The Kenya Itinerary (Updated 2007 – Subject to Change)

Educational goals

• To understand the political relationship between Kenya and Israel
• To learn about efforts of Jewish and Israeli organisations to help Kenya
• To discover the emerging Kenyan Jewish community in Laikipia.
• Meet Jews from the established community in Nairobi. 
• To explore the many challenges facing the country today including poverty, sustainable development, development of tourism infrastructure, and others.
• To learn about African culture and Kenya's democratic culture

Wednesday, Day 1
Theme: Historical Kenya
Sites: Arrive at Mombasa, the second largest city in Kenya and a major tourism centre.  Explore the "Old Town" reminiscent of the days when the Arabs exerted a heavy influence on the town and its culture. Meander through the narrow streets visiting the many shops. Continue the tour through Fort Jesus which was historically a major transit point for the slave trade where you can still see the prison cells and torture rooms. Hold a memorial to the victims of slavery. Travel to the north coast to the Gedi Ruins to see the remains of a Swahili village and discuss the different peoples of East Africa.
Overnight: Mombasa

Thursday, Day 2
Theme: Tourism Providing Economic Help
Sites: Visit a Project of the Association of the Physically Disabled in Kenya called The Bombolulu Workshops. On site are traditional homesteads and traditional African dances are performed throughout the day. The centre employs physically challenged craftspeople who produce jewellery, hand printed textiles, wood carvings, and leather crafts. Meet with a Kenyan government official to discuss the role of tourism in the Kenyan economy and discover how Israel and Israelis have been helpful. Visit Mamba Village which is East Africa's largest crocodile farm (a local non-Kosher delicacy!). Stop by the Hindu Temple, located by the train station, one of the symbols of Mombasa that exhibits cultural diversity and tolerance. Board "The Iron Snake of Africa." This sleeper train will take you from Mombasa to Nairobi overnight through the Tsavo National Park.
Overnight:  On a Train

Friday, Day 3
Theme: Israel and Kenya Relations
Sites: Visit the Israeli Embassy and meet with an official to discuss the relationship between the two countries. Also meet with a representative of MASHAV which is the Centre for International Cooperation of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the many ongoing projects that Israel contributes to in Kenya. Meet young adults your age from the National Youth Services Field Unit. These young adults take time out of their lives to volunteer to help Kenyan society. Israel has been active in helping this organization flourish. Travel to the Bomas of Kenya in the afternoon to view examples of the many traditional villages that Africans lived in and have fun with traditional music and dance. In the evening attend synagogue services in Nairobi Hebrew Congregation.
Overnight: Nairobi

Saturday, Day 4
Theme: Jews in Nairobi
Sites: Walking tour of area. Lunch and panel discussion with Nairobi Jews from the synagogue. In the evening enjoy a night on the town.
Overnight: Nairobi

Sunday, Day 5
Theme: Out of Africa
Sites: Travel to Gilgil Internment Camp where in March 1947 over 200 members of the Etzel and Irgun were deported by the British out of Palestine and were imprisoned in this remote location. Continue the journey to Mount Kenya. Just north of the mountain in the Maua Region participate in helping Habitat for Humanity build homes for poor people. In the evening travel to the Laikipia area by Nyahururu where you will visit with members of the local emerging Jewish community some of which claim to be descents of the 10 lost tribes. 
Overnight: Nyahururu

Monday, Day 6
Theme: Safari
Sites: Travel to the Ol Pejeta Conservatory for an African Safari by Mount Kenya.  The moment you have been waiting for…this site has Black and White Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Leopard, Buffalo, Zebra, Gazelle, Ostrich, and more. Also visit the Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Overnight: Ol Pejeta Conservatory

Tuesday, Day 7
Travel to Israel

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