Rafiki means 'friend' and, as a Robot Rafiki, you have a unique opportunity to join Science in a Suitcase to deliver STEAM education to rural and under-served communities around the world. We want to thank you for embarking on this adventure with us to meet our host communities who have invited us through our partners at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
This site is designed to give you access to all the information you need to prepare for your trip and to link you directly with Barbara, your Tour Director. She is here to help in any way and you should feel free to reach out anytime on her Texas number 512-669-8426 or by email at barbara@traveltotrueplaces.com
The current itinerary is based on 8 travelers + your Tour Director (me), and Training Director (Antonio). The proposed itinerary:
Day 1, Thur, Feb 15 Depart USA
Day 2, Fri, Feb 16 Arrive Nairobi late, overnight hotel.
Day 3, Sat, Feb 17 Visits in Nairobi and Baby Elephants!
Drive to Nanyuki - Drinks at Sweetwaters Watering hole, dinner at Sweetwaters
Day 4, Sun, Feb 18 Train the Trainers, 6-8 hours including lunch, happy hour at local tavern
Day 5, Mon, Feb 19 Co-teach the kids with the trainers at each of our 4 chosen schools (approx 4 hours) + OPC evening game drive
Day 6, Tue, Feb 20 Co-teach the kids with the trainers at each of our 4 chosen schools (approx 4 hours) + visiting a Masaii beading operation
Day 7, Wed, Feb 21 Co-teach the kids with the trainers at each of our 4 chosen schools (approx 4 hours) + OPC experience in evening?
Day 8, Thur, Feb 22 Co-teach the kids with the trainers at each of our 4 chosen schools + (approx 4 hours)
Day 9, Fri, Feb 23 WRO Competition & Closing Celebration + evening with live music and local food
Day 10, Sat, Feb 24 Drive back to Nairobi to head home or head to a Mombasa beach house to chill for a few days!
Day 11, Sun Feb 25 Arrive USA
Tour cost = $3900 + international flight
International flight = currently approximately $1500
Kenya Visa fee = $55
Tour costs include: All lodging, food, transport, and game drives from the time you land in Nairobi.
Included in the cost of the tour is the donation of the Lego Mindstorm robots!
NOT Included: Travel insurance, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages.
Throughout January we will schedule short meetings to begin your journey as a Robot Rafiki, giving you more insight into the communities to which we have been invited.
Checklist of pre-travel requirements:
1) Your Kenya visa
How to apply for your Kenyan visa for USA passport holders can be viewed here. If you are not a USA passport holder, please let Barbara know immediately. Please take 15min get to know the requirements to apply for your Kenyan Visa. This is an e-visa and can be completed online. You will not need to send your passport away. Barbara is more than happy to walk through this process through Zoom with you after hours if you are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with this process.
2) Covid Health Requirements for Kenya for landing at Kenyan airports can be found here.
The online International Travelers Health Surveillance Form can be filled out here.
All passengers coming to Kenya must be in possession of a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure regardless of the route of entry.
How to report your vaccination and covid information to Panabios can be viewed here.
You must also provide health information online to the Kenya Ministry of Health and instructions can be found here.
A landing declaration can be pre-printed here to handover to customs on arrival.
Make sure to download Tripit.com to see all your travel details in real-time. You can also share your itinerary details with family and friends through this app since True Places is not allowed to share those with anyone.
A map can be found here.
Inoculations are required for travel to Kenya. You can check the US CDC site for info and then visit Walgreens, CVS, Passport Health, or your local travel clinic for your vaccines.
Packing list
How and where to purchase travel insurance
Travel forms and waivers. These next steps are REQUIRED and you will not be allowed to travel without doing all the steps:
1) Scan or take a photo of the photo page of your Passport and keep it in electronic form. It should look like this.
2) Download the Waiver of Liability here.
3) Now fill out the online forms part 1 and part 2 and have the scan or photos of the Waiver and Passport handy in the electronic file form as you will be asked to upload them.
There are 2 parts to the online forms and should take approx 20mins to complete.
Questions about this trip? Contact your Tour Director Barbara Joubert:
Barbara@TravelToTruePlaces.com or 512-669-8426