A 9-Day Kenyan Safari Adventure
"Fifty on Safari"
Ben Lomond 1994 (9 Day)
9 days / 8 nights "Hear our spirit as we roar, the fighting Scots of '94" This private Reunion is for the Ben Lomond graduating class of 1994. Together we will celebrate our 50th year of life together amongst wild animals, authentic culture, and natural beauty of the wild.
An Epic Adventure Awaits
Embark on a 9-Day Kenyan Adventure Retreat
Encounter majestic wildlife, hike to the iconic “Pride Rock” from the Lion King, and be immersed into the rich Maasai culture. From baby orphan elephants to a humanitarian project, every moment is specially crafted to provide an unforgettable experience and adventure of a lifetime.
Experiences
- One SAFARI day on the Maasai Mara
- Visit a baby elephant orphanage
- Safari in Nairobi National Park
- Feed giraffes from the palm of your hand
- Boat tour with over 400 species of bird
- Walk among zebras and giraffes on Crescent Island
- Sunset dinner by lake with birds and hippos
- Safari around Lake Nakuru
- Take supplies to a local school
- Eat a home-cooked Maasai meal
- Visit great-grandmother in Maasai hut
- Hike "into the bush" with a Maasai
- Shoot bows, throw spears
- Start your journey to Nairobi, Kenya
- Connect with each other
- Sightsee or Sleep
Day 0 is set aside for traveling. Take a deep breath… you’re finally on your way to a magical destination! Experience wild animals surviving on the open savannah, marvel at the exotic views of Africa, play with a baby elephant, 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 easy to see why.
Once you’ve landed in Nairobi, Samuel (O.D.) and I (Shelly) will greet you at the airport in person. O.D. will be in full traditional Maasai attire (as shown in the picture below), and I will be the only blonde in the arrivals area. We’ll both be wearing Maasai shukas, the wrap I have on. In Nairobi, most people wear everyday street clothes, so seeing Maasai clothing is a special treat!
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, we’ll explore some local sites and give you your first taste of Kenya’s vibrant culture. If you arrive in the evening or feel 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
- Drive to Lake Naivasha
- Boat tour on the Lake
- Crescent Island walk among the animals
- Sunset dinner with Hippos
Your first experience in Kenya will be feeding the Giraffes. The Giraffe Center is a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the endangered Rothschild giraffe. You’ll have the chance to feed them from the palm of your hand. Their heads will be at eye level, providing fantastic opportunities for selfies and close-up interactions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even receive a giraffe “kiss of luck,” where the giraffe gently takes a treat from your lips—a truly unique experience!
After our Giraffe encounters, we’ll start the 2 hour journey to Lake Naivasha. Along the way we’ll get on the two views we’ll have of the Great Rift Valley. The rift stretches from Mozambique to the Middle East. We’ll stop along the way to stare in awe at the view. The dramatic cliffs and vast plains showcase Kenya’s diverse topography.
Once we arrive at the lake, we’ll embark on a 1-hour boat tour. Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. As we glide through the water, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for the fish eagle, heron, osprey, hamerkop, and kingfisher.
Watching the local fishermen standing in the waters is a particular treat because they share the lake with one of Africa’s most iconic animals—the hippo. These creatures, often seen with just their eyes and ears poking above the water’s surface, add an element of awe and excitement to our ride.
The boat will then ferry us to Crescent Island. This private island is a haven for wildlife, with more animals per acre than any other Kenyan park. Since there are no predators here, it offers an exceptional opportunity to walk among some of Africa’s most beloved animals. You’ll see herds of zebras, giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, wildebeests, and gazelles wandering around us in all directions. The close proximity to these animals provides amazing photo opportunities, so be sure to have your camera ready! Walking here is a surreal experience, bringing you closer to nature and offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of these majestic beings. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a magical sunset dinner by the lake with the hippos. Just before sunset, you’ll see hippos emerge from the waters to graze on the shores, offering a wonderful opportunity to observe them up close. The combination of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and incredible wildlife will make this an evening to remember!
- Drive to Lake Nakuru
- Safari around Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Lake Nakuru, famous for its vibrant flamingo population and rhino sightings. While rhinos can be elusive on the Maasai Mara savanna, Lake Nakuru provides a better chance to see these majestic creatures up close. As a dedicated rhino sanctuary, the area is a prime location for spotting both the southern white rhinos (which are threatened) and the critically endangered black rhinos.
Lions and leopards also roam around the lake, making encounters with them a special treat. During our safari around the lake, we’ll pause at a lovely spot for a picnic and also visit a waterfall where you can dip your feet or take a refreshing splash if the weather is warm.
Like Lake Naivasha, the region is home to a variety of over 400 bird species. From September to April, migratory birds are present, making this an ideal time for bird enthusiasts to visit.
- Drive to Narok
- Humanitarian gift
- Home-cooked Maasai Meal
This morning, we’ll begin our 2.5-hour drive to Narok. Here you’ll get a glimpse of a small yet bustling town in action.
