An immersive learning journey with Global Fund for Women
Join Global Fund for Women (GFW) on a powerful and immersive journey to Kenya this June! Right now, aggressive conservative and authoritarian forces are eroding women’s rights around the globe. This shift has led to increased gender-based violence, femicide, and lack of access to reproductive health services in Kenya. In response, Kenya’s women and feminist leaders are roaring back, fighting to claim their rights with a fervor never seen before. A bold inclusive movement, led by young African activists, has emerged to challenge the status quo and generations of deep-seated prejudice, discrimination and oppression across government, cultural, and religious institutions.
Global Fund for Women’s grassroots partners and movement committees are at the forefront of this wave of activism, fighting to advance gender justice, sexual and reproductive freedom, and climate justice for all Kenyans. We invite you to travel with us to hear their stories firsthand, and witness in solidarity the exceptional gains these joyful, unstoppable feminist leaders have made against incredible odds.
From the bustling capital of Nairobi to pastoral Maasai communities and serene fishing coast of Kisumu, you’ll meet reproductive advocates, traditional midwives, climate justice leaders, and disability rights activists. At each partner visit, engage in small group, culturally informed learning and reflection led by Global Fund for Women Board Member and Kenya Trip Advisory Council Member, Stephanie Kimou, and fellow Advisory Council Members, along with our expert local and global staff.
When not meeting with grantees, we’ll take time out to explore the rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural wonders Kenya is famous for. Finally, after an inspirational whirlwind week, we’ll unpack what it means to stand in solidarity with feminist leaders and organizations across Kenya, our role in raising awareness and supporting their courageous work, and plan for how we can apply our experience towards building community at home against the rising tide of global authoritarianism and oppression.
Please note: The details of this itinerary are subject to change and will be updated throughout the trip-planning process.
Visit Global Fund for Women partner organizations in Nairobi and Kisumu to learn firsthand about their work advancing gender justice, climate justice, and sexual and reproductive freedom.
Engage in facilitated discussions and collaborative sessions with feminist sexual and reproductive health leaders attending the global Abortion & Reproductive Justice Conference (ARJC).
Explore Kisumu and Lake Victoria with a boat ride and guided walking tour of Dunga Beach, and learn about the cultural and ecological significance of this lakeside community.
Build community with Global Fund for Women’s staff, fellow supporters, and incredible feminist leaders across Kenya. Enjoy memorable shared meals, including a rooftop dinner in Kisumu with local community representatives, accompanied by live music.
Take in Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from Nairobi’s urban energy to the serene beauty of Lake Victoria.
Karibuni (welcome to) Kenya! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, a meet and greet service will take you through immigration and customs for a seamless experience. An English-speaking guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and connect you with a driver who will transfer you to the hotel. Once there, take time to rest and recharge before our evening welcome dinner.
Please plan to arrive in Nairobi by midafternoon. For those who wish to arrive early, our travel planning partners at Elevate Destinations will be happy to assist you with booking an additional night at the hotel.
In the evening, come together for a special Welcome Dinner at the hotel with Global Fund for Women staff, board members, and your fellow travelers.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Gather for our Opening Circle—led by Global Fund for Women Board Member and Kenya Advisory Committee Members, Stephanie Kimou, former Global Fund for Women CEO, Musimbi Kanyoro, and current Global Fund for Women CEO, PaiYeo Chen. Together with Global Fund for Women staff, our facilitators will set the stage for our time together, highlighting the importance of this moment in Kenya and offering a glimpse of the conversations to come. You’ll also receive a deep dive into the history of Global Fund for Women’s presence in Kenya and the evolution of our grantmaking strategy from our in-country expert, Janet Awimbo.
After breaking for lunch at a local restaurant, meet with a group of regional and global leaders fresh off the heels of the Abortion & Reproductive Justice Conference (ARJC) in Nairobi. After a full day of learning, take time to unwind at the hotel or choose to join us for optional sightseeing within Nairobi.
