A 6-Day Kenyan Safari Adventure
Essence of Kenya (6 Days)
Maasai Mara + Elephants + Nairobi National Park
6 days / 5 nights
This 6-day adventure gives you a taste of the wonders Kenya has to offer.
An Epic Adventure Awaits
This 6-day “Essence” tour is designed for those who live closer, are short on time, or want a more budget friendly trip. This adventure tour includes two days of safari on the famous Maasai Mara, visiting an elephant orphanage, a Safari in Nairobi National Park, feeding giraffes at eye level, and some authentic cultural immersion with the Maasai
ADVENTURES
- Two SAFARI days exploring the world famous Maasai Mara savannah
- Visit an Elephant Orphanage and pet a baby elephant
- Safari in Nairobi National Park (with a nature stroll)
- Experience some authentic Cultural Immersion with the Maasai
- Feed Giraffes from the palm of your hand
- Receive some highlight photos of your tour as a Thank You gift
- ***THE PREMIUM LUXURY ADVENTURE ALSO INCLUDES***
- Playing with baby elephants in their environment (not just petting from behind a rope)
- Soaring above the Maasai Mara in a Hot Air Balloon (included but optional)
- Enjoying a delicious dinner in the Bush
- Accommodations that are much more luxurious, spacious, have a wider variety of food, and higher levels of service
- Receive Additional Professional Quality photos of your tour (digital downloads for self printing) including some savanna photos
- Start your journey to Nairobi, Kenya
- Meet up
- Sightsee or Sleep
Take a deep breath… you’re finally on your way to a magical destination! Experience wild animals surviving on the open savanna, marvel at the exotic views of Africa, play with baby elephants, immerse yourself in authentic local culture, take part in a heartwarming humanitarian effort, and much more! You’re about to embark on a real-life African adventure filled with unforgettable moments and lifelong memories!
Day 1 is your arrival day. Karibu Kenya! (Welcome to Kenya!) Kenya has been rated the #1 tourist safari destination in the world for 10 years in a row! Being the land of The Lion King and the Great Migration, it’s no wonder. Once you’ve landed you will be met at airport for a private transfer to your hotel to rest and unwind. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, we’ll explore some local sites and give you your first taste of Kenya culture. If you arrive in the evening, or are feeling the effects of travel, we’ll head straight to your hotel where you can unwind and rest in preparation for the adventures ahead!
- Giraffe Center
- Elephant Orphanage
- Nairobi National Park Safari
Your morning will begin with feeding the giraffes at The Giraffe Center – a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the endangered Rothschild giraffe. You’ll have the chance to feed them at eye level making for some great selfies!
Next we’ll have a heartwarming visit at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Here we will watch the babies eat, frolic, and roll in the mud. Baby elephants love attention and affection. There will be a rope that separates us from the orphans, but some will walk along the ropes chewing on branches giving you the chance to give them some affection.
The elephant orphanage is located within Nairobi National Park, so after our time with the elephants, we will hop in the Land Cruiser and embark on our first safari adventure! Here you’ll get your first glimpse of animals roaming freely in the wild. Despite the parks proximity to the city, you will still find elephants, rhinos, hippos, and even lions! In some areas, you can even see the contrasting cityscape in the background, which makes for some thought-provoking photos. In this park they also have the piles of ivory from the five Kenyan “ivory burns”. These anti-poaching burns tell the world these animals are worth more to them -and us- alive!
**If you chose the Premium Luxury Tour, we are given a specific time and a special access pass to go inside the baby elephant area and interact with them as a private group. You’ll be able to hug them and play with them!
- Drive to Narok
- Eat Home cooked Maasai Meal
After breakfast we’ll begin our three hour journey to Narok county – the home of the Maasai. We’ll visit the town of Narok itself and you’ll be able to witness this small yet bustling town in action. We’ll go visit a couple of local shops and even a local artisan shop. In the evening, we’ll head into a beautiful area to have a home cooked dinner by a Maasai.
