OUR STORYTELLERS HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN
SEE KENYA DIFFERENTLY.
Imagine visiting Kenya and seeing its highlights — from its bustling cities to the vast savannah — through the eyes of local storytellers. On this trip, we’ll be guided by Kenyans who are rewriting narratives about their communities and country. Join us as we travel across Kenya while learning from its best storytellers and most impactful change makers.
SEE YOURSELF DIFFERENTLY.
You’re an optimist that sees the world in rose-colored glasses.
Even still, you understand the tangled complexities of social justice and community development work.
You know that good intentions alone aren’t enough.
You know change doesn’t happen overnight. But you still wish there was something you could do.
At New Lens Travel, we help you figure out what that is.
We don’t send hundreds of people abroad every year.
And we don’t do cookie cutter trips and feel-good promises.
We help build intimate experiences that shape people’s worldviews and show a side of Africa that we don’t hear about in news and pop culture.
We don’t shy away from having difficult, but important conversations about issues like power, privilege and oppression.
We know you’ll wrestle with tough questions and challenge your assumptions. And just like us — we know you’ll walk from the experience with a new lens.
Help us shift the one-sided narrative that’s already out there.
WHO IT’S FOR.
This trip is for creatives interested in learning about a country through storytelling. It’s for people who are more interested in connecting with locals than in seeing every tourist attraction (although you’ll see plenty). It’s for people who care about social justice and figuring out their role in it.
WHO IT’S NOT FOR.
This trip is not for folks who enjoy sleeping in and having lazy vacations. We have a packed itinerary!
If you find conversations about cultural appropriation
or the white savior complex offensive, this isn’t the
trip for you.
MEET THE STORYTELLERS.
Throughout the trip, you’ll be guided by our storytellers.
Every day, they share stories with the world, determined to change the way people see and talk about Kenya.
Soon, they’ll share these stories with you.
BIKO WESA
Biko Wesa is a photographer whose work has largely been about community, family and identity. He is currently experimenting with storytelling, self expression and abstraction through photography. He has exhibited his work in Germany, Holland, and the USA. His current work, A Bitter Pill/ Hakuna Dawa Tamu, is a collection of photos about indigenous medicine in Kenya is on display at Nairobi National Museum.
JAMILA HASSAN EL-JABRY
Jamila is the face behind the multiple award-winning blog Life in Mombasa, about life and culture in Kenya’s biggest coastal city. She’s the city’s best-known advocate and is passionate about featuring the people and places that make Mombasa great. Jamila has been featured widely including on CNN African Voices.
FARHANA OBERSON
Farhana is a content creator and travel vlogger showcasing the lesser-known places in Kenya, particularly along the coast. Her fans, affectionately known as “rafikis” enthusiastically follow her adventures. Farhana is an expert at cultivating and engaging audiences and creating social media content. This one-woman multimedia powerhouse will lead workshops on media strategy and content creation.
CHEDDAR CHEESE
Cheddar is a storyteller, tour guide, and musician. He spent his childhood living and hustling on the streets of downtown Nairobi. Now, Cheddar runs Nai Nami (translation: “Our Streets, Our Stories”), a tour company that gives guided walking tours hosted by former street kids like him, who share their personal stories and shed light what it takes to survive on the streets.
BRIAN OTIENO
Brian (also known as Storitellah) is a freelance photojournalist and the founder of Kibera Stories - a photographic account of life in Kibera, his home, and Africa’s biggest slum. Brian’s passion lies in documenting the norm of everyday life from the people around him and sharing their stories. Brian is a contributing photographer to Everyday Africa and has exhibited his work in Nairobi, Paris, Berlin, and New York City.
JACKY HABIB
Jacky is a freelance journalist, media trainer, and entrepreneur based in Nairobi, Kenya. She reports about social justice, humanitarian issues, and women’s rights for media outlets including The CS Monitor, The National Post, and The East African. She started New Lens Travel because she believes in the transformative power of stories.
MEET YOUR HOST.
Throughout my time working as a journalist in Africa, I’ve met incredible creatives and storytellers.
These brilliant folks are sharing stories of their communities through their writing, films, photography, and reporting.
And they’re doing it all with a mission to change the way people see their communities, Kenya, and Africa at large.
We often hear about the need for people to tell their own stories.
They already are.
We’re just not listening.
That’s why I started New Lens Travel — to give travellers a chance to connect with and learn from the continent’s best storytellers.
On our trips, you’ll learn about social justice issues while improving your media skills. And you’ll have a ton of fun in the process!
Join us as we travel across the country and explore how stories can change the world.
Hope to see you in Kenya!
Warmly,
KENYA AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.
NAIROBI.
5 NIGHTS IN THE CITY. Nairobi is a bustling metropolis with so much to see and do. Here, you’ll meet with spoken word artists, health journalists, and filmmakers. You’ll explore the downtown core with former street kids who will share stories of how they survived. You’ll visit a creative centre for artists and activists in the city. You’ll also meet our charity partner, youth reporters in a slum and learn about how they tell stories about their community.
NAIVASHA.
1 NIGHT IN THE WILD. You’ll spend the day at Lake Naivasha National Park surrounded by animals in the wild, hike through gorges and take a boat ride along the stunning lake, surrounded by hippos. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to the sight of giraffes.
MOMBASA - KILIFI - DIANI.
3 NIGHTS ON THE COAST.
You’ll visit Fort Jesus to learn about the history of colonization along Kenya’s coast and the role it played in the slave trade. You’ll also explore Mombasa’s charming Old Town, with its spice markets, tuk-tuks, and narrow streets. A day trip to Diani will give you a chance to relax and reflect on a beach with crystal clear waters. During this portion of the trip, we’ll be joined by the writers and photographers who are putting Kenya’s coast on the map.
