❋

June 21 - July 7

Join Us in Kenya & Malawi!

Community • Wildlife • Culture • Connection

A 16-day immersive journey through Kenya and Malawi combining hands-on community engagement, cultural learning, and an iconic Masai Mara safari. Travelers work alongside trusted local partners and can extend their experience with optional stays at Lake Malawi, Zanzibar, or Rwanda for rest and exploration.

❋ Dates

June 21 - July 7, with flexible options to participate in Kenya only, Malawi only, or the full journey, and the opportunity to add optional trip extensions.

❋ Group Size

Kenya: 17 travelers

Malawi: 11 travelers

Including the FMFM team

❋ Countries

Kenya & Malawi with the option to extend your trip.

We welcome travelers choosing to join us in Kenya, Malawi, or both!

❋ Estimated Cost

~$5,500–$6,000 per person for Kenya + Malawi (Excluding optional trip extensions)

This journey is ideal for executives, senior leaders, and purpose-driven travelers seeking a meaningful, immersive experience that combines hands-on service, cultural learning, iconic wildlife, and intentional rest. Families with children are welcome! Kid-friendly elements include guided wildlife viewing experiences, hands-on cultural exchange activities, interactive farm visits, flexible participation options that allow families to engage at their own pace, and clear safety and supervision protocols to ensure a supportive, family-friendly environment.

KENYA

  • Community work at Huruma Children’s Home

  • Medical camp for Diabetes education & awareness

  • Cultural market visits and optional sightseeing

  • Gatune Farm visit

  • Scenic Rift Valley drive

  • Three-night Masai Mara safari with game drives

  • Optional Maasai village visit

  • Evening reflections and group debriefs

MALAWI

  • Community projects with local partner organization

  • Medical camp for Diabetes education & awareness

  • Visits to schools, farms, and women’s empowerment initiatives

  • Shared meals and group reflection sessions

  • Hands-on cultural immersion and relationship-building

  • Optional Lake Malawi extension for relaxation and water activities

Itinerary

June 21

Departure from Chicago

Arrival evening (Chicago → Nairobi). Airport pickup and transfer to Huruma Children’s Home (~25 km north of Nairobi). Light dinner, introductions & rest.

June 23

Huruma Children’s Home

Full day at Huruma: welcome/orientation, engage with children & staff, medical camp for Diabetes education & awareness. Evening reflection/debrief. Overnight at Huruma.

June 24

Gatune Farm

Day-trip to a working farm: Gatune Farm visit & medical camp for Diabetes education & awareness. Evening reflection/debrief. Return to Huruma for dinner and rest. 

June 22

Arrive & Meet

June 25

Goodbyes & Departure

Morning wrap-up meeting with Huruma leadership. Visit to local artisan or cultural market (e.g., Masai Market or Kazuri Beads). Early dinner, rest before safari departure. 

June 26

Begin Safari

Early departure (7:00 a.m.) by Land Cruiser for ~6-hour scenic drive from Huruma to Masai Mara. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for photos and refreshments. Arrive mid-afternoon at Sarabi Wild Ecolodge. Evening cultural storytelling around the African bonfire with cultural dance and entertainment. Dinner, drinks, and evening social time. 🌍🔥🍽️

June 27

Safari & Massai Village Visit

Full day safari: morning & afternoon game drives seeking lions, elephants, giraffes and more. Optional nature walk, visit to community villages, experience the life of Masai people, visit community village school, and Herbal medicine lessons.

June 28

Safari Departure

Full day safari: morning & afternoon game drives seeking lions, elephants, giraffes and more. Optional hot air balloon experience over the Mara National reserve, a once in a lifetime experience. Optional nature walk, visit to community villages, experience the life of Masai people, visit community village school, and Herbal medicine lessons.

June 29

Departure for Malawi

Optional early morning game drive, or late wake up. Return drive back (≈6 hrs) to Nairobi. Evening farewell group dinner and reflection. Overnight Nairobi hotel.

June 30

Arrive in Malawi

Morning flight Nairobi → Lilongwe (Malawi) and transfer to partner guesthouse. Welcome dinner & orientation.

July 1

Campus Tour & Medical Camp

Morning Chapel at the local church. Tour of campus with visit to Strides For Africa well site. Medical camp for Diabetes education & awareness with family empowerment groups. Sewing at the local Textile center with women and girls. Cooking dinner with local women followed by evening reflection & debrief. 

July 2

Fun and workshops at the schools

Mind-body activities a the early childhood development center. Nutrition training for young minds & leadership workshops at the local primary school for students’ parents. Cooking dinner with local women followed by evening reflection & debrief. 

July 3

Under 5 clinic, leadership workshops, medical camps

Under-5 clinic with local community health workers. Leadership workshops & medical camp for Diabetes education & awareness with family empowerment groups. Cooking dinner with local women followed by evening reflection & debrief. 

July 4

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi day trip with stops at local African markets. 

July 5

African Church Service, Village Hike, & Dinner Party

Optional African church service. Hike beyond campus to visit local villages. Dinner party with the kids from the orphanage. Goodbyes & R&R. 

July 6

Depart for United States

July 7

Arrive home in United States

Goodbyes & transfer back to Lilongwe. Depart Malawi for return travel to the U.S. via Addis Ababa or Johannesburg.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

❋ Estimated Total

~$5,500–$6,000 per person for Kenya + Malawi (Excluding optional trip extensions)

❋ International Flights

Kenya: ~$2000

Malawi: ~$2500

❋ Visas: $80

Kenya: $30

Malawi: $50

❋ FMFM Expedition Coordination Fee

$500

❋ Kenya Partner Program

~$140

❋ Kenya Transportation

$200

❋ Malawi Partner Program

$600

❋ Safari Transport, lodging & Park Fees: $872

  • Lodging: $510

  • Driver fee: $30

  • Game Drives: $132

  • Park Entry Fee: $200

Rates include 2 full days of game drives, accommodation, meals, drinking water, soft drinks, Masai cultural village visits, evening traditional Masai cultural talk by the bonfire, Nature walk and herbal medicine talks. Optional hot air balloon ride and early morning game drive on final safari day available for additional cost.

❋ Miscellaneous (souvenirs, snacks, etc,)

~$100-200 per country (recommended)

❋ Final pricing depends on flight selection, group size, and optional extensions.

How to Prepare?

  • Schedule a visit with a travel medicine doctor for the most up-to-date recommendations.

    Required: Yellow fever (will need physical card on trip at immigration stops)

    Below are some common ones recommended.

    • Typhoid

    • Rabies

    • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

    • Polio

    • Hepatitis A

    • Hepatitis B

  • Prescription medicines

    Over-the-counter medicines

    • Electrolyte packets

    • Antacid

    • Diarrhea medicine

      • Examples: loperamide [Imodium] or bismuth subsalicylate [Pepto-Bismol]    

    • Antihistamine

    • Motion sickness medicine

    • Cough drops

    • Cough suppression/expectorant

    • Decongestant

    • Medicine for pain and fever

      • Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen

    • Mild laxative

    • Mild sedative or other sleep aid

    Supplies to prevent illness or injury

    • Hand sanitizer or wipes

    • Insect repellent

    • Permethrin

      • Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.

    • Sunscreen

    First-aid kit

    • 1% hydrocortisone cream

    • Antifungal ointments

    • Antibacterial ointments

    • Antiseptic wound cleanser

    • Aloe gel

    • Insect bite treatment

    • Bandages

    • Tweezers

    • Eye drops

    • Health insurance documents
      Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms

    • Proof of yellow fever vaccination
      If required for your trip, take your completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis card or medical waiver

    • Copies of all prescriptions
      Make sure prescriptions include generic names. Bring prescriptions for medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.

