Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
KE1 Max Group Size
18 Start
Nairobi (NBO) End
Nairobi (NBO) Overnight In
Nairobi, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Mt Kenya Conservation area, Maasai Mara When To Go
Jan, Sep, Oct Activity Level
1 - Light? Tour Type
Cultural? - Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Daily guided game drives through Africa's best game parks
- Lake Nakuru: ornithologist's paradise
- Maasai Mara's endless plains
- Meeting local tribal groups
- Karen Blixen "Out of Africa" Museum
- Singles friendly (view options for single travellers)
Description
On our Kenya tour, you'll discover a land of glacier-coated mountains, arid plains and thick rainforest. Kenya lays claim to a spectrum of diversity that few countries can rival.
Indeed, Kenya's natural environment earns worldwide acclaim both for its exceptional beauty and its profusion of exotic wildlife and our nine-day adventure through this remarkable East African country showcases the reasons why.
Via the 'White Highlands' - so named due to the large numbers of Europeans who settled there - we travel past the slopes of the continent's highest mountain (Mount Kenya) and on to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where we have the chance to see buffalo, cheetah, leopard and lion and almost guaranteed close-up sightings of elephant, giraffe and gazelle.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is among the country's, and indeed the world's, most famous safari areas and here we catch glimpses of yet more animals that can be seen elsewhere only in zoos.
Our exploration of Kenya's stellar landscapes includes visiting the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru.
Indeed, Kenya's natural environment earns worldwide acclaim both for its exceptional beauty and its profusion of exotic wildlife and our nine-day adventure through this remarkable East African country showcases the reasons why.
Via the 'White Highlands' - so named due to the large numbers of Europeans who settled there - we travel past the slopes of the continent's highest mountain (Mount Kenya) and on to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where we have the chance to see buffalo, cheetah, leopard and lion and almost guaranteed close-up sightings of elephant, giraffe and gazelle.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is among the country's, and indeed the world's, most famous safari areas and here we catch glimpses of yet more animals that can be seen elsewhere only in zoos.
Our exploration of Kenya's stellar landscapes includes visiting the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru.
Price Includes
- Tour leader or head guide services with local guide support at some locations (see also “Staff & Support” below)
- Most meals are included (see detailed itinerary).
- All accommodation, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
- Gratuities for drivers and local guides, restaurant staff, porters.
- Airport transfers for travellers who are arriving/departing on tour dates and book their air through us
- Any early arriving/late departing travellers who book both their air and extra nights through us.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, one lunch, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping and visas.
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
During January/February, Kenya experiences a dry and warm season, often referred to as the "short dry season." Temperatures are pleasant, with average highs ranging from 23C to 28C (73°F to 82°F). This is an excellent time to visit, as the weather is conducive to outdoor activities like wildlife safaris, hiking, and beach relaxation. The dry conditions also make it easier to spot wildlife, as they congregate around water sources.
September marks the beginning of the "long dry season" in Kenya. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with average highs ranging from 24C to 29C (75°F to 84°F). This is a great time to visit, as the dry conditions make it ideal for outdoor activities, and the temperatures are comfortable. The wildlife is also more concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot.
October is usually a warm and dry month in Kenya, with average highs ranging from 25C to 30C (77°F to 86°F). This is still a good time to visit, as the weather is generally pleasant, and the dry conditions make it easy to spot wildlife. However, the temperatures can be hotter than in September, and the dry conditions can be more pronounced.
In summary, January/February, September and October are all good times to visit Kenya and Tanzania, with pleasant temperatures and dry conditions. However, if you're sensitive to heat, September might be a better option as the temperatures are slightly milder.
If you’re a fan of African wildlife photography/television programming, you’re likely familiar with and keen on witnessing the annual ‘Great Migration’ of wildebeest and zebra in the Serengeti and/or Maasai Mara. Unfortunately, there is no neat and tidy answer re when is the best time to possibly witness the spectacle as it doesn’t have a simple start or end, just a dynamic cycle of wild movement through the year. Nor is it the same each year either as the migration is largely driven by the unpredictable rains, which means that wildebeest migration doesn’t operate on a set schedule. It also doesn’t follow a set route. Nor do the animals all go the same way. That said, in the broadest of terms, the best time to see the Great Migration—meaning large herds of hooved animals—is probably during the dry season, between July and early October. This is not to say you won’t see them outside of this time as our travellers often do, but, like nature itself, it is all about luck and timing. They may not all be dramatically on the move, but rather just standing around eating and cavorting, but you’ll likely encounter the herds at some point on their/your journey. If you have your heart set of witnessing hundreds of wildebeest crossing a river en masse, getting chomped by crocodiles like you see on National Geographic, bear in mind that those photographers probably waited days or weeks to capture that exact moment—so good luck and happy ‘hunting’! - Transport and Travel Conditions:
Our land transport comes in the form of rugged and spacious 4x4 Land Rover/Land Cruiser-style vehicles, with seating for 4-6 plus driver (you can view photos by accessing the “Gallery” tab toward the top of this page). The vehicles have pop-up roofs to enhance wildlife viewing while in parks and reserves. Most travellers comment that the climate in the savanna is such that air-conditioning is not critical (an open window offers adequate fresh air).