In the evening, reconvene for dinner at a local restaurant and hear from a special guest speaker.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart for the southern county of Kajiado, renowned for its distinctive Maasai culture, vast savannahs, and incredible wildlife. Today you’ll build relationships with Global Fund for Women grantee partners leading our climate justice and abortion access movement committees. You’ll hear from incredible feminist leaders and organizations focused on supporting women and girls in Maasai and pastoral communities—organizations like Dandelion Africa that are doing incredible work like building a network of “backpack midwives” who provide essential health care in remote areas, helping communities adapt to climate change, and strengthening health clinics to provide better prenatal care and reproductive health services. Hear how these traditional communities are fighting to preserve their unique culture, language, and traditions while adapting to a rapidly changing world.
Lunch will be provided during the day while visiting our partner communities.
Reconvene in the evening for a group dinner and a facilitated reflection to deepen our learning.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Depart from the hotel for a full day visiting our partners in Nairobi working at the intersection of climate justice and sexual and reproductive justice, including partners like Women Collective Kenya (WCK).
WCK centers the voices of Kenya's most marginalized: those living with disabilities, diverse sexual orientations, and gender identities, women working in the transport industry, and women peasant farmers. Since partnering with Global Fund for Women in 2024, they've built a "storybank"—including real stories from women who've had abortions. Medical and law schools are now using these stories to teach the next generation of doctors and lawyers about reproductive rights. WCK also builds climate change resilience in local communities across Kenya through their Eco Village initiative, providing homes and a safe haven for women evicted with no recourse by government land seizures in Niarobi. WCK connects issues that others keep separate. At a global level, they make the case for how issues like land rights and economic justice directly affect women's access to healthcare.
Lunch will be provided in the community.
After traveling back to Nairobi, arrive back at the hotel by late afternoon with time for a short break or dip in the pool before our evening program kicks off.
Tonight, enjoy an informative and relaxing group dinner at the hotel featuring a panel of grantee guest speakers, each representing one of Global Fund for Women’s grantmaking strategy areas.
After dinner, review checkout procedures for the following morning to prepare for your flight to Kisumu the next day.
Arise early this morning for breakfast before checking out and transferring to the airport for your domestic flight.
1-hour domestic flight to Kisumu with direct transfer to the Acacia Premier Hotel.
Upon arrival in Kisumu, take a brief respite to settle into your room, then join Stephanie and your peers for our next learning and reflection session, unpacking what you’ve experienced in Nairobi and what’s ahead in Kisumu. After, you’ll head out to lunch at a local restaurant followed by a full day of sightseeing and cultural exploration.
In the afternoon, you’ll set out on a guided boat ride across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, where traditional fishing boats dot the horizon and daily life unfolds along the shoreline. Back on land, enjoy a leisurely walk along Dunga Beach, a lively lakeside community filled with color, movement, and local character. As the sun softens over the water, you’ll take in sweeping lake views, observe fishermen at work, and experience the rhythm of life along Africa’s largest lake.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a shared rooftop dinner with local community leaders to deepen our understanding of Kisumu’s communities and build important context ahead of the next day’s partner visits. Enjoy live music throughout the evening.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart from the hotel for today’s partner visits in the Shinyalu / Vihiga area.
Today you’ll meet with the Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET), an indigenous organization working to expand healthcare access to rural populations, provide education and mentorship to young girls, and teach economic resilience through microfinance, business training, and social enterprises. We’ll hear how they are advancing rural maternal child health through innovative programs like the Kaleidoscope Project.
In the afternoon, return to the hotel and relax before this evening's dinner
Gather for an evening session to reflect on your time in Kisumu, the partners you met, and their lasting impact on the region over dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Transfer to the airport for your 1-hour domestic flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you’ll travel directly to our concluding partner visit, while a luggage van transports your bags back to the hotel.
This morning, you’ll meet with the incredible women of Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH). As a key member of Global Fund for Women’s East Africa abortion access movement committee, TICAH partners with other sexual and reproductive justice leaders to direct Global Fund for Women’s funding where it’s needed most.
For over a decade, TICAH has been a lifeline for Kenyan women, girls, and gender non-conforming people seeking reproductive healthcare information in a country where abortion is severely restricted. Their "Aunty Jane" hotline answers more than 3,600 calls a year, connecting people with accurate information about their rights and where to access safe abortion care. TICAH has trained 195,000+ people on sexual and reproductive health and helped 69,000+ community members access healthcare services. In Kenya's increasingly restrictive environment, TICAH's work has never been more important, leveraging visual and performance art for activism, protest, and therapy.
