A 12-Day Kenyan Safari Adventure
Safari & the Sea
12 days / 11 nights
This adventure is an amazing mix of warm ocean, giant tortoises, dinners by the sea, animal encounters, a humanitarian gift, and Safaris!
An Epic Adventure Awaits
Embark on an 12-Day Ocean & Safari Adventure
We’ll spend several days at the Kenyan coast playing in the warm Indian Ocean, visiting an animal sanctuary, and just relaxing. The rest of our time will be spent around animals at two separate lakes, two days on Safari in the Maasai Mara, and a humanitarian gift! This tour is specially made to provide you with unforgettable experiences and adventures of a lifetime!
Experiences
- 4 days 3 nights at the coast
- Relaxing on the beach
- Haller Park animal conservancy
- Swim in the warm Indian Ocean
- Glass bottom boat ride
- Boat tour with birds on Lake Naivasha
- Safari around Lake Nakuru
- Boat ride on a lake with birds and hippos
- Walk with zebra and giraffes on lake island
- SAFARI for two days on the Maasai Mara
- Feed giraffes from the palm of your hand
- Take supplies to a local school
- 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.
- Fly to Mombasa
- Relax
- Water sports (at own expense)
In the morning, we’ll catch our 1-hour flight to the coast. The Mombasa coast is known for its beautiful beaches and warm water. The water temperature stays in the 80s (29°C) all year long, making for an ocean experience to remember! Low tide occurs in the mornings and early afternoons, and the beaches stretch out during these times, making it a fun adventure to go tide pool watching or simply walk along the shore.
Once we arrive at our hotel, it will be free time until dinner. You can rest, relax, or enjoy the warm water. There will also be some water sports available (at your own expense) if you want to go kite surfing, kayaking, etc.
- Relax
- Haller Park Animal Conservancy
After breakfast, we’ll visit Haller Park, a wildlife sanctuary on the coast. We’ll go visit the giraffes that live there (with the option to feed them), watch the monkeys swinging in the trees overhead, and pet the ancient giant tortoises that roam freely. There’s a reptile center with over 90 crocodiles, a butterfly house where you can sit and watch them flutter, and more than 160 bird species to admire.
We’ll also get to watch a hippo eating its lunch and some crocs getting an afternoon snack. Afterwards, we’ll head back to the beach for some sun and sand until dinner.
- Relax
- Glass bottom boat ride
- Snorkeling
- Morning relaxation
- Fly back to Nairobi
- Drive to Lake Naivasha
- Boat tour on the Lake
- Crescent Island walk among the animals
- Sunset dinner with hippos
After breakfast, we’ll start the 2.5-hour drive to Lake Naivasha. 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 the Lake
- Relax
After breakfast, we’ll drive 2 hours to Lake Nakuru. Lake Nakuru is renowned for its flamingo population and rhinos. As a rhino sanctuary, this area offers excellent opportunities to spot both southern white rhinos (threatened) and black rhinos (critically endangered). 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 Maasai Mara
- Humanitarian gift
This morning, we’ll begin our 3.5-hour drive to the famous Maasai Mara. Along the route, we’ll stop in the Maasai town of Narok, where you’ll get a glimpse of a small yet bustling town in action.
Narok 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.
Afterwards, we’ll complete our drive to the Maasai Mara. This portion of the journey is one of my favorite routes for experiencing rural Maasai culture. You’ll see the Maasai herding their cows, sheep, and goats, and schoolchildren walking along the vast roadside, surrounded by nothing but trees and bush for miles.
(Since O.D. is a Maasai, we have the unique opportunity to let you delve deeper into the Maasai culture with authentic immersion experiences. Consider adding an extra day for activities such as enjoying a traditional meal in a Maasai home, visiting a great-grandmother in her mud hut, hiking into the bush to learn how the Maasai use plants for survival, and practicing Maasai spear throwing and bow and arrow shooting. Check out our “Maasai Culture Day” add-on.)
