maasailand adventure: living among the maasai

Transcription

MAASAILAND ADVENTURE:
LIVING AMONG THE MAASAI
Itinerary Overview
The Maasailand Safari is an extraordinary opportunity to combine wildlife safaris in the great game parks
of Kenya with a profound cross-cultural experience that will change your perspective on life. This Africa
safari ranks as one of National Geographic’s “50 Best Trips of a Lifetime” for the truly authentic
experiences that delve deep and provide uncommon access for interaction with indigenous people.
Based from specially built guest bungalows in the Maasai village of Merrushi, we explore the African
savanna on foot with Maasai warriors, share stories with elders, discuss world issues of common concern,
learn about wildlife conservation and animal husbandry, women’s issues, rites of passage, and discover
the fine arts of beading, traditional healing, music and dance. This trip is especially recommended for
families, school groups and others who seek experiential learning and cultural insights among indigenous
peoples. This trip needs a minimum of 4 people to confirm a departure.
DAY
OVERNIGHT
HOTEL
MEALS
1
NAIROBI
Pan Afric Hotel
2
NAIROBI
Pan Afric Hotel
B
Sarova Mara
Tented Camp
BLD
Sarova Mara
Tented Camp
BLD
Sarova Mara
Tented Camp
BLD
Maasai Simba
Camp
BLD
Maasai Simba
Camp
BLD
Maasai Simba
Camp
BLD
Ol Tukai Lodge
BLD
Ol Tukai Lodge
BLD
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
MAASAI MARA
GAME RESERVE
MAASAI MARA
GAME RESERVE
MAASAI MARA
GAME RESERVE
MERRUESHI
VILLAGE
MERRUESHI
VILLAGE
MERRUESHI
VILLAGE
AMBOSELI
NATIONAL PARK
AMBOSELI
NATIONAL PARK
DEPART
HIGHLIGHTS
Arrive Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.
B
Visit giraffe center and elephant orphanage.
Drive about 4 hours to the Maasai Mara &
PM game drive
AM and PM game drives exploring the
Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Drive about 4 hours to Nairobi for lunch and
then drive around 4 hours to Merrueshi
Activities vary: bush walk with Maasai
warriors, village visits, Maasai lessions
Activities vary: bush walk with Maasai
warriors, village visits, Maasai lessions
Drive about 30 minutes to Amboseli and
game drive in the park
Amboseli National Park
Depart Amboseli around 9:30 am for 3 hour
drive to Nairobi and transfer to airport
Wildland Adventures | Maasailand Adventure | www.wildland.com
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Itinerary in Detail
DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI
You are met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel for a good night’s sleep after your long flight.
Overnight Pan Afric Hotel. [meals on own]
DAY 2: NAIROBI
Settling into Africa, our morning begins with a short city orientation on our way to visit the Giraffe
Center, an educational facility aimed toward educating Kenyan schoolchildren and visitors about
conservation in Kenya, focusing primarily on the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Watch giraffes and feed
them from a raised platform, a great spot to take pictures. We also visit the David Sheldrick Animal
Orphanage, adjacent to Nairobi National Park, which cares for orphaned elephants and rhinos who have
been rescued from poachers or found abandoned. Every morning at 11 AM the elephant babies are bottle
fed in an area open to visitors. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about these huge infants up close and
how they will one day be reintroduced to the wild. Free afternoon. Overnight Pan Afric Hotel. [B]
DAY 3: MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
Shortly after breakfast we’ll depart Nairobi on 4X4 Land Cruiser for Maasai Mara Game Reserve in
southwestern Kenya. We’ll drive through Kenya highlands and stop midway to get a glimpse of the Great
Rift Valley – a magnificent natural trench stretching approximately 3,700 mi from Lebanon into
Mozambique in East Africa. We will arrive to Maasai Mara in time for lunch. There will be an afternoon
game drive starting at 4pm. Overnight Sarova Mara Tented Camp. [BLD]
DAYS 4 & 5: MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
The Maasai Mara is made of vast open rolling plains, and grasslands with seasonal riverlets. The entire
area of the park is situated within the enormous Great Rift Valley. The reserve is famous for its annual
wildlife migration of over 1 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras crossing from the Serengeti plains
in Tanzania from August through November. The reserve is home to hundreds of elephants, hippos,
lions, hyenas, Cape buffalo and thousands of other hooves stocks. Over 500 species of birds including
ostrich, larks, sunbirds, weavers as well as the lilac-breasted roller are abundant in the reserve. The
Maasai Mara's altitude is 5.000 ft. above see level, which yields a milder and damper climate different
from other parts of the country. Morning and afternoon game drives will be provided each day.
