"Fifty on Safari"
Ben Lomond 1994 (9 Day)

• Start your journey to Nairobi, Kenya
• Connect with each other
• Sightsee or Sleep

• 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

• 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!