Safari Explorer
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Trip Highlights
- Make a positive difference in an inspiring community
- Live like a Masai in a Masai-owned and run camp, learn about their culture in an authentic, unrehearsed context
- Indigenous community based tourism initiative
- Go on safari with Masai guides in one of the world's finest game parks
- Spot the Big 5
Your "Taste of Volunteering" Project
The iconic Massai Mara national park has long been a great tourist attraction for Kenya, yet many of the Masaai people have not shared in these spoils. One group is trying to redress this imbalance and at the same time raise money to provide a safe haven for young girls that have chosen to avoid female circumcision.
Female circumcision is a traumatic procedure that is carried out on girls as young as 9, just prior to marriage. Apart from causing the death of 1 in 5 children the procedure often results in life long pain. However, avoiding the procedure means that these young girls will be disowned by their family and community.
Gain a deep understanding of the Masaai culture and help this tourism initiative become a success, so that it can provide a safe haven for these young girls. This way the girls can make the choice not to undergo the procedure and find shelter and support in this new community.
Your lives will forever be changed by interacting with these warm, welcoming people.
Trip Summary
Upon arrival in Nairobi, you have a tour of the city, taking in the Diane Sheldricks animal shelter, and Karen Blixen's house, before heading to the Masai Mara the following morning; your base for the next 9 days.
You are based in an indigenous Masai community - the camp is completely owned and run by the Masai people, and is doing great work providing jobs and training more Masai to be guides (historically, the Masai have been marginalised in the tourism industry, and this ground breaking initiative sees the Masai taking on all roles and responsibilities).
Upon arrival, you are welcomed into the community and your cultural induction begins! You are then shown to your tent - it is a simple tent, although most do have ensuite bathrooms. Your meals here are also simple, but tasty and hearty.
The following day you have your first taste of the incredible Masai Mara National Park. You have a full day's game drive where you may get to see lion, elephant, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, even leopard.
After your first day of game drives you begin our volunteering and meaningful interaction with our wonderful hosts. Work alongside the local people to help build the kitchen at the boarding house for girls fleeing female genital mutilation, or you can help teach at the local school.
You have five days making a difference, followed by two more days on safari in the Masai Mara.
On the 10th day you head back to Nairobi to break up your journey en route to the Maasai Mara, where six exciting game drives await.
For more information contact us.
If you like this trip, you may also be interested in:
Kenya - Captivating Kenya
Namibia - Classic Namibia
Feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries about this trip.
With one person booking, please contact us for the price of your trip.
