A 9-Day Kenyan Safari Adventure
Magical (9 Days)
Two Lakes + Elephant Orphanage + Maasai Mara
9 days / 8 nights
This 9-day adventure is perfect for experiencing the essence of Kenya and some of the incredible things it has to offer!
An Epic Adventure Awaits
Two days of Safaris on the famous Maasai Mara, visit a baby elephant orphanage, walk on an island with animals,
enjoy a sunset with hippos and MUCH MORE!
Value luxury / Signature luxury
Experiences
- 2 SAFARI days on the world famous Maasai Mara
- Safari in Nairobi National Park
- Boat Ride with over 350 species of Bird
- Walk with Zebras and Giraffes on a lake island
- Enjoy a sunset by lake with birds and hippos
- Visit an Elephant Orphanage
- Safari in Hells Gate National Park
- Hike to the inspiration for "Pride Rock" from The Lion King (included but optional)
- Soak in geo-thermal spa (included but optional)
- Take supplies to a local school or families in need
- Feed Giraffes from the palm of your hand
- Kazuri Beads (pottery and jewelry sold on Rodeo Drive, California)
- National Museum of Kenya
- ***SIGNATURE LUXURY ALSO INCLUDES***
- Playing with baby elephants in their environment (not just pet 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
- 30+ Professional Quality animal photos (digital downloads for self printing)
- 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.
- Elephant Orphanage
- Play with Elephants (**Signature Luxury Tour only)
- Nairobi National Park Safari
Your first morning 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.
**If you bought the Signature Luxury Tour we are given a specific time – and a special access pass – to go inside their area and play with the baby elephants. You’ll be able to interact with them, hug them, and shower them with love and attention! HOWEVER, this is based on availability and sometimes books two years in advance, so we have to plan the dates accordingly. (If we are unable to secure this, you will not be charged for this experience.)
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 first safari adventure! Inside the park, you’ll get your first glimpse of animals roaming freely in the wild. Despite its proximity to the city, the park is home to 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.
- Drive to Lake Naivasha
- Boat tour on the Lake
- Crescent Island walk among the animals
- Sunset by lake 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 350 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 by the lake with the hippos. Just before sunset, we’ll watch as the hippos emerge from the waters to graze on the shores – giving us the perfect opportunity to observe them up close.
The combination of beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife will make this a day to remember!
- Safari in Hells Gate National Park
- Obsidian wall
- Hike to “Pride Rock” (optional)
- Soak in geothermal spa (optional)
Naivasha is also home to Hell’s Gate National Park, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park features an array of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, baboons, and various other savannah animals roaming the plains. The towering cliffs and gorges provide a perfect backdrop for wildlife photography.
Inside the park, we’ll make several stops. Our first stop will be an obsidian wall formed from cooled volcanic lava, which highlights the park’s volcanic history. This black, glass-like rock wall is a geological wonder and a fascinating addition to our day’s journey.
Kenya inspired The Lion King movies; in Swahili, “Simba” even means “lion.” So, today there is the option to hike to the vantage point that inspired “Pride Rock.” Since not everyone loves to hike, it is optional. While standing on the rock, we’ll pose for a picture and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the gorge and forest below. The trail takes under an hour each way and is mildly to moderately challenging, but highly rewarding.
After our hike, we’ll drive to the largest geothermal spa in Africa, located within the park, where you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the naturally heated waters. This is an optional experience. The spa is modern and well-equipped, with plenty of lounge chairs available if you prefer to relax outside of the water.
This natural hot spring is the perfect place to unwind. The warm, mineral-rich waters are soothing and therapeutic, helping to relieve sore muscles while you enjoy the serene surroundings. It’s a great way to connect with nature in a rejuvenating and relaxing way. As a public spa, it may be busy or it may be quite empty during our visit. There are three pools, with the main one large enough to comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests.
- Drive to Narok
- Humanitarian gift
This morning, we’ll be traveling into Maasai lands. We’ll make a stop in the Maasai town of Narok, where 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 is to buy some food or animals, and pay school fees for several families in need. Another way is through the school system itself. 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 struggle 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.