Narok county is where we will deliver our humanitarian gift. Kenya is still a developing country, and there are many ways we can help the local people. One of the ways we have chosen to assist is through the school system. The conditions in the schools are very basic: their toilet facilities are simple holes in the ground, and the children’s soccer balls are crafted from saran wrap and rubber bands. Many families are also struggling to pay the school fees needed for their children to stay in school. Despite these hardships, the spirit and resilience of the young students are truly inspiring.
It is very 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 world. Since we vary our schools to spread out our support, this may easily be the first time some of these children will have interacted with a foreigner. 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 to their education. 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 school and the children’s education.
Our company will contact a local school beforehand to find out what they are most in need of. We will have some supplies already gathered and will stop to collect a few more items, including soccer balls.
After the school, we’ll go into the hills and visit an authentic Maasai home and eat an authentic hot, home-cooked meal. The view from her home is simply breathtaking and truly one of my favorites in Kenya.
- Drive into the Mau Mountains
- Visit great-grandmother in a mud hut
- Hike into the bush
- Shoot arrows and throw spears
Today we will journey into the picturesque Mau Mountains for authentic cultural immersion experiences. The Mau region offers picturesque natural beauty and a profound sense of tranquility. As we ascend, you will notice the pace of life slowing down as we will visit a working Maasai family farm where the traditional Maasai life is preserved.
You will meet a Maasai great-grandmother who continues to live according to ancient Maasai traditions. She resides in a type of home constructed from natural materials that have been used by the Maasai for generations. This visit offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of the Maasai people, highlighting their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land.
Up in these hills we’ll take a short hike “into the bush” with a Maasai. The Maasai are herders by trade and for hundreds of years they’ve lived off the land while shepherding their cows and goats across hundreds of miles of the Kenyan landscapes. Here O.D. will show you some of the local flora they use for various herbal remedies and personal hygiene. You’ll also get the chance to shoot an authentic Maasai bow, throw a Maasai spear, and wield a Maasai machete.
Witnessing the Maasai way of life, their resilience, and their close relationship with nature can inspire admiration and reflection on your own culture and way of life.
- SAFARI for two days out on the Maasai Mara
Early in the morning we’ll drive to the Maasai Mara where we’ll be immersed into 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.
Each day, we’ll set out to scout for the Big 5 and watch the diverse array of animals along the way. Keep your camera ready as we search the savannah for lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We’ll marvel at towering giraffes grazing the treetops and magnificent elephants roaming the plains. We’ll see the hippos and crocodiles laze about in the rivers. And, we’ll add zebras, baboons, mongooses, hyenas, and a myriad of other amazing creatures to our scouting list.
Most tour companies only take their guests out for a few hours in the morning and then a few hours in the early evening. However, we love being out on the Mara, so we offer the option to pack a lunch and embark on an all-day adventure! It’s entirely up to you. Just know that camp is never too far away if you decide to swap some exploration time for relaxation time and vise-versa.
If we do pack a lunch, we’ll take a break around noon to relax under the shade of an iconic African Acacia tree. Here, you’ll breathe in the beauty that surrounds us. Relaxing in the wild is an incredible experience, allowing you to reflect on the sights and sounds of the Mara. The sunsets here are some of the most breathtaking you will ever see, painting the sky with enchanting hues of orange, pink, and purple. 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 is filled with wonder!
- Drive to Nairobi
- Curio
- Airport
After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the Mara and begin our journey back to Nairobi. The drive, which spans approximately four hours, will be staggered by a couple of stops along the way.
Our first stop will be at my favorite curio shop, a treasure trove of Kenyan artistry. This expansive shop features a variety of captivating items, including wall-to-wall paintings, intricately crafted chess sets, beautifully carved masks and animals, and an assortment of other unique souvenirs.One of my favorite treasures in this shop is the malachite stone. Malachite is a stunning green stone, distinguished by its circular shapes and intricate internal patterns. Often referred to as the Power Stone, it is believed to possess healing properties and bring good luck. The stone is expertly carved into beautiful pieces of jewelry and animal figures, making it a perfect souvenir of your African adventure.
We’ll also get our second view of the Great Rift Valley. This view I like even more, so we’ll stop at one of the viewing points so you can marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder.
- Elephant Orphanage
- Nairobi National Park Safari
- Airport
Your last day in Kenya will begin with a heartwarming visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Here we will watch the babies eat, frolic, and roll in the mud. There is a small rope that separates us but the babies love affection so they’ll walk alongside the rope munching on branches and letting you give them some love.
The orphanage is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, and you’ll learn about the incredible work being done to protect these magnificent creatures. If a particular elephant touches your heart, you’ll have the opportunity to “adopt” it for a year. If you choose to do so, you will receive monthly updates about your elephant. This makes for a wonderful souvenir or a thoughtful gift for a fellow elephant enthusiast.
