A 12-Day Kenyan Safari Adventure
Mystical Kenya (12 Days)
"Magical Kenya" + Rhinos + Night Safari + Waterhole
12 days / 11 nights
Visit the last two Northern White Rhinos on the planet, pet a baby orphan elephant, explore on a night safari,
pet a black rhino, eat by a waterhole, walk on an island with animals, sunset with hippos, and MUCH MORE!
An Epic Adventure Awaits
This 12-day journey has everything from the 8-day “Magical” tour including two days safari on the Maasai Mara, visiting an elephant orphanage, walking with animals, a boat tour, sunset with hippos, feeding giraffes, and more! And then we add seeing the last two northern white rhinos, petting a black rhino, seeing chimpanzees, going on a nighttime Safari, and eating by a waterhole. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a very special experience. There is nothing quite as humbling as being in the presence of a live “extinct” animal. Though science is trying to save them, this mother and daughter are the last two of their species. They are under 24 hour guard for their safety and protection
ADVENTURES
- Visit with the last two Northern White Rhinos (on the planet)
- Give a blind Black Rhino some affection
- Eat while overlooking a Waterhole
- Visit a Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Adventure on a Night Safari
- Pass over the Equator and see the gravity shift demonstration
- 2 SAFARI days exploring the world famous Maasai Mara savanna
- A Safari in Nairobi National Park
- Visit an Elephant Orphanage and pet a baby elephant
- Feed Giraffes from the palm of your hand
- Glide over a lake in a boat with over 350+ species of Bird in the area
- Stroll with Zebra and Giraffes on a private lake island
- Enjoy a breathtaking sunset by a lake while watching hippos graze nearby
- Safari in Hells Gate National Park
- Hike to the inspiration for "Pride Rock" in the Lion King
- Soak in the largest Geothermal pool in all of Africa
- Take supplies to a local school or families in need
- Experience some authentic cultural immersion with the Maasai
- Eat a warm home cooked Maasai meal
- Tour Kazuri Beads (handmade pottery and jewelry sold on Rodeo Drive, California)
- Expand your mind in the National Museum of Kenya
- Receive some hightlight photos of your tour as a Thank You for adventuring with us
- ***THE LUXURY TOUR ALSO INCLUDES***
- Playing with baby orphan elephants in their environment (not just petting them from behind a rope)
- Soaring above the Maasai Mara in a Hot Air Balloon (included but optional)
- Enjoying a delicious dinner in the Bush surrounded by nature
- Accommodations that are much more luxurious, spacious, have a wider variety of food, and higher levels of service
- Receive Additional Professional Quality photos of your tour (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 savanna, marvel at the exotic views of Africa, play with baby elephants, 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 no wonder. Once you’ve landed you will be met at airport for a private transfer to your hotel to rest and unwind. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, we’ll explore some local sites and give you your first taste of Kenya culture. If you arrive in the evening, or are feeling 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 morning will begin with a heartwarming visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Here we will watch the babies eat, frolic, and roll in the mud. Baby elephants love attention and affection. In our Value and Classic tour, there is a small rope that separates us from the babies. The orphans will walk along the ropes and chew on branches while letting you give them some rubs. **If you purchased the Luxury Tour, we are given a specific time – and a special access pass – to go inside their area and interact with the baby elephants as a private group. You’ll be able to hug them and shower them with love and affection! (both examples below)
The elephant orphanage is located within Nairobi National Park, so after our time with the elephants, we will hop in 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 the parks proximity to the city, you will still find elephants, rhinos, hippos, and even lions here. In some areas, you can even see the contrasting cityscape in the background, which makes for some thought-provoking photos. This is also where you’ll find the piles of ivory from the five Kenya “ivory burns” in which they were telling the world these animals are worth more to them -and us- alive!
- Drive to Narok
- Eat Home cooked Maasai Meal
After breakfast we’ll begin our two hour journey to Narok county – the home of the Maasai. We’ll visit the town of Narok itself and you’ll be able to witness this small yet bustling town in action. We’ll go visit a couple of local shops and even a local artisan shop. 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
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 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 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. 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.
- Drive to Maasai Mara
- Two SAFARI days on the famous Maasai Mara
- Bush Dinner (**Luxury Tour only)
- Hot Air Balloon ride (**Luxury Tour only)
We’ll awake early to make our way to the world famous Maasai Mara. The Maasai Mara is 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. This is the world of lions, elephants, leopards, cheetah, zebra, elephants, warthogs, and so MUCH MORE!
Whether we’ve packed a lunch or are just stretching, we’ll take some time to relax in the shade of an iconic African Acacia tree. Here, you can breathe in the beauty that surrounds us. 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 here is filled with wonder! **If you purchased the Luxury Tour, it also includes an evening dinner “in the bush” surrounded by nature and an early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Maasai Mara with a champagne breakfast (included but optional).
