A 9-Day Kenyan Safari Adventure
Great Migration (9 Days)
Magical Kenya (9 Days)
9 days / 8 nights
This is the SAME itinerary just different times of the year.
Come and witness the 7th Wonder of the Natural World as seen on National Geographic!
An Epic Adventure Awaits
Experience the thrill of the Great Migration, visit a baby elephant orphanage, walk on an island with wild animals, give a humanitarian gift, and so much more! Every moment is specially crafted to provide an unforgettable experience and adventure of a lifetime!
Value / Classic / Luxury
Experiences
- 2 SAFARI days on the world famous Maasai Mara
- Witness the Great Migration (July-Oct)
- A chance to witness a Wildebeest river crossing (July-Oct)
- Visit an Elephant Orphanage
- Safari in Nairobi National Park
- Boat Ride on a lake with over 350 species of Bird
- Walk with Zebras and Giraffes on a lake island
- Sunset by a lake with birds and hippos
- Authentic cultural immersion with the Maasai
- Eat a home cooked Maasai meal
- Take supplies to a local school or some families in need
- Feed Giraffes from the palm of your hand
- Kazuri Beads (pottery and jewelry sold on Rodeo Drive, California)
- Some Highlight Photos of your Trip
- ***THE LUXURY TOUR 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
- Additional 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 (**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 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.
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!
- AM Relaxation
- Drive to Narok
- Eat Home cooked Maasai Meal
This morning is free time. You can sleep in, read, or just relax by the water. After checkout, we’ll have some lunch and then start the 2 hour drive to Narok county – the home of the Maasai. 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. While ther we’ll go to a local store and see a couple of artisan shops.
In the evening, we’ll head into a beautiful area to have a home cooked dinner by a Maasai.
- Humanitarian gift
- Entiak for Great-grandmother
- Small hike into “the bush”
- Maasai weapons
This will be our Humanitarian / Cultural Immersion day
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 and/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 we’ll go shopping for a few more plus get some food for a great-grandmother who lives in the hills.
Since O.D. is a Maasai, we have the unique opportunity to let you delve deeper into the Maasai culture with authentic immersion experiences.
We’ll take a drive up into the hills where we’ll visit a great-grandmother in her mud hut, go on a small hike into the bush to learn how the Maasai use plants for survival, and then practice throwing a Maasai spear and shooting a bow and arrow just for fun.
- Two SAFARI days on the famous Maasai Mara
- Chance to Witness a Wildebeest River Crossing
- Hot Air Balloon ride (**Luxury Tour only)
- Bush Dinner (**Luxury Tour only)
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.
During the months of July, Aug, and Sept, the Great Migration happens in Kenya. Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras make their way into Kenya from Tanzania to graze on the grasses and cross the rivers to reach even more grass. The herds range from small to thousands strong. Because these animals are wild, witnessing a river crossing cannot be guaranteed, but usually, at least one crossing occurs every two or three days. (Adding an extra day or two will up your chances of seeing a river crossing if that’s your main objective.)
We’ll go out exploring and keep our ear to the radio to await the news of when a herd is getting close to a river. Once we receive word, we’ll drive over to see if they are brave enough to face the current and escape the crocodiles waiting below. It only takes one brave wildebeest or zebra to start the whole herd crossing. When they do cross, it’s just like a scene out of National Geographic. In fact, it’s possible Nat Geo photographers will be filming alongside us.
Each day, we’ll also be setting out to scout for the Big 5 and watching 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 Luxury tour includes one evening dinner in the Bush surrounded by nature and an 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 you 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.
Afterwards we’ll go to a Kenyan Mall and do a little shopping 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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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 private airport pickup to airport drop off 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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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 spending many months in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. From these experiences she has 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 in Kenya 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, Classic, and Luxury. Even with all the extra we offer, these three options are still priced within the mid-range of tour costs or lower. You will NOT find the same level of value and quality anywhere else. Our fourth category is the Legendary tour and it is our Elite Premium Tour. It's exclusive, posh, and for our most prestigious guests. It is very high-end and ranges $3,000+ usd per person a night. Email us for more info.
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Memorable Photos
We will capture some of the magical moments from your journey and gift them to you (digital downloads) as a Thank You for adventuring with us! There will also be the option to purchase professional level photos of the savanna animals as taken by Shelly. 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!
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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 will always give you the option of a full day safari!
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Participation
We provide many activities for those who prefer to see as much as possible. But, as travelers, we also understand the need for rest and relaxation so you always have the option to sit out whatever you wish.
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 your city to 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 note some vaccines are recommended, but NONE are required to get into Kenya or Tanzania – 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). Persons above a certain age may be exempt from the yellow fever vaccine requirement.
If you’re coming from the USA or Europe, there are no required vaccines – but there are recommended ones. We will be spending at least one day in local areas so be aware.
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).
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. Unlimited water is included.
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
Prices are in USD (or equivalent)
MAGICAL KENYA (9 Day) Nov-June:
- VALUE: $6,587 per person (min 4) $5,587 pp (min 6)
- CLASSIC: $8,587 per person (min 4) $7,587 pp (min 6)
- LUXURY: $13,580 per person (min 4) $12,580 pp (min 6)
GREAT MIGRATION (9 Day) July-Oct:
- VALUE: $7,375 per person (min 4) $6,375 pp (min 6)
- CLASSIC: $9,375 per person (min 4) $8,375 pp (min 6)
- LUXURY: $14,950 per person (min 4) $14,350 pp (min 6)
Accommodations: All rates are based on double occupancy for each room. If you prefer a single room there is an additional cost.
Changes: If you want more days or less, we can make those arrangements 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 or three lump sum payments (auto-withdrawn). A 5% fee is added to the balance (after deposit) if you utilize a payment plan option. Full payment is required 60 days before departure to ensure all arrangements are smoothly finalized.
Deposit: A deposit of 25% 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 Square, Venmo, and PayPal.
Contact us and we’ll set up a time to have a virtual tea/coffee 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.
