How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason. It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ITINERARY – Karibu Kenya Adventures

Journey to Kenya and meet the local people through connections fostered by The Village Experience and Karibu Kenya Safaris. Make a positive impact on the community by helping to implement income generating activities, purchasing fair trade, and participating in community based tourism initiatives. Feel good about your stay as the hotels in the itinerary are owned and operated by locals and have a mission to give back to the community. Develop long-term partnerships with the organizations you visit and help to empower them through fundraising and awareness activities long after the trip is over.

Itinerary

Day 1 :

Nairobi

Arrive in the bustling capital city of Nairobi. Transfer to Heart Lodge for overnight and relaxation after your long flight. Heart Lodge is the income-generating project of The Heart Foundation - a non-profit dedicated to community development throughout Kenya.

Day 2 :

Kazuri Beads | Amani Ya Juu | Jacaranda Workshops

Today you will visit several self-help groups focused on empowering women and marginalized communities through fair trade. Begin at Kazuri Beads. Kazuri Beads has been in operation for more than 30 years and employs over 300 women. They create hand-crafted jewelry and distribute it to retailers around the world. After watching the women create these works of art and shopping their gift shop, proceed onto Amani Ya Juu for lunch and a tour of the workshop. Amani Ya Juu began in the 1990's and now employs over 30 women creating wonderful fair trade items for both the local and international market. Enjoy lunch here at their income-generating restaurant. In the afternoon, proceed to Jacaranda Workshops. Jacaranda employs 40 local artisans with mental and physical handicaps to create jewelry. Meet these artisans, learn the jewelry making process, and support them by purchasing some gifts with true meaning. Return to hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 :

Great Rift Valley | Marina Lodge | Lake Naivasha | Country Safari Lodge

Begin the drive through the Great Rift Valley. Stop for lunch at the Marina Lodge and enjoy a boat ride with the hippos on Lake Naivasha. Proceed to Lake Elementaita and check into Country Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 :

IDP Camp |

In the morning, begin service project with the IDP Camp. Help implement income-generating projects such as chicken coops, rabbit hutches, fish farms, and tree nurseries. Meet the wonderful families living here and connect to them through hard work and sharing of stories. Enjoy a box lunch while on site. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 :

Mwariki Village |

Spend today in Mwariki Village. Meet the women of Heart to Heart Women's Cooperative and Black Sheep. Learn about their fair trade initiatives, help them make product, visit their homes, walk through the village, and enjoy a meal with the women. You will be moved by the ambition and dedication this small village has put towards community based tourism and can feel good about your contribution to the village. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 :

Eldoret | Moi Referral Hospital | Amani Workshops

Transfer to Eldoret in the morning. Check into Poa Place Resort. Enjoy lunch at Cool Streams restaurant the income-generating restaurant associated with AMPATH and Moi Referral Hospital. Visit Imani Workshops in the afternoon to learn about their fair trade project. Imani Workshops employs over 25 people living with HIV/AIDS. Watch as they create recycled paper journals, jewelry, handbags, and ceramics and listen to their stories of hope. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 :

Tumaini Street Children's Center | Neema Children's Home

Spend the morning with Tumaini Street Children's Center. Help to plant fruit trees in their new orchard. This orchard will house grafted tree varieties guaranteed to produce fruit earlier than normal and larger in size to ensure income in the future. Meet the children being helped by this center and hear their stories of life on the street. Stop for lunch in Eldoret. Proceed to Neema Children's Home in the afternoon. Neema houses over 30 young children living with or abandoned by HIV/AIDS. It has recently opened a school to serve as an income-generation project and as a learning center for the orphans. Deliver soccer balls and other recreational games to this center and help the administrators take care of the children in the afternoon. Help with dinner and then enjoy your own dinner at the center with the owners. Return to hotel in the evening.

Day 8 :

Lake Nakuru National Park | Lake Nakuru Lodge

Depart early morning for Lake Nakuru National Park. Stop for lunch along the way. Continue onto The Lake Nakuru Lodge for overnight and safari upon arrival.

Day 9 :

Lake Nakuru National Park | Nairobi

Early morning safari. Return to lodge for breakfast and relaxation time by the pool. Enjoy lunch at the lodge. Depart in the afternoon for Nairobi and enjoy farewell dinner before boarding international flights in the evening. All our itineraries are tailor-made incase you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us