A Giving Safari
September 11 – 22, 2025
In partnership with: THE OLMALAIKA (USA) & AFRICAN SPRINGS SAFARIS
THEOLMALAIKATRUST WELCOMES
YOUTOKENYA
Kenyais awarm and inviting country – the people areamazing! When you leave, apart of your heartwill stay behind.Youwillhavemadeadifferenceandinturnyourlifewillbechanged.
TUMAINIprovidesinformationindetailaboutthe“GivingSafari”–includingclinicinformation,lodging,the schedule,whattowearandmore. Pleasekeepinmindthatweareallguestsinanothercountrywherethe culture,foodandavarietyofotherexperienceswillbedifferentthanwhatyoumightbeaccustomedto.
WHOWEARE
THE OLMALAIKA (USA) & THE OLMALAIKA TRUST work hand in hand to provide a safe refuge for young girls under the age of 10 all the way down to newborns who have experienced trauma in their lives such as female genital mutilation, childhood marriage, assault, rape/defilement and abandonment as well as provide freedentalcarethroughourdentalclinic.
We providethree “giving safaris” each year in March, June and September– creating opportunities to give care to those with insufficient access to health and dental care as well as volunteer at the Trust. The focus on each safari is not on how many patients are treated or the number of teeth extracted/restored, but instead on building relationships and enabling hope. Each safari is unique and gives you the opportunity to experience the culture, seethecountryside,makenewfriends,andenjoytheamazingwildlife.
OurPassion
Toadvocate forthoseinneed.
OurValues
Showkindnessandcompassion,promoteeducationandgrowth,respectandprotecttheenvironment,andfoster healthyrelationships.
OurDream
EndFemaleGenitalMutilation(FGM)&childhoodmarriage,enablehealingandcreateopportunitiesforselfsufficiency.
KimDeWitt Co-Founder&Director
OfficeintheUSA
OfficeinKenya 8712NRidgeAve,BerrienSpringsMI49103
Ph#731.458.7181
Email:theolmalaika@gmail.com
Website:www.theolmalaikatrust.org
POBox505001-0010
Nairobi,Kenya
EastAfrica
OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Mostdonationsaretax-deductibleandnomatterhowlargeorsmall–theyenablelivestobechanged. WhenyoudonatetoTHEOLMALAIKAyourfundsgotohelpcoverthefollowingneeds/projects.
“Foster” an Angel Program: Enables you to connect with the girls at the Olmalaika Home and provides them with the opportunity to go to school, get medical/dental care, and provides for their needs in general. *Please seedetailsatthebackofthejournal.
General Fund – donations go to help whereneeded, including purchasing supplies and food aswell as helps to coversalariesfor22staff.
Special Projects – included here is building projects, field trips/excursions for the staff and/or girls or possibly for selected projects out in the areas we provide clinics at. One of our hopes/dreams it to be able to purchasethelandabovetheTrustshouldwehavethefunds,inordertobeabletoexpandtheTrust
The Olmalaika Trust Dental Clinic – provides free care to all and is funded through donations, both financial andactualsupplies.PleaseseethedetailsatthebackofthisjournalaboutourSAVEATOOTHprogram.
The OlmalaikaDaysforGirls –isoneofourself-sustainingprojectswherewesewfabricmenstrual kitsthat can be purchased and donated to schoolgirls. In Kenya many girls miss school each month due to having their periods with no supplies. Each kit purchased helps provide funds for the home and we are always grateful for donationsoffabric.
**Approximately15%ofdonationsgoforadministrativecosts–withoutadministrationtherewouldbenohomeforthegirlsor babies,nodentalcareandno“GivingSafaris”
“FOSTER” and Angel Program
*Friendship, Opportunity, Sharing, Teaching, Encouraging, Respect
“Fostering” enables all the children at THE OLMALAIKA TRUST to begin healing and attend school. You will receive photos and updates about the child you choose and will be able to write letters to them.
If you would like to ‘foster’ a child/baby, you can choose from three different tiers
Tier 1 ($25/month)
Tier 2 ($50/month)
Tier 3 ($100/month)
A ‘foster 'commitment runs from January to December and can be renewed at the end of each year.
Communicating with the girls:
Mail your letters to:
The Olmalaika Trust
8712 N. Ridge Ave, Berrien Springs MI 49103
OR
Scan to our email: theolmalaikatrust@gmail.com
Ideas for writing about or sending:
• A personal letter - keep it simple. The key is to encourage them to do their best.
• Printing is better than cursive.
• Pictures of yourselves, family, pets etc
• Do not include contact info: surname, email, mailing address or phone number
• Please do not send money to the child.
You are NOT obligated to send a letter! Just the fact that you are helping to provide for their education is more than enough!