Overnights Sarova Mara Tented Camp. [BLD] Hot air ballooning is available to glide silently over
the Mara with the rising sun (at additional cost).
DAY 6: MERRUESHI VILLAGE
Shortly after breakfast we’ll drive from Maasai Mara and arrive to Nairobi by noon in time for lunch.
Depart Nairobi city after lunch and arrive to Merrueshi community (the Maasai Village) by 4pm. We’ll
make stops along the way when we see something interesting. Upon our arrival, we’ll meet our Maasai
hosts and settle into the Maasai Simba Camp. The camp has permanent cabins/cottages made of volcanic
rocks; they are spacious and enjoy total privacy. Overnight Maasai Simba Camp. [BLD]
DAYS 7 & 8: MERRUESHI VILLAGE
While at the Merrueshi community we participate in various village activities depending the interests and
abilities of guests. Our morning starts with a cup of tea and coffee, followed by a bush walk led by Maasai
warriors. We learn how to track wildlife in the African savanna as Maasai do, as well as about wildlife
conservation, poaching issues, and strategies for how humans and wildlife have survived and co-existed
in this semi-arid habitat. The surrounding environment is a living pharmacy for natural medicine;
traditional Maasai healers demystify this realm of ancient medicine by explaining their use of different
plants and herbs to treat various illnesses. In addition, we have the opportunity to participate in beadmaking facilitated by the Maasai Women Cooperative, storytelling sessions by elders around the bonfire,
a visit to a local school, Maasai songs and dance, and a visit to the Maasai Association’s development
projects. Oftentimes there are ongoing projects you may want to volunteer to assist like adobe brick
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making, painting the school, or other optional activities. Overnights Maasai Simba Camp. [BLD]
DAYS 9 & 10: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Shortly after an early breakfast we will drive 30 minutes to Amboseli National Park, which covers 150
square miles in southern Kenya, not far from the Tanzanian border. Amboseli is at the foot of Mt.
Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa standing 19,340 feet above sea level. In addition to over 1000
elephants there are zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, impala, lions, hippos, antelope, warthogs, hyenas,
cheetah, buffalos, and more than 400 species of birds all gather in the haven of the park. Overnights Ol
Tukai Lodge. [BLD]
DAY 11: DEPART FOR HOME
Leave Amboseli by 9:30am and arrive to Nairobi later in the afternoon. There will be enough time to
wash up before transfer to the airport for your trip back home.
END OF SERVICES
Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change
accommodations to similar quality alternatives.
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PRICING: $4850 PER PERSON SHARING
INCLUDED SERVICES

All guided tours and excursions
English-speaking naturalist guides
Airport-hotel transfers, land transportation
10 nights hotel accommodation as indicated
National Park and Reserve entrance fees
Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]
Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services
NOT INCLUDED SERVICES

International or internal airfare (USA/Nairobi roundtrip)
Bottled water or drinks with meals
Tips and gratuities
Airport departure taxes
Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above
Laundry service
Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons
beyond our control
Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation
Any other items not mentioned above
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Accommodations
MARA SAROVA CAMP, MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE
Our base is the Mara Sarova Camp, located on the southeast
boundary of the Maasai Mara on a natural hill between two
streams. Spacious tents have private terraces and hardwood
floors, and are complete with electric light, flush toilets, and
hot water. Enjoy a dip in the large pool, or an evening lecture
with local Maasai guides.
MAASAI SIMBA CAMP, MERRUESHI VILLAGE
Maasai Simba Camp is a historical site formerly used by
Maasai warriors for training. It has been restored and made
accessible for adventure travelers seeking to have authentic
cultural experience with the Maasai. Maasai Simba Camp has a
rustic charm unlike any other safari camp and lodge in Kenya.
The village atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious food, and
comfortable rooms have inspired many heartwarming
comments from guests such as "we felt as if we were members
of the village" and "This has been the highlight of our
experience in Africa."The camp has a simple combination of
tents and private cottages each with wood-frame beds,
mosquito nets, and solar powered lighting. Most of the cottages have en suite bathrooms and there is a
common bath house for the guests with flushing toilets and hot water.
OL TUKAI LODGE, AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
In the heart of Amboseli Reserve, Ol Tukai is a
welcome spot at the end of a day’s game drive. Each
of the 80 duplex rooms has a verandah with chairs
and a view out to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy dining in
the open air dining room or out on the deck, and
spend hot afternoons cooling off in the pool. The
lodge has a library complete with field guides, and
each evening local Maasai give presentations about
the local people or entertain guests with traditional
dances.
