Name: 🇰🇪 Summer 2024 Kenya Expedition
Start: 2024-06-22T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-06-29T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Mombasa, Kenya

CHOICE Humanitarian

Email address verified

12 reviews

Jun 22 - 29, 2024

Group size: 15 - 40

🇰🇪 Summer 2024 Kenya Expedition

Mombasa, Kenya

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CHOICE Humanitarian

Email address verified

12 reviews

Jun 22 - 29, 2024

Group size: 15 - 40

Travel with purpose to rural Kenya and work together with community members to develop meaningful change and positive connections.

Located just below Ethiopia on Africa's eastern coast, Kenya offers a diverse landscape of central plateaus, arid deserts, and coastal plains that stretch along the Indian Ocean. Each CHOICE Kenya expedition begins and ends with a village celebration of song and dance to welcome you to the beautiful region of Samburu.

Enjoy an incredible opportunity to learn about local culture while also experiencing international development and humanitarian work firsthand. Along with your fellow expeditioners, you will expand your view of what it means to be a global citizen.

Project Information

Once we find out more information about the community and project you'll be working on during this Expedition, we'll be sure to include that information here. Until then, trust that the project will be a sustainable, locally led project identified by the community. No matter your abilities/skill-level, there will be accessible options for you to participate every step of the way!

Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange is one of the most important aspects of CHOICE expeditions. When people of different backgrounds come together to exchange ideas, experiences, perspectives, and knowledge, the world becomes a more connected place. These authentic and meaningful interactions can generate empathy and foster open-mindedness.

Ethical & Sustainable Service

CHOICE employs qualified local country staff who work with community members to organize and lead projects designed specifically for the needs of their community. By focusing on the causes rather than the symptoms, our projects can create multidimensional, long-lasting solutions which increase the community’s capacity to build a path out of poverty.

For more information, view our Expedition Philosophy and FAQ's!

Each Expedition is led by a Certified Expedition Leader (CEL). The CEL works together with CHOICE's local country team to make each part of your trip intentional and valuable.

Your Leaders for this Expedition will be Emily Evangelista and Deonne Johnson!

Expeditioners are responsible for booking and paying for their own air travel. The Expedition Fee does not cover airfare.

We recommend booking your flights two to eight months before departure for the best pricing and availability!

ARRIVAL INFORMATION:

Airport: Moi International Airport (MBA)

Date: DAY 1 (June 22, 2024)

Time: 6AM-6PM Local Time

DEPARTURE INFORMATION:

Airport: Moi International Airport (MBA)

Date: DAY 8 (June 29, 2024)

Time: Anytime

Tour Add-On Travel Information

*NOTE: This Add-On Tour will take place starting BEFORE the Expedition. Please fly to Nairobi by 11:59PM on June 19, 2024. Safari activities will take place from June 20-June 22, where you will be dropped off with the rest of the group in Mombasa before the Expedition.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION:

Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

Date: SAFARI DAY 1 (June 19, 2024)

Time: Anytime

DEPARTURE INFORMATION:

Location: Mombasa Hotel

Date: EXPEDITION DAY 1 (June 22, 2024)

Time: Afternoon

CHOICE partners with CV Humanitarian travel, a trusted agency that specializes in humanitarian travel to the remote places where CHOICE works. If you would like to work with one of their trusted agents, please find their contact information below:

Agent: Blair Greene

Email: blair@cvtravel.com

Phone: +1 (205) 484-2029

For any other questions, please visit our FAQ's page, or contact the CHOICE Expeditions Team.

CHOICE Humanitarian requires all expedition participants to purchase medical evacuation insurance. This insurance covers transportation to a clinic or hospital during medical emergencies. It must cover at least $25,000. Proof of coverage must be provided to CHOICE as part of registration.

Medical evacuation insurance can be purchased separately or as part of a travel health insurance policy. It can cover emergency transportation from a remote area to a high-quality hospital, which could otherwise cost more than $100,000.

In addition, CHOICE encourages all expedition participants to purchase standard travel insurance and trip cancellation coverage due to unforeseen circumstances that might cause trip disruptions or unexpected flight cancellations.

Suggested Policy Providers:

(800) 826-1300

(800) 282-4495

(800) 228-9792

(800) 487-4722

Major credit card companies also provide free and/or low cost travel insurance to cardholders. Please be sure that such coverage is actual insurance and not just insurance consultation.

If you are a student or faculty member, the least expensive way to acquire emergency evacuation/medical insurance is the international youth/student/faculty I.D. card ($20). Most universities offer these through their study abroad office. You will need to provide proof of current school enrollment or faculty employment and a passport-sized photo.