How to give:
Option A: (501(c)3 in the US)
Write your check(s) to THE OLMALAIKA (earmark it “Foster” an Angel) Mail to:
8712 N Ridge Ave Berrien Springs MI 49103
Option B:
Use a credit card via paypal on our website: www.theolmalaikatrust.org
Option C: Bank transfers either to our US Bank (BOA) or to our Kenyan Bank (NCBA)
Thank you for enabling lives to be changed!
“Save a TOOTH”
Dental Care in Kenya
ThedentisttopopulationratioinKenyaisapproximately 3:100,000
*Meaning more than 33,000 people for every ONE dentist in Kenya *In the USA for example there is ONE dentist for every 1,600 people. (60:100,000)
MajorityoftheKenyandentistspracticeinthemajorcitieswith30%alonejustinNairobi.
Governmenthospitalswhichoffercheaperoralhealthservicesdonotoffercomprehensiveoraltreatment- the majority doing mostly extractions.
Forrestorativetreatmentthosethathavethemoneyordentalinsurancegotoprivateclinicsandhospitals. *The majority of Kenyans do not have dental insurance and would have to spend out of pocket which they simply don’t have. A mama would suffer in pain and let her tooth/teeth rot and end up being extracted before using the little money she has for dental and letting her children go hungry.
TheOlmalaikaTrustDentalClinicislocatedrightontheedgeoftheMaasaiMaraNationalReserveonthesideofahill overlookingasmallcentercalledSekenani.WeareregisteredTrustinKenyaanda501(c)(3)intheUS.Thereare45,000 adultsandchildrenspreadoutovermilesofopensavannah,brushlandandhills,insmallvillagesandcommunitiesaround us–mosthaveneverseenadentistintheirlifetime.
Ourclinicprovides–consultations,oralhealtheducation,cleanings,x-rays,restorativecare(rootcanals,fillings)andif thereisnootheroption,extractions. Weevenhaveportablerestorativeunitsthatwepackupthreetimesandyearand headouttoavarietyofareasthatareeithersoremotethereisnocareavailable,orpeoplesimplycan’taffordit.Allofour careisprovidedFREE–that’sright,nochargeatall.Peoplesimplydon’thavethefundsanddon’tunderstandthe importanceoforalhealth.DentistsandhygienistsfromaroundtheworldincludingKenyanssignuptocomeandgiveof theirtimehere. Notchargingpeopleisourwayofeducatingcommunitiesontheimportanceoforalhealthandtaking careoftheirteeth.
It’sincredibletothinkthat“SAVEaTOOTH”projecthastheabilitytoprovidedentalcareforapproximately45,000 adultsandchildren–andTOOTHbetold,weneedhelptomakethishappen.Wearelookingforindividuals,offices, churches,companiesandbusinessesthatwanttojoinusinprovidingthatcare.
Here’show“SAVEaTOOTH”Projectworks.
Anindividual,office,church,club,office,businesspicksoneoftiersbelowandmakesacommitmenttodonatethat amountmonthly.
Tier1($25/month)
Tier2($50/month)
Tier3($100/month)
- Thenthosedonationsareusedtopurchasesupplies,instruments,equipmentandmore.
- CommitmentsrunfromJanuarytoDecemberandcanberenewedattheendofeachyear.
- Ifyouwouldlikewecansendyouregularupdatesandpictures
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
THURDAY
SEPTEMBER11,2025
ArriveatJomoKenyattaInternationalAirport(Nairobi)
Dress
Comfortableclothes
Tonight’sLodging LifeinAbundanceGuesthouse,Karen
RemindersforPacking/Travel
Passportandticket
Visa
Packcopiesofyourpassportinyourcarry-on
Internationalimmunization
Packanypersonalmedicationsinyourcarry-on
Anyliquidsinyourcarry-onmustbe3.4oz (100ml)orlessandbeinaclearquartsizebag
Packyourcamerainyourcarry-onforsafety purposes
Packacoupleofpensinahandyplace
Labelyourluggage
Pre-weighyourluggage(Stayatleastonepound underwhatisallowed–checkwithyourairline forweightlimits)
*Besuretokeepenoughclothingandpersonal itemsinyourcarryontosurviveshouldyour luggagenotarrivewithyou.
NAIROBI
Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city. In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras and lions. Next to it is a wellregarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often used as a jumping-offpointforsafaritripselsewhereinKenya.
With a population of just over 5 million it is a very busy city. Nairobi was founded in 1899 by colonial authorities in British East Africa as a rail depot on the Uganda-Kenya Railway. The town quickly grew to replaceMombasa as the capital of Kenya in 1907. After independence in 1963, Nairobi became the capital.During Kenya's colonial period,the city becamea centreforthecolony'scoffee, tea and sisal industry.The city lies in the south-central part of Kenya,atanelevationof1,795metres(5,889ft).
