Every adventurous traveller dreams of going to Kenya, from the majesty of seeing the migration of some of Earth's most incredible creatures, to the magic of being immersed within the bush of the Maasai Mara. But this adventure goes way, way beyond all of that. Your stay at a Maasai owned and operated lodge brings you straight into authentic Maasai life with hosts who’ve expertly crafted the experience to immerse you deeper into their world. This welcome to Kenya sets the stage for a once in a lifetime adventure, full of animals, heart pounding moments and a profound and enduring connection to the country’s gracious people.
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: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your OMG Day: Oloololo Escarpment Hike or Maasai Mara Safari Drive, Masai Mara. Complimentary Arrival and Departure Transfers. Welcome and Farewell dinners. Maasai guided Bush walk and safari drive. Maasai village visit. Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary Tour. Ol Pejeta Conservancy safari drive. Mt Kenya hike on the Sirimon Route. Maasai Mara National Park safari drives. Bush Barbecue Dinner. Tree Planting Project. Cafe Ubuntu visit with lunch. Complimentary Departure Transfer. 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?
Day Hike on Mt Kenya on the Sirimon Route, Visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta, Stay at a Maasai owned and operated lodge, Go on a tracking walk with a Maasai guide, Safari drives in the Maasai Mara
How large will the group be?
Max 12
What meals are included in this trip?
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, plane, walking, open-air safari vehicle.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (2nts), Safari Lodge (7nts).
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 most exhilarating ten days you'll ever have. 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: Village Life & Safari
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. Head out on safari to start the day. Begin the day with a safari drive led by your local guides. You can spot wildlife out at the watering hole directly from the main area of the lodge, but getting out in a safari vehicle brings you much closer to the action. The afternoon includes a visit to the Maasai village with your local hosts.
Nanyuki: Jane Goodall's Chimp Sanctuary