- Drive to Maasai Mara
- Two SAFARI days on the famous Maasai Mara
- Bush Dinner (**Premium Luxury Tour only)
- Hot Air Balloon ride (**Premium Luxury Tour only)
We’ll awake early to make our way to the world famous Maasai Mara. The Maasai Mara is the land of The Lion King, Out of Africa, and the Great Migration wildebeest crossings featured on National Geographic. Over the next two days, we’ll be immersed in the untamed beauty of this iconic landscape. It’s a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe nature at its most authentic. This is the world of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetah, zebra, elephants, warthogs, and so MUCH MORE!
Whether we’ve packed a lunch or are just stretching, we’ll take some time to relax in the shade of an iconic African Acacia tree. Here, you can breathe in the beauty that surrounds us. This is truly one of my favorite places in the world. Our safaris are not just about spotting wildlife; they’re about experiencing the heartbeat of Africa. It’s about connecting with the wild, feeling the pulse of the earth, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Every moment here is filled with wonder!
**If you are coming on the Premium Luxury Tour, it also includes an evening dinner “in the bush” surrounded by nature and an early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Maasai Mara with a champagne breakfast (included but optional).
- Drive to Nairobi
- Sightsee Nairobi (if time allows)
- Airport
In the morning, go spend a little time down by the water. Watch the various birds fly around and hear their calls as they talk to each other. Watch the fisherman walk in the waters and cast their lines from within the lake. See the hippos eyes and ears bob in and out of the waters. After lunch we’ll go on the 2 hour journey to Nairobi. Along the way we’ll pass the famous Escarpment – part of the Great Rift Valley which stretches from Mozambique to the Middle East.
There’s lots to see and do in Nairobi. So, our last day, depending on flight times, we’ll spend seeing some of the things the capital city has to offer.
Our final stop of the day, and our trip, will be the airport. As we drive, we’ll review and share stories from the incredible journey we’ve experienced and the new friendships we’ve made. Asante Sana (Thank you very much)! We sincerely hope you had an amazing adventure with us. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures, laughter, memories, and fun in the future!
COMFORT Luxury Accommodations
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Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence
(right) Nestled just beside Nairobi Arboretum, a sprawling forest reserve that is home to over 300 exotic tree species and over 100 bird species, guests have a unique opportunity to explore the oasis of calm that lies just outside their front door. At the Radisson Blu you'll enjoy stylish leisure in this beautiful, green and safe space. This 5 star hotel’s contemporary interiors feature upscale amenities and exclusive services like free Wi-Fi, individual climate control and 24-hour room service. Onsite you’ll find an expansive spa, sauna, steam rooms, swimming pool and fitness center.
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Keekorok Lodge Maasai Mara
(right) Keekorok Lodge is rated 5 stars and is another absolute favorite of mine. It's inside the Maasai Mara park and in a secluded area all it's own, so the entire camp is surrounded by nature. I've woken up to elephants walking by outside and herds of antelope walking by. It's a truly magical place. There's even a hippo bar out back, so you walk along a pathway to a hut where you can sip on a refreshing drink while overlooking the hippo pool watching the hippos talk and interact inside the water. Keekorok Lodge has also been given a 2024 TripAdvisors Travelers Choice award. On site you'll find an outside pool, a spa, salon, massages, poolside bar, gym, and more! (based on availability)
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Sopa Lodge Lake Naivasha
(left) The Sopa Lodge at Lake Naivasha is It is truly a traquil retreat. It's one of my favorite places to stay in Naivasha. Not only is it right on the lake, there is a herd of zebra and who live on the property as well as a tower of giraffes that roam around eating the vegetation. So, you get to sit back and relax on your balcony and watch zebras wander by right outside your door. At sunset, you can watch as the hippos emerge out of the lake to eat their dinner on the shoreline grasses. The Sopa Lodge has been given a 2024 TripAdvisors Travelers Choice award. On site there is a pool, pool side bar, restaurants, gym with gym room, and more! (based on availability)
Why Choose Windswept Safaris...
