Luo Cultural Exchange in Kenya
18-Day Guided Program in Odienya with Community-driven Project
In partnership since 2006
Odienya is in southwestern Kenya, off of a paved road leading towards Lake Victoria. The majority of the nearly 2,000 people of Odienya belong to the Luo tribe. The Luo are the third largest tribal group in Kenya after the Kikuyu and Luhya. The Luo derive from related tribes originating in the Sudan and crossed into Kenya between 1500 and 1800. Today’s Luo grow many crops such as maize, millet and groundnuts, raise herd animals such as goats and cattle, and fish. Xperitas partners with a local development committee focused on improving health care services in the area. Students will experience the rich culture and tradition of the Luo people as they work alongside them in this community-driven project.
The order of this itinerary is subject to change.
Luo People Cultural Immersion and Service Project
Overview
Luo Cultural Immersion and Service
Pricing*Additional gateway cities are available: contact us for pricing.
Depart for Nairobi.
Included Meals: None
Welcome to Kenya! Your Xperitas Team Leader will greet you at the airport in Nairobi. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy your first group dinner and team meeting.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hop in for the ride from Nairobi to Odienya. Upon arrival in Odienya, settle into accommodations and meet community leaders.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Under the direction of the local development committee, collaborate on a health center project alongside community members. Connect with community members through school visits and meeting members of the women’s cooperative. Learn about traditional crafts in a hands-on way, such as basket-weaving, soapstone carving, and pottery making. Participate in additional community events by invitation, depending on the timing of your visit, such as local festivals and ceremonies. You’ll also have a chance to visit the famous Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake! Reflect on your experiences in daily team meetings and journal-writing. On the last day, have a final celebration with community members.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Say goodbye to your new friends in Odienya. Spend the day sightseeing in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a world-renowned wildlife conservation home to lions, leopards, elephants, and cheetahs.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy your final group dinner and team meeting.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Nairobi for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
“The people here are so amazing and welcoming they welcomed us with open arms without knowing a thing about us. I kinda wish people in America were more like them.” - Student
'“Today was a day of honor, celebration, and a bittersweet end as we said goodbye to our beloved Kenyan family and community. The day started off as any other but for me there was a sort of heaviness in the air as I knew today was the end to this beautiful experience in the village of Odienya.” - Student
“I also enjoyed the fact that many of the community members kept coming back to chat with us so often. It was great to hear their questions and for them to teach us about their culture.” - Participant
