CTC has taken over 300 volunteers to Kenya and we pride ourselves in presenting a truly unique experience for everyone who travels with us. Our volunteers develop lasting bonds with the members of the community of Maai Mahiu, and many have returned over following summers. We are excited to share our love for our community with others and hope that our volunteers will continue to raise awareness about Kenya, long after their volunteer trip. 

What is the trip cost?

The cost for a volunteer trip is typically $4300 USD. This amount will cover your flight which averages about $2000 depending on the season. This amount also includes all transport, one night's stay in Nairobi, your lodging during the trip, all meals, bottled water, project costs, travelers insurance and administrative fees.  There will be an optional safari that will be determined by the team leader. Safari costs can vary from $300-$600. It is important to note that your safari cost is not tax deductible and is a separate cost all together.

How is airfare handled?

Our prices are all inclusive. Airfare is covered.

CTC books all travel, we book all flights for the entire team. The entire team will fly in at the exact same time. We have a travel agency that we have used for several years and feel it is the best way to get everyone where they need to be with the least amount of problems.

Responsibilities of trip participation:

By participating in a CTC trip, you assume certain obligations to CTC and the other trip members. It is your responsibility to:

• Select a trip that is appropriate for your interests and abilities.
• Understand the risks associated with the activities you plan to take part in while on your trip and behave in such a manner as to minimize risk to yourself and others.
• Prepare for the trip by familiarizing yourself with the trip itinerary and trip preparation materials sent by CTC.
• Bring appropriate gear and clothing as advised by CTC.
• Obtain all necessary visas, register with the Embassy, and receive proper vaccinations.
• Follow considerate standards of personal hygiene in order to reduce risk of contracting diseases. (drinking only bottled water, using bottled water to brush teeth, washing hands,etc)
• Follow considerate social behavior with other trip participants and respect their habits.
• Act in an appropriate and courteous manner befitting the customs of countries you visit.
• Complete the trip itinerary as scheduled (or as adjusted by your trip leader as necessary).
• Respect the countries we visit by using environmentally safe products, staying on established routes of travel and not littering.

CTC reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a volunteer should such person's behavior, health or mental condition impede the operation of the trip.

OUR LEGAL LIMITATIONS-

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

CTC may contract with independent contractors to provide transportation, guide services and/or all other related travel services. We assume no responsibility, however caused, for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service provided by an independent contractor or resulting directly from the following: - acts of God - detention - annoyance - terrorism - thefts - pilferage - civil disturbances - government restrictions or regulations - strikes - delays and expenses arising from quarantine - failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled - discrepancies or change in transit or hotel services over which we have no control.

We reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary or advisable for the comfort and well-being of trip members.

By advancing payment to CTC, the payee thereby agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions.

What if CTC International cancels my trip?

CTC reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip for any circumstances beyond our control, and, in the event of such cancellation, full or partial refunds, if any, will be at CTC’s sole discretion. We also reserve the right to cancel any trip if signups are inadequate to make the trip economically feasible for us to operate, and in this event we give a full refund of the trip price. However, CTC is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (e.g., non-refundable air tickets, visa fees if applicable, gear or medical expenses).

What about refunds?

CTC does not give any refunds for unused hotel rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or trek arrangements. Trip price is quoted as a package; credits are not given for services not used.

What if I get sick on my trip?

Medical Considerations: During your stay in Maai Mahiu, you will be in close proximity of a functioning, clean, and knowledgeable hospital in case of any emergency situation.

http://www.kijabehospital.org/MedicalServices.asp

If you have any medical or psychological conditions, it's very important you let us know well before departure so that we can make extra arrangements if necessary. Trip leaders have the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if they feel the trip member is mentally or physically incapable of continuing and/or if a trip member's continued participation jeopardizes the group's or his/her own safety.

CTC is not a medical facility and therefore has no responsibility regarding medical advice, medications or inoculations that you or your doctor deem necessary for your safe participation.

Hospital facilities for serious problems are often unavailable, and evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. CTC assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. By signing the waiver and application, you agree to pay emergency medical care.

As a trip member, you receive our Health Form which must be completed and returned to us.

What are the accommodations like?

Generally volunteers will share a double room with another volunteer. Each room will have two beds, and a bathroom (sink, shower and toilet) with hot water.  Meals will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some things that you might want to mentally prepare yourself for are occasional cold showers and power outages. In general, these things aren’t an everyday occurrence but it’s good to be prepared for things like this.

Meals are very basic and are mostly vegetable dishes with an occasional meat dish.

What to expect on your volunteer trip?

You will fly into Nairobi with your team and arrive in the evening. The team will be picked up and transported to a local hotel for the night. Breakfast will be served in the morning and the team will be escorted to a local mall, where you can pick up any last minute items, exchange money, and email family and friends to inform them that you have arrived safely. From there the team will drive to Maai Mahiu, where you will check into a local housing center. Dinner will be served that night and this will give everyone time to relax after traveling. The next day will be a day to learn about the community. We will walk you through all of CTC’s programs and then you will be linked up with local volunteers to spend a day in their life.  You will go to your volunteer’s home to learn more about what it is like to live in Maai Mahiu. Later that day, you will return back to the hospitality center to have dinner, share your stories and relax.  The next week will be full of work in the community. Each team will have a distinctive project and will spend the remaining time completing that project. There will be a couple of days to relax and shop in the local markets and your final two days will be spent with the team on an optional safari. Note: Safari cost are not covered in your trip expense. After returning from safari, you will say goodbye to the community and head to the airport for departure.