KAREN
Karen is a vibrant residential suburb of Nairobi characterized by big mansions, many trees, tranquil atmosphere, and plush gardens. It is generally considered that the suburb is named afterKaren Blixen the Danish author of the colonial memoir “Out of Africa” her farm occupied the land where the suburb now stands. Blixen declared this in her later writings that "the residential district of Karen" was "named after me," although it has neverbeenformallyrecognized.
Blixen's home has since become a museum and is still standing and is a local tourist attraction, other tourist attractions are the Giraffe Center, the exclusive Giraffe ManorandtheOloluaNatureTrail.
Life in Abundance Guesthouse
“To be without a friend is to be poor indeed”
-Tanzanian Proverb
THE OLMALAIKA TRUST
FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER12,2025
Today’s Schedule
7:00amBreakfast
8:00amLeaveforTHEOLMALAIKATRUST
*Stopalongthewayatthemall&curiostorestoshopand usethewashroom
LunchinNarokatArtcaffe($)
ArriveattheTrustandsettlein R&R
6pmDinnerattheOlmalaikaHomewiththegirls
Dress
Comfortableclothes
Hoodieorjacket
Bring
Personalitemsfortwodays
DayPack
Camera/binoculars/spendingmoney
Waterbottle/sunglasses/hat/sunscreen/hoodie
Tonight’sLodging
THEOLMALAIKATRUST,SEKENANI
Activities
Thedaywill begin withbreakfast andthenwe will loadup and head to the Trust for the weekend. You can leave everything you need for the rest of the time in Kenya here at the LIA Guesthouse as we will be back to the guesthouse on Sunday. On our way to the Trust there will be opportunities for a couple of bathroom breaks along the way, and IF time permits you will be able to do a little shopping.
THEGREATRIFTVALLEY
We will travel down into the Great Rift Valley today. The view of the Great Rift Valley is one of the wonders of the world. The ground suddenly disappears into a huge expanse, stretching 3,000 miles from Syria to Mozambique. The elevation ranges from 1,300 ft below to 6,000 ft above sea level. The valley is characterized by uninhabitable desert, fertile farmland, flat arid plains and steepescarpment
THEOLMALAIKATRUST
THE OLMALAIKA HOME had been just a dream for years, and in July of 2013 we opened the doors and girls moved in. In 2020 we had to move and rebuild – not it’s a home for girls under the age of 10 all the way down to newbornswhohaveexperiencedtraumaintheirlittlelives. (malaika means “angel” in Swahili)
The Olmalaika Trust requests that any photos or videos taken of children that show their faces are not posted online. We take the privacy of each child in our care very seriously and askthat you respect this policy. If you are visiting, you may take pictures of and with the children for your personal use/memories. Thank youforyoursupport!
MAASAI
The Olmalaika Trust is in Maasailand. The Maasai people live in both Tanzania and Kenya and are one of the few tribes in Kenya that have resisted the ways of the westerner for the most part. For more information on the Maasaipeopleseethebacksectionofthejournal.
“To travel is to learn.”
-Kenyan Proverb
Leopard in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER13,2025
Schedule
6:15amLoadupandheadintotheMaasaiMara
*Breakfast&lunchinthereserve
5:30pmHeadbacktotheTrust
7:15pmLightdinner/fruit/hotdrinks
7:30pmEnjoysittingbythefireoutunderthenightsky
Dress
Comfortableclothes
Hoodieorjacket
Bring DayPack
Camera/binoculars/waterbottle
Sunglasses/sunscreen
Tonight’sLodging
THEOLMALAIKATRUST,SEKENANI
Activities
Good morning! It will be a much slower paced day with a game drive out into the Mara River with a picnic lunch in the reserve. If you would prefer to enjoy a quiet day at the Trust, you are welcome to pass up on the game drive and stay at the Trust all day. If the night sky is clear tonight, take some time to look upat the stars. You will be amazed at the African sky! Try it with your binoculars – it’s even moreamazing!
NOTES
MAASAIMARANATIONALRESERVE
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is probably the most famous and most visited reserve in Kenya. It offers breathtaking views (as seen in the film, Out of Africa), an extraordinary density of animals including "the big five" (lions, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros) and many varieties of plains game. Apart from the seasonal migration, game viewing is excellent year-round. Game includes elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, zebras, hartebeests and big cats–the Mara is known for having the largest prides of lions of any park in Africa. The rivers are home to hippo and crocodiles. Bird life is abundant with over 452 species, 53 of which are raptors. Daytime temperatures run at 85 F maximum and at night drop to around60Foralittlelower.
MARARIVER
TheMaasaiMaraReservetakesitsnamefromtheMara RiverwhichflowsthroughKenyaandTanzania.Filled withhipposandcrocodiles(measuringover20ftlongand weighingclosetoaton),theMaraRiverliesacrossthe migrationpathofthewildebeest.
