Join us!

Janice Carere
[email protected]

KENYA TICO # 50017614

Photographs courtesy of Scott Ramsay and V. Tony Hauser

37


Click to View FlipBook Version