Mystical Kenya

Start your journey to Nairobi, Kenya

Embark for your adventure of a lifetime! No matter what region of the world you are coming from, your adventure begins the moment you step off the plane.

So, take a deep breath… you’re finally on your way to a far off place full of magic! Experience wild animals surviving on the open savannah, tribes that still practice ancient traditions, and amazing wilderness views that can only be seen in Kenya. 

You’re off on a real-life African adventure filled with unforgettable moments and lifelong memories!

• Connect with each other
• Sightsee or Sleep

Karibu Kenya! (Welcome to Kenya!)  Kenya has been the #1 tourist Safari destination in the world for 10 years in a row! Once you’ve landed in Nairobi,  we will pick you up IN PERSON and greet you at the airport. Samuel (O.D.) will be there in full traditional Maasai attire (a rare and fun sight at the International airport), and I will be the only blonde in the crowd outside. 

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, we’ll go see some of the local sites, giving you your first taste of Kenya’s vibrant culture. If your arrival is in the evening times or later, or if you’re feeling the effects of travel, we’ll head straight to your hotel. Here, you can unwind and rest, preparing yourself for the upcoming adventures.

• Elephant Orphanage
• Nairobi National Park Safari

Your first morning in Africa will begin with a heartwarming visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Here we’ll watch the baby elephants eat, frolic, and roll in the mud. These playful giants love affection. 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 little one touches your heart, you’ll have the opportunity to “adopt” them for a year.  If you do so, information about your elephant will be sent to you monthly. This makes a wonderful momento or even a gift for a fellow elephant lover.)

The elephant orphanage is inside Nairobi National Park, so after our time with the elephants we will hop in the land cruiser and go on our first Safari adventure!  Inside the park you’ll get your first glimpse of animals as they roam free in the wild. There are lions, giraffes, and rhinos in this park.  All of these animals, including the elephant, are on the “endangered species” list. Kenya became a non-hunting country in 1977 to help prevent poaching.  Inside this park is an emotional site where approx. 16,000 ivory tusks and 343 rhino horns were burned in 2016 – a powerful statement to the world that these animals are worth more to everyone alive. 

• Drive to Lake Naivasha
• Great Rift Valley Escarpment
• Boat tour on the Lake
• Crescent Island walk among the animals

After breakfast we’ll start the 2.5 hour drive to Lake Naivasha.  Most of our trip will be inside the Kenyan portion of the Great Rift Valley – a massive geological rift that spans from Mozambique to the Middle East.  We’ll make a stop at one of the viewpoints so you can gaze in awe at the beauty of this natural marvel. The escarpment’s dramatic cliffs and sprawling plains provide a perfect introduction to Kenya’s diverse topography.

At the lake, we’ll take a 1-hour boat tour out on the waters. This lake is home to over 400 species of birds, 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, the heron, the osprey, the hamerkop, and the kingfisher.  

Watching the local fishermen standing in these 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 excursion. Observing hippos in their natural environment underscores the unique and magical atmosphere of Lake Naivasha.

At the end of our lake tour, the boat will take us over to Crescent Island. This private island is a haven for wildlife.  There are more animals here per acre than any other Kenyan park. Since there are no predators, 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 proximity to these animals allows for some 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.

• Roam Hells Gate National Park
• Obsidian Wall
• Hike to “Pride Rock”
• Soak in geothermal spa
• Sunset dinner by the lake – with hippos

Today, we’ll explore Hell’s Gate National Park. This park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and its rich biodiversity. Inside the park is an array of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, baboons, and various other savannah animals freely roaming the plains. The backdrop of towering cliffs and gorges provides the perfect setting for wildlife photography.

Our first stop will be an obsidian wall formed from cooled volcanic lava, which is a testament to the park’s volcanic history. The black glass-like rock wall is a fascinating geological wonder and a fun addition to the day’s journey.

Next, we’ll embark on an optional hike to a vantage point that inspired the iconic “Pride Rock” from The Lion King. Pose for a picture and enjoy panoramic views of the gorge and forest below. The trail takes under an hour each way and is moderately challenging but highly rewarding for its panoramic views.  

After our hike, we’ll head to the largest geothermal spa in all of Africa, which is located within the park. This natural hot spa is the perfect place to unwind. The warm, mineral-rich waters are soothing and therapeutic. Here, you can relax and soak your cares – and sore muscles – away while enjoying the serene surroundings. The spa experience is both a rejuvenating and relaxing way to connect with nature.

Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a magical sunset dinner by the lake. Just before sunset you will see the hippos emerge from the tranquil waters to graze on the shores. This offers a wonderful opportunity to see them in full view and at a much closer distance than normal. The combination of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and incredible wildlife will make this an evening to remember!

• Drive to Narok
• Gather school supplies
• Take supplies to a local school

These next two days will not just be about seeing; they will be about experiencing and understanding. You will be connecting with the local community, learning what their life is like, and contributing to them in a meaningful way.  After breakfast we’ll start the 2 hour drive to the town of Narok.  Here we will begin our culture immersion experiences.

Kenya is still a developing country, so there are many ways we can help the local people at the ground level. One of the ways we help 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 also 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.

Funds for 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. Every school needs different things, so we call ahead and find out what they need most, then we buy these supplies and take them to the school – and we always make sure to bring along some soccer balls.

• Drive into the Mau Mountains
• Visit great-grandmother in munyata (dung hut)
• Trek into the bush
• Shoot bows and throw spears

Today we will journey into the picturesque Mau Mountains for authentic cultural immersion experiences. The Mau region offers picturesque natural beauty and a profound sense of tranquility. As we ascend, you will notice the pace of life slowing down as we will visit a working Maasai family farm where the traditional Maasai life is preserved.

You will meet a Maasai great-grandmother who continues to live according to ancient Maasai traditions. She resides in a munyata (dung hut), a type of home constructed from natural materials that have been used by the Maasai for generations. This visit offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of the Maasai people, highlighting their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land.

Maasai are herders by trade and for hundreds of years they’ve lived off the land while shepherding their cows and goats across hundreds of miles of the Kenyan landscapes. In the Mau, you’ll go “into the bush” where your guide will show you some of the local flora they use for various herbal remedies and personal hygiene. You’ll also get the chance to shoot an authentic Maasai bow, throw a Maasai spear, and wield a Maasai machete.  

Witnessing the Maasai way of life, their resilience, and their close relationship with nature can inspire admiration and reflection on your own culture and way of life.

It’s SAFARI TIME!!!! Over the next two days, we’ll be immersed in the untamed beauty of the world-famous Maasai Mara Savannah! This iconic landscape is a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to observe nature at its most authentic.

Most tour companies only take their guests out for a few hours in the morning and then a few hours in the late afternoon.  We pack a lunch and go out for an all day adventure!  We spend as much time out on the savannah as we possibly can.  However, camp is never too far away for those who want to exchange some exploration time for some relaxation.

Each day, we’ll set out scouting for the Big 5 and watching the diverse array of animals along the way.  You’ll want your camera at the ready as we search for the lions, leopards, and cheetahs.  We’ll watch towering giraffes as they graze the treetops and the magnificent elephants roam the plains. We’ll marvel at the sight of hippos and crocodiles in the rivers, and we’ll keep a lookout for the rare rhinos. There’s also zebra, baboons, mongoose, hyena, and a myriad of other amazing creatures to add to our scouting list.

During the day, we’ll take a break from exploring and sit under the shade of an iconic African Acacia tree, where we’ll enjoy our lunch and breathe in the beauty that surrounds us. Relaxing in the wild is such an incredible experience for reflecting 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 hues of orange, pink, and purple.  

Our safaris are not just about spotting wildlife, they’re about experiencing the heartbeat of Africa. It’s about connecting with the wild, feeling the pulse of the earth, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Every moment is filled with wonder!

• Drive to Nairobi
• Curio Shop
• Giraffe Center

Today is your last day in Kenya, and we have one more unforgettable experience before you head back home. After breakfast we head back to Nairobi. The drive, spanning approximately four hours, offers scenic views and a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences we’ve shared. On the way to Nairobi we’ll make a stop at my favorite Curio shop, a treasure trove of Kenyan artistry. This expansive shop features an array 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 favorites in this shop is the malachite stone. Malachite is a beautiful 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 stunning pieces of jewelry and animal figures, making for perfect mementos of your African adventure. 

Once we’re in Nairobi we’ll drive over to The Giraffe Center, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and breeding of the endangered Rothschild giraffe. You’re able to feed them from the palm of your hand… literally. Their heads will be at eye level, which makes for some fantastic selfies and close-up interactions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even get a giraffe “Kiss of Luck,” where the giraffe gently takes a treat from your lips – a truly unique experience!

Our final stop will be the airport. As we drive, we’ll review and share photos from the incredible journey we’ve shared – from the breathtaking landscapes and thrilling wildlife encounters to the cultural experiences and new friendships made. We sincerely hope you had an amazing adventure with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures, laughs, memories, and fun in the future!