WILDEBEESTMIGRATION
The animals migrate between the Serengeti and Mara savannahs in Tanzania and Kenya respectively, in search of grass and water. It is estimated that over 1.5 million of these animals are on the move during the annual migration between June and October. The wildebeest migration phenomenon is so huge that satellites miles away in space are able to capture the surge as a black moving mass of wildebeest on the plains of East Africa. Wildebeest will amass in their thousands at the banks of the Mara River which is rife with the dreaded Nile crocodile and raging currents. Over 250,000 wildebeests die from drowning, being stampeded or from crocodiles and other predators everyyear.The deaths duringmigrationare replenishedby theover400,000birthsayear.
“If you want to go quickly, go alone, if you want to go far, go together” -African Proverb
Animal Checklist
__Black-faced Vervet Monkey
__Baboon
__Bush Baby
__Black Backed or Silver Backed Jackal
__Bat-eared Fox
__White-tailed Mongoose
__Blacked-tipped Mongoose
__Dwarf Mongoose
__Banded Mongoose
__Tree Hyrax
__Warthog
__Spotted Hyena
__Cheetah
__Serval
__Lion
__Leopard
__African Elephant
__Black Rhino
__Zebra
__Hippo
__Crocodile
__Topi
__Maasai Giraffe
__Hartebeest
__Wildebeest
__Kirk’s Dik Dik
__Common Waterbuck
__Impala
__Thompson’s Gazelle
__Grant’s gazelle
__Bushbuck
__Bohor Reedbuck
__Eland
__Buffalo
__Spitting Cobra
__Python
Bird Checklist
__Maasai Ostrich
__Hammerkop
__Secretary Bird
__Crowned Crane
__Little Bee-eater
__Sooty Chat
__Martial Eagle
__Bateleur
__Long-Crested Eagle
__Augur Buzzard
__Yellow-necked Spur Fowl
__Helmeted Guinea-Fowl
__Kori Bustard
__White-bellied Go-away-bird
__Lilac-breasted Roller
__African Hoopoe
__Paradise Flycatcher
__Superb Starling
__Red Billed/Yellow Billed Ox-pecker
__Glossy Ibis
__Speckled Mouse Bird
__Common Bulbul
__Ring Necked Dove
__White Browed Robin Chat
__Purple Starling
__African Pied Wag-tail
__Marabou Stork
__Hadada Ibis
__Sacred Ibis
__Egyptian Goose
Rosy Breasted Longclaw
“He who learns, teaches - Ethiopian Proverb
KIBERASLUMS
Today as we drive though the outskirts of Nairobi, we will pass Kibera slum, the largest in Sub-Sahara Africa, plus one of the largest in the world with over 1 million people living in it. It is estimated that there are 2,000 people per 2.47acres.
NOTES
SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER14,2025
Today’sSchedule
10:00amBrunch
R&R
12:00pmLeaveforNairobi
ArriveatLifeinAbundanceGuesthouse
6:15pmDinner
Dress
Comfortableclothes
Hoodieorjacket
Bring
Allpersonalitems
Keephandy
Camera/spendingmoney
Waterbottle/sunglasses/hat/sunscreen
Tonight’sLodging
LifeinAbundanceGuesthouse,Karen
Activities
Today we will head back to Nairobi after spending a relaxing morning at the Trust. As we near Karen we will pass the Kibera Slums on our left – seeing it should be a reality check on the blessings you have back home. Once back at the guesthouse you will want to organize yourself for tomorrow, then after dinner you will want to get some good sleep as tomorrow, we will be up bright and early andinthevehiclemostoftheday.
Oryx – Samburu National Reserve
“A friend is someone you share the path with” –African Proverb
MONDAY
SEPTEMBER15,2025
Today’sSchedule
6:00amBreakfast(bringyourluggagetoreception)
7:00amLeaveforSamburuNationalReserve
*Lunchalongtheway
EnterSamburuNationalReserve
CheckintoSoroiSamburuLodge
R&R
7:15pmDinner
Dress
Comfortableclothes
Hoodieorjacket
Bring
Allpersonalitems
Keephandy
Camera/spendingmoney/passports
Waterbottle/sunglasses/hat/sunscreen
Tonight’sLodging
SoroiSamburuLodge–SamburuNationalReserve
Activities
Today will rise and shine early as we have a long drive ahead of us. Our hope is to get through the Nairobi traffic in good time and be on our way to up around Mt. Kenya with its ice/snowcoveredpeaks withoutanyissues. On the way we will stopin a couple of placesto pick upothers on ourdentalteam. Oncewegettothelodgewewillcheck
in, you will have the rest of the day to simply relax. This willhomefortherestofthisweek.