There is also an International Student Card that is a $25 plan and covers our medical evacuation requirement. See if you qualify and more information on their website below.

CHOICE Registration Materials

CHOICE Registration Materials
Medical Evacuation Insurance
Book Flights + Upload full Flight Itinerary

Kenya Arrival Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Passport (Valid for 6-months beyond Expedition return date)
Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Travel Affidavit for a Minor **

**Required for volunteers under 18 years of age traveling without a parent.

For more information see here . For CDC Travel Guidelines see here.

Extra Suggestions and Recommendations

Did I read all important pre-departure materials (accessible on this site)?
Did I check local weather reports before departure?
Did I make copies of passports and insurance policies to take with me (or save digital copies to a device)?
Did I receive recommended and/or routine vaccinations? (For updated recommendations see here.)
Did I pack proper electrical adapters/converters?
Did I contact my banking institution before departure (to use credit/debit cards abroad)?
Did I grab some spending cash for personal expenses? (~$250 for souvenirs and extra food/drink.)
Did I leave phone numbers with friends and relatives?
Did I check with the airline(s) regarding baggage weight limits and potential excess baggage fees?
Did I reconfirm flights and/or check for changes in flight times?

Travel Information

CURRENCY

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

1.00 US Dollar = 115.35 Shillings (2022)

ELECTRICITY

220240 volts AC (50 Hertz)

Plugs: round 2pin / flat 3pin (same as United Kingdom)

WEATHER

DRY “HOT” SEASON: December March (hot and humid in the afternoons, cooler in the evenings) *rain is intermittent

HIGH: 90°F – 95°F / LOW: 75°F – 80°F

DRY “COOL” SEASON: June September (warm and humid in the afternoons, cooler in the evenings) *rain is intermittent

HIGH: 80°F – 85°F / LOW: 70°F – 75°F

RAINY SEASON: October November/ April May (warm and humid in the afternoons, cooler in the evenings)

*rain is heavier and more frequent

HIGH: 85°F – 90°F / LOW: 70°F – 75°F

FOOD

During the expedition, CHOICE will provide 3 daily meals to all volunteers while in the village. The local diet consists of vegetables, rice, potatoes, chicken, nyama choma(roasted meat), and possible mandaazi (fried dough cakes). Expedition participants can expect to eat standard American foods combined with local elements: cereals, breads, salads, soups, chicken, fruits, salsas, etc. CHOICE will also provide drinks such as milk, fruit juices, and soda pop. Participants are encouraged to bring personal food and snacks that will not be available in the villages (supplement bars, sweets, etc). Drinkable water will be provided in the village. We encourage each participant to bring a reusable water bottle.

PACKING LIST

This comprehensive packing list has been prepared as a convenience. The recommendations reflect the experience of CHOICE as well as recommendations from previous expedition participants. If you have questions about anything on the packing list, feel free to ask the Expedition Staff, the Expedition Leaders, or post a question in the expedition Facebook group.When reviewing this list, please refer to the weather information provided above to coordinate which items to pack and take on a specific expedition (according to the month/season).

CHOICE recommends that all volunteers check the weather forecast prior to departure to ensure appropriate packing. It is wise to think in LAYERS when preparing for a service trip abroad. All volunteers are expected to bring a comfortable sleeping bag. Foam pads will be provided in the village.

CHOICE recommends that all volunteers pack as light as possible (since brief hikes might be required before entering and/or departing from the village). CHOICE also suggests duffle bags and camping backpacks as ideal packing equipment (instead of suitcases). Please check with the airlines regarding baggage allowances and excess baggage fees. CHOICE will not be responsible for such fees.

Participants have found that packing everything in large ziploc-style bags makes it easier to find socks and shirts during the expedition, but also keeps clothes clean and odor-free. CHOICE suggests also bringing such a bag to store dirty clothes throughout the expedition.

One golden piece of advice: Leave behind a clean change of clothes at the hotel or keep a clean change of clothes inside a bag during the entire expedition. Why? So that there is a fresh outfit to wear when boarding the international flight home! You’ll thank us later!