The elephant orphanage is located within Nairobi National Park, so after our time with the elephants, we will hop into the Land Cruiser and embark on our last safari adventure together! Even though it’s close to the city, there are plenty of animals that roam freely here – elephants, rhinos, hippos, and even lions. In some areas, you can see the contrasting cityscape in the background, which makes for thought-provoking photos and discussions. All of these animals, including the elephants, are listed as endangered species. To combat poaching, Kenya became a non-hunting country in 1977. In 2016, a poignant site within the park witnessed approximately 16,000 ivory tusks and 343 rhino horns burned—a powerful statement affirming that these animals are worth more alive than dead.
Our final stop will be the airport (please make sure you booked an evening departure). 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!
What's Included and What's Not
Inclusions
Benefit from the expertise of TWO knowledgeable guides: Shelly, an American world traveler with a degree in Global Studies, and O.D., a Maasai warrior with over eight years of guiding experience. 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 our newly converted 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.
Classic Luxury tours include in-Kenya flights from Nairobi to Amboseli and from Amboseli to Ol Pejeta.
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 and soda 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. This usually involves taking school supplies to a local school. A portion of your tour price goes to pay for this gift.
Tips for hotel staff and restaurants are all included. Not included are tips for your tour guides and any personal services you do on your own (massage, 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 Kenya is not included.
Ensure EVERY passenger, regardless of age, has a current passport with two blank pages and at least six months of validity upon arrival. Most travelers will need an eTA (similar to a visa) to enter Kenya, which can be easily applied for online.
Because there are many unknowns, we REQUIRE to you obtain travel insurance – including “cancel for any reason” coverage (when available). We like World Nomads Travel Insurance, but the company is up to you.
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 and wines they are offering.
Services such as massages and other personal care are done at your own expense.
There will be some wonderful shopping opportunities for souvenirs and gifts and our adventures – all purchases will be at your own expense
Although laundry services are available at most camps and hotels, they are not included in the tour price.
Adventure Investment
Invest in an unforgettable adventure...
This is a private event so the price is not posted. Please contact us at hello@windsweptsafaris to get the price.
Accommodations: All rooms are mid-range (NOT luxury) and based on double occupancy.
Changes: 9 Days not enough? There is an option to add on extra days if you so chose. We have many other adventures waiting for you to explore!
We also go to:
Amboseli National Park: for viewing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the big tusked elephants, swamps, and flamingos.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: to see the last two Northern White Rhino on the planet, pet a black rhino, chimpanzees, and go on a night safari
Mombasa Coast: swim in the Indian Ocean which is clean and warm ALL year long. We also go to Haller Park Sanctuary where there is a reptile center containing over 90 crocodiles; a butterfly house; fish breeding ponds; over 160 birds; nature trails and a botanical garden. There’s also a few 100+ year old tortoises here that love attention and lots of monkeys wandering around.
Check our regular tours for photos and info about these places.
Flexible Payment Options:
To make your dream safari more accessible, we offer flexible payment plans. After your deposit is made, choose between equal monthly payments or three lump sum payments. Full payment is required 30 days before departure to ensure all arrangements are smoothly finalized.
Deposits are NON-refundable (but are postponable and transferable). Please read the Terms and Conditions before placing your deposit.
What makes us unique:
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The Average Safari Costs
Safari prices range from $125 to $1,500 per person per night. Smiling Maasai Adventures includes MANY EXTRAS most other companies do not, yet we still stay in the mid-range price range. We strive to offer you an exceptional experience coupled with great value.
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TWO Expert Guides
Most tour companies only provide you with one tour guide, who is also your driver. Our tour company provides you with TWO tour guides, Shelly and O.D, who are with you from airport pickup to airport drop off. We want to make sure you feel as comfortable and secure as possible as well as receive lots of personalized attention.
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Shelly as a Tour Guide
Shelly is an American who has traveled to over 30 countries and spent many months in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa so she understands the ins and outs of travel. She also lives part time in Kenya and is integrated into the Kenyan culture. Her degree is in Global Studies (history, culture, and religions of the world). Her extensive travel coupled with her degree helps give her an understanding of different cultures and their various needs. She is also a photographer who loves taking photos. All of these attributes and skills help her accommodate your needs better and make your trip even more incredible! However, she is not a local so her costs are the same as yours.
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Memorable Photos
We will capture some of the magical moments from your journey with us. NO tour company gives you highlight photos of your trip, especially from photographers - this alone is priceless. There is also the option to purchase even more photos at the end if you desire.
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Full Day Safaris
You want to see the animals, right?! We LOVE seeing them too! So, we spend as much time as we can on the Savannah. Most companies only spend a few hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening.
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Other additional Perks
Airport pickup is included. Most of the tips are included. All meals while in Kenya are included (except airport). All counted tour days are on Kenyan soil.