NOTES
SAMBURUNATIONALRESERVE
Samburu National Reserveis agame reserveon the banks of theEwaso Ng'iroriver inKenya. It is 64 sq miles and 220 miles from Nairobi. It ranges in elevation from 2,620 to 4,040ft. In the middle of the reserve, theEwaso Ng'iroflows throughdoum palmgroves and thick riverine forests. It provides water without which the animalsinthis aridregioncouldnot survive.Boastingover 350species of birds. It was one of the two areas in which conservationistsGeorge& Joy AdamsonraisedElsa the Lioness, made famous in the best-selling book and awardwinning movie Born Free. The Elephant Watch Camp, of whichSaba Douglas-Hamiltonis director, lies within the park.
SOROISAMBURULODGE
Discover the epitome of wilderness adventure paired with comfort at the Soroi Samburu Lodge. This extraordinary lodge is nestled in the heart of the rugged landscapes of Samburu, offering a blend of authentic safari experiences and modern conveniences harmoniously intertwining with the breathtaking surrounding of the Ewaso Nyiro River andSamburuGameReserve.
Soroi Samburu Lodge – Samburu National Reserve
Soroi Samburu Lodge– Samburu National Reserve
“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.”
Heather Cortez
TUESDAY-FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER16–19,2025
Today’sSchedule
7:00amBreakfast
7:30amLeaveforclinic
Gamedriveonthewaytoclinic
9:00amClinic
Lunch
3:00pmClinicends
Gamedriveonthewaybacktocamp R&R
7:15pmDinner
Dress
Scrubs/longpantsand/orskirts
Hoodie/lightweightjacket
Bring Camera/pen/waterbottle
Sunglasses/hat/sunscreen/handsanitizer
Tonight’sLodging
SoroiSamburuLodge–SamburuNationalReserve
Activities
Today and the following few days we will have the same schedule. Following breakfast, we will leave for the clinic site. Once we arrive everyone can help unload the supplies andsetup.Whenitistimetoeatyouwillbereleasedfrom your work area for lunch. Please eat as quickly as possible if there are long queues so we can care for as many people as possible. Once we are all packed up, we will help back tothelodgetorelaxfortherestoftheday
NOTES
KILTAMANY&GIRGIRPRIMARYSCHOOLS
Kiltamanyhasaround170studentsinprimaryschooland 72pre-schoolandGirGirPrimaryhas830primaryschool and290pre-school. Bothareasrarelygetanytypeofcare orsupport.Wewillbeassistingasmanystudentsas possibleaswellasthecommunity.
THECOMMUNITY&WILDLIFECONSERVATION
The community & Wildlife Conservation is a dynamic non-governmental organization dedicated to community development and conservation efforts and was founded by Sunworld Safaris in April 2020 with the vision to make a difference. The main objectives are supporting local communities through food donations & educational materials, creating job opportunities for local tour guides, protecting wild animals from poaching and marketing local tourism in Kenya. The Olmalaika Trust partners with them eachMarch/Septembertoprovidemedicalanddental care.
Soroi Samburu Lodge– Samburu National Reserve
“Patience attracts happiness; it brings near that which is far.”
- Swahili Proverb
Aberdare Country Club – Mweiga, Nyeri
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER20,2025
Today’sSchedule
8:30amBreakfast
9:45amPackupandheadout Packedlunches
CheckintoAberdareCountyClub R&R
7:30pmDinner
Dress
Comfortableclothes
Hoodieorjacket
Bring
Allpersonalitems
Keephandy
Camera/spendingmoney/passports
Waterbottle/sunglasses/hat/sunscreen
Tonight’sLodging
AberdareCountryClub-Mweiga
Activities
This morning, we will pack up and say goodbye to Soroi Samburu Lodge and their amazing staff and down to the Aberdare Country Club – stopping along the way as needed.
NOTES
ABERDARECOUNTRYCLUB
The Aberdare Country Clubbegan as the private home of an English couple who settled in Kenya in the 1930s, later known as "The Steep".After nearly half a century, their home was developed and renamed Aberdare Country Club Built within its own 1300-acre wildlife sanctuary on the slopes of Kamatongu Hill in Mweiga, Nyeri, the sanctuary abounds with Zebra, Giraffe, Impala, Warthog, Duikers and more. It is a home to many species of East African birdsaswell.
MTKENYA
Mt Kenyais an extinct volcano inKenyaand thesecondhighest peak in Africa, afterKilimanjaro. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian 17,057 ft, Nelion 17,021ft and Point Lenana 16,355ft. It is estimated to have originally been around 23,000ft high.There are currently 11 smallglaciers, which are shrinking rapidly. The forested slopes are an important source of water for much of Kenya. The mountain was designated aNational Parkand listed as aUNESCO World Heritage Sitein 1997.Theparkreceivesover16,000visitorsperyear.