- Drive to Lake Naivasha
- Boat tour on the Lake
- Crescent Island walk among the animals
- Sunset with the hippos
After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes to the Mara and start the 2-hour journey to Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 species of bird, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for the fish eagle, heron, osprey, hamerkop, and kingfisher. Once we arrive, we’ll take a boat tour out on the lake. 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, adding an element of awe and excitement to our ride (thankfully, they are used to the fisherman and the boats).
The boat will then ferry us to Crescent Island close by. 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 awe-inspiring opportunity to walk among some of Africa’s most beloved animals like the giraffe and zebra.. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
- Safari in Hells Gate National Park
- Hike to the inspiration for “Pride Rock”
- Soak in the largest “Geothermal Spa” in all of Africa
In the morning, we’ll drive to Hells Gate National Park which is close to the Lake. Here you’ll find obsidian walls as well as towering cliffs looming above you. We’ll see zebra, giraffes, baboons, and many other wild animals in this park. Hell’s Gate is also home to the rock used as the inspiration for Pride Rock in The Lion King movies. So, after we enjoy our lunch, we’ll set off on a medium level hike (optional) (around 45 min+ each way) to see the beautiful vantage point from high above.
After the hike, there’s nothing like relaxing in hot mineral water to soothe your sore muscles, and any cares, away. Inside Hell’s Gate is the largest Geothermal Spa in all of Africa. It’s nice and modern and we’ll take some time to soak in the waters. So, don’t forget your swimsuit! At 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!
- Drive to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Equator Marker
- Lunch by a Waterhole
- Chimpanzees
After breakfast, we’ll begin our 4 hour journey to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Inside the conservancy, there will be an equator marker offering a fun and unique opportunity to stand on the invisible line that divides the Earth in half between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. For lunch we’ll head to the lodge for a delicious meal while overlooking a waterhole. It’s anyone’s guess what animals might come for a drink as we relax and watch the sunset. There are benches on the lawn specifically for your viewing pleasure. (Don’t worry—a secure fence separates us from the waterhole, so you can relax comfortably while watching the animals drink and bathe.)
Ol Pejeta is a wildlife sanctuary teeming with diverse animal life, so we’ll spend the afternoon on a safari exploring this incredible park. As we roam the landscape, we’ll have the chance to observe various animals and search for some of the rarer and more endangered species that inhabit the area, including the Grevy’s zebra and the African wild dog. We’ll also go visit the chimpanzee sanctuary inside the park. Chimpanzees share an astounding 98.8% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest genetic relatives. This sanctuary is dedicated to providing a safe haven for rescued chimpanzees in need of protection.
- Last two Northern White Rhinos
- Pet Baraka the Black Rhino
- Safari around the Conservancy
- Night Safari
Ol Pejeta is a special place for multiple reasons, but most importantly, it is home to the last two Northern White Rhino on the planet. Being in their presence is both a humbling and emotional experience. War, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict have taken a massive toll on these magnificent animals. They once roamed in the thousands but now there are only two. Unfortunately, the last male died in 2019, so these two rhinos are females—a mother and her daughter—and are the very last of their species. Science is working hard to try to save this species using sperm from the last two males, but there is no guarantee. Currently, the Northern White Rhino is officially labeled as “extinct.”
Since this is the rhino day, we’ll also go pay a visit to Baraka, the blind black rhino. He’s small and loves affection. The picture here of me and O.D. is with Baraka. After nightfall, we’ll embark on a nighttime safari. The rules of a conservancy differ from those of a national park, making Ol Pejeta one of the few places in Kenya where night safaris are allowed. With a spotlight and an expert Ol Pejeta guide, we’ll search for some of the more elusive animals that come out after sunset, such as aardvarks, zorillas, and bat-eared foxes. It can get cold at night, so be sure to wear layers and a beanie hat.
- Drive Back to Nairobi
- Equator marker
- Kazuri Beads
This morning we’ll begin our 4-hour drive back to Nairobi. As we travel, we’ll pass by the majestic Mt. Kenya and cross back over the equator into the Southern Hemisphere. At the equator marker, we’ll stop this time for some fun photo opportunities and a brief demonstration that shows how gravity shifts here.
Next we will visit Kazuri Beads. This is a Kenyan company formed 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 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.
- Morning Relaxation
- National Museum of Kenya
- Giraffe Center
- Airport for those flying home
We’ll have some more relaxation time then go visit The National Museum of Kenya. This museum has 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 here 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 stuffed body of Sudan, the last Northern White Rhino male.
Afterwards, we’ll make our way to the 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 or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can get a giraffe “kiss of luck,” where the giraffe gently takes a treat from your lips!
If time allows, afterwards we’ll head to a Kenyan Mall for some shopping.
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!
