Travel to Kenya in Summer 2026

St. Monica Africa Ministry has organized an immersion trip to our sister parish in Dandora, Kenya, for the Summer of 2026. The trip promises to be a uniquely unforgettable experience visiting with our brothers and sisters at Holy Cross Church in Dandora while taking in the scenic beauty of Kenya. Please find below basic information on this summer’s trip.

DATES

Plan on leaving the US no later than Friday, June 12, for an arrival in Nairobi by June 13. Our formal activities - if you’re not going on Safari - will be completed by Monday evening, June 22. Flights will depart that night arriving in LA on June 23.

You have the option to participate in a three-day guided safari after the Ministry trip, June 23–June 26. Return flights can be booked for Friday night, June 26, arriving in LA on Saturday, June 27.

If you would prefer to leave the US for Kenya a few days earlier (prior to June 12th) for some additional time to recover from jet lag, or if you would like to stay a few days afterwards, accommodations can be made available for you.

TRANSPORTATION

Feel free to select the airline of your choice and purchase tickets based on your preference and cost; you will be flying into Nairobi, Kenya (NBO). Currently, fares from LAX are running approximately $2100 but will fluctuate wildly from now until the departure date. If you plan on using mileage, you’ll want to book as soon as possible as these seats are scarce. Plan to arrive in Nairobi by 10 p.m. on Saturday night, June 13 and depart no earlier than Monday night, June 22.

NAIROBI HOTEL / GROUND TRANSPORTATION

The charge for the land portion of the trip is $3099. This includes 9 nights (double occupancy) in the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi (safaripark-hotel.com), full American breakfasts daily, gratuities, all transfers, 3 lunches and 2 dinners. This does not include the balance of lunches and dinners in Nairobi, insurance, personal services (telephone, laundry, etc.), or beverages. A limited number of single rooms are available – first come, first served – for a $1000 supplement.

Additional nights for those arriving earlier or departing later are $170 per person, per night, double occupancy.

INSURANCE

Trip and medical insurance are required by the archdiocese. No one will be permitted to travel without proof of coverage which should be submitted no later than June 1. No exceptions permitted. Obtaining trip insurance within 10 days of purchasing your airline ticket is strongly recommended to be eligible for more comprehensive coverage.

SAFARI

For the 3-day safari, we will be staying at the Ashnil Mara luxury tented camp in the Masai Mara (AshnilHotels.com). The cost is $1999 per person. This will include an additional night at the Safari Park Hotel for the night prior to the drive, all meals on safari, 3 nights’ hotel (double occupancy), overland transport to / from Nairobi, 5 game park drives, and park entry fees. This excludes personal services, drinks, or gratuities. A limited number of single rooms are available – first come, first served – for a $470 supplement.

ARCHDIOCESAN WAIVERS

All participants must complete a standard information form (name, date of birth, passport number/expiration, travel dates, emergency contacts, etc.) as well as the mandated Archdiocesan Waiver. Both will be provided to you upon application for travel for completion online. These documents must be submitted by June 1, no exceptions.

FITNESS

Travelers should be prepared for some moderate physical exertion during the course of the trip due to our general walking routes, some hills, and a robust itinerary. We are unable to accommodate anyone under the age of 18 unless they are entering senior year of high school and are accompanied by a parent.

VISAS / VACCINATIONS

Remember that you will all require eTA’s (visas) to enter Kenya, but we will walk you through the process. Certain vaccinations for travel to East Africa are often suggested but your individual physicians should be consulted for advice. Malaria tablets are strongly encouraged.

NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT

First non-refundable deposits of $500 will be required by April 1; final payment by May 1. Further details on the actual daily itinerary in Kenya will be communicated in future emails. We are planning several separate meetings prior to the trip to better prepare you for experiencing Africa for the first time. 

QUESTIONS?

The Africa Ministry Trips team can be reached by email: