Urban Intellectuals – Kenya Adventure & Seychelles Tropical Paradise- Aug 12 – 20, 2023

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FROM

$5,424

Deposit: $199

Contact organizer



Aug 12 - 20, 2023



Group size: 1 - 30

Urban Intellectuals – Kenya Adventure & Seychelles Tropical Paradise – Aug 12 – 20, 2023

See More Photos



Aug 12 - 20, 2023



Group size: 1 - 30

FROM

$5,299

Deposit: $199

Contact organizer

Get a taste of East Africa!

Magnificent beaches, captivating wildlife, lush forests and lively people await you in Kenya and Seychelles as you explore African like never before. Discover another side of the African Diaspora’s history on this trip full of thought-provoking memorial sites, delicious food, welcoming locals and beautiful landscapes. Kenya and Seychelles await!

In an effort to make your trip a streamlined process, Maximum Impact Travel offers extensive online trainings in preparation for your trip. Once you secure your deposit, you will be invited to participate in a series of online courses that will have you ready for your journey. You can view these courses at your convenience.

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Ground Tranportation

Ground transportation to and from scheduled destinations (does include domestic airfare)

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Hotel Accommodations

Double Occupancy OR Single Occupancy + Complementary Breakfast (Hotel upgrades are available upon request; additional fees will apply)

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Admission To Activities

Admission to all activities are covered

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Hotel Amenities

WiFi, Spa, Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Meeting Rooms, Air Conditioning, Wheelchair Accessible

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Passport

The United States Postal Service offers passport services. PassportHealthUsa.com is another recommended provider

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Visa

You will need a valid Visa to enter. Please do not wait until the last minute to obtain your Visa. Some countries allow border-entry VISAS upon arrival. PassportHealthUsa.com is a VISA provider

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Vaccinations & COVID-19

The Yellow Fever vaccination is the only REQUIRED vaccination for entry (Malaria pills are recommended). A negative COVID-19 PCR test is also required, taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

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Lunch and Dinner

You will be responsible for your own lunch, dinner, and snacks. You will be afforded the opportunity to purchase lunch and dinner daily.

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended. Trip deposits and payments are non-refundable. Therefore, it is prudent to protect your investment. For insurance options visit https://www.travelguard.com/

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Medical Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance is highly recommended and is different from travel insurance. Your domestic medical policy may not cover an overseas medical emergency. Visit https://www.travelguard.com/

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Gratuities

Gratuities are not included but strongly encouraged

Day 1 – Arrival to Kenya

Arrival to Kenya
Welcome to Kenya! Your adventure starts today as you step foot into Nairobi. No need to deal with taxis or car rentals, we’ll arrange for a private shuttle that will take you to the hotel in no time. Once settled, you’ll get to know the tour team and have the rest of the afternoon to decompress. In the evening, we’ll enjoy an appetizing dinner at a local restaurant as we go over the tour briefing. Your Kenyan escapade is about to begin!

Hotel Amenities:
WiFi, Spa, Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Meeting Rooms, Air Conditioning, Wheelchair Accessible

Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is one of the most iconic cities in the world! With a population much larger than that of Los Angeles, Toronto, Paris, or Cape Town, Nairobi is a true metropolis. Situated just below the equator, Kenya’s capital city is massive and modern, a place where the nation’s 42 tribes converge with expats from around the globe who now call Kenya home. Nairobi is known for its fabulous food, its endless entertainment and nightlife, and its thriving tech industry. With a plethora of activities and excursions within driving distance, Nairobi is the perfect starting point for you to explore the wonders of Kenya.

Day 2 - Giraffe Centre

Kibera • Giraffe Centre • Bomas of Kenya

Kibera “Slum”

Kibera has been touted as the largest urban “slum” in Africa. Some estimates say Kibera is home to well over 500,000 people. With most residents earning less than 1 USD a day, unemployment rates are high. Many cannot afford to send their children to school and the majority do not have access to electricity, running water, and medical care. However, in the wake of what many would call extreme poverty, there is ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and unity. With the help of a guide who calls this neighborhood home, we will have a closer look at Kibera.

Giraffe Centre

The world-famous Giraffe Centre houses and cares for numerous endangered Rothschild giraffes. Enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity of having your photo taken with these charming animals as you feed them under a caretaker’s supervision. The African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, which is commonly known as the Giraffe Centre, is a non-profit that plays a pivotal role in conservation work and educational programs across Kenya.

Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya is a living museum, showcasing and celebrating the many tribes of Kenya. Within this cultural center you will learn about the lifestyle, art, and music of the country’s major ethnic groups. The center features replicas of traditional villages, built with the same techniques used by local tribes. Here you will watch more than 30 traditional dances from various ethnic groups in one of the largest auditoriums in Africa. You will also sample a myriad of traditional foods at the restaurant on site. Bomas of Kenya is a Nairobi treasure not to be missed.

Day 3 - Half Day Safari

Nairobi National Park • Elephant Orphanage • Nairobi National Museum

Safari and The Big Five

While on safari, you will encounter wild animals big and small; wild animals are also referred to as “game.” From the comfort of a spacious all-terrain land cruiser, you will go on game drives during which you will have the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Game drives generally occur in the early morning or evening when the animals are most active. Early game hunters referred to specific animals as the “Big Five” because they considered them the most difficult and dangerous to hunt. These animals are: the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Although you will face no danger from the comfort of your land cruiser, spotting these incredible and enormous animals is thrilling all the same. See how many of the Big Five you come face to face with on your safari!

Elephant Orphanage

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is commonly known as the Elephant Orphanage and operates the world’s most successful elephant rescue and rehabilitation program. The trust provides a safe haven to orphaned baby elephants. The nursery serves as the first stage first stage of development for elephants that are still nursing. The foundation also supports the conservation of wildlife by safeguarding the animal’s natural habitat, enhancing community awareness, and providing veterinary assistance to animals in need.

Nairobi National Museum

Experience Kenya’s rich heritage at the Nairobi National Museum. Meander through several galleries encompassing anthropology, the animal kingdom, Kenyan traditions and more. Built in 1929, this is the flagship museum for the National Museums of Kenya, a collective dedicated to the preservation of east African heritage and history. Learn about the Mau Mau uprising which combated against the brutalities of the British in Kenya. Housing celebrated collections of Kenya’s history, nature, culture and art, the Nairobi National Museum will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.

Day 4 - Maasai Village

Traditional Maasai Village

Maasai Village

Partake in a unique cultural experience as you spend the day with a Maasai family. Learn to bead jewelry, prepare a traditional gourd, and enjoy a homecooked barbeque lunch cooked over an open fire. The Maasai are one of Kenya’s most well known tribes. They have managed to retain most of their customs and generally live a traditional lifestyle. You will get acquainted with several members of the village and have the opportunity to have conversations with elders and youth alike.

KICC

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre, affectionately known as KICC, is an iconic high-rise in Nairobi’s city center. The property was specifically constructed for conference tourism. At this address, you might run into anyone from a newly elected Kenyan senator to Ghana’s top surgeon attending a conference. From the building’s roof, you will find the region’s only helipad, coupled with the most incredible 360 views of Nairobi.

Day 5 - Seychelles

Travel to Seychelles

Seychelles

The Seychelles is a stunning archipelago of 115 islands, nestled in the Indian Ocean with clear blue waters, thriving sea life, and an abundance of stunning beaches. Yet there is more to this remote gem than just beautiful beaches. Seychelles has top notch water attractions including diving, sailing, snorkeling, and surfing. Here you will also find a myriad of dining options from elegant Michelin star restaurants to mouth-watering Créole street food. The Seychelles boasts everything from mountain trails and rock climbing to virgin jungles and UNESCO-listed nature reserves. There is something for everyone in this unspoilt tropical paradise.

Day 6 - Praslin

Praslin • Vallée de Mai

Praslin

Praslin, also called the Île de Palme, is the second largest island in the Seychelles. Although the main island Mahé has the Seychelles’ most widely-known beach, Praslin boasts a number of gorgeous beaches of its own, with some of the most notable being Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. It has substantial tropical forests, with several birds and plant species native to Seychelles. Praslin is also home to the famed Vallée de Mai National Park. This island has an alure all its own that’s not to be missed.

Vallée de Mai National Park

Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, which translates to “May Valley” in English, is a nature park and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Praslin. Brimming with lush forests, it holds the endemic trees that bear the famed coco de mer fruit—which has the largest and heaviest seed of any fruit in the world! Also unique to Vallée de Mai is the Seychelles black parrot, along with other rare and endemic forms of flora and fauna. You will see for yourself why some have ventured to call this fascinating tropical forest the Garden of Eden.

Day 7 - Victoria, Mahé

Downtown Victoria · Victoria Market

Victoria, Seychelles

Victoria is the world’s smallest capital city…but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character. Located in the northeastern part of Mahé, Seychelles largest island, Victoria is a quaint and colorful city with lots of beauty to behold. Local art galleries and craft markets add to the city’s charm along with its more acclaimed points of interest. Some of its most renowned sites include the National Museum of History, Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, the Victoria Clock Tower, and the National Botanical Gardens.

Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market

The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, commonly known as the Victoria Market, is an emblem of the Seychelles. Here you will get acquainted with authentic Seychellois culture and people—this bright and bustling market is a hot spot for locals. It is the best place to buy the freshest fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and spices. Packed with stands displaying local handicrafts and attire, the Victoria Market is also an excellent place to find a souvenir to take home.

National Museum of History

The National Museum of History is situated in the heart of Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Although compact, the museum leaves an impression with a well-rounded collection of the island’s history encompassing everything from early colonization and pirates to local creole customs and the development of a modern eco-friendly society. You will also discover interesting facts about the Aldabra and other giant tortoise species native to Seychelles.

Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town

Venn’s Town Mission Ruins are closely linked to the period of slavery, most notably following the abolition of slave trade as the illegal trade persisted throughout the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles became one of the main locations where slaves freed from British ships, the majority of which were children, were sent to be indoctrinated with western beliefs and customs. As of 2013 the Mission Ruins became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8 - Free Day

Free Day • Beach Day • Rest & Relax

This day is free day to relax or explore more of Seychelles on your own.

Beau Vallon Beach

Beau Vallon is perhaps the most famous beach in the Seychelles. With a vibrant and vivacious melange of locals and tourists, this beach has a unique feel quite unlike any other. Its crystal-clear waters, scenic views, range of activities, and surrounding infrastructure give Beau Vallon widespread appeal. Here you can go from water sports by day to restaurants and nightclubs by night—you’re sure to find what suits your fancy at Beau Vallon Beach.

Day 9 - Departure

Maximum Impact Tours

Maximum Impact Tours has been created to encourage international and domestic travel experiences. Maximum Impact Tours was founded by entrepreneur, playwright, author and philanthropist, Jay Cameron. Realizing that most of his life had been consumed working domestically, a trip to Ghana changed his perspective. His experience transformed the way he saw traveling. As a result, he set out to encourage others to see the world through their own eyes and not only through the eyes of television and social media. You are invited to join Jay and his team on their adventures around the globe.

Customer service exceptional! What a pleasure to work with Maximum Impact Travel for this trip. They are thorough and very attentive as there are several steps to traveling to Ghana; the entire Maximum Impact team made the booking process seamless with EASY-to-follow instructions. All questions I had were answered promptly and professionally. And, oh my goodness, once you get to Ghana, you will be warmly received by the Maximum Impact team and treated like a V.I.P. Accommodations are clean and super-comfortable and offer all amenities. Don’t hesitate booking the trip if you’re traveling solo as I was. It’s a trip of a lifetime where you will meet wonderful traveling companions, tour the country with knowledgeable guides and wish that the trip was longer. I LOVED IT! A powerful and stirring cultural tour that also includes fun-loving activities. Outstanding job by Maximum Impact. I’m already planning my next tour with you.

By Linda P on 11 Nov, 2021