Frequently Asked Questions

A RIDE Group Trek is a dynamic and immersive experience that blends adventure, cultural exchange, and conservation efforts. Here’s what a typical itinerary looks like:

• Day 1 (Jan 2): Departure from the USA – Your journey begins as you fly out of JFK, bound for Nairobi, Kenya.

• Day 2 (Jan 3): Arrival in Nairobi – Settle in with a warm welcome, lunch at the hotel, and an introduction to the trek. Visit the Giraffe Centre and enjoy a group dinner.

• Day 3 (Jan 4): Nairobi to Kasigau – Explore Nairobi on a city tour, visit the Columbia Global Center, and take a scenic train ride to Voi before settling into the Kiteghe Field Center in Kasigau.

• Day 4 (Jan 5): Kasigau Community Engagement – Participate in a walking patrol with Rangers, engage in discussions on conservation, and enjoy a community-led cultural exchange.

• Day 5 (Jan 6): Kasigau Mountain & Women's Empowerment – Hike Mt. Kasigau, learn about local biodiversity, and meet the Women Basket Weavers to discuss gender and development.

• Day 6 (Jan 7): Safari in Tsavo East – Experience a full-day game drive in Tsavo East National Park, learning about wildlife conservation and community efforts.

• Day 7 (Jan 8): Kasigau to Diani Beach – Travel to the Swahili Coast, engage in discussions about coastal culture, and unwind at a beachfront hotel.

• Day 8 (Jan 9): Mangrove Conservation & Community Engagement – Participate in a mangrove reforestation project and meet the Gazi Women Group to learn about their sustainability initiatives.

• Day 9 (Jan 10): Marine Conservation on Funzi Island – Visit Funzi Island to explore marine conservation efforts, engage with the community, and reflect on the impact of sustainable practices.

• Day 10 (Jan 11): Return to Nairobi & Departure – Travel back to Nairobi via train, enjoy a final dinner, and board your flight home.

• Day 11 (Jan 12): Arrival in the USA – Return home with unforgettable memories, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of East African communities and conservation efforts.

Each trek is thoughtfully curated to provide an ethical, educational, and engaging experience, ensuring participants leave with a lasting connection to the people and places they visit.

A typical RIDE Trek 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 our group treks 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.

A group program fee typically 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