NECESSARY ITEMS

Clothing

durable walking shoes (hiking boots or well-built tennis shoes)
sandals or flip-flops (for use in shower and inside sleeping area)
swimsuit (for use in shower)
multiple pairs of socks (lightweight long socks protect ankles from insect bites)
three (3) pair of work pants or knee-length shorts (casual, quick-dry – not jeans)
four (4) or five (5) t-shirts or work shirts (casual, quick-dry – not sleeveless)
sweatshirt and/or light jacket
one (1) long-sleeve shirt for the evenings
simple rain poncho/waterproof jacket
underclothing (enough for entire trip without washing)
pajamas appropriate for group sleeping
hat or sun visor

Toiletries/First-Aid

antibacterial wet wipe packets (80-100 per person) and/or antibacterial hand gel
toothbrush/toothpaste
deodorant
pocket size packs of tissue
water bottle (plastic or aluminum)
inexpensive durable watch
camera (plus extra battery and extra film/disk)
extra prescription medicine (packed in carry-on luggage)
sunscreen
lip balm
minor blister/wound care (band-aids, moleskin, triple antibiotic cream etc.)
pain reliever (ibuprofen, etc.)
diarrhea medication (imodium, etc.)
constipation medicine
decongestant or allergy medication
personal prescriptions
mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET
chigger cream

Other Items

medium to warm sleeping bag (lightweight bag is easier to manage and pack)
travel pillow
headlamp with new batteries
good work gloves
jumbo and mid-size ziploc bags (for dirty/wet clothes, garbage, organizing and packing)
personal hygiene items: towel, washcloth, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.
day bag (to transport water, jacket, hat, gloves, camera, snacks to worksite)
personal journal and pen
passport

RECOMMENDED ITEMS

sleep aids (ear plugs, etc.)
travel pocket guide
cultural sharing items (small musical instruments, photo albums, etc.)
supplies and games for village activities (fingernail polish, materials for necklaces and
bracelets, frisbees, soccer balls/ pumps, etc.)
small multi-tool or pocket knife
compact travel games or cards

OPTIONAL ITEMS

bandana (used around head or neck)
sunglasses
snacks (granola bars, fruit leather, etc.), sweets, powder juices
compact indoor games or projects

Accommodations
All accommodations during the Expedition are included.
Meals
Meals during the Expedition are included.
Local Transportation
Transportation within country are included during the Expedition.
In-Country Preparation
All logistics and details provided by our in-country team of development professionals is included.
Expedition Leaders
Your leaders for the Expedition are Certified according to CHOICE's very high standards of safety, care, and sustainable development in order to provide the most fulfilling experience for you!
Project Costs
Your Expedition Fee will help cover the cost of the project we will work on and future sustainable CHOICE projects.

Safari Tour

$1,000

Experience the wild-side that Kenya has to offer!

Day -3 (Add-On)
Day -3 (Add-On)
Safari Tour
After an early breakfast you will head out into the park for a morning game drive. Afterwards you will start your journey to Tsavo West National Park. You will first visit the west part of the park, which is known as “the home of the leopards”. The landscape is dense and hilly, making it a little more difficult to spot the animals.

However, nature is breathtakingly beautiful here. After experiencing Tsavo West, you will head back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation time. Later in the afternoon you will head back into the park for your evening game drive, which will last for about 2 hours. Try your luck this afternoon and spot as many animals as you can. When the sun starts to set it is time to head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
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Day -2 (Add-On)
Day -2 (Add-On)
Safari Tour
In the morning you will have an enroute game drive towards Mzima Springs. At Mzima Springs you’ll experience a half-mile walk accompanied by a ranger/guide, who will brief you about the attraction. Millions of gallons of water sprout out of rock forming springs and big pools of water, where hippos and crocodiles call this place home.

Once you have left the park you will start making your way to the majestic Amboseli National Park (about 4 hour drive). Amboseli National Park, formerly Maasai Amboseli Game Reserve, is located in Kajiado County. The park has little vegetation due to long dry months; it also houses swamps and a dried-up Pleistocene lake. The park is famous for viewing free-ranging elephants up close and of course for the spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Amboseli is home to many animals, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, impalas, hyenas, zebras, wildebeests and giraffes.

