Backpacking Programs Abroad

The cultural and wildlife experiences outside of the major safari components were exceptionally well organized and added tremendous depth to the overall program. Each activity felt thoughtfully selected and seamlessly integrated into the itinerary, enhancing cultural understanding, wildlife appreciation, and overall engagement. Walking with giraffes was a truly unforgettable experience. Observing these animals up close in a calm, respectful environment was both humbling and inspiring. The guides were highly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation, and their explanations added meaningful context that elevated the experience beyond observation. The wildlife interaction experience that included giraffe feeding and crocodile feeding was equally engaging and memorable. Learning about animal behaviour, conservation efforts, and ethical wildlife interaction while witnessing these moments firsthand made the experience both exciting and educational, with safety and professionalism clearly prioritized throughout. The first-day visits to Fort Jesus and the spice warehouse were an outstanding introduction to Kenya. Fort Jesus provided powerful historical context, and the guided tour brought the site’s significance to life in a way that was engaging and informative. The spice warehouse visit offered a vibrant, sensory introduction to local culture, trade, and daily life, creating an immediate sense of connection to the community. Transportation to and from each site was smooth and well coordinated, allowing the experience to feel effortless and well supported. Overall, these treks were immersive, enriching, and exceptionally well executed, and they played a major role in making the program feel thoughtful, well balanced, and truly memorable.

My experience on the Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek was one of the most unforgettable highlights of my time in Kenya with International Medical Aid. It was a perfect combination of adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation after intense clinical shadowing. The overall itinerary was well thought out and offered a great balance between travel, exploration, and rest. The progression, from the drive to Masai Mara, the game drives, cultural interactions, and the overnight stay in Nairobi allowed us to experience a diverse range of Kenyan landscapes, wildlife, and local traditions. Everything felt well-coordinated and paced, without being rushed. Transportation was smooth and reliable throughout the trek. The safari vehicles were clean, spacious, and perfect for wildlife viewing, with pop-up roofs that made the experience even more immersive. Our driver-guide was incredibly skilled, both in navigating the terrain and spotting wildlife. The long drives were made enjoyable through engaging commentary and beautiful scenery. The transfer between Nairobi and Masai Mara, though long, was comfortable, and our drivers ensured we had adequate rest stops and water throughout the journey. Our guide in Masai Mara was phenomenal. His knowledge of the ecosystem, animal behavior, and Masai culture added so much depth to the trip. He made an effort to ensure everyone had a great view during game drives and was always open to questions. We saw all the "Big Five," along with countless other animals like giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and even a leopard sighting, something I’ll never forget. The visit to a traditional Maasai village was another highlight. It felt authentic, respectful, and educational. We were welcomed with open arms and learned about Maasai customs, daily life, and their close relationship with nature.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve Trek was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the knowledgeable guide to smooth transportation and comfortable accommodations, I’m forever grateful to IMA for coordinating everything. One tip I’d offer: if you tend to get car sick, bring nausea medication, the roads can be quite bumpy. Despite that, I felt safe the entire time and shared the adventure with five other interns. We were lucky enough to see the Big Five and so much more. One funny moment was when one of us spotted a cheetah in the distance. Our guide immediately grabbed the radio and maneuvered us into a perfect viewing spot, where we saw the cheetah and her cubs up close- it was incredible! A few days after arriving in Kenya, I got an eSIM card, which gave me access to the internet throughout my stay. Some interns used international plans with their carriers, but the eSIM worked perfectly for me during my two-week stay. Our days were packed with unforgettable activities- from visiting an elephant orphanage and feeding giraffes to the safari rides. We were always provided with water bottles, and the camp we stayed at in the Masai Mara was peaceful and well-kept. The food was delicious! One night, some of us played cards at camp, and it became one of the highlights of the trip. Another unforgettable moment was the picnic we had in Tanzania, surrounded by the wildebeest and zebra migration. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone considering it!

The Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek was absolutely magical. The tour guide was clearly an expert and was basically a search engine in the sense that I could point at an animal and he'd know the answers to every question I could have about it. The accommodations were great as well, the hotel was nice and the Simba + Oryx resort was incredible. The most enjoyable part of the safari was self evident, and can only be described in pictures. The only thing that I would've changed is the compactness of everything. While I certainly got the most out of the experience with the current structure, maybe some of the safari could be designed with some sleep built in. Waking up at 2 am and having a full 16 hours of activities wasn't the easiest, especially when the next day we'd be waking up before sunrise, but at the same time it was still manageable and worked out. I understand my response to this is relatively brief but I don't think I could ever capture the spirit of this safari with words in a prompt. Just have to experience it to understand. Also, our tour guide was the best and deserves a quadruple raise!

My Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek was both well-organized and deeply meaningful. The itinerary struck a thoughtful balance between activity and rest, with smooth transportation, comfortable accommodations, and meals that were plentiful and reflective of the local culture. What truly made the trek memorable were the guides and their deep knowledge of the land, wildlife, and culture. One moment I will never forget was observing a family of elephants rolling in the mud. Watching them play together, completely at ease in their natural environment, was both humbling and awe-inspiring, and it perfectly captured the beauty of being fully present in that place. The group dynamics also added to the experience—sharing these moments with peers created a real sense of camaraderie and connection that made the journey even more meaningful.

What made my Watamu/Malindi Beach Safari truly memorable were the moments of connection and joy woven throughout the experience. One afternoon, we had the chance to grill with locals, and it quickly became more than just sharing a meal. Standing around the grill, swapping stories, and learning about each other’s lives created a real sense of community that transcended cultural differences. The food itself was delicious, but it was the laughter and generosity of spirit that made the evening unforgettable. Another highlight was joining in traditional dances. Even though I didn’t know all the steps, the encouragement and warmth of everyone around me made it easy to let go of self-consciousness and simply be present. Dancing side by side with people who welcomed us so openly was both humbling and uplifting, and it ended up being one of the most meaningful parts of the trek.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Watamu/Malindi Beach Safari and truly appreciated the support from my mentor throughout the trek. All of the travel went smoothly, and the team was always open to accommodating any requests we had. Our driver even made special stops for snacks—and a pharmacy—after we realized we needed aloe vera (a reminder to never forget reapplying sunscreen when you’re on the equator lol). The other interns on the trek made the experience even more fun, and our hotel was beautiful. I took full advantage of the spa amenities and loved the massage I booked. The food was amazing the entire trip, and the tribal lunch was especially memorable because we got to interact with locals and learn more about the culture. Our tour guide was full of energy and made the boat ride so much fun. Snorkeling was breathtaking, and we saw so much wildlife—including colorful fish, stingrays, and even a beautiful starfish. I still dream about our dinner in the mangroves—everything was truly so delicious, with an incredible variety of fresh seafood and vegetables. The hike through Hell’s Kitchen, the tours, and seeing the monkeys were also a blast, and I’m so glad I chose to do this trek. Everything was extremely organized, smooth, and accommodating from start to finish.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek was one of the highlights of my time in Kenya. The accommodations were so comfortable, the food was consistently delicious, and staying at the Simba Oryx camp was such a unique experience. Our tour guide, Shadi, was incredibly kind and truly went out of his way to make sure every member of the group felt comfortable and was having fun. Every part of the trip was memorable—even the drive to and from the Masai Mara, because we got to simply enjoy the scenery along the way. The itinerary was definitely packed with activities and could be exhausting at times, especially with a 4:00 a.m. flight, but I wouldn’t take anything out of the trip—it was all part of the experience.

My trek in the Maasai Mara was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. Seeing animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes up close in the wild was unreal—it felt completely different from seeing them in pictures or at a zoo. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the experience even better by helping us understand what we were seeing and where to look. The food and accommodations were also really nice, and I felt safe the entire time. The only challenging part was waking up super early every day, but it was absolutely worth it for the sunrise and watching the animals start moving around. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience and easily one of the highlights of my trip.

I completed the Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek, and I enjoyed every activity on the itinerary. I truly felt like I received the most thorough tour and overall experience I could have asked for. Enoch, our guide, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and I felt completely comfortable with him throughout the trip. The accommodations were very nice, and I felt safe during the whole excursion. The wildlife encounters were easily the most enjoyable parts of the trip, but I also loved getting to know the other five interns who accompanied me on the trek. The only challenge was the packed schedule—it was exhausting and very full—but I also feel like that pace allowed me to get the most out of the experience.

The Masai Mara Trek was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Getting to see the Big 5 and interact with the Maasai people is something I will never forget. It was also incredible to get close with the people in our Land Cruiser and form connections that might not have happened otherwise. Our guide, Aaron, was amazing and so wise—he truly made the whole experience.

I decided pretty last minute—about two weeks before arriving in Kenya—that I wanted to take part in the Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek, and I’m so glad I did. The itinerary looked great, and it truly felt like we saw as much as possible in the few short days we were there. Our guide, Aaron, was amazing. Our vehicle was always laughing, singing, and probably being pretty loud and annoying, but he was happy to join in, keep the energy up (including providing a speaker), and share his knowledge of the Masai Mara. A big reason I loved this trek was how close I got with the people I went with. The lodging was great, and I always felt safe, well cared for, and well fed.