Horseback riding at the Aberdare Country Club
Mt. Kenya – from the town of Nanyuki
To be without a friend is to be poor indeed
~ Tanzanian Proverb
SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER21,2025
Today’sSchedule Breakfast
10:00amCheckoutofyourrooms–bringingyour luggagetothereceptionarea.
R&R Lunch
2:00pmTaketheshuttleuptoTHEARK R&R Dinner
Overnight
THEARK,AberdareNationalPark
Dress
Comfortableclothes
Bring
Camera/waterbottle
Sunglasses/hat/sunscreen
Tonight’slodging
THEARK,AberdareNationalPark
Activities
This morning you can sleep in a little bit if you wish have a late breakfast and then check out of your room by 10am. Take your luggage to the reception area and then simply relax for the rest of the morning. You can go horseback riding,relaxpool sideorenjoya walk.We will have lunch attheAberdare Country Club andthencatch the shuttle up to THE ARK in the Aberdare National Park. The Ark is situated on a lake with flood lights – and built so you can watchthewildlifefromavarietyoflevels.
ABERDARENATIONALPARK
Alluring and dreamy, the rise and fall of the misty valleys, hillsandmountainsofthespectacularAberdarerangesthat sit across Nyeri and Nyandarua counties are a sight to behold. Open moorlands and dense forests characterizethe vast park coupled with a deep lush of clean crisp air perfect for a break away from life in search of relaxation, peace and tranquility. The park is renowned for its torrential waterfalls plunging from cloud-shrouded heights tospray-filledravines.
MONDAY
SEPTEMBER22,2025
Today’sSchedule
8:00amBreakfastBuffet
TaketheshuttledowntotheAberdareCountryClub
EnjoysomeR&RattheCountryClub
12:30pmLuch
1:45pmLeavefortheairportNairobi
THE ARK -Aberdare National Park
THE ARK – Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park
“A goodbye isn't painful unless you're never going to say hello again.”
~Author Unknown
THANK YOU ~
Even though our “Giving Safari” is over – it is our hope that you will never forget what you experienced while here in Kenya. Once you are home it is easy for the memories of the safari to fade, but we hope your lives will have been forever changed, and that those you touched while here in Kenya will stay forever embedded in your hearts.
You have made a difference by giving – you have given the gift of hope to those in Kenya. The gift of serving others, shaking hands, holding a child close, listening to someone share their story, holding the hand of an old man, touching an old mama’s wrinkled face -
Those are gifts of hope that each of you gave, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being willing to step out of your comfort zone and serve those who needed to be served.
With gratitude,
JanetE. Ashley B. EnockR.
Erika Kamunge I. Ed G. Ben
Kim D. Vincent
Thepictureaboveshowsthe instrumentsusedtocircumcise(FGM) sevenyounggirls.Theknotsinthestringrepresenteach childcircumcisedandtheknotabovethetierepresentstheonegirlthathadnotyetbeencircumcised.Onceayounggirlhas beencircumcisedsheisthenreadytobemarriedoffinexchangeforcows.
KeyfactsaboutFemaleGenitalMutilation(FGM)
FGMincludesproceduresthatintentionallyalterorinjurefemalegenitalorgansfornon-medicalreasons.
Theprocedurehasnohealthbenefitsforgirlsandwomen.
Procedurescancauseseverebleedingandproblemsurinating,andlater,potentialchildbirthcomplicationsandnewborn deaths.
Anestimated100to140milliongirlsandwomenworldwidearecurrentlylivingwiththeconsequencesofFGM.
Itismostly carriedoutonyounggirlssometimebetweeninfancyandage15years.
InAfricaanestimated92milliongirlsfrom10yearsofageandabovehaveundergoneFGM.
FGMisinternationallyrecognizedasaviolationofthehuman rightsofgirlsandwomen.
FGMcomprisesallproceduresthatinvolvepartialortotalremovaloftheexternalfemalegenitalia,orotherinjurytothefemale genitalorgansfornon-medicalreasons.Thepracticeismostlycarriedoutbytraditionalcircumcisers,whooftenplayothercentral rolesincommunities,suchasattendingchildbirths
Thecausesoffemalegenitalmutilationincludeamixofcultural,religiousandsocialfactorswithinfamiliesandcommunities.
WhereFGMisasocialconvention,thesocialpressuretoconformtowhatothersdoandhavebeendoingisastrong motivationtoperpetuatethepractice.
FGMisoftenconsideredanecessarypartofraisingagirlproperly,andawaytoprepareherforadulthoodandmarriage.