At around lunchtime you will arrive at the lodge, where you will check in and sit down for a lovely lunch. After lunch you can relax and then you will head out into the park for your evening game drive. When the sun starts to set it is time to head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
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Day -1 (Add-On)
Day -1 (Add-On)
Travel Home
After breakfast you will head into the park for your morning game drive that will last for about 2 hours. After the game drive you will leave the park and start making your way to Nairobi, where you will be dropped at the airport in the late afternoon. Lunch will be provided along the way. Flights home depart in the afternoon/evening.
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Day 1
Day 1
Arrive in Mombasa, Kenya
Flight arrivals will take place throughout the day (by 5PM local time), with transportation to hotel in Mombasa. Orientation/Welcome Dinner and Hotel Check-in.
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Day 2
Day 2
Explore Mombasa
Explore Mombasa, a major trading center in the Arab world for centuries, with strong Muslim roots still evident in modern Swahili culture. In 1498, Vasco da Gama was the first European explorer to discover Mombasa – now a popular travel destination in eastern Africa. Participants can visit Biashara Street to purchase vibrant kangas, as well as Akamba Carvers to find exquisite gifts of handcrafted wood.
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Day 3
Day 3
Travel to Project Community
Group transportation will be provided in the morning to the developing region outside of Mombasa (4-hour travel). Participants will arrive to a gracious rural village in the afternoon and be greeted with a warm welcome from local villagers. Time available to unpack, rest, and interact with local residents. Overnight accommodations provided in Safari-style canvas tents.
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Day 4-6
Day 4-6
Working in the Community
Development projects will be scheduled throughout the week (construction of various village-identified initiatives).

Village activities and interactions will be provided to promote powerful intercultural exchanges between participants and local villagers.
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Day 7
Day 7
Travel Day
Ceremonious village farewell will be scheduled in the morning (or evening prior). Group bus transportation will be provided back to Mombasa. Arrive to Mombasa in the late afternoon and check-in to hotel for overnight accommodations. Group dinner will be scheduled in the evening to conclude the expedition and discuss experiences.
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Day 8
Day 8
Depart for Home
Those flying home will depart from Moi International Airport (MBA) anytime.
Read more

Day -3 (Add-On)

Safari Tour

After an early breakfast you will head out into the park for a morning game drive. Afterwards you will start your journey to Tsavo West National Park. You will first visit the west part of the park, which is known as “the home of the leopards”. The landscape is dense and hilly, making it a little more difficult to spot the animals.

However, nature is breathtakingly beautiful here. After experiencing Tsavo West, you will head back to the lodge for lunch and relaxation time. Later in the afternoon you will head back into the park for your evening game drive, which will last for about 2 hours. Try your luck this afternoon and spot as many animals as you can. When the sun starts to set it is time to head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

12 reviews

CHOICE Humanitarian works with and through rural communities to expand their range of options, foster self-reliance, and reduce poverty. For every life touched, there is potential for a better future. From agricultural production to women's entrepreneurial training, to youth education scholarships and more, CHOICE carries out hundreds of vital projects based on data-driven needs. Our Expeditions Program supports that mission by giving our supporters the experience of working in the field and engaging in valuable intercultural exchange.

The service opportunity was hard work, but wonderful. Mark Cameron, our group leader, was once again an impressive leader, staying positive even in difficult circumstances, and helping everyone feel wanted and appreciated. Donna Cameron was the quintessential “mom” of our group, always trying to make sure everyone was healthy and happy. The Mexican in-country team was also awesome. I have no idea how many trips they made to the airport to pick us and our luggage up. The CloudStrike cyber security software fiasco caused our group to arrive at multiple different times throughout the week, but the in-country team made sure we were well received and cared for. The post-project sight-seeing trip to Guanajuato was enjoyable and enlightening.

By Kenneth H for 🇲🇽 2024 Summer Mexico Expedition on Aug 02, 2024

Life-changing. I was able to enjoy full immersion in the culture, and understand the best ways to support going forward. Choice are an exemplary and unique organisation and I'm so grateful for my experience with them.

By LINDA M for 🇰🇪 2024 Summer Kenya Expedition 2 on Jul 30, 2024

This was a wonderful experience. The Kenya team are an exceptional team. They ensured participants were picked up timely, well fed, and above and beyond accommodations for a humanitarian expedition. I greatly appreciate the opportunity of being involved as a leader and working with Mike and Teresa and others from CHOICE. Without going into specifics- this was a great experience!

By Jana M for 🇰🇪 2024 Summer Kenya Expedition 2 on Jul 29, 2024

This trip was life changing! CHOICE Humanitarian does everything right!! The food was great. The accommodations were comfortable. I was worried because I am not a camper but it was really glamping. Our trip leaders went totally above and beyond. The Kenya CHOICE team was awesome! The Safari was incredible. I loved the people in our expeditions and absolutely adored the villagers we got to work with. Seriously an unforgettable experience. I would do it again and again. Thanks CHOICE!!

By Nicole E for 🇰🇪 2024 Summer Kenya Expedition 2 on Jul 25, 2024

It was a fantastic trip -- the work Choice does is amazing, and I am a believer in their organization and core values. They do so much good work around the world for those in need of our help. The time we spent in Kenya was life changing for me to be a better person in my life going forward.