After the visit, enjoy a shared lunch and conversation with TICAH’s lead staff.
As another inspirational day with Global Fund for Women’s partners winds down, enjoy time to explore and shop within Nairobi, or head back to the hotel for rest and relaxation before heading out to dinner.
This evening, come together for a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant—an opportunity to celebrate the connections made and reflect on the experiences shared throughout your time in Kenya.
Enjoy a final breakfast with your fellow travelers, followed by our closing learning and reflection session. Our Kenya Trip Advisory Council will lead us in a collaborative experience, putting together the pieces of Global Fund for Women’s multi-pronged grantmaking strategy and how feminism movements are powerful catalysts for change. We’ll take time to look ahead and prepare for our re-entry back home, making meaning of all we’ve experienced and setting intentions for how to carry back the fighting spirit of Kenya’s women in solidarity.
After our closing session, opt to join us for additional sightseeing and shopping in Nairobi, or enjoy free time on your own before transferring to the airport for your tourist extension or international flight home.
Please note that the hotel’s check out time is 10 AM. If you have a later departure flight and would like to book a day room, please email Erik at erik@elevatedestinations.com.
Total Trip Cost:
Double occupancy: $6,750
Single occupancy: $7,440
30% Deposit (due upon booking):
Double occupancy: $2,025
Single occupancy: $2,232
Booking & Final Payment Deadline: March 6, 2026
Inclusions:
Shared accommodations
Transportation
Individual airport transfers
Meet and Greet airport services
Domestic flights
All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
All activities mentioned
Gratuity for trip managers, drivers, restaurant staff, and hotel staff
Bank or credit card processing fees
Two private English speaking tour managers
Evacuation insurance
Exclusions:
Visas
International flights
Travel & medical insurance
Day rooms on departure day
Personal expenses (shopping, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
The main program begins on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and ends on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. Arrival and departure flights are booked by travelers independently. Here are our recommended arrival and departure times:
Wednesday, June 17, 2026: Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) by 3:00 PM. The trip will kick off with a Welcome Dinner at the hotel this evening, likely around 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026: Depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) anytime. Check-out time from the Tamarind Tree is 10:00 AM. If you have a late evening flight and would like a day room, please email Erik at erik@elevatedestinations.com.
Flight Booking Assistance:
If you would like assistance booking your flights, please complete this form and a flight booking specialist from our partners at AirSupply will contact you directly to assist with your booking. Under the line “Traveler / Group Name,” write “Your Name / Elevate Destinations.” Note that there is a $35 service fee per booking.
Once you’ve booked your flights, please upload your flight details to your personal WeTravel profile so we can coordinate your transfers and logistics.
Nestled in Nairobi’s Langata area, Tamarind Tree Hotel offers contemporary accommodations with stylish African accents, modern amenities, and easy access to the city. Enjoy international cuisine, a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, and inviting lounge spaces.
Set along the shores of Lake Victoria, Acacia Premier Hotel blends modern comfort with a warm, contemporary Kenyan aesthetic. Its well-appointed rooms, inviting restaurants, rooftop lounge, and spa create a relaxing retreat in the heart of Kisumu. With convenient access to the city’s lakeside attractions and cultural landmarks, the hotel offers an ideal setting for unwinding between activities.
Elevate Destinations would be happy to build a customized trip extension for you. You can click here to view options for exclusive Kenya private safari itineraries from Elevate Destinations' Private Travel Team - an incredible way to extend your time in Eastern Africa!
Please Note: These itineraries are subject to availability at the camps at the time of booking and specific accommodations may change pending availability. Our Private Travel team is always happy to design a completely bespoke safari or trip for anyone looking for something a bit different.
Please indicate your interest in an extension on your booking form, or by emailing Erik (erik@elevatedestinations.com).
