Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Karibu (welcome to) Kenya!

Canopy Life Field Trips Are

Family-friendly

Expand your worldview

Life transforming

(for you and for our students!)

2023 Trip Dates

May 18th – 27th – Impact Trip (Open To All)

May 25th – June 3rd – Sponsor Engagement Trip (For Existing Student Sponsors)

June 15th – 24th – Family Trip (Parents and Students Ages 10+)

July 14th – 23rd – Private Team

July 19th – 27th – Private Team

All trips are led by Canopy Life U.S. staff who are experienced travelers to Kenya and are knowledgeable about leading teams through the experience. Teams will be comprised of individuals from various backgrounds, occupations, and geographic locations.

Trip Cost – FAQ

How Much Will My Trip Cost?

Trips to Canopy Life Academy cost approximately $3,500. We will assist you with resources to help you fundraise and build the support system you need.

When are the deadlines for funds to be in?

There is a deposit of $250 at the time of your application being accepted. 50% of funding is due 60 days before your trip. 100% of funding is due 45 days before your trip.

Is the money raised in fundraising tax exempt?

Yes! Canopy life is an official 501c3. Any funds/donations to your trip will be made on the Canopy Life site, putting your name in the trip participate memo area. Checks should be made out to Canopy Life Academy and mailed to Canopy Life | PO Box 500942, Atlanta, GA 31150.

If I have to cancel, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, no. Canopy Life Academy is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization so we are unable to refund donations. Any cancellation will incur the loss of your deposit.

What is covered in the cost of my trip?

The cost of the trip includes round-trip airfare, international medical insurance, lodging, project materials, meals and bottled water, translators, and ground transportation in Kenya. A safari is included at the end of the trip.

Do I need to obtain a visa prior to the trip?

Visas are required for Kenya and can be purchased online. We will provide you with step by step instructions on this process. The cost is $50.00 per visa and exact change is recommended. This is not included in the cost of your trip.

How much spending money should I bring?

That is up to you. We will note that credit cards are not widely accepted, so we suggest bringing $100-200 in cash.
Will I have the opportunity to shop?
Shopping time is planned into each itinerary. Limited souvenirs can also be purchased at the airport upon departure.

HEALTH & SAFETY – FAQ

Will I be safe?

Safety is paramount and Canopy Life staff will do everything possible to ensure your safety. Each team will have a trained leader and a team leader that will be with the team the entire time. Experienced drivers, aware of all transportation routes, communities and hotels, will provide private transportation. As an extra precaution, teams are not permitted to venture out from the hotels/school campus at night. It is important that you stay together as a group, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your valuables secure.

Do I need immunizations?

Although there are currently no required immunizations for travelers from the United States into Kenya, proof of immunization for yellow fever is required if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the United States). Please contact your local healthcare provider or public health department for a list of recommended immunizations and to determine the best option for you. The list of medical recommendations can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s website, www.CDC.gov. Please note: Regarding malaria, the relative risk for U.S. travelers is high. Chloroquine is not an effective malaria preventative. We suggest you carry a copy of your immunization card as an extra precaution.

What do I need to know about the food and water?

It is important when traveling in a developing nation to use caution in the food and drink you consume. Canopy Life works diligently to select hotels and guesthouses where food is prepared in a safe manner. Having said that, make sure all meat is well cooked. Three meals a day will be provided, however, we suggest that you pack snacks as well. Bottled water will be provided for you each day. It is recommended that you only consume drinks such as bottled sodas and water, drinks made with boiled water such as coffee or tea, or drinks served at our trusted hotels and guesthouses. It is recommended that you do not drink tap water, use it to brush your teeth, or open your mouth in the shower

What if I don’t know the language?

There will always be a Canopy Life staff member or translator who will assist your group. If we are visiting a community, a translator will assist our group. We do encourage you to learn some Swahili to connect with the students, as this means a lot to them. However, we are also trying to teach English to our students and the more practice they get through their interactions with you the better.

Can I give my personal contact information to the people I meet?

Personal contact information should not be given to anyone. We do encourage building relationships; so if you would like to communicate with individuals you meet, please send letters to the Canopy Life PO Box and we will deliver them for you. It is important to understand that once your personal contact information is exchanged, it may be distributed to others in the community in search of unhealthy Western support.

PACKING & TRAVEL – FAQ

Do I need to obtain a visa prior to the trip?

Visas are required for Kenya and can be purchased upon arrival in the Nairobi airport. The cost is $50.00 per visa and exact change is recommended. This is not included in the cost of your trip.

How long does it take to get to Kenya?

Actual flight time to Kenya is approximately 20 hours. Total travel time varies depending on connecting flights for your area of the country.

How many bags can I bring?

Airline baggage allowances vary. We ask that you pack your personal items into one bag to be checked, weighing no more than 50 lbs. You are also allowed two, small carry-on bags. Please do not pack gifts or items of clothing to be left. Baggage regulations change from time to time. Airline websites offer current baggage restrictions.

Why does Canopy Life prohibit giving of any sort?

We prohibit giving in order to protect the health of the relationships in our communities. Canopy Life has a strict policy of NO individual giving of any kind. Adherence to this policy is crucial to the success of our school culture.

What will the weather be like?

The weather in Africa is generally warm; however, it varies significantly depending on the season. It can sometimes be rainy and the evenings can be cool, so please be prepared with a light sweater or jacket.

Do I need an electrical adapter?

All electrical items in Kenya run on 210/220v plug. An adapter will be needed to plug in your accessories. Many of the newer rechargeable cameras, laptops, etc. will operate on both 110 and 220. Some items such as hair dryers can be changed from one voltage to the other. If not, a converter will also be needed to change the voltage. Hair dryers are not provided in the hotels, so please plan accordingly

ITINERARY – FAQ

Who will meet me at the Nairobi airport?

A Canopy Life staff member and a driver will be outside the main doors where you claim your bags. They will be wearing a shirt with the Canopy Life logo, or will be holding a Canopy Life sign. As soon as the team gathers all bags, your group will be transported to your lodging for the night. Your driver and Canopy Life staff member will be with you for the duration of your trip.

Where will we be staying?

If the team is small enough to accommodate at the school, they will stay on the Canopy Life campus. Otherwise, Canopy Life teams will stay in hotels and guesthouses selected by our Kenyan staff. These guesthouses are somewhat different from the US, but offer the services we need and are as close as possible to your service destination. The hotels will be very close to the school campus and in some cases are only a short walk away, though transportation will be provided.

What will we do in the evenings?

This is down time for the team to relax and process what you have experienced during the day. The team will have dinner together, debrief, and regroup for the following day. You will be tired, so plenty of rest is suggested. If your team is staying on the Canopy Life campus, time will be provided after dinner for debrief and rest.

Connect With Us

P.O. Box 500942
Atlanta, GA 31150
info@canopylife.org

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