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Two Expert Guides
Most tour companies only provide you with one tour guide - who is also your driver. Windswept Safaris provides you with TWO tour guides, Shelly and O.D., who are with you from airport pickup to airport drop off. They are there to help you feel as comfortable as possible and know you are well taken care of. Two guides also ensures you receive a lot of personalized attention and everything runs as smoothly as possible.
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Full Day Safaris
We know you came on this trip to see LOTS of animals! We LOVE seeing the animals, too! So, we spend as much time as we can out on the savannas on the lookout for animals. Most companies only spend a few hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening out observing the wildlife, but we will give you the option of a full day safari!
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Shelly as a Tour Guide
Shelly (with the tortoise), is a HUGE asset to have in your corner. She is an American who has worked for Delta airlines and has a degree in Global Studies (history, culture, and religions of the world). She has also traveled to over 30 countries and spent many months in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She has gained a deep understanding of the ins and outs of travel and many of our worlds cultures. She now lives in Kenya more than half of the year and is integrated into the Maasai culture. She is also a professional level photographer who loves taking photographs of the wildlife. All of these experiences and attributes help her to better accommodate you and make your trip even more incredible!
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Average Safari Costs
The average Safari price ranges from $125 a night to $3,500 per person per night depending a lot on your accommodations and transportation. At Windswept Safaris, we offer three main Safari tiers: Value, Comfort Luxury, and Premium Luxury. VALUE is our standard tier made up of standard accommodations. COMFORT LUXURY are all luxury accommodations that take into consideration aesthetics and/or location. PREMIUM LUXURY is made up of 5 star hotels (where available) and include some of the very best accommodations in the country. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional value with every tour. While we include a range of exclusive extras (including photos, a second tour guide, and full day Safaris) our tours still remain very competitively priced. That said, if you're after the lowest price possible, we are not your best option. However, if you’re looking for unmatched quality and value, you won’t find a better option anywhere else!
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Humanitarian Gift
It is rare for tour companies to provide any type of humanitarian support. We feel it is important, if not necessary, to contribute to the people and the communities that have welcomed us into their part of the world. While we’re there, you’ll have the opportunity to meet them and experience their joy and excitement at meeting you—their smiles and curiosity are truly heartwarming. Funds for some basic supplies are already included in your tour price, ensuring that we can make a meaningful contribution. However, if you feel moved to contribute more, your generosity is always welcome and greatly appreciated. 100% of any additional donations will go directly to the local people.
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Memorable Photos
We will capture some highlights of the magical moments from your journey and gift them to you as a Thank You for adventuring with us (digital downloads)! There will also be an option to purchase more or even buy some prints if you like. What better way to reminisce and showcase the experiences you had then seeing incredible photos of the actual animals - as you saw them - hanging on your wall!
What's Included and What's Not
Inclusions
Benefit from the expertise of TWO knowledgeable guides: O.D., a Maasai warrior with over eight years of guiding experience, and Shelly, an American world traveler with a degree in Global Studies. They will both be with you every step of the way. With most companies you only get one guide who is also your driver.
Enjoy beautiful and comfortable accommodations in hotels, camps, and lodges throughout your adventure. All meals from arrival to Kenya and departure (except airport meals) are included, offering a mix of local and international cuisines. If you have a dietary need, let us know and we’ll see what we can do to help accommodate you. Kenya is still a developing country so be aware that it might not be possible.
Travel in style and comfort in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up top and interchangeable windows for optimal wildlife viewing. Your transportation includes a professional driver, fuel, and all necessary transfers once you’re in Kenya.
ALL entrance fees to national parks, conservancies, and other attractions are included.
Drinkable water varies too much, so we provide you with unlimited filtered drinking water throughout your trip.
