March
Each of our trips are a mixture of volunteering/service, adventure, travel, wildlife and more.
On the March trip we will start by heading down into the Great Rift Valley to enjoy the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The Reserve is probably the most famous and most visited in Kenya. It offers breathtaking views, an extraordinary density of animals including "the Big Five" (lions, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros) and many varieties of plains game. An impressive feature is the annual migration of wildebeests, (over 1.5 million of them migrate), zebras and gazelles from the plains of the Serengeti that cross the Tanzanian border and rivers to reach the Mara's grasslands from late June through early October, tracked by predators: lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena, and circled by vultures as their journey unfolds. The dramatic river crossings are a reality for tourists visiting in early July-August.
Apart from the seasonal migration, game viewing is excellent year-round. Game includes elephant, black rhino, buffalo, zebra, giraffe etc. as well as the big cats, while the rivers are home to hippo and crocodiles. Birds abound with 452 different species of which 53 of which are raptors.
While in the Maasai Mara we will spend a couple of nights at THE OLMALAIKA TRUST – showers and flush toilets are available. It is not uncommon to hear hyenas laughing, elephants enjoying the trees and bushes nearby, and lions roaring or grunting during the night.
From the Mara we will travel back to Nairobi for a night and head down to Taita-Taveta for a couple of nights while partnering up with Lions Bluff Lodge & Leopards Lair Cottages - LUMO Conservancy to provide clinics.
Then on to the coast for a couple of clinics and some R&R - you will have time to enjoy the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoy a few days of sun & sand while providing medical and dental care with Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa.
Kenya is a warm and inviting country – the people are amazing! When you leave, your heart will always hold a part of Kenya in it. Your life will never be the same.....
On March 19 you will need to book your flights out of Mombasa and connecting with your international flight out of Nairobi OR spend an extra night in Nairobi and take the train from Mombasa to Nairobi. Please note this is NOT included in the $1975
If you have any questions please contact us at:
Email: theolmalaika@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +254 713010092
Required:
*Passport – be sure it does NOT expire 6 months of the last day of travel.
*Flight - we can help guide you with flight options
*Visa - obtained online PRIOR to traveling to Kenya approx. $53
*Cost: USD1975 - includes lodging, transport, food, park fees, supplies etc.
*Pocket Money
Optional:
*Travel insurance.
Application
- US$100 is required when you send in your application and it is included as part of the total due.
- Mail or scan us a copy of your passport
- If you are a physician, either medical or dental - mail or scan copies of:
A. Copy of passport
B. Passport Picture (send this via jpg format to our email)
C. Certified copies of academics and certificates
D. Evidence of passing councils pre- registration examination/peer review certificate
E. Certificate/License to Practice
F. Resume / CV
(NOTE: Kenya requires us to obtain a license for you to provide care while there and requires the above information)
“Permission to Treat” forms for those 17 years of age or younger traveling without parents. Forms need to be signed, notarized and the original copy needs to be mailed to us.
Financial -
Cost for the Service Trip USD1975
Cost for the Optional Safari USD - currently unknown
Cost for Climbing Mt Kenya USD - currently unknown
$100 due with application
Dec 11 ~ USD625
January 21 ~ USD1250 & Optional trip funds
HOW DO I MAKE PAYMENTS?
FIRST OPTION
Pay via check written to THE OLMALAIKA and mailed to: 8712 N Ridge Ave Berrien Springs MI 49103
SECOND OPTION
Pay via credit on our website via the paypal link (please check the box to cover the cost of fees)
THIRD OPTION
International wire. NOTE: Be sure any bank fees are covered in addition to your USD1950 (The funds stay in USD the entire time)
Account Name: AFRICAN SPRINGS SAFARIS LIMITED
Account Number: 5060630028 (USD)
Bank: NCBA Bank
Bank Code: 07000
Branch Code: 119 (Karen Branch)
SWIFT code: CBAFKENX
(African Springs Safaris Ltd - PO BOX 50501-00100, Nairobi, Kenya)
Tentative Schedule
March 6 - Arrive in Kenya (JKIA)
March 7 - Travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve
*Overnight at The Olmalaika TRust
March 8 - Enjoy the Reserve
*Overnight at The Olmalaika Trust
March 9 - Enjoy the Reserve in the morning & travel to Nairobi in the afternoon
March 10 - Travel to Taita-Taveta
March 11, 12, 13 & 14 - Clinics
March 15 - Travel to the Coast
*Overnight at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
March 16 - Clinic
March 17 - Clinic
March 18- Fly back - connecting with your international flight ($)
*Optional safari trip would continue March 18th-21st