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More Details and Guidelines for the Maasailand Adventure
These guidelines are developed to help you get the most out of your visit, while leaving the community
and culture as you found. We look forward to having you at the Merrueshi community!
BACKGROUND
Wildland Adventures has been working for more than a decade with Maasai communities around the
Maasai Mara and Amboseli regions. These community-based programs are the result of a unique
partnership between Wildland Adventures, the Maasai Environmental Resource Coalition (MERC) and
the Maasai Association. This grassroots network of Maasai communities, organizations and individuals is
dedicated to the protection of traditional land rights of the Maasai people, and to the conservation,
management and sustainable use of the land. It is hoped that this partnership will serve as a model for
transforming the way safari tourism is conducted in East Africa by establishing a standard that creates
more meaningful and memorable cross-cultural experiences for travelers that directly benefits our
Maasai hosts.
KENYA, MAASAILAND, AND GAME PARKS
The Merrueshi community located 260 km (approximately) southeast of Nairobi– 65 kilometers from
Amboseli National Park located on the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and 120 kilometers from Tsavo West
Game Reserve.
The Merrueshi Community is widely known as a corridor for wildlife migrating from and to Amboseli and
Tsavo West Game Reserves. Wildlife such as zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, giraffe, Eland, lions, leopards
and cheetah are found in the area. The area is famous for its ancient historical Maasai villages, including
a 1000 year-old Mancala game board carved in the bedrock, an important site studied by Leaky.
IDEAL PARTICIPANT
The Maasailand Safari is ideal for travelers keenly interested in complimenting their African wildlife
experiences with meaningful, cross-cultural interactions among native Maasai. Designed for active
travelers who prefer off-the-beaten-track cultural encounters and walking opportunities, the trip is also
recommended for families, school groups and others who seek experiential learning and cultural insights
among indigenous peoples.
LEADERSHIP
Kakuta Ole Maimai was born and raised in the Maasai society of southern Kenya. He was a warrior
coordinator for ten years prior to furthering his studies in the United States. Mr. Maimai has a Political
Economy degree from the Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington. He is the founder of the
Maasai Association, and principal founder and guide of the Merrueshi Living Among the Maasai project.
He lives part-time in his native Kenya and part-time in Washington State where he completed his
Masters Degree in International Development at the School for International Training and works on
African exhibits in zoos throughout the U.S.
TRANSPORTATION
We use Land Rovers equipped with four-wheel drive. The vehicles are driven by well-trained drivers with
many years of experience working with travelers from all over the world. All participants are guaranteed
a window.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Travelers are encouraged to participate in the following activities:
•
Daily nature walks lead by Maasai warriors
•
Lessons and techniques for animal tracking
•
Meet the elders and exchange stories/talk about world issues
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•
•
•
Bead-making lessons facilitated by Maasai women
A visit to Maasai Association’s community development projects
Maasai songs and dance
The community offers presentations on various topics including:
•
Habitat and wildlife conservation
•
Community based anti-poaching effort in Merrueshi Group Ranch
•
Savanna survival strategies for wildlife and people
•
Traditional medicine and plants
•
Maasai community leadership
•
Local methods of problem solving and conflict resolution
•
The importance of rite of passage
•
Animal husbandry
At the end of each day, participants and local guides will meet around the bonfire and reflect on activities
completed during the day.
FOOD
A professionally trained cook along with local trained staff will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Note
that mineral/bottled water will be available on site. The cost of mineral bottled water is not included in
the price provided herein.
SECURITY
Security is our number one priority. There will be warriors on site twenty-four hours a day. All the
animals of the African savanna know and are scared of the warriors. The warriors will accompany you
during all nature walks and throughout the safari. This would be the safest place you can be in Africa.
ACCOMMODATION AT THE GAME PARKS AND RESERVES
We stay at world-class safari camps or lodges. At the Amboseli Game Park we usually stay at the village
or possibly spend one night at Oltukai Lodge, while in Maasai Mara we usually stay at Mara Sarova or a
similar permanent tent camp.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
DOCUMENTS
It is the responsibility of each participant to have:
•
Valid passport (with extra blank pages) and visa fee
•
Two passport size pictures
•
Health vaccination certificate for Yellow Fever Inoculation
•
Anti-malarial medication
Please see our pre-departure dossier sent to you upon registration for the trip and consult with your
health provider/physician for further advice on vaccination and other health related matters.
