Bookings

1. How does your pricing system work?
2. Just how basic is the accommodation?
3. What kind of food do you provide?
4. How do I wash/go to the toilet?
5. Can I wash clothes at the manyatta?
6. Is there public transport in your area?
7. Can I take photos?
8. Do you sell Maasai art/cultural pieces?
9. How active are your activities/will I be able to do them?

 

1. How does your pricing system work?

MEAC has tried to ensure that guests on all budgets can enjoy our experience. We have done this by pricing 'per hut/house', meaning a group of one or a group of four will still pay the same overall price. For example: one person staying one night on the 'simple' plan would pay $100 US. Four people staying one night on the 'simple' plan would pay $25 each, meaning $100 US in total. It is basically like a hotel charging 'per room' as opposed to 'per person', but the fee also includes any listed activities.

2. Just how basic is the accommodation?

The accommodation provided is two double beds inside the hut. The walls are made of dried mud and sticks. They are water tight. A separate, communal bathing area is provided. There is no electricity or running water, but water is provided for washing purposes.

3. What kind of food do you provide?

Food varies from occasion to occasion. A typical breakfast will involve jipatie or pancakes, toast and some fruit. Lunch will often include meat and vegetables, as will dinner. We can also arrange optional banquets, at an additional charge. Please contact Virginia in advance regarding banquets. It is recommended guests bring bottled water for drinking, however tea/coffee (prepared in a traditional Maasai manner, with fresh cow's milk is regularly served - the cow's milk is boiled to ensure it is safe, as is the water used to prepare tea).

4. How do I wash/go to the toilet?

A typical Kenyan "hole in the ground" lavatory is provided. We also have a separate wash area, with buckets and water, with draw curtains for privacy. Guests are requested to bring their own soap.

5. Can I wash clothes at the manyatta?

Guests are welcome to hand wash clothes in the wash area, but MEAC can also arrange for locals to wash clothes. This is advantageous as it a valuable source of income for locals, and costs very little (typically only a few dollars), plus it allows for guests to spend maximum time experiencing Maasai culture.

6. Is there public transport in your area?

There are matatus that service our region daily, but the matatus are often crowded, and not punctual. Ngong is very easily accessible from Nairobi City Centre with matatus, and from Ngong it costs around $10 for a taxi to us. For larger groups (generally 8 or more) MEAC can organise a group matatu from Ngong.

7. Can I take photos?

Guests are very welcome to take photos in the manyatta and on the organised excursions and activities. It is advisable not to take photos outside of the manyatta area without first seeking permission from any people who may advertantly or inadvertantly be in any photos you take. Sometimes locals are happy to be in photos, but other times locals will expect some form of payment. This is usually only a few dollars, but you can also trade any minor items that you have with you. This issue will be discussed when you first arrive.

8. Do you sell Maasai art/cultural pieces?

We have a selection of art and jewelerry made by local people for sale. Guests who participate in art/jewelerry making activities will of course keep anything that they make. MEAC can also arrange for locals to make any piece of art that you might like (this can be arranged to be ready before you depart, but a reasonable amount of notice should be given beforehand, and if it is not possible to complete it prior to your departure, it can be mailed to you). For example, a carved giraffe or other piece that is not currently on display for sale.

9. How active are your activities/will I be able to do them?

The level of fitness required will depend largely on the activity. Cave/Volcano exploration will require better fitness than a cooking class, but it is still not particularly strenuous. Generally speaking, a typical traveler to Africa will have no trouble with any of our activities. Occasionally when we are tracking giraffes on our wildlife walks, people will have to move slightly faster than normal to keep up with giraffes, but this still does not reach a pace close to 'power walking'. Please note that we do not always see giraffes, but there is much wildlife to be seen in our area.

Didn't answer your question? Please email us with any queries you may have.