- Two Day Safari in the Maasai Mara
We’re now in the world 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!
(There is an option to add-on a early morning hot air balloon ride and champagne breakfast. This is not a part of this tour, but we can make all the arrangements for you and will even drive you to the launching site. If you are interested, check out our “Hot Air Balloon” add-on for more information.)
- Drive to Nairobi
- Curio
- Feed Giraffes
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.
Along the way, we’ll also pass a viewing area of the Great Rift Valley. This massive geological rift stretches from Mozambique to the Middle East. We’ll stop at one of the viewing points so you can marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder. The dramatic cliffs and vast plains showcase Kenya’s diverse topography.
Once in Nairobi, we’ll head over to The Giraffe Center, 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! Only the giraffes here will give you a kiss.
- National Museum of Kenya
- Sightsee Nairobi
- Airport
After an incredible adventure through Kenya, we’ve reached your very last day.
The National Museum of Kenya features many fascinating exhibits such as the Cradle of Humankind, where you’ll find some of history’s oldest humanoid skulls; a comprehensive history of Kenya from pre-colonial times through colonialism to independence; and the Hall of Mammals, which showcases some of the rarest Kenyan animals in the world, including the pangolin. For bird enthusiasts, there’s a section dedicated to the hundreds of bird species found in East Africa, allowing you to appreciate their vibrant colors and diverse sizes up close. Also on display is the body of Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino.
If time allows, we will explore some of Nairobi’s many sights before we head to the airport.
Our final stop 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!
Adventure Investment
Invest in an unforgettable adventure...
Our Classic Luxury option includes additional features, amenities, and exclusive privileges, reflecting a higher price point.
– You’re able to play with the baby orphan elephants one on one instead of touch them from behind a rope.
– We go at a slower pace to allow more time to relax and unwind.
– The accommodations are much more luxurious, convenient, and are all hand picked by us for their spectacular surroundings, convenience, and/or a serene and relaxing ambiance.
– There is much more variety of food and is of a higher standard of cooking and quality.
– Service from staff is top notch.
– Some of the drives we swap out for a short plane ride.
I (Shelly) will chat with you personally about your specific desires and needs. I will then give you the prices based on your answers creating a bespoke itinerary tailored made just for you and your group.
Just reach out to me and I’ll contact you directly to make a time to connect. Keep in mind I might be in Kenya, and the time zones vary a lot in this world, so give me some time to respond and set up a time to chat with you via email, phone, or video.
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.
Deposits can be payable by Venmo, PayPal, and Square.
*A deposit saves your dates and your price for prices are subject to change
What’s included in your Investment:
-
The Average Safari Costs
Safari prices range from $125 to $3,000 per person per night. At Windswept Safaris, we offer three levels of luxury: Value, Classic, and Premium.
This way, you're sure to find what you're searching for. We strive to offer you an exceptional experience coupled with great value. -
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. Except on flights, both are with you from private airport pickup to airport drop off so you will always feel as comfortable as possible. Two guides also ensures you receive a lot of personalized attention. Shelly's attention can be focused all on you while making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
-
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!
-
Memorable Photos
We will capture some of the magical moments from your journey and gift them to you (in the form of digital downloads) as a Thank You for adventuring with us! There will also be the option to purchase some professional level photos (digital) of your trip as taken by Shelly. What better way to reminisce and showcase the experiences you had here then seeing photos of the actual animals you saw LIVE hanging on your wall at home.
-
Full Day Safaris
We know you came on this trip to see LOTS of animals! We LOVE seeing them too! So, we spend as much time as we can on the safaris. Most companies only spend a few hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening out observing the wildlife, but we always give you the option for an all day safari!
-
Other additional Perks
Private Airport pickup - by us - is included. Most tips are included and all meals while in Kenya are included (except airport).
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 unkowns, we REQUIRE to you obtain travel insurance. We are happy to give you some recommendations.
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.
We allow you to decided if you would like to add this hour long ride to your adventure.