Mid-Luxury Accommodations
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Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence
(right) Nestled just beside Nairobi Arboretum, a sprawling forest reserve that is home to over 300 exotic tree species and over 100 bird species, guests have a unique opportunity to explore the oasis of calm that lies just outside their front door. At the Radisson Blu you'll enjoy stylish leisure in this beautiful, green and safe space. This 5 star hotel’s contemporary interiors feature upscale amenities and exclusive services like free Wi-Fi, individual climate control and 24-hour room service. Onsite you’ll find an expansive spa, sauna, steam rooms, swimming pool and fitness center. (this hotel or comparable)
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Keekorok Lodge Maasai Mara
(right) Keekorok Lodge is rated 5 stars and is another absolute favorite of mine. It's inside the Maasai Mara park and in a secluded area all it's own, so the entire camp is surrounded by nature. I've woken up to elephants walking by outside and herds of antelope walking by. It's a truly magical place. There's even a hippo bar out back, so you walk along a pathway to a hut where you can sip on a refreshing drink while overlooking the hippo pool watching the hippos talk and interact inside the water. Keekorok Lodge has also been given a 2024 TripAdvisors Travelers Choice award. On site you'll find an outside pool, a spa, salon, massages, poolside bar, gym, and more! (this hotel or comparable - based on availability)
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Sopa Lodge Lake Naivasha
(left) The Sopa Lodge at Lake Naivasha is It is truly a traquil retreat. It's one of my favorite places to stay in Naivasha. Not only is it right on the lake, there is a herd of zebra and who live on the property as well as a tower of giraffes that roam around eating the vegetation. So, you get to sit back and relax on your balcony and watch zebras wander by right outside your door. At sunset, you can watch as the hippos emerge out of the lake to eat their dinner on the shoreline grasses. The Sopa Lodge has been given a 2024 TripAdvisors Travelers Choice award. On site there is a pool, pool side bar, restaurants, gym with gym room, and more! (this hotel or comparable - based on availability)
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 airport pickup to airport drop off. They are there 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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Full Day Safaris
We know you came on this trip to see LOTS of animals! We LOVE seeing the animals, too! So, we spend as much time as we can out on the savannas 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 give you the option of a full day safari!
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Shelly as a Tour Guide
Shelly (right), 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 and spent many months in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She has gained 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. VALUE is our standard tier made up of standard accommodations, CLASSIC is a mixture of 3, 4, and 5 star hotels depending on aesthetics and/or location, and LUXURY is 5 star hotels (where available) chosen for aesthetics and/or location. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional value with every tour. While we include a range of exclusive extras (including photos, a second tour guide, and full day Safaris) our tours still remain very competitively priced within the mid-range of industry standards. That said, if you're after the lowest price possible, we are not your best option. However, if you’re looking for unmatched quality and value, you won’t find a better option anywhere else!
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Humanitarian Gift
It is 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 part of the world. 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. 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 local people.
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Memorable Photos
We will capture some highlights 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 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!
What's Included and What's Not
Inclusions
Benefit from the expertise of TWO knowledgeable guides: O.D., a Maasai warrior with over eight years of guiding experience, and Shelly, an American world traveler with a degree in Global Studies. 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 a 4×4 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 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. A portion of your tour price goes to pay for this gift.
Tips for hotel staff and restaurants are included.
Not included are tips for your tour guides and any personal services you do on your own (massage, laundry, 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 home country to Kenya is not included. If you need assistance booking your airfare, just ask us and we can assist you or refer you to a trusted travel agent
Ensure your passport is current with two blank pages and at least six months of validity upon arrival. Most travelers will need an eTa (electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya, which can be easily applied for online.
Because there are many unknowns, we REQUIRE to you obtain a minimum of standard travel insurance. Additional “cancel for any reason” coverage is recommended to protect your investment if you need to cancel for reasons not stated in the the standard insurance. We like Allianz travel Insurance, but the company you use is up to you.
There are recommended vaccines, but none are currently required to get into Kenya at this time – 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) then you’ll need a yellow fever vaccine. (The US and Europe does not have yellow fever).
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).
We are not doctors. We recommend you visit a travel clinic at least three months before your tour so you have the time and info you need to make an informed decision before you travel.
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, wines, and spirits they are offering. Tips for bartender and bar attendants are not included.
Personal services, such as massages, are at your own expense. Tips for these personal services are to your discretion and not included.
There will be some wonderful shopping opportunities for souvenirs and gifts and our adventures – all purchases will be at your own expense
Laundry services are not included. However, most camps and hotels provide the option. We suggest packing 6 days worth of clothes.
Adventure Investment
Mystical Kenya - 12 Day
Prices are in USD, per person, and based on double occupancy
- VALUE: $9,287 pp (min 4) $7,987pp (min 6)
- CLASSIC: $11,787 pp (min 4) $10,487 pp (min 6)
- LUXURY: $17,950 pp (min 4) $15,850 pp (min 6)
- VALUE: add $800 per person
- CLASSIC: add $1200 per person
- LUXURY: add $1300 per person
Accommodations: All rates are based on double occupancy for each room. If you prefer a single room there is an additional cost since the charge is usually per room.
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, three lump sum payments, or four lump sum payments (all auto-withdrawn). A 5% fee is added to the balance (after deposit) if you utilize a payment plan option. Full payment is required 90 days before departure to ensure all arrangements are smoothly finalized.
Deposit: A deposit of 20% 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 All major CCs, ACH bank transfer, or Square.
Contact us and we’ll set up a time to have a virtual coffee or tea 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.