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Accommodation:
Our hotels and lodges are 4-5 star properties with hot water, private bath, electricity, mosquito netting, dining areas, bar, swimming pools, gift shop etc. Remote lodges are not air-conditioned (they run on generator) though many are at higher elevations where heat is not a factor. Hotel porter service is available throughout (see 'Inclusions'). Single rooms are limited in number and may be smaller than twins. Many lodges are quite spread out and you will need to be able to walk up to 10 minutes from public areas to your room.
Click on the Map & Hotels” tab for a route map and some sample accommodations used for this tour. - Activity Level: 1
No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Staff and Support:
Groups of six or fewer participants (one vehicle), will be led/guided by one of our local senior driver-guides. Only multi-vehicle groups will be assigned an Adventures Abroad tour leader for the purposes of enhanced coordination. - Group Size:
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
View / Print Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrive in NairobiToday we arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Part of Maasai land when the British arrived, this modern capital grew with the development of the railway. Derived from a Maasai word meaning "Cold Water," Nairobi is a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences.
Overnight in Nairobi.
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Nairobi - Ol Pejeta ConservancyToday we travel from Nairobi, through the "White Highlands," so called because of the large number of Europeans who settled here, northwards to the lower slopes of Mt Kenya, rising to 5199 m (16,728 feet), Africa's second highest peak. Our (+/- 4 hour) drive will take us into the Central Highlands, the heartland of the Kikuyu people. This is a very fertile region, well-watered, intensively cultivated, and thickly forested. The land was coveted by the Europeans who began arriving in ever-increasing numbers once the railway through the area was completed. The settlers established coffee and tea plantations on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya and cultivated wheat on the western slopes.
Our destination is Sweetwaters, a luxury tented camp clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a non-profit organization supporting endangered species, tourism and community outreach. Ol Pejeta is East Africa's largest Black Rhino sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, and holds some of the highest predator densities in Kenya.
This afternoon we'll enjoy our first game drive within the conservancy.
Overnight at Sweetwaters.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 3:Ol Pejeta ConservancyOl Pejeta Conservancy is a sprawling landscape, a mosaic of diverse habitats stretching across over 350 square kilometers. Imagine rolling grass plains, interspersed with wooded grasslands, acacia woodlands, and patches of dense evergreen thickets – all contributing to a rich and varied ecosystem. This diversity of habitats supports an astounding variety of animals, including, of course, the iconic "Big Five" – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
Today, we'll immerse ourselves in this wildlife haven with both morning and afternoon game drives, maximizing our chances of encountering its incredible inhabitants. But that's not all! We'll also have the unique opportunity to visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a truly special place. This sanctuary is the only one of its kind in Kenya, providing a refuge for the highly endangered and remarkably intelligent chimpanzee species. These chimpanzees, often orphaned or rescued from abusive situations in West and Central Africa, find a safe and nurturing home here. The sanctuary's dedicated staff carefully nurses them back to health, allowing them to live out their days in the security of a vast, natural enclosure. It's a chance to witness these fascinating primates up close and learn about the important conservation work being done to protect them.
Overnight at Sweetwaters Camp.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 4:Ol Pejeta - Great Rift Valley - Lake Nakuru National ParkThis morning we travel to Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley (+/- 5 hours). The Rift Valley was created millions of years ago under the strain of enormous volcanic eruptions which resulted in a giant split in the earth's surface from Syria to Mozambique. Lava flowed into the valley, forming escarpments on either side of the gigantic trough which can be up to 80 km (50 miles) wide, big enough to be visible from space. At the lake, depending on the water levels, we may have the opportunity to see flamingos,* in addition to the over 340 species of birds that have been recorded in the Rift Valley!
Lake Nakuru is very shallow and can fluctuate up to five metres (12 feet) each day. When the water is low, you can see a white band of crystallized soda along the shoreline. This is also one of the best places in Kenya to view the rare White Rhino as we explore the park on our afternoon game drive.
* This, and other Rift Valley lakes, have been known in the past for huge numbers of flamingos; however, this can be very "hit and miss" owing to seasonal variations in rainfall and water level, and the increasing frequency of drought. The best we can do is hope for the best!
