Philanthropy Safari

August 8-22, 2011

HIGHLIGHTS:
This is a superb African adventure that breaks the regular safari mold.  While at times providing moments of sheer adrenalin exhilaration, this safari will also afford you an intimate and privileged access to the culture, wildlife and extreme geography of Kenya that the majority of travelers to this region fail to see.  You will be able to give your time and love to the orphans of Makuyu, hopefully witness the fruition of Well Aware's 4th  water well dig in Ithanga Hills, and participate in the ensuing celebration. Then off on Safari to little visited Laikipia region followed by the wildlife and cultural rich Maasi Mara.

                                                                 Itinerary     Price     Inclusions     About Well Aware

ITINERARY

Aug 09    ARRIVE NAIROBI

Evening arrival to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.  After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you’ll be welcomed by an Akorn representative before transferring to Nairobi Safari Club.  The Hotel participates in various worthy causes ranging from Charity Golf Tournaments to Annual Marathons and visits to at least 3 Children's Homes annually. The donations are not only monetary but also in kind.  Some of  the Homes have had  toilets, bathrooms & classrooms  constructed while others have benefited from computers, cuttlery, crockery and linen to mention a few.

Dinner tonight is on own arrangements.

Overnight Nairobi Safari Club

Aug 10 NAIROBI – MAKUYU

In central Kenya, north of Nairobi, Makuyu is tucked away in a rural lush and hilly region of the country. Here, you will truly experience African life, cultural and language. The closest urban area to Makuyu is Thika, about 20 minutes away by car.

Our first day in Makuyu will be an introduction to the orphanage grounds, the staff and the children, followed by a meal with everyone and a small celebration for our arrival.   Everyone will welcome you warmly and eagerly, and the project manager, Geoffrey, will greet us and serve as our guide while we are there.

The water well drilling by Well Aware will also commence today in Ithanga Hills, about a 20 minute drive in our vans from the orphanage in Makuyu.  We will drive to the borehole site to meet up with the Well Aware team as soon as we know that hitting water there is imminent- most likely at the end of the day on the 11th or the morning of the 12th.

Accommodations in Makuyu include an on-site shared volunteer house, or local home stay.  We'll experience typical African rural conditions - no electricity, well water and basic bathroom facilities (latrines). Internet access is attainable with a Safaricom connection. Three meals a day are included and on-site housing staff. A local Project Coordinator will provide an orientation tour on arrival, project briefing, and an introduction to work placement.

Overnight Makuyu on-site shared volunteer house, or local home stay  (BLD)                top

Aug 11 & 12 MAKUYU

As a volunteer here, you will have the opportunity to work alongside Watoto Wa Barake, a local grassroots organization assisting needy children in the surrounding rural community. HIV/ AIDS has swept through rural areas, targeting adults ages 30-40 years old. Cultural and social conditions have created an environment where this disease has spread at an uncontrollable rate. This result is the elimination of the parent age of the core society. Parentless children and aging grandparents now compose many communities, unbalancing the socio-economic structure of the region.

The goal of the volunteer program in Makuyu is to give real hope to as many needy children as possible at the self-sustaining orphanage located there as well as the general community.

Watoto Wa Baraka’s focus is on agriculture, housing, feeding and educating these needy orphans and street children. By implementing sustainable programs and working with the community, our projects work to strengthen the present living conditions to allow all orphans and struggling street kids a chance to survive this crisis.

The specific on-going volunteer opportunities here include childcare assistance, teaching and education, HIV/AIDS prevention training, sustainable agriculture and youth sports. You will be able to experience tasks from each of these projects.

Since we will also be anxiously awaiting the results and viewing of the Well Aware borehole in nearby Ithanga Hills, we will gather immediately upon news from the drilling site that there is water activity and drive to witness the water first erupting from the well. Volunteer activities at the orphanage will be interrupted for a couple of hours at this time.

Overnight Makuyu on-site shared volunteer house, or local home stay (BLD)

Aug 13 MAKUYU - LAIKIPIA  

This morning, drive up north to Lekurruki Community Conservation Group Ranch and check-in at Tassia Lodge.  Tassia Lodge is a community venture to help safeguard wildlife by allowing the Masai to reap the benefits of allowing the wildlife free haven on their land rather than overgrazing the area with their large herds of livestock. Tassia gently sprawls over a rocky bluff with a magnificent view over the surrounding Northern Kenya plains and hills.                                                  top

The six double bedrooms are open to the wilds and have open bathrooms that overhang the drama of the bush below. The lounge/dining area overlooks a stunning swimming pool built into the rocks and then a small dam where elephants are frequent visitors. No trees were felled to create Tassia which was built entirely with local materials by the Maasai with conservation and environment foremost in mind.

The afternoon is at leisure for an activity of your choice. Tassia offers a wide range of activities and is a base for adventure as well as game drives. Exploring on foot is the main attraction and is the best way to discover the wonders of the wilderness.

Dinner and overnight Tassia Lodge (BLD)

Aug 14 & 15 TASSIA

Full day at leisure to enjoy the various activities available including an opportunity to participate in local community projects such as a school, clinics, ranger post and outbuildings etc.

The area offers walking through unspoilt and uninhabited bush, climbing in the Tassia Lugga or wallowing in pools under waterfalls when the river flows following rain. For the intrepid explorer, a climb to the summit of Mount Lossos should not be missed, especially for keen paragliders! More than likely, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to have a day resting in a lovely environment after the vigor of your walking safari.

