The DU Winter Interterm 2023 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.

Day 1 (Nov 27): USA → Nairobi

• Group flight departs JFK

Day 2 (Nov 28): Nairobi, Kenya

• Program begins

• Group arrives in Nairobi

• Welcome session

• Visit Giraffe Centre

Day 3 (Nov 29): Nairobi → Kasigau

• Visit Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

• Afternoon train to Kasigau

• Arrive in the evening

• Discussion: Intro to Kasigau

Day 4 (Nov 30): Kasigau

• Household visits

• Tree seedling project

• Evening elephant patrol

Day 5 (Dec 1): Kasigau

• Explore the community conservancy

• Enjoy a local lunch

• Meet women basket weavers

Day 6 (Dec 2): Kasigau

• Connect with the Watha people (Itini)

• Experience a cultural celebration

• Speak with Watha elders

Day 7 (Dec 3): Kasigau

• Hike Mt Kasigau

• Learn about endemic species

• Enjoy a packed lunch

• Group BBQ

Day 8 (Dec 4): Tsavo → Kasigau

• Depart after breakfast

• Enter Tsavo East National Park

• Full day game drive

• Camp overnight in the park

Day 9 (Dec 5): Tsavo → Diani

• Morning game drive

• Camp lunch

• Depart for Diani Beach (approximately 3 hours)

• "Dinner at hostel"

Day 10 (Dec 6): Diani Beach

• Visit the Tiwi Turtle Police

• Enjoy a local lunch

• Free afternoon

Day 11 (Dec 7): Diani Beach

• Participate in a mangrove reforestation project

• Meet with the Gazi Women Group

• Free afternoon

Day 12 (Dec 8): Diani Beach

• Explore Funzi Island

• Engage in marine conservation activities

• Go snorkeling

• Dinner in town

Day 13 (Dec 9): Diani → Nairobi

• Early morning game drive

• Depart for SGR train

• Arrive in Nairobi early afternoon

• Evening discussion

Day 14 (Dec 10): Nairobi

• Visit Nairobi National Park

• Enjoy a full day tour

Day 15 (Dec 11): Nairobi → USA

• Visit Giraffe Center and souvenir shop

• Evening shuttle to the airport

• Group flight departs at night

Program ends

The fee per person is $2,500 total.

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 (~$100)

• 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.