UPLOADING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: After completing a booking form and paying your trip deposit, you will receive an email with your WeTravel account information. Please click on the blue "manage your booking" button at the bottom of the email. Then navigate to "complete your info" which is where you can upload the following documents at your earliest convenience.
Passport & Visa
Check that your passport
Is current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip departure date (December 24, 2026). If your passport expires before December 24, 2026, you will need to renew your passport. We recommend using A1 Passport & Visa Services. You can email them at info@a1passportvisa.com.
Has at least 2 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, or more if you are visiting several countries on this trip. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for visas and immigration stamps.
Visa: Citizens of the United States are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Kenya. Travelers from other countries may also need an eTA. You can review Kenya’s entry rules based on your passport on the official government website here. More information and guidance on completing the eTA process will be sent to you as we get closer to the trip departure dates.
Upload Your Passport: To your WeTravel portal during or after the booking process.
Flights:
Upload your round-trip flight itinerary to your WeTravel account after booking.
Insurance:
Elevate Destinations will purchase emergency evacuation coverage for you. This policy covers emergency evacuations due to medical, political, or natural disasters from June 17-24, 2026. This policy also provides $5,000 of emergency medical coverage. More details about this coverage are noted in this brochure.
This coverage does not include trip cancelation or interruption benefits and also does not cover pre- or post-trip days of travel booked outside of Elevate Destinations. We strongly suggest you purchase additional coverage to cover your non-refundable expenses in the event you need to cancel your trip or have additional expenses incurred on the trip.
Elevate strongly recommends purchasing additional travel and medical insurance and Cancel for Any Reason Coverage (CFAR) to cover trip related expenses. Please note that some CFAR insurance options are time-sensitive. Please be ready to purchase an insurance policy within 14 days of making your first trip payment.
Medical insurance that covers you in Kenya is recommended for this trip. If you would like to purchase additional medical insurance in the country of travel, below are two insurance brokers that Elevate Destinations recommends.
USI Travel Insurance Services
Email: info@travelinsure.com
Phone Number: (800) 937-1387
Travel Insurance Center (Dan Drennen)
Email: dan@travelinsurancecenter.com
Phone Number: (402) 343-3621
Elevate Destinations is not equipped to answer specific questions on insurance. Please contact the insurance broker or company for specific information.
Prior to travel, Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that you look into recommended immunizations for your time in Kenya. Given that we are not a licensed healthcare provider, we cannot advise travelers on which immunizations they may need. We recommend that all travelers do the following:
Travel Doctor: Consult with a travel clinic or your primary care physician regarding immunizations or other precautions you may need to take in order to participate in this journey. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots.
Resources for Health Guidance: Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician read through the following resources for information on immunizations and other health preparations and individual requirements to travel to Kenya.
Medical Insurance: Elevate Destinations covers evacuation insurance for this trip. All travelers are recommended to also have health insurance that will cover them while abroad. Check that your health insurance covers you in Kenya.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We recommend that all travelers from the U.S. sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in this program has enormous benefits in case of an emergency while abroad:
You will receive information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
Enrolling lets the U.S. Embassy in that country know that you are there and helps them contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family-related.
COMING SOON: A downloadable Country Guide, which will contain comprehensive information about money, local customs, expectations for the trip and travel tips.
COMING SOON: A downloadable Packing List for traveling to Kenya in June.
Elevate Destinations specializes in planning group travel for philanthropic organizations. As international event planners, our team is equipped to handle all of your on-the-ground arrangements, from airport transfers to extra nights in-country to a post-trip excursion.
We welcome any questions you have about how to prepare for your trip, in-country arrangements, and cultural information. For questions about your international flights, including how to purchase tickets, cancellations or delays, lost items, or layover arrangements, please contact your airline or booking agency. For questions about travel insurance, please contact your insurance company.
Next Steps
To register for the trip, click “Book Now” at the top of the page and complete your registration form. Please note, a trip deposit is required at time of registration.
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a “Manage My Booking” and you can revisit your registration by clicking this button to upload any information you did not have available during the registration process.
Feel free to get in touch via phone or email as well:
Fiona Mokry: fiona@elevatedestinations.com or +1.508.618.1354
Erik Edwards: erik@elevatedestinations.com or +1.508.618.1285