Meals and overnight Tassia Lodge (BLD)                         top

Aug 16 TASSIA – MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE

After breakfast drive to Lewa Airstrip for the scheduled flight to Maasai Mara (0930/1045hrs).

You are met at the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip and transferred to the camp, your base for the next three nights. Afternoon game viewing and return to the camp by 1830 hrs.

Dinner and overnight at Kichwa Tembo Camp or Mara Safari Club (to be determined) (BLD)

Aug 17  MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE

You have the whole day to explore the reserve and enjoy the comfort at the camp.

The jewel in Africa’s crown, Maasai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Her 320 square kilometers of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers creates an eco-system that supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species.

The western border of the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the acacia dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park, as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino.

Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings: a pride of lion stalking their prey; a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree; male wildebeest sparring to attract females into their harem; or even a herd of elephant protecting their young from opportunistic predators.   The annual wildebeest migration traditionally is present in the Mara from July-September and at this time nature’s dramas unfold before your very eyes at every turn.  As well as wildlife, the Maasai Mara is also home to many members of the colourful Maasai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park – morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing matters of the day.

Dinner and overnight at Kichwa Tembo Camp or Mara Safari Club (to be determined) (BLD)                              top

Aug 18  MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE

You have another full day to enjoy the splendors of the Maasai Mara.

There are also options for a morning balloon safari [at an extra cost].

Arise with the wildlife and head out on an early morning hot air ballooning extravaganza over the Mara plains (at an extra cost).

You will be awakened early and driven to the take-off site in time to see the sun rising over the horizon as you lift gently into the sky. Fly at a low level over the rolling hills and savannah plains of the reserve for about an hour before being met with a traditional champagne breakfast

After breakfast, join your naturalist guides on a game viewing excursion up until lunch. After lunch at the camp, visit a nearby conservation project spearheaded by the highly regarded “Friends of Conservation,” who have numerous projects in this area, as well as the world over. Learn of the conservation needs of the area, and what concerned advocates are doing to help keep this incredible place the same for future generations to come. Feel free to pitch in and assist if you care to!

The afternoon is available for a game viewing drive and/or other activity in the Mara whether or not you take the optional adventure.

Retire tonight with your cameras filled with your amazing memories of today, relishing in the modern conveniences mankind has thankfully developed during our existence.

Dinner and overnight at Kichwa Tembo Camp or Mara Safari Club (to be determined) (BLD)

Aug 19 MASAI MARA/NAIROBI

Following breakfast, you will then transfer to the airstrip, returning to Nairobi. Upon arrival you are transferred toNairobi Safari Club for check-in.

Afternoon at leisure with lunch and dinner on own

Overnight Nairobi Safari Club (B)                                 top

Aug 20 NAIROBI – MAKUYU

After breakfast we will drive back to area to inspect the well project  in Ithanga Hills. If all has gone well, today will be a day of celebration for the community. Today the pump will be tested, and the well will be dedicated to the community. Joyous celebration for abundant clean water! Tonight we'll return to the orphanage in Makuyu.

Overnight Makuyu on-site shared volunteer house, or local home stay  (BLD)

Aug 21 MAKUYU – NAIROBI

This morning we'll pitch in to help with a half day of projects at the orphanage. This afternoon return to Nairobi for overnight.

Overnight Nairobi Safari Club (B,L)

Aug 22 DEPART

After breakfast you are transferred to the international airport for your homeward bound flight.                  top

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION

PRICE
$5729 per person, double occupancy, based on 11 participants
$6339 per person, double occupancy, based on 5 participants

Above costs include

- Bed & breakfast in Nairobi
- Fullboard accommodation on safari as indicated
- Basic meals while at Watoto wa Baraka orphanage
- All conservation and park entrance fees
- All transfers and game viewing drives as shown above
- Exclusive use of 6-seater landcruiser with English speaking driver/guide except at Tassia & Mara where it based on sharing basis with other participants
- Beers, house wine, soft drinks at Tassia
- Scheduled flights within Kenya (rates included are subject to change)
- Porterage of 2 pieces of luggage per person
- Flying Doctors service for the duration of the trip
- Government taxes and levies - but subject to change in case of any taxation/levy increases/changes effected by the government, airlines and or suppliers(ie fuel surcharges etc)
-Escorted by Barbara Baggett, JB Journeys LLC

Above costs exclude

- International airfare
- International airport departure taxes
- All expenses of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc
- Tips and gratuities for the guides, driver/guides, hotel staff etc
- Entry visa fees – currently USD 50 per person
- Travel and medical insurance

Optionals:
Balloon Safari in the Mara US$450 per person                                                                                                     top

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION

Well Aware, Inc. is a non-profit organization. Sarah Evans and Brio Yiapan founded the organization in June of 2006. W.A. is structured to facilitate the fundraising for, and the construction of, drought relief projects in rural Kenya. We are working in areas whose death tolls continue to rise due to the most sever drought in history. With no resources to access clean water or help from their government, rural Kenyans continue to struggle without this basic necessity. So, we have stepped in and invite you to join us as. We can change their lives for generations to come.

We are a grassroots organization. 100% of our public donations goes directly to drought relief. Under the current leadership of Executive Director, Sarah Evans, Well Aware is presently growing to facilitate larger fundraising effforts to be able to serve a greater number of suffering communities.

With the awareness and aid of caring and generous local and global communities, we can achieve this goal.

Together we can make a substantial and lasting difference in the lives of these people. We know that, with your assistance, we can turn tragedy into joy and prosperity.