Overnight in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 5:Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara National ReserveWe rise early this morning and bid farewell to Lake Nakuru National Park, continuing our journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Our route takes us past the serene beauty of Lake Naivasha and the imposing presence of nearby Mount Longonot. This relatively young volcano serves as a stark reminder of the Rift Valley's turbulent geological history. After a drive of approximately six hours, which includes a stretch on a less-than-perfect road, we'll arrive at our lodge nestled within the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, just in time for a well-deserved lunch.
The Maasai Mara is essentially a seamless extension of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, and it boasts an astonishing concentration of wildlife. This reserve is home to the largest population of lions in all of Kenya, a testament to its rich biodiversity. Large herds of plains game roam freely across the Mara's grasslands, creating a spectacle of nature at its finest. The Maasai Mara is also arguably the best place in Kenya to spot cheetahs, those sleek and graceful hunters.
Later this afternoon, we'll embark on another thrilling game drive, venturing out into the reserve in search of its incredible inhabitants. The possibilities are endless, and every game drive offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Time permitting, we may have the opportunity to visit a local Maasai village. This cultural immersion would provide a fascinating glimpse into the Maasai people's traditional way of life, allowing us to meet its residents and learn about their customs and beliefs. If time constraints prevent us from visiting the village today, we'll make every effort to arrange this experience on our return journey to Nairobi.
Overnight in the Maasai Mara.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 6:Maasai Mara National ReserveThe Maasai Mara National Reserve, a seemingly endless expanse of rolling grasslands, sits at the northern edge of the vast Serengeti Plain. Widely regarded as Kenya's premier park, the Mara plays a crucial role in one of nature's greatest spectacles: the annual wildebeest migration. These massive herds journey north from Tanzania around the end of June, gracing the Mara with their presence before returning south around the end of September. This incredible movement of animals is a sight to behold.
"The Mara," as it's affectionately known, is a haven for wildlife, supporting all of the famed "Big Five" – lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Beyond these iconic creatures, the reserve teems with an astonishing abundance of herding animals, including zebras, gazelles, and antelopes, as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife. As you traverse the reserve, you'll likely encounter the stately Maasai men and youth, easily recognizable by their distinctive attire, tending to their cattle and goats along the roadside. Their presence adds a unique cultural dimension to the Mara's natural beauty.
Today we've dedicated a full day to exploring this remarkable reserve, with both morning and afternoon game drives planned. This will give us ample opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife that calls the Maasai Mara home, from the majestic predators to the vast herds of herbivores, and everything in between. Every game drive in the Mara is a unique adventure, filled with the potential for unforgettable encounters.
In the Mara you will also have an optional opportunity to ascend over the northern Serengeti at daybreak in a hot air balloon (optional expense). From over 300 m (984 feet) above, you will be able to view the vast land and the myriad animals that inhabit the Maasai Mara. Today or tomorrow are the best days to participate in this activity - details sent upon booking.
Overnight in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 7:Maasai Mara National ReserveWe enjoy another full day with game viewing in Maasai Mara. Depending on the season and current game locations and viewing conditions, we may divide our day into morning and afternoon drives, or take our lunches with us in order to venture further into the reserve if conditions warrant.
Overnight in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Day 8:Maasai Mara - NairobiAfter breakfast, we'll embark on our journey back to Nairobi. The drive itself is expected to take approximately six hours, factoring in comfort stops along the way.
A highlight of our return journey will be a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, conveniently located just outside of Nairobi. This isn't just a quick photo opportunity; we'll delve into the fascinating story of Baroness Karen Blixen-Finecke. Imagine stepping back in time to the 1920s and 30s – this Danish Baroness made Kenya her home in 1918 and lived here until 1931. It was during this period that she drew inspiration for her most famous work, "Out of Africa," published in 1937 under her pen name, Isaac Dineson.
The museum itself is Blixen's beautifully restored former home. It offers a unique glimpse into her life in colonial Kenya, showcasing the style and furnishings of the era. As we tour the house, we'll learn about her struggles and triumphs, her relationships, and the profound connection she felt to the African landscape. It's a chance to connect with the author behind the iconic book and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context that shaped her writing.
We'll make a lunch stop in the vicinity before continuing to our Nairobi hotel.
Overnight in Nairobi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 9:DepartDeparture from Nairobi.
SAFIRI SALAAMA!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: East Africa
Countries Visited: Kenya
Countries Visited: Kenya
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.7
Extend Your Trip
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
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1-800-665-3998
- Final payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
- Deposit: A non-refundable $500 USD Deposit is required at booking, covering the 'Land Only' cost, including all internal flights (taxes listed separately)
- Optional Single Supplement: $1040 USD (number of singles limited).
(View options forsingle travellers)
NOTE: A $460 USD mandatory Single Supplement may apply if no pairing is available in the share program. - Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 USD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)
Choose your departure date:
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").