MAASAILAND SAFARI: LIVING AMONG THE MAASAI Visit us at www.wildland.com
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 Merrueshi, 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. Continue on to the Maasai Mara with your native guides to experience this world renowned wildlife area. This trip is especially recommended for families, school groups or other individuals who seek experiential learning and cultural insights among indigenous peoples. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MERRUESHI VILLAGE MERRUESHI VILLAGE MERRUESHI VILLAGE MERRUESHI VILLAGE MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE Maasai Simba Camp Maasai Simba Camp Maasai Simba Camp Maasai Simba Camp Sarova Mara Tented Camp Sarova Mara Tented Camp Sarova Mara Tented Camp Ol Sereni (Day room) LD B Arrive Nairobi and drive 3 hours to Maasai Simba Camp. Activities vary: bush walk with Maasai warriors, village visits, Maasai lessons Activities vary: bush walk with Maasai warriors, village visits, Maasai lessons Full day game drive in the Amboseli National Park Fly to the Maasai Mara, afternoon game drive. AM and PM game drives exploring the Maasai Mara Game Reserve AM and PM game drives exploring the Maasai Mara Game Reserve Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi, day room and evening departure -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE NAIROBI Arrive this morning where you are warmly welcomed by a guide from the Merrueshi Village after collecting your bags and passing through customs. Climb into the vehicle for your 3 hour drive to the Merrueshi village. Along the way you can watch as the hustle and bustle of the big city gives way to the farms, fields, and wilderness of the countryside, or catch up on some sleep after the overnight flight. Arrive at Maasai Simba Camp in time for lunch and an activity this afternoon. Overnight at Maasai Simba Camp. [LD] Please note: Kenya Airways has an overnight flight from London or Amsterdam to Nairobi which arrives at either 6:10 or 6:30am. Other flight schedules arrive in the evening, in which case we are happy to arrange an additional overnight in Nairobi. DAYS 2-3: MERRUESHI VILLAGE While at the Merrueshi community the schedule is rather free form and you ll have the opportunity to participate in various village activities. The typical morning starts with a cup of tea and coffee, followed by a bush walk led by Maasai warriors. 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 bead-making 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 making, painting the school, or other optional activities. Overnights Maasai Simba Camp. [] DAY 4: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK Today your Maasai guides take you on a full day safari into the Amboseli National park. Sitting at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, this grassland ecosystem protects several marshland swamps which provide fodder to around 1000 elephants and other plains game such as zebra and the white bearded wildebeest, which is genetically separate from those in the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem. Lions and leopards prowl the grasses and tiny dik diks shelter in low growing palms. Photography opportunities here can be spectacular, with elephants grazing under the shadow of Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa. Overnight at Maasai Simba Camp. [] -3-
DAY 5: MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE Shortly after breakfast transfer to the Amboseli Airstrip for a short flight to Nairobi and then on to the Maasai Mara. Upon arrival you ll be met and transferred to Mara Sarova Lodge, located in the Southeastern corner of the Maasai Mara Reserve and head out on an afternoon game drive. Overnight Sarova Mara Tented Camp. [] DAYS 6 & 7: MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE The Maasai Mara is made of vast open rolling plains, and grasslands with seasonal river ways. 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 ungulate species such as gazelle, topi, eland, reedbuck, zebra and giraffe. Over 500 species of birds including ostrich, larks, sunbirds, weavers as well as the lilac-breasted roller are abundant in the reserve. Your Maasai warriors will really brandish their skills in this environment and provide exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives each day. Overnights Sarova Mara Tented Camp. [] Note: Optional Hot air ballooning is available to glide silently over the Mara with the rising sun (at additional cost). DAY 8: DEPART FOR HOME Transfer to the airstrip mid-morning for your return flight to Nairobi. Rest and relax at local hotel before your evening transfer to the airport for your departing flight. We highly recommend considering an extension to Rwanda for gorilla trekking or the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar Island. For more ideas on how to customize this trip, please don t hesitate to ask our Africa specialist. [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -4-
PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here: Pricing For scheduled departure dates please click here: Dates INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking naturalist guides Airport-hotel transfers, land transportation Domestic Flights: Amboseli / Nairobi / Mara / Nairobi 7 nights hotel accommodation as indicated, 1 day use room 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 alcoholic 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 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. -5-
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 seat. We ve also incorporated some flights to and from the Maasai Mara in order to avoid this rather long and bumpy drive 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 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. -6-
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. Hugging is not common in Maasai communities and should be avoided. 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 Cutting of plants, grass 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) 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 -7-
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. It s advised to not intervene thoughts/opinions in political affairs. YOUR GUIDES Kakuta Ole Mai Mai Kakuta Ole Maimai is the director behind the Merrueshi project and in some cases will be your host and senior guide in the Maasai village of Merrueshi. Mr. Maimai was born and raised as a cow herder and Maasai warrior. While he loved being a cow herder he also saw wonderful opportunities in Western education. Mr. Maimai has a Master of Arts Degree in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont, USA. He is the founder and Managing Director of Maasai Association, a community-based non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that built the first primary school, high school, village clinic, and commissioned the Merrueshi Clean Water Project in Merrueshi village. With the villagers, Mr. Maimai started Maasai Simba Camp in Merrueshi Group Ranch. His vision was to build the camp and make it possible for adventure travelers to come and experience the Maasai way of life in the most authentic way. Also Mr. Maimai knew that wildlife is a natural resource in the Maasai country and wanted to bring economic opportunities to his people through responsible eco-tourism. Mr. Maimai has a passion for his people and wildlife conservation. Away from leading tours he works on semiannual basis at the Seattle s Woodland Park Zoo in USA. Mr. Maimai has nearly 25 years of experience as a safari guide in Kenya and Tanzania. -8-
Tom Letitik Tom grew up in Merrueshi village and had the opportunity to attend a business school in Nairobi where he earned his diploma in hotel hospitality and wildlife management. Tom declined a high paying job in Nairobi in order to return to Merrueshi village where his knowledge and skills can be utilized to improve the village and assist his brother (Kakuta) in the Merrueshi Group Ranch. He is our senior guide in the community and showcases his exceptional knowledge about the Maasai, African savanna, and its wildlife with our Wildland travelers. Tom commands knowledge on animal behavior and biology and in his words I m passionate about Tour Guiding and sharing our beautiful culture, land and wildlife with our guests. Kwenia Ntauti Kwenia was born and lived all his life in Merrueshi village. He is still a Maasai warrior and proud of his cultural heritage. Kwenia is passionate about wildlife conservation. He is an exceptional wildlife tracker but also has a reputation for his being quite the comedian. He knows all the trails and hideouts for local wildlife and can identify foot prints and animal droppings in amazing detail. His indigenous knowledge about Africa s wildlife and the savanna ecology allows him to put the entire ecosystem in perspective, presenting you with a much broader picture of not just the Merrueshi community lands but the entirety of East Africa. He enjoys guiding visitors around his homeland and sharing his personal life experiences being a Maasai warrior. Accommodations 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, solar powered lighting, and en suite bathrooms with hot water and flushing toilets. -9-
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. OLE SERENI, NAIROBI Ole Sereni is located just 15 minutes from the International Airport, outside of the city center and bordering the Nairobi National Park, making it a great place to stay when arriving or departing from Nairobi. Offering business hotel amenities such as a pool, health club and massage facilities, each comfortable room includes a complimentary coffee maker, safe deposit box, and air conditioning. Try the Eagles bar on the 4 th floor, from which you can see a great view of Nairobi National park and possibly a few gazelles or a giraffe. -10-
Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows: 20% of land cost. This deposit is generally non-refundable. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 61 or more: Initial deposit amount 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. 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 Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry 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 -11-