Meru June 2010 Trip

MERU TRIP AGENDA

June 18 – Depart Washington DC
June 19 – Arrive in Nairobi (stay overnight in local hotel)
June 20 – Quick tour of Nairobi by car, 3 1/2 hour car ride to Meru, Welcome Gathering at the Hope Center with Mercy, Tanja, and the girls
June 21 – Work at Center (activities to be determined)
June 22 – Work at Center (activities to be determined)
June 23 – Work at Center (activities to be determined)
June 24 – Work at Center (activities to be determined)
June 25 – Leave Center for Safari Trip
June 26 – Safari
June 27 – Safari
June 28 – Depart Safari grounds, drive to Nairobi for flight back to states
June 29 - Arrive in Washington Dulles

Meru Wildlife Safari:
Meru is a magic bag for the Safari-seekers.
With green scenic views all over, Meru Wildlife is one of the lesser explored sites of Kenya. Safari here is a satisfying experience because the shakedown is as amusing as the visage.
The Kopjes- hills arising from the velds, are the indigenous wealth of the Meru Wildlife and Doum Palm are the best spots to visit them.
What makes these forests more recognizable is Elsa, she is the lioness who became eminent because of “Born of the Free-The Book”.
The vista of the jungles seems to be a page from the Jungle Book. It is exciting, it evokes the reflex out of you. The fierce lions or the weird Rhinos, the giant elephants or the tall giraffes, Meru wildlife surpasses your imagination. The thick-headed forests are a perfect cloak for the traveler to hide himself and gaze the game.
The passion of exploring new species can be fulfilled here to the fullest extent.
The Gleaming water-waves of the Tana Rivers act like shining and flowing diamonds on the rich Safari. Adjacent to the river are the three reserves Bisanadi, North Kitui and Rahole.

SAFARI COST: TBA

ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF MERU TRIP: TBA

BREAKDOWN OF COSTS: TBA

Flight

Safari

Food

Land transportation

Miscellaneous

PASSPORTS & VISAS:
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of intended stay. Visas are required by all visitors.
For example, if we return on June 22, your passport cannot expire before Dec. 23, 2009 or else one will have to apply for a Passport Renewal.

CLIMATE:
Kenya is generally a dry country; over 75% of its area is classed as arid or semi-arid with only around 20% being viable for agriculture. Inland, rainfall and temperatures are closely related to altitude changes, with variations induced by local topography. Generally the climate is warm and humid at the coast, cool and humid in the central highlands, and hot and dry in the north and east.
Across most of the country, rainfall is strongly seasonal, although its pattern, timing and extent vary greatly from place to place and from year to year. The relatively wet coastal belt along the Indian Ocean receives 1,000 mm or more rain per year. Most rain falls from April to July as a result of the southeasterly monsoon. In much of the central highlands, the rainy seasons are in March-May and October-December.

HEALTH:
The best choice of vaccines for your trip depends on many individual factors, including your precise travel plans. Vaccines commonly recommended for travelers to Africa include those against:

Tetanus

Diphtheria

Polio

Typhoid

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Yellow fever*

Rabies

Meningitis

*Certificate required for entry into, or travel between, some African countries.
Several of these vaccines require more than one dose, or take time to become effective. Vaccine shortages also occur from time to time - particularly with yellow fever. So it is always best to seek advice on immunization well in advance, if possible around 6 weeks before departure.

WATER:
Only drink water that you know is safe. Don't drink tap water or brush your teeth with it, stick to bottled or canned drinks - well-known brands are safe. Have bottled mineral waters opened in your presence, and regard all ice as unsafe.

FOOD:
Food and drinks should always be treated with some consideration. Tap water is never safe in Kenya. Always drink bottled water, which can be bought throughout the country in sizes between 0, 20 and 5 liters. Be aware that there are fewer refrigerators in Kenya than in North America or Europe, and many people in Kenya don’t use the same standards of hygiene when handling food.
Meat, fish, eggs, and to a lesser extent dairy products and anything that isn't cooked or baked is riskier than other cooked products (rice, potatoes, vegetables, etc.) This also goes for "fresh" fruit cocktails, et cetera. Better take soft drinks, bottled water, tea or coffee (especially when the water was really boiled).
Tusker and White Cap beers (which are brewed in Kenya) are safe, and are available throughout the country. But drink local beers, called muratina, at your own risk. It's good to have some medication with you for stomach problems, etc. As stated above - this is not to say that you shouldn't eat at all in the cheaper restaurants, but always use some common sense.

TIME ZONE:
East Africa Time

TIPPING:
Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya. Guides, drivers and hotel and restaurant staff should be tipped at your discretion.

ELECTRICITY:
Electricity supply is 220/240 v 50 Hz. Plugs are 3 point square. Don't forget to bring voltage and plug adaptors.

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR:
For those planning a lot of travel by public transport or trekkers, a backpack is advisable. Bring a sturdy, casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best. For walking safaris or game viewing on foot clothing should be of neutral color, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing avoided. Studies have proven that most African game animals are able to see bright blue over any other color.
Strong footwear is advisable if you are planning to do any walking. For serious climbers and trekkers a good pair of hiking boots should be brought with you. Remember that the tropical/Equatorial sun is strong and burns quickly. Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps for sun protection. Both sunglasses and a good quality sunscreen (rated SPF15 or higher) should be used. A good quality insect repellent is worth bringing. In some areas, mostly coastal, it is considered inappropriate for women (and in some cases men) to wear shorts or short-sleeved shirts. It is always best to seek local advice. Any personal Prescription drugs should be brought if necessary. Also bring the generic names for these drugs in case they need to be replaced locally. If you have prescription glasses it is wise to bring a spare pair.
A good quality pair of Binoculars is essential for effective game viewing.
Climbers can hire equipment, ropes and gear in Kenya, but may wish to bring their own personal kit and equipment.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING OUR STAY AT THE CENTER:

Physical work

To be emotionally, spiritually, and mentally available to our girls

Work as a Team

Have a good time!

A word about Meru, Kenya:
Meru is one of the most cosmopolitan towns of Kenya. It is famous for its coffee-production. It is the hub of Kenya providing all the world class comforts and services. The evergreen trees with their characteristic Miraa-the twigs and leaves, the dense forests and the mountainous realms are the identification of Meru. A perfect amalgamate of the rural flavor and urban regions, Meru is an exquisite place to visit.