If we are giving to a school, 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 before we deliver them, including soccer balls.
(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.)
- Drive to Maasai Mara
- Two SAFARI days on the famous Maasai Mara
- Hot Air Balloon ride (**Signature Luxury Tour only)
- Bush Dinner (**Signature Luxury Tour only)
We’ll awake early to make our way to the world famous Maasai Mara where we will spend the next two days. The drive to the Mara 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.
The Maasai Mara is 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!
**Our Signature Luxury Tour includes one evening dinner in the Bush surrounded by nature and one early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Maasai Mara with a champagne breakfast.
**The Hot Air Balloon departs before dawn since the temperature plays a huge role in how long the balloon can stay in the air. You’ll soar over the savanna for an hour watching the animals from a view you can only get from above. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a scrumptious champagne breakfast out on the savanna.
(For those who have a fear of heights or would rather not go on the balloon ride, you can decline and will not be charged.)
- Drive to Nairobi
- Curio
- Escarpment
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 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 pass a viewing area of the Great Rift Valley – this one is known as the Escarpment. 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.
- Feed Giraffes
- Kazuri Beads
- National Museum of Kenya
- Airport
After an incredible adventure through Kenya, we’ve reached your very last day. There are a few last adventures to be had before we say our goodbyes.
After breakfast, we’ll go feed 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 or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can get a giraffe “kiss of luck,” where the giraffe gently takes a treat from your lips! Their heads will be at eye level, providing fantastic opportunities for selfies and close-up interactions.
Next we will visit Kazuri Beads. This is a Kenyan company founded in 1975 by Lady Susan Wood. It was established to provide employment opportunities for local women, most often single mothers, to help them support their families. The term “Kazuri” means “small and beautiful” in Swahili – which fits their description accurately. They are a type of handcrafted ceramic bead made from clay, which are then fired in a kiln, and hand-painted. We’ll get a walkthrough of the process. Each bead is unique due to the artisanal nature of the production. The company has been a major source of employment for women in Kenya, contributing to their economic empowerment and improving their quality of life. The make a variety of jewelry items as well as ceramic dishes and tea sets. These items are also shipped to the U.S. and sold on Rodeo Drive in California.
Lastly, we’ll visit The National Museum of Kenya. This museum 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 here is the body of Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino. (The last two females are here in Kenya located at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. You can go see them in our 13 day Mystical tour or with the Ol Pejeta add-on).
If time allows, we will explore some more of Nairobi’s sights before we head to the airport.
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!
Why Choose Windswept Safaris...
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The Average Safari Costs
Average Safari prices in Kenya range from $125 a night to $3,500 per person per night depending a lot on your accommodations. At Windswept Safaris, we offer four levels of safari: Classic (regular), Value Luxury, Signature Luxury, and Legendary (our elite premium tour). This way, you're sure to find a safari adventure that works for you.
Our Classic is our regular tour. Our Value Luxury is our budget conscious luxury tour that's a step above our classic, but without the perks of our signature tour. Our Signature Luxury tour is high-end with lots of comforts, conveniences, and perks. These three are all priced in the mid-range of tours and below. We strive to offer you an exceptional experience coupled with great value.
The Legendary is our elite premium tour. It's exclusive, posh, and for our most prestigious guests. It is very high-end and is in the $3,000+pp a night range. -
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. Except on flights, both are with you from private airport pickup to airport drop off so you will always feel as comfortable as possible and know you are taken care of. 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.
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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 out 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 always will give you the option for a full day safari!
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Other Additional Perks
- Private Airport pickup - by us - is included.
- Most tips are included so you don't have to worry about what is acceptable and what you need to pay.
- 3 meals a day, and some snacks, while in Kenya are included (except airport).
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Shelly as a Tour Guide
Shelly (with the tortoise) 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!
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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!
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.
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
Adventure Investment
Accommodations: All rooms are based on double occupancy. If you prefer a single room there is an additional price.
Changes: If you want more days or less, we can make those arrangements for you.
The email goes to my team, and I, Shelly, heads that team. Let me know your needs and I will 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 we can 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 90 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 and payments can be payable by Venmo, PayPal, and Square.