9 NIGHTS IN KENYA.
ONE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.
TRIP OVERVIEW.
At New Lens Travel, we organize group trips where travellers learn about storytelling from local creatives.
Join us as Africa's best storytellers take us behind the scenes and show us how they use reporting, photography and filmmaking to rewrite narratives about the continent.
Part road trip.
Part creative workshop.
Part social impact trip.
Guaranteed to make you see the world in a New Lens.
PRE-TRIP.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll get an info kit with helpful tips and a packing list. We’ll also send you our media and culture guide to Kenya, filled with music, movies, our favourite news stories, and a list of who’s who to follow on social media before you arrive.
We’ll also have one-on-one session to answer your questions and get to know you so we can tailor the itinerary to your interests.
NAIROBI.
Nairobi is a bustling metropolis with so much to see and do. Here, you’ll meet with spoken word artists, health journalists, and filmmakers. You’ll explore the downtown core with former street kids who will share stories of how they survived. You’ll visit a creative centre for artists and activists in the city. You’ll also meet our charity partner, youth reporters in a slum and learn about how they tell stories about their community.
NAIVASHA.
You’ll spend the day at Lake Naivasha National Park surrounded by animals in the wild, hike through gorges and take a boat ride along the stunning lake, surrounded by hippos. Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to the sight of giraffes.
MOMBASA - KILIFI - DIANI.
During this portion of the trip, we’ll be joined by the writers and photographers who are putting the coast on the map. You’ll visit Fort Jesus to learn about the history of colonization along Kenya’s coast and the role it played in the slave trade. You’ll also explore Mombasa’s charming Old Town, with its spice markets, tuk-tuks, and narrow streets. A day trip to Diani will give you a chance to relax and reflect on a beach with crystal clear waters.
AFTER PARTY.
We’ll fly back to Nairobi for a final epic night.
New Lens will host a closing party with all the storytellers who’ve joined us during the trip. We’ll share stories over a campfire, reflect, and celebrate.
AFTERCARE.
In the weeks following the trip, you’ll join the trip participants, host, and storytellers over 3 video conferences. You’ll reflect on your experience, strengthen your network, and receive feedback on any stories you’re working on.
Every trip participant will also have a custom coaching session with New Lens Travel founder Jacky Habib to discuss anything from breaking into international journalism to starting a socially conscious business.
HIGHLIGHTS.
Take a workshop on photographing the night sky and then sleep under the stars
Hang out at Pawa254, a hub and co-working space for creatives and activists in Kenya
Spend an evening writing songs with a local musician
Go on a street food tour in Mombasa to sample Swahili snacks and treats
Tour downtown Nairobi with our guides — former street kids — who will share stories of how they survived growing up on the streets
Meet a group of young reporters from a slum (our official charity partner for this trip) who are changing perceptions of life in Kibera
An optional day trip that includes snorkelling in crystal clear waters and spotting dolphins
WHAT’S INCLUDED.
All accommodations
All activities listed on the itinerary
All entry fees into sites, including national parks
Airport pickup and drop-off
All local transportation: private car hires, a train to the coast, and a flight back to Nairobi
Breakfast everyday and either lunch or dinner
Workshops with our expert storytellers and feedback on any photography, writing, or other media you create during the trip
NOT INCLUDED.
Airfare, visa, vaccinations
TRIP DATES.
On hold during the pandemic.
“It was life changing…”
My experience was not only eye-opening, it was life changing. Interacting with local storytellers taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability.
When you travel, be prepared to challenge any expectations and stereotypes, including ones you didn’t know you had. If you’re on the fence about going: go! I can’t put into words how valuable this experience will be.
— Kallan L.
3 DESTINATIONS. ONE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE.
MEET THE BOLD VOICES REWRITING AFRICAN NARRATIVES.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Who can participate?
This program is open to anyone above the age of 18. Our trip participants are socially conscious and want an alternative experience to the typical tourist trips and volunteer abroad opportunities.
Do I need to be a creative to participate?
Not at all. Your flexibility and adaptability are most important considerations. Our workshops will cater to people of all different skill levels.
What workshops will be offered during the trip?
The workshops offered will include writing, photography, and social media content creation workshops. During the intake process, we’ll get to know you better so we can plan the final itinerary accordingly. The types of workshops will be tailored to the trip participants - so there will be something for everyone, no matter your interest area.
What are the accommodations like?
We’ll stay in a mix of accommodations from hotels to AirBnBs. You won’t be “roughing it” during this trip, but if you’re hoping to spend more time in nature, there will be an option to camp under the stars for a night.
Is this voluntourism?
No. We do not engage in voluntary work. We recognize that locals are much better positioned to support their communities than we are. That’s why we focus on hearing their stories and learning directly from them.
New Lens Travel is critical of voluntourism and if you're unsure of why, please take a look at some of our favourite resources. We actively engage our participants in conversations about ethical travel and sustainable impact.
What safety precautions are in place?
Your safety is our top concern. We follow travel advisories and only run trips in regions that are deemed safe and stable. Our field staff also inform us about the latest local safety information.
We require all trip participants to have mandatory vaccinations, medications and comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of their time abroad.
We also have a New Lens Travel staff member lead every group trip to provide 24/7 support and act as an emergency contact. Whether you're homesick or literally sick, your trip leader will be there to support you.
I’m in! What’s next?
If you’re interested in joining us, click the button below to schedule a call. Over the call, we’ll get to know you better, make sure you’re a good fit for the trip and walk you through the next steps so you can start packing your bags!
SEE THE WORLD IN A NEW LENS.
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