FGMisoftenmotivatedby beliefsaboutwhatisconsideredpropersexualbehavior,linkingprocedurestopremarital virginityandmaritalfidelity.FGMisinmanycommunitiesbelievedto reduceawoman'slibido,andtherebyisfurther believedtohelp herresist"illicit"sexualacts.Whenavaginalopeningiscoveredornarrowedthefearofpainofopeningit, andthefearthatthiswillbefoundout,isexpectedtofurtherdiscourage"illicit"sexualintercourseamongwomenwiththis typeofFGM.
FGMisassociatedwithculturalidealsoffemininityandmodesty,whichincludethenotionthatgirlsare“clean”and "beautiful"afterremovalofbodypartsthatareconsidered"male"or"unclean".
Thoughnoreligiousscriptsprescribethepractice,practitionersoftenbelievethepracticehasreligioussupport.
ReligiousleaderstakevaryingpositionswithregardtoFGM:some promoteit,someconsideritirrelevanttoreligion,and otherscontributetoitselimination.
Inmostsocieties,FGMisconsideredaculturaltradition,whichisoftenusedasanargumentfor itscontinuation
General Information about Kenya
Kenya’sPopulation–Estimatedjustover56million(makingitthe26th largestcountryintheworldpopulationwise)
SizeofKenya-581,309sq.kmor224,445sqmiles(47th largestcountryintheworldintermsofpurelandmass)
LifeExpectancy–Adultis67.7years.
TimeisElastic–TheKenyanshaveaveryrelaxedattitudeaboutpunctuality.Ingeneral,Kenyansaretolerantlyamused bytheWesternobsessionwithpunctuality.
RespectforKenya–Kenyafoughtabitterbattleforitsindependenceandholdsbothitsflagandnationalantheminhigh regard.IndeferencetotheKenyanflag,visitorsshouldbesilentandstandwhenitiseitherraisedorlowered.
ProtectionofNature–Itisillegaltopurchaseortakeoutofthecountryshells,rocks,feathers,coral,ivory,any undomesticatedanimal’sskinorteeth,etc.
Mt.Kenya–isthesecondhighestmountaininAfricaandyoucanclimbto16,400ftwithoutropes.
Howmanybirdspecies–inKenyathereis1158confirmedbirdspecies.Afabulousplaceforbirders.
Photography–Alwaysaskpeoplepermissiontotaketheirpicture,particularlyinruralareaswheresuperstitionstill suggeststhatthecameraisastealerofsouls.
BodyLanguageandGestures–Kenyanmalesareoftenseenholdinghands,whichhasnothingtodowithsexual orientationandeverythingtodowithfellowship.Pointingwithyourfingerorbeckoningsomeonetocomewithyour fingerisconsideredveryrude.
HowmanylanguagesarespokeninKenya–over60differentdialects.
Officiallanguagesare–SwahiliandEnglish
Hello:jambo/hujambo/salama,poa
Howareyou?habarigani.
Fine(response):nzuri.
Goodbye:kwaheri/kwaherini(morethanoneperson)
Seeyoulater:tutaonana.
Nicetomeetyou:nafurahikukuona.
Goodnight:lalasalama.
The Maasai People
The Maasai live in Kenya and Tanzania. They herd cattle, and live in huts made from mud and cattle dung. Maasai gender roles are very distinct, with the men (warriors) protecting the people, and the women doing the householdwork.Though primitiveinoureyes, theyhave avery interestingcultureandwayoflife. Theyspeak Maa.
FaithandReligion
The Maasai god is called Enkai. Enkai is seen as male and female at the same time. Enkai is believed to manifest inmanyforms, includinginmountains,colorsandthemoon.A religiousleaderofthe Maasaiis called aLaibon.
EconomicActivities
The cattle are the center of all Maasai culture. Wealth is measured in cows, and the majority of the Maasai diet is made from what they can get from their cows. They eat the meat, drink the milk, and on occasion will also drink the blood collected from the live cows. Their entire way of life revolves around the care of their herds. They drink the cows’ milk, use the dung to cover and seal their homes. If a cow dies, the horns can be used for containers, the hides for shoes, clothing, ropes, bed coverings, and the hooves and bones are made into ornaments.