Note: Please make sure to submit a valid passport to the Kenyan Embassy for your visa, 60 days prior to
your departure. In case you are unable to submit your passport to the Kenyan Embassy for visa, it is
possible to obtain a visa upon your arrival to Kenya. However, the cost of visa in Kenya will be much
higher (about $50) compared to obtaining it in the U.S.
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IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPANTS
The following guidelines are developed to help visitors to Merrueshi Community get the most out of their
visit, while leaving the community and culture intact.
GREETING LOCAL PEOPLE
Shaking hands with women and elders is common in the Maasai society.
Patting the top of the head is common for adults to greet children.
Supa means hello in Maa language.
Visitors can also use Jambo (Swahili greeting), as each villager is familiar with the greeting. Don’t hug
anyone.
ON GROUND ADVICE
Considering the remoteness and the presence of wildlife in the area, it is discouraged from venturing into
the bush alone without a guide.
HANDOUTS
With the exception of tipping guides and onsite staff, it is prohibited to handout the following items to
the villagers:
•
Food items
•
Clothing
•
Cosmetic products
•
Toothpaste and toothbrush
•
Money
Treat community members, as you would expect to treat guests in your own home. Be respectful and
reserved.
ACCEPTABLE GIFTS FOR THE COMMUNITY
School writing journals, chalk, pencils, note pads, soccer balls, and basketballs are welcomed. Also, beads
for village women are welcomed.
PHOTOGRAPHS
It is discouraged to photograph and film the local people without consent. Unless you obtained a letter of
consent from the community, it is prohibited to use moving and still images from the village for
commercial purposes such as advertisement.
Discouraged Behaviors and Manners
•
Yelling
•
Cutting of plants and grass
•
Chopping trees or wood
•
Religious teaching
•
Public affection such as kissing with exception of holding hands
•
Inappropriate dressing (mini skirts and pants below waist are considered improper in the Maasai
community)
•
Loud music (please keep it personal.)
•
Vehicles must remain on designated areas and established roads.
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Do Not Collect or Purchase the Following Items
•
Wildlife products
•
Items that are obviously very old and of significant cultural value
Suggested Items To Share
•
Words of encouragement and inspiration
•
Ideas of community development
•
Benefits of formal education
•
Stories and pictures about your family and friends
•
Stories about your daily life, your country and growing up
COMMUNITY MARKET
There will be a community market where visitors will be able to buy local arts and crafts. As is tradition in
Africa, buyers and sellers must bargain for better prices. Make sure you bargain and do not feel obligated
to buy product(s) from articulate local merchants. Based on past experiences, visitors to the community
have enjoyed the bargaining culture of the local people at the market as it gave them an opportunity to
learn about the concept of a third world market economy. On the other hand some visitors felt
uncomfortable bargaining with the local people. It is hoped that you will feel comfortable and negotiate
freely at the Merrueshi village market. Different from traditional Maasai bomas, the villagers of
Merrueshi community are genial and do not harass visitors at the market.
POLITICS
As with your community, this community has its own politics. Stay away from local politics, especially in
the Maasai world where the western way of thought is very foreign.
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Booking your Wildland Adventure
HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP
You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling one of our destination-expert Program
Directors at 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form
and the initial trip deposit.
Deposit requirements are as follows*:
• $500 per person for all trips in Central America.
• $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean and
North America.
• 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable.
*Additional deposits may be required for some trips. It may be necessary to adjust prices up or down 30 days before departure to
allow for changes in group size, rooming status or currency fluctuations. Full payment of the remaining trip balance is due 90
days prior to departure. Prior to departure, all travelers are required to sign a Release of Liability
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc.
plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels
and local operators:
Days Prior to Departure: Fee* per person
91 or more: $100 (plus initial deposit for Africa trips)
61-90 days: Initial deposit amount
31-60 days:
50% of land cost
30 or less:
100% of land cost
*Note: Cancellation may result in additional penalties charged by local hotels, operators and airlines, occasionally as much as
100% of the cost.
PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES
Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains our exclusive Wildland Adventures Destination Handbooks, country
map, immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a trip insurance policy, checklist, reading
list, travel gear catalog, cross-cultural information and optional trip extensions. You will receive a final
trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior
to departure.
REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS
We think our trips are the best in the business. But don’t take just our word for it. We’re happy to provide
you with references from other Wild travelers. Have more questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-3454453. We’re here to help.
CUSTOM TRAVEL
This trip isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? We are happy to customize an itinerary to accommodate
your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453 or use the Contact a
Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators
who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to
conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and
unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether
identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for
reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage,
accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt
will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and
services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions
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