    • Contact card
      Carry a contact card containing the street addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of the following:

      • Family member or close contact remaining in the United States

      • Health care provider(s) at home

      • Lodging at your destination

      • Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination

      • US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

  • Apply here: https://etakenya.go.ke/

    Hope For Huruma:

    Address: Huruma Children’s Home Olkeri Village Ngong

    Dates: 22 June - 26 June

    Safari: Sarabi Wild 

    Address: Sarabi Wild R7G9+P4J Maasai Mara, Aitong

    Dates: 26 June - 29 June

    Hotel Rudi:

    Dates: 29 June - 30 June

  • Apply Here: https://evisa.gov.mw/

    Circle of Hope International

    Address:

    The Grace Center 

    Lilongwe-Salima Road Katengeza Village 

    Po Box 63, Mvera, Dowa

    Dates: June 30 - July 6

What to Pack?

A Note About Packing

We are traveling to Africa, where roads can be dusty, laundry access may be limited, and clothing, shoes, and bags may get dirty, stained, or damaged. Please do not bring anything you would be upset about losing, staining, or ruining.

Shoes: Bring older shoes that are comfortable and already broken in. Expect them to get dusty, muddy, and heavily worn.

Laundry: If you need to do laundry while in Kenya, you will need to wash your clothes by hand. If you are continuing with us to Malawi, a local woman is available each morning (except Sunday) to provide laundry service.

Jewelry & Valuables

For both safety reasons and out of respect for the communities we are visiting, please avoid bringing expensive jewelry, luxury accessories, or flashy valuables. Many of the communities we visit have significantly fewer financial resources than we do, and dressing modestly helps us engage respectfully and authentically.

If you choose to bring jewelry, please keep it simple. 

DONATION BAG

These items are completely optional but greatly appreciated!

  • School supplies

  • Folders 

  • Craft supplies

  • Friendship bracelet-making supplies

  • Clothes

  • Shoes

  • Deflated soccer balls or volleyballs

  • Ball pumps

  • Jump ropes

  • Games

  • Medical supplies (healthcare team members only)

  • plastic whistles

  • pencils & sharpeners

(All liquids must be 3.4 oz / 100 mL or less.)

Keep your passport, medications, and valuable electronics in your carry on, not checked bag! 

Travel Documents & Identification

  • Passport

  • Credit cards (stored in RFID protected wallet)

  • Cash; Bills must be dated 2006 or newer - $100 dollar bills recommended for best transaction rate; consider an extra $100 if want to do the optional morning game drive on departure day of the safari

  • Important documentation

    • Visas

    • Yellow Fever vaccine card

    • Vaccine list

    • passport

    • Travel medical insurance card

Electronics

  • Phone

  • Phone charger

  • Portable charger

  • Outlet converter (Type G in Kenya and Malawi)

  • Headphones 

  • Camera & equipment (if desired during travel)

  • Computer & charger (if desired during travel)

Medications & Supplements

Highly Recommended:

  • Anti-malaria pills

  • Traveler's diarrhea medication

Extra to consider: 

  • Tylenol/Ibuprofen

  • Tums

  • Imodium

  • Zofran or anti-nausea medication

  • Anti-histamine medication

  • Motion sickness medication

  • Probiotic

  • Immune support or multivitamin 

Personal Care & Hygiene

  • Chapstick

  • Hand wipes

  • Germ-X

  • Mini alcohol pads (useful to clean phone each day)

Food & Drinks

  • Reusable Water bottle

  • Electrolyte packets (1 per day HIGHLY recommended)

  • Snacks

Entertainment & Miscellaneous

  • Journal

  • Pens

  • Deck of cards

  • A few Ziploc bags (come in handy more than you would think)

  • sunglasses

CARRY ON BAG
PERSONAL CHECKED BAG

Luggage Essentials

  • Bag label (your information and destination information)

