Jan 2: USA → Nairobi

Embark on an exciting journey as you depart from JFK and head towards Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya.

Jan 3: Nairobi, Kenya

Arriving in Nairobi, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at the hotel before a warm welcome to Kenya and an engaging discussion about your upcoming adventure. Explore the Giraffe Centre, where you'll have the unique opportunity to get up close to these majestic creatures. The day ends with a delightful dinner at the hotel.

Jan 4: Nairobi → Kasigau

Discover the heart of Nairobi through an educational city tour and visit the Columbia Global Center, gaining insights into the city's dynamic culture. Later, board the SGR train for a picturesque journey to Voi (Kasigau) where you'll settle into the Kiteghe Field Center. Engage in an inspiring conversation about the local community and its culture while enjoying dinner at the field center.

Jan 5: Kasigau Mountain

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kasigau Mountain as you explore the Kasigau Community Ranch. Participate in a walking patrol with Rangers, gaining a deeper understanding of local conservation efforts. A delicious local lunch and discussions centered around conservation and culture await you, followed by a memorable dinner.

Jan 6: Kasigau Mountain

Embark on an exhilarating hike up Mt Kasigau, a journey that not only offers stunning views but also an opportunity to learn about the mountain's unique flora and fauna. Your packed lunch sets the stage for a fascinating meeting with Women Basket Weavers, where you'll engage in conversations about gender and development. The day concludes with dinner under the starlit African sky.

Jan 7: Kasigau Mountain

Rise early for a thrilling safari experience in Tsavo East National Park. Explore the park's diverse wildlife during a full day game drive, all while learning about the community's efforts towards conservation. Return to camp for a well-deserved dinner, sharing stories of the day's adventures.

Jan 8: Kasigau → Diani Beach

Bid farewell to Kasigau and travel to the serene Diani Beach. En route, engage in enlightening discussions about the Swahili Coast. As the day winds down, a delectable dinner awaits you at the beachfront hotel.

Jan 9: Diani Beach

Take an active role in environmental conservation as you participate in a mangrove reforestation project, contributing to the preservation of these vital ecosystems. Engage in conversations with the Gazi Women Group, gaining insights into their impactful initiatives. Enjoy a local lunch and explore the area during your free afternoon, followed by dinner in the lively town.

Jan 10: Diani Beach

Embark on an educational adventure to Funzi Island, where you'll discover the world of marine conservation and its crucial role in protecting coastal ecosystems. Engage in conversations about community-led efforts while savoring a local lunch. The day ends with a delicious dinner back at the hotel.

Jan 11: Diani → Nairobi → USA

As your journey comes to a close, depart Diani early for a scenic SGR train ride to Nairobi. Reflect on your experiences during a final dinner, knowing that you've made a lasting impact on the communities you've visited. The night ends as you board your flight back to the USA.

Jan 12: USA

Arrive back in the USA with cherished memories and a newfound perspective on the dynamic cultures and conservation efforts of East Africa.

The Kenya Trek 2024 takes you on an extraordinary journey through the heart of East Africa's diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the serene shores of Diani Beach, and the rugged trails of Kasigau Mountain to the abundant wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, this immersive experience offers a comprehensive exploration of Kenya's captivating environments. Engage with local communities, witness the majestic wildlife, and gain insight into conservation efforts while traversing a range of iconic locations, each with its own unique stories and charms.

ACCOMMODATION

Through our comprehensive program fee system, RIDE provides all housing and meals for our students throughout the entirety of their program. This includes breakfast, lunch & dinner, which can be catered to work with whatever dietary restrictions. Participants will primarily stay at RIDE's Kasigau Nature Centre. Accommodation includes shared housing for students and private ensuite rooms for professors and program leaders. The comfortable and secure housing provides a conducive environment for learning and cultural immersion.

Additionally, the program does include some different excursions where we will be camping or at hotels. While the housing types might be different, each accommodation has been well-vetted by program staff to ensure a safe, secure and comfortable living environment for our students.

LOCAL CUISINE

Participating in the local food culture is a central aspect of daily life in East Africa, and therefore we encourage our students try the local cuisine. Some special or limited diets may not be fully understood by locals, but our staff does everything in their power to provide students with meals catered to whatever dietary restrictions. All students are welcomed on this program regardless of what dietary restrictions they might have. We will advise you on realistic expectations about avoiding or incorporating certain foods within the program context. However, in some locations, we cannot guarantee zero exposure to certain foods or a given allergen.

The safety and security of participants on the Kenya Trek is our utmost priority. RIDE has a comprehensive safety protocol in place, ensuring a secure environment throughout the program. Our experienced staff and local partners are well-versed in addressing any potential challenges. For detailed information about our safety measures, please visit RIDE’s Safety & Security page for our student trips.

The program fee ranges from $1,110 (early bird) to $1,300 (last chance).

WHAT GOES INTO THE FEES?

RIDE charges a comprehensive fee, and all of your expenses are covered while on one of our programs. Many study abroad programs hide costs by not charging for food, transportation or other costs that the students have to pay for themselves. We bundle everything into the comprehensive fee so that financial aid will apply to everything. We also put all of the costs towards creating a truly once in a lifetime experience.

In the field we then break into small groups with 3 field instructors. We are also traveling into remote, and sometimes expensive to reach places. This pushes the costs up, but allows our participants to go beyond what a tourist might see, and rather than a cheap program where you spend most of your time on a college campus, we are out in remote tribal villages, sea kayaking the islands, and skin diving coral reefs while learning from local communities.

RIDE Comprehensive Fee:

• All in-country meals

• Housing (hostels, dorms, camping, etc.)

• In-country books/readers

• Program related travel and excursions

• Daily drinking water (3 Liters)

Fee Does NOT Cover:

• Visas (~$50)

• Roundtrip airfare (~$1,000)

• Discretionary expenses (~$200)

• Personal medical insurance

Students should check with their school’s student affairs office to see if they are able to cover any of the items listed above.