How to Prepare for Your Trip

→ See the trip itinerary and details

Your To-Do List

☐ Apply for your eTA at etakenya.go.ke by November 1

☐ Check your passport is valid until at least late May 2027

☐ Get travel insurance (strongly recommended)

☐ Tell us about any dietary needs or allergies

☐ Finish your $350 fundraising for an Amazing Girl

☐ Tell your bank you're traveling

Donations for the Amazing Girls

We encourage you to bring donations! There are 65 girls and fewer of us, so small items are much appreciated. Used items are great!

☐ Running socks

☐ Running shoes

☐ Clothes

☐ Running clothes

☐ School supplies

Please give your donations to us, and we'll hold a raffle so it's fair for every girl.

What to Pack

Clothing

The whole trip is casual, so leave anything fancy at home. It can get very hot under the Kenyan sun during the day and cool in the evenings, with heavy rain showers possible. So bring clothes you can layer and be comfortable in. Everything from shorts, skirts and dresses to pants, leggings and sweaters is great!

☐ A puffy jacket, sweater and scarf. We're at about 2,000 m (6,500 ft), so evenings are cold.

☐ A rain jacket. November is the "short rains" season, with some heavy afternoon showers.

☐ Extra t-shirts and shorts or pants. Dust and mud get everywhere, especially after rain, and a fresh change helps you feel clean.

☐ Good walking boots or sneakers

☐ Sandals

☐ Shower shoes or flip-flops for showering in the bush

☐ A hat and sunglasses

☐ A bathing suit

Gear

☐ A headlamp and extra batteries. The village and camps are very dark at night.

☐ A power bank. Charging is limited.

☐ Binoculars and a camera with a zoom

☐ A UK-style (Type G) plug adapter

☐ A refillable water bottle

☐ A small daypack

☐ A book to read

☐ Any "roadtrip snacks" you can't live without

Health and comfort

Vaccines: No vaccinations are required to enter Kenya. The one exception: bring a yellow fever certificate if you're arriving from, or spending 12+ hours in transit through, a country with yellow fever risk (such as Uganda or Ethiopia).

☐ Your medicines, packed in your carry-on

☐ Sunscreen and lip balm (the sun is strong on the equator)

☐ Insect repellent

☐ Wet wipes, hand sanitizer and tissues (it can get dusty)

☐ Motion-sickness tablets if you need them (drives are long and bumpy)

☐ A buff or bandana for dust

Luggage

☐ Any bag works, but soft duffel bags are easier to pack into the safari vehicle

☐ No plastic shopping bags (they're banned in Kenya)

☐ Maasai Mara extension only: flights allow 15 kg (33 lb) per person, including carry-on, in a soft bag

Money and Phone

☐ Get Kenyan shillings from an ATM when you arrive

☐ At the ATM, choose "Decline conversion" or "Charge in KES"

☐ Bring cash for tips (US dollars or shillings). Tips aren't included in the trip price.

☐ Bring Kenyan shillings for crafts

☐ Bring cash or a card for snacks and drinks at the grocery store before we head to the village

☐ Check your phone plan for Kenya. Signal is patchy in the bush.

Food

Bring a sense of adventure! Meals will be traditional Kenyan fare, such as:

● Nyama choma (grilled meat). The Maasai traditionally eat goat, chicken and beef, with goat and lamb being their favorite!
● Ugali (a firm maize porridge)
● Sukuma wiki (sautéed greens)
● Chapati (flatbread) and pilau (spiced rice)
● Chai (sweet milk tea)

Vegetarian options will be available, and please tell us about any dietary needs or allergies.

On Safari

☐ Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise

☐ Keep your voice low near animals

☐ Be ready for early starts. Dawn has the best sightings.

☐ Keep your room or tent zipped and never leave food out. Monkeys will grab it!

☐ Hyenas come around at night, so don't walk around camp alone after dark. Ask staff to walk you to your room.

More Questions?

What will the weather be like?
November is the start of the short rains: warm, sunny days, with occasional heavy afternoon showers. Days are around 73–80°F. Evenings in the highlands are chilly, so bring warm layers.

How much should I tip?
Tips aren't included, and US dollars or Kenyan shillings are both fine. As a guide:
● Driver/guide: about US$10–15 per person, per day
● Lodge and camp staff: about US$5–10 per person, per day (in the staff tip box)

Is Kenya safe?
Kenya is generally safe for tourists, and you'll be with professional guides and drivers. As anywhere, don't wear expensive jewelry and keep an eye on your belongings. Keep your money and passport tucked away somewhere secure and out of sight, so there isn't a temptation.