Most of our tours include a humanitarian gift as a way of giving back and helping the locals at the ground level. A portion of your tour price goes to pay for this gift.
Tips for hotel staff and restaurants are included.
Not included are tips for your tour guides and any personal services you do on your own (massage, laundry, etc.).
Some of your most cherished moments will be captured by us. We will give you some of these pics as a Thank You for coming on our tour. These quality images will be cherished mementos of your adventures with us. An option will be available to purchase more of the photos from your trip if you desire. (This is exclusive to our company)
Exclusions
Your journey to and from your home country to Kenya is not included. If you need assistance booking your airfare, just ask us and we can assist you or refer you to a trusted travel agent
Ensure your passport is current with two blank pages and at least six months of validity upon arrival. Most travelers will need an eTa (electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya, which can be easily applied for online.
Because there are many unknowns, we REQUIRE to you obtain travel insurance with a minimum medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage of at least USD $200,000 covering all applicable dates of travel with us. Standard coverage is usually $400,000. We also strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance “cancel for any reason”. Baggage insurance is also recommended.
In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance might be the only source of reimbursement. For more details on our cancellation policy and travel insurance recommendations, read through our Terms & Conditions.
We like Allianz travel Insurance, but the company you use is up to you.
There are recommended vaccines, but none are currently required to get into Kenya at this time – UNLESS you’re coming from a country that contains high amounts of yellow fever (or you have a layover in a country with yellow fever for more than 12 hours) then you’ll need a yellow fever vaccine. (The US and Europe does not have yellow fever).
We are not responsible if you get sick, so please take care of yourself in whatever way you see fit. (More info given in the travel packet).
We are not doctors. We recommend you visit a travel clinic at least three months before your tour so you have the time and info you need to make an informed decision before you travel.
Please bring, and continue to take, any personal medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Unless otherwise stated, alcohol is not included. When it is, the hotel will show you what specific beers, wines, and spirits they are offering. Tips for bartender and bar attendants are not included.
Personal services, such as massages, are at your own expense. Tips for these personal services are to your discretion and not included.
There will be some wonderful shopping opportunities for souvenirs and gifts and our adventures – all purchases will be at your own expense
Laundry services are not included. However, most camps and hotels provide the option. We suggest packing 6 days worth of clothes.
Tips for your private tour guides and drivers are not included. If you are happy with our service, tips are welcome and greatly appreciated! (if unsure, you can research online for customary tips.)
Adventure Investment
essence of Kenya - 6 Day
Prices are in USD, per person, based on double occupancy:
JANUARY thru MAY:
- VALUE: $5,287 pp (min 4) $4,387 pp (min 6)
- COMFORT: $6,287 pp (min 4) $5,387 pp (min 6)
- PREMIUM:
- VALUE: add $400 per person
- COMFORT: add $800 per person
- PREMIUM:
Accommodations: All rates are based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room there is an additional cost for hotels usually charge per room and not per person.
Changes: If you want more days or less, we can make those arrangements for you.
WE CAN ALSO CREATE A BESPOKE ADVENTURE JUST FOR YOU!
Payment Options:
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLAN: To make your dream safari more accessible, we offer flexible payment plans. After your deposit is made, you can choose between equal monthly payments, three lump sum payments, or four lump sum payments (all auto-withdrawn). A 5% fee is added to the balance (after deposit) if you utilize a payment plan option. Full payment is required 90 days before departure to ensure all arrangements are smoothly finalized.
Deposit: A deposit of 20% secures your spot and your price. Your deposit will be non-refundable but is postponable for future use and transferable. By making your deposit, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions. Read them first here. terms and conditions.
Deposits and payments can be made via All major CCs, ACH bank transfer, or Square.
Contact us and we’ll set up a time to have a virtual coffee or tea to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. Keep in mind the time zones vary a lot in this world, so give us some time to respond.