    • Recommended to have tags for each destination and home information to be switched out with each travel day

  • Apple AirTag

  • TSA-approved luggage locks or zip ties

  • Bath towel 

  • Pillow case (they are provided in Kenya, but consider bringing your own) 

  • Day bag

    • Shoulder bag or backpack for day to day activities (could be carry on bag reused)

Bedding (Malawi Only)

  • Full sized flat sheet

  • Full sized fitted sheet

  • Pillow & pillow case

Clothing

  • Undergarments

  • Socks

  • Swimsuit (safari eco-lodge has a swimming pool & there is an optional lake day trip in Malawi)

  • Pajamas/lounge clothes for the evenings (leggings okay in our lodging)

  • jackets/warmer long sleeves for the evenings 

  • Comfy clothes for plane/travel days

Kenya Day Wear

  • Trousers (below knee); leggings are fine if your top covers your butt

  • T-shirts or modest tank tops (no spaghetti straps)

  • rain coat

  • white lab coat (medical team members only)

Malawi Day Wear

  • T-shirts (no tank tops)

  • Mens bottoms: 

    • Long trousers

    • Modest shorts

  • Womens bottoms: 

    • shorts and/or skirts for under chitenje

      • Chitenje (calf length traditional wrap skirts) will be required to wear each day over shorts or skirts; these will be purchased in country ($3-6 each)

  • Church attire; if you are interested in attending an African church ceremony, consider bringing a nicer outfit. Women will still be required to wear chitenje but may wish to wear a blouse rather than a t-shirt. 

Shoes

  • Closed-toe daily shoes

  • Durable sandals

  • Flip-flops/shower shoes

Toiletries

Shower

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Face wash

  • razor

Dental Care

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Floss

Hygiene/Skincare

  • Facial Moisturizer

  • Face SPF

  • Body sunscreen 

  • Deodorant

  • Body lotion

  • Hair brush 

  • Sanitary supplies

First Aid

  • Bug spray 

  • Band-Aids

  • Blister patches

  • Antibiotic ointment

  • Tweezers

  • Nail clippers/file

  • Q-tips

Final Checklist

8

9

10

Travel Documents & Customs Paperwork

1

Print and pack copies of the following:
☐ Boarding pass (you will get this at the airport gate during check-in)
☐ Passport
☐ Yellow Fever vaccination card
☐ Kenya visa approval
☐ Malawi visa approval
☐ Travel insurance card (emailed to you Monday June 15th)

Paperwork to be sent to Jacey

2

☐ Send PDF copies of visa approvals to Jacey
☐ Sign and submit HTF volunteer forms (4 total)

Health Requirements

3

☐ Obtain required immunizations (Yellow Fever vaccination is required)
☐ Start malaria medication a few days before travel
☐ Inform Jacey of any food allergies or dietary restrictions

Enroll in STEP

4

Airport & Flight Readiness

☐ Enroll in the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP):
https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step

Options:

  • Register as a solo traveler, or

  • Register with the Feeding Mouths Filling Minds (FMFM) group.

If registering with the FMFM group, include one additional traveler:

  • Jacey Marie Spring

  • DOB: 03/23/2003

  • Citizenship: USA

Save Emergency Contacts

5

FMFM Team

☐ Maria Nicholas Groves: +1 (262) 853-7991
☐ Jacey Spring: +1 (608-622-9023

Kenya Partner

☐ Sara Ghali: +1 (602) 510-5462

☐ Stephen: +254 740 374 261

Safari Host

☐ Michael Masinjila: +254 711 222 524

Malawi Partner

☐ Edmond Blessings Phiri: +265 99 254 2533

Financial Preparation

6

Communication & Connectivity

7

Packing & Travel Preparation

☐ Pay trip balance (information provided by Maria via email).

☐ Prepare spending funds:

  • Recommended: approximately $300 USD per person per week of travel in cash. Bring an extra $100 if you plan to do the optional early morning game drive on departure day of the safari.