The Watamu/Malindi Beach Safari was super fun, even with the rain. Hilda did an excellent job pivoting and making the trip as enjoyable as possible despite the weather. The snorkeling was amazing, the food was unbelievably good, and the hotels were great. All of the tour guides were also incredibly friendly, passionate, and informative.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek greatly exceeded my expectations. We had plenty of time on the game drives, and I saw so much more wildlife than I anticipated. The places we stayed were also amazing, and everything we received for the price felt completely worth it. I also loved the Watamu Beach Safari! It was such a breath of fresh air after a long week at the hospital. The boat day was a highlight, and I really enjoyed the opportunities to tour unique coastal sites. I was blown away by the hotel we stayed at in Malindi—it was absolutely beautiful.

I participated in multiple community treks included in my internship with IMA, and I enjoyed each one. The guides were knowledgeable, transportation was seamless, and every outing felt well organized and meaningful. In particular, I especially enjoyed visiting Fort Jesus, Haller Park, and the wood carving factory. I learned something new at each location and found the experiences genuinely enjoyable. These treks also provided a great opportunity to get to know my fellow interns and build friendships along the way.

The Watamu Beach Safari was amazing, and I have no complaints. Janet and Javon made sure everything ran smoothly and left no room for concern. We enjoyed a beautiful boat ride, visited amazing restaurants, and stayed at a top-notch hotel. The tour guides were also very helpful throughout the trip. At the Gedi Ruins, we even had monkeys sit on our shoulders as we walked the trail through the woods. At Hell’s Kitchen, we had a private hike along with a history lesson that made the experience even more meaningful.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek was an amazing experience! Enoch was a great tour guide. Transportation was seamless, and the accommodations were very nice. This trek also gave me an extra opportunity to bond with my IMA friends—something I’m truly grateful for. The itinerary was perfect: I loved spending a full day in Nairobi and the remaining time in the Mara.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Trek. It was an incredible way to experience the Inca Trail's landscapes and history. The itinerary struck a nice balance between physical challenge and moments to take in the scenery, although the altitude did add an extra layer of difficulty at times. It was a good kind of challenge, the kind that makes you appreciate every step, every view, and every deep breath. I’ll admit, it also made me pretty hungry along the way, which made the meals even more satisfying! Transportation to and from the trekking points was smooth and well-coordinated. The breakfast and lunch meals were tasty and filling, with a variety of local flavors that made the cultural immersion even richer. Safety felt like a top priority—our guides regularly checked in with each participant, monitored how we were adjusting to the elevation changes, and made sure we stayed hydrated and paced ourselves in the heat of the day. The guides themselves were a highlight of the trip. They were extremely knowledgeable about the history, culture, and wildlife of the region, and they shared stories that brought each stop on the trail to life. They also had a wonderful sense of humor and made the group feel cohesive and supported. If I were to suggest any small improvement, it might be to provide a few extra snack breaks along the way—especially on the longer, more strenuous sections—just to keep energy levels steady. Overall, though, the trek was beautifully organized, deeply meaningful, and an unforgettable part of my time in Peru. I left with not only great memories, but also a new appreciation for the resilience of both the human spirit and the landscapes we traveled through.

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Trek was exceptional—truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From start to finish, everything ran smoothly, and we never had any concerns about safety or accommodations. Our guide, Hans, was incredibly knowledgeable and made the trek even more enjoyable. He kept us on schedule, communicated the itinerary clearly, and made sure we had everything we needed while still making the experience fun and memorable. When we arrived in Aguas Calientes—the town at the base of Machu Picchu—we were shown to our accommodations and had time to explore the town’s shops and restaurants. The included brunch was delicious and thoughtfully planned. Overall, this was genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

Another unforgettable part of my trip was the safari excursions. During the past three weeks, I had the amazing opportunity to embark on two safaris: the Watamu Beach Safari and the Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek. The wildlife and culture showcased on each safari were incredible to encounter. Masai Mara was particularly memorable, as I have never seen so many animals thriving together in their natural habitat all in one place. Additionally, visiting the local Maasai villages was a fascinating experience, as it revealed how the Maasai people build a strong community despite their limited resources. Overall, both the Watamu Beach Safari and the Masai Mara Game Reserve and Nairobi Overnight Trek were amazing, and the wildlife and culture showcased on each safari were truly unforgettable.