Few places on earth demand your full attention quite like Kenya. On this immersive adventure, stay at a Maasai-owned lodge where the culture runs as deep as the hospitality. From the vast plains of the Maasai Mara to bush dinners under an endless sky, this is East Africa at its most authentic and most beautifully unhurried.
Travel Style
The Geluxe Collection
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge Stay, Il Ngwesi
Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu 3-Course Farm-to-Table Lunch, Maai Mahiu
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your OMG Day: Maasai Village Visit or Kenya Wildlife Safari Drive, Il Ngwesi. Complimentary Arrival and Departure Transfers. Welcome and Farewell dinners. Safari drive near Il Ngwesi Lodge. Bush walk with a Maasai guide. Safari drive in the Maasai Mara Reserve. Tree Planting Experience. Bush dinner. Internal flight between Nairobi & Il Ngwesi Lodge. Internal flight between Il Ngwesi Lodge & Maasai Mara. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Stay at a Maasai-owned lodge steeped in culture and warm hospitality, Track wildlife on foot alongside a Maasai guide who knows this land deeply, Witness the spectacle of the Great Migration on safari in the Maasai Mara, Dine under the stars in the bush with the African plains as your backdrop, Sit down for a community lunch at a G Adventures-supported East African café
How large will the group be?
Max 12, Avg. 8
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, plane, walking, open-air safari vehicle.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (2nts), Safari Lodge (2nts), Tented Safari Camp (3nts).
Itinerary
Nairobi: Welcome to Kenya
From culture to wildlife to active adventures, Kenya has it all, and has well-earned its reputation as one of the best places for safari in Africa. But this adventure goes way beyond that, bringing you a step further off the beaten path. Welcome to Nairobi and to Kenya, where we invite you to leave your hesitations behind and dive straight into the action. Join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Afterwards, head out for a delicious welcome dinner.
Il Ngwesi: Maasai Wildlife Tracking
Without a doubt the Maasai people have become the symbol of East Africa in many ways. North of Nairobi, south of Samburu, sits a very special lodge with a very special story. Il Ngwesi is owned and operated by the local Maasai community. The aim is to invite travelers to meet the community and feel completely immersed into your surroundings. It can be hard to really understand a culture when you are limited to a quick hour-long visit, and this experience at Il Ngwesi is the exact opposite. Spend plenty of time with your hosts, asking questions and discussing life. Join them on a bush walk to learn local techniques, or visit the village to learn how to craft some beautiful beadwork. With a laid back pace and a completely private experience, your stay at Il Ngwesi is completely worthy of its OMG status. After a short flight from Nairobi to Laikipia, transfer to a vehicle to make your way north to Il Ngwesi. Keep your eyes peeled as you will be on safari some of the way to the lodge. Stretch your legs this afternoon and join your Maasai guides on a bush walk as they teach you different bird calls and how to spot elephant tracks in the bush.
Il Ngwesi: Your OMG Day
Awake this morning at Il Ngwesi and with no front wall whatsoever, the fresh air wafts in as the sun rises. Rooms are built in the traditional style using wood and earth to afford travelers the opportunity to feel connected to traditional Maasai life in a very unique way. The lodge has an incredible location, set away from other tourist spots, and your hosts and guides are the Maasai men and women from the nearby community. Though not quite as modern as other facilities in Kenya, Il Ngwesi brings you straight into the heart of a Maasai community who are keen to welcome you and engage with you from the moment you arrive.
Today you get to choose! Do you want to visit a local Maasai Village or spot wildlife? If the village visit sounds right, you will head off to one nearby and learn more about Maasai culture. If you're looking for something more wildlife focused, choose to embark on morning safari alongside extremely knowledgeable Maasai guides through some of Kenya's most spectacular scenery and spot the legendary wildlife of the plains. The afternoon is for enjoying the lodge's atmosphere and amenities before a delicious dinner together as a group. Today might just be the best day of your trip. For your OMG Day, choose between a cultural immersion visit to a nearby Maasai village, or set off on a morning wildlife safari drive through Kenya's beautiful landscape in search for the legendary creatures that call this place home. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy free time at the lodge before a group dinner in the evening.
Maasai Mara: Gateway to Safari
Hosting the safari Big Five, the Great Migration and offering unparalleled wildlife encounters, the Mara is a destination you could easily spend weeks discovering. With some of the largest populations of lions, leopards and cheetahs in the world, Maasai Mara is one of the most legendary safari destinations. After your flight, waste no time before your first unforgettable safari out in its rugged grasslands. If safari is what brought you to Africa, then get your binoculars ready. After a flight to Maasai Mara, we'll head out on safari in the national park renowned for having the highest concentration of big cats in the world. You'll be amazed how these giant cats are still master disguisers.
Maasai Mara: Safari from Sunrise to Sunset
You begin to recognize the soulful soundtrack of the wild at dawn, the comforting scent of the evening fire after an epic day on safari, and the responsive rhythm of the vehicle as it navigates the vast bush. The sheer wonder of discovery—witnessing a breathtaking spectacle of Earth's diversity—is an unforgettable thrill that stays with you. Thankfully, an extraordinary day of safari awaits to fill your spirit. Start your day with light snacks before heading out on an exhilarating, early morning safari wildlife drive. The golden light is sure to bring a special atmosphere to the whole wildlife route. Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. There will be free time to spend at your leisure. Choose to enjoy the property’s amenities. In the late afternoon, board the vehicle for another safari drive into the gorgeous scenery of the area as the sun begins its descent. This drive culminates in a beautiful bush dinner in the open landscape.
Maasai Mara: The heartbeat of the Wild
With some of the largest populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the world, Maasai Mara is one of the most legendary safari destinations. Waste no time today as you become immersed on safari through its rugged grasslands; a landscape you could easily spend weeks discovering. Find time to give back to the planet while searching for the legendary big five on morning and afternoon wildlife drives. The day begins with an exhilarating choice: soar above the vast plains of the Maasai Mara by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon Safari, gliding through the air as the beauty of dawn breaks. This breathtaking adventure concludes with a delicious bush breakfast. Alternatively, sleep a bit later and join your CEO for an included Early Morning Game Drive, seeking out the Mara's iconic residents as they begin their day. Those who choose to book the balloon safari ride will still be able to join the morning wildlife drive.
Afterwards, participate in a meaningful Tree Planting Experience before a satisfying lunch at the lodge. Later, choose to join the included afternoon safari drive out into the landscape or stay behind at the lodge and simply relax before a final group dinner there this evening.
Nairobi: Farewell to Kenya
Savor a final, soul-stirring morning within the legendary Maasai Mara, capturing last precious mental snapshots of your incredible safari adventure. As you journey northward toward the bustling heart of Nairobi, pause for a delicious and meaningful lunch at the G Adventures-supported Cafe Ubuntu. This inspiring social enterprise not only offers delightful cuisine but also empowers local women and families, fueling their community's growth through the cafe's vibrant atmosphere and a beautiful crafts shop. Enjoy one final morning safari drive as you exit the breathtaking Maasai Mara National Reserve. Stop by the G Adventures-supported Café Ubuntu for lunch en route to Nairobi. Once in city, join your CEO and fellow travellers for a final farewell meal.
Nairobi
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.
Departure transfers to Jomo Kenyatta airport are included.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