  • U.S. currency should be dated 2006 or newer.

  • $100 bills typically receive the best exchange rates.

  • Plan for personal purchases such as:

    • Souvenirs

    • Snacks

    • Beverages; Remember that drinking water will be provided throughout the trip except while traveling through airports.

    • Travelers are responsible for:

      • Airport meals and snacks

      • Lunch and road-trip snacks during Maasai Mara travel

      • One lunch in Malawi if participating in the optional Lake Malawi day trip

☐ Contact your bank and/or credit card company to notify them of your international travel plans.

Get Excited!

☐ Contact your phone carrier to review international phone plan options.

Consider:

  • Adding international coverage to your current plan.

  • Using an eSIM.

  • Purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival

WIFI: All of our accommodations have wifi available, but it will not always be reliable.

☐ Review the packing list.
☐ Contact Jacey with any packing questions.

☐ Prepare luggage tags with the following addresses:

  • Huruma House: Huruma Children’s Home, Olkeri Village, Ngong, Kenya

  • Malawi House: The Grace Center, Salima Lilongwe Rd, Katengeza Village, Dowa District., Malawi

  • Your Home address

☐ Download your airline's mobile app (e.g., United Airlines) to monitor your flight times.
☐ Complete online check-in before departure.

This webpage has everything you need to know, so read carefully and then take a breath. You are about to embark on a once in a lifetime trip! You are going to Africa!

Our Partners & Safari Eco-Lodge

Huruma Trust Fund

Huruma Trust Fund is a registered Community Based Organization (CBO) in Ngong, Kenya, that supports Huruma Children’s Orphanage, Huruma Primary, Junior and Secondary Schools, and the Huruma Clinic. Guided by its mission to empower children in need through rehabilitation, education, and self-reliance skills, the organization provides care, education, life-skills training, and spiritual support to help children become productive members of society.

Kenya Partner

Sarabi Wild Eco-Lodge

Sarabi Wild is a community-based luxury guest house in the heart of the Maasai Mara, designed, built, and operated by local community members to support community welfare and conservation efforts. Centered on the pillars of community, sustainability, and conservation, Sarabi Wild offers an exclusive and comfortable experience for families, small groups, and guests seeking privacy while contributing to local economic development.

Safari Host
Click here for Sarabi Wild Website 
Malawi Partner

Circle of Hope International

Circle of Hope International is a faith-based organization that works alongside underserved communities to promote holistic transformation through education, community development, and healthcare programs. Guided by Christian values of relationship, prayer, and transformation, the organization seeks to support physical, spiritual, and community well-being while fostering sustainable development and stewardship.

Click here for COH Website
Click here for HTF Website

Swahili Phrases for Kenya

Hello

1

Hujambo or jambo (how are you?) – Sijambo (seeJAmbo) (I am fine / no worries)

Good morning

2

Habari za asubuhi (good morning) – nzuri (fine)

Good afternoon

3

Habari za mchana (good afternoon)

5

Thank you

Goodnight

4

lala salama (sleep well / peacefully) – nawe pia (Nawe PEE-a) (you too)

Asante – “Thank you!” & Asante sana – “Thank you very much!”

Chichewa Phrases for Malawi

Good morning

1

Mwadzuka bwanji? (Good morning, how are you?) - Ndadzuka bwino kaya inu? (I’m good, and you?) - Ndadzuka bwino, zikomo. (I’m good, thank you.)

Good afternoon/good evening

2

Mwaswela bwanji? (Good afternoon/evening, how are you?) - Ndaswela bwino kaya inu? (I’m good, and you?) - Ndaswela bwino, zikomo. (I’m good, thank you.)

Good night

3

Gonani bwino. (Rest well)

Please & Thank you

4

Zikomo (please/thank you) & Zikomo kwambiri (thank you very much)