CultureandLifestyle
TheroleoftheMaasaiWarrioris abigpartoftheMaasaiculture,whichisaperiodoflifeallmengothrough betweenboyhoodandwhentheyfinallybecomeelders.AMaasaiwarriorisresponsibleforprotectingtheherds ofcattle,aswellasthevillagesthemselves.Thestepstobecomingawarriorinvolveanumberofage-based ritualsandceremonies,includingcircumcision.Livingfirstapartfromtherestofthetribeformanyyears,the roleofthewarriorchangesastheyfinallygettohaveawifeandfamily,beforethenmovingtotheroleofelder. Awarriorcanhavemorethanonewife,providinghehasenoughcattletofeedalargefamily.TheMaasai womenbuildandtakecareofthehome,cook,carrythewaterandfirewoodfromlongdistances,makeclothing andtakecareofthechildren.Maasaihousesaremadefromsticksandgrass,whichareheldtogetherwitha mixtureofmudandcowdung.Betweentheagesof8-14(sometimesearlier,dependingonthegroup),Maasai girlshavesexualfreedomtoenjoyrelationswithjuniorwarriors,solongastheydon'tbecomepregnant.Upon theircircumcision,however,theyareconsideredtobeadultwomenandarepromptlymarried(sometimesthe sameday)oftentoamanmucholderthanthemselves.Theirstatusinsocietyaswivesisn'tparticularlyhigh althoughtheyarerespectedasmothers,andwillbemembersofthesameage-setsastheirhusbands. Often womenwillmaintaincloseties,bothsocialandsexual,withtheirformerboyfriends,evenaftertheyare married,inkeepingwiththeunusualpracticeof'wife-lending,'wherebyawiferemainsfreetohavesexual relationswithamemberofherhusband'sage-set.Anyresultingchildisstillconsideredbythehusbandtobehis own,andisnottreatedanydifferentlyfrombiologicalchildren. DeathistheinevitableendofaMaasai’slife journey.Maasaitraditionallymournedtheirdead,andthenleftthebodyinthewildforanimalstoeat.The commonpracticenowistoholdasmallceremony,afterwhichagraveisdugandthebodyburied.Stonesare thenpileduponthegrave,withouttombstonesormarkers.
The Samburu People
TheSamburuareaNiloticpeopleofnorth-centralKenya.Theyaresemi-nomadicpastoralistswhoprimarily herdcattlebutalsokeepsheep,goatsandcamels.TheyrefertothemselvesasLokoporLoikop,atermvaried interpretationsamongtheSamburu.Somebelievesitmeans"ownersoftheland"("lo"meaningownershipand "nkop"meaningland)whileothershaveadifferentinterpretation.
TheSamburuspeaktheSamburudialectoftheMaalanguage,aNiloticlanguagewhichalsospokenbyother22 subtribesoftheMaacommunitycommonlyknownastheMaasai.
Culture and Lifestyle
The Samburu are agerontocracy. The power of elders is linked to the belief in their curse, underpinning their monopoly over arranging marriages and taking on further wives. This is at the expense of unmarried younger men, whose development up to the age of thirty is in a state of social suspension, prolonging their adolescent status.
Men wear a cloth which is often pink or black and is wrapped around their waist in a manner similar to a Scottishkilt. They adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets and anklets. Members of the moran age grade (i.e. "warriors") typically wear their hair in long braids, which they shave off when they become elders. It may be colored using red ochre. Their bodies are sometimes decorated with ochre, as well. Women wear two pieces of blue or purple cloth, one piece wrapped around the waist, the second wrapped over the chest. Women keep theirhair shavedandwearnumerousnecklaces andbracelets. Inthepast decade,traditionalclothingstyleshave changed.
Faith and Religion
Samburureligiontraditionallyfocusesontheirmulti-faceteddivinity(Nkai).Nkai(afemininenoun),playsan activeroleinthelivesofcontemporarySamburu.
SamburubelievethatNkaiisthesourceofallprotectionfromthehazardsoftheirexistence.ButNkaialso inflictspunishmentifaneldercursesajuniorforsomeshowofdisrespect. Theelder’sangerisseenasan appealtoNkai,anditisNkaiwhodecidesifthecurseisjustified.Facedwithmisfortuneandfollowingsome showofdisrespecttowardsanolderman,thevictimshouldapproachhisseniorandofferreparationinreturn forhisblessing.Thiscalmstheelder'sangerandrestoresNkai’sprotection.Itis,however,uncommonforan eldertocurseajunior.Cursesarereservedforcasesofextremedisrespect
Food & Society
Traditionally Samburu relied almost solely on their herds, although trade with their neighbors and use of wild foods were also important. Before the colonial period, cow, goat, and sheep milk was the daily staple. In the twenty-first century, cattle and small stock continue to be essential to the Samburu economy and social system. Milk is still a valued part of Samburu contemporary diet when available, and may be drunk either fresh, or fermented; "ripened" milk is often considered superior. Meat from cattle is eaten mainly on ceremonial occasions, or when a cow happens to die. Meat from small stock is eaten more commonly, though still not on a regular basis. Today Samburu relies increasingly on purchased agricultural products—with money acquired mainly from livestock sales—and most commonly maize meal is made into a porridge.Tea is also very common, taken with large quantities of sugar and (when possible) much milk, and is a staple of contemporary Samburu diet. Blood is both taken from living animals, and collected from slaughtered ones. There are at least thirteen ways that blood canbepreparedand may form awhole meal. Some Samburu thesedays haveturned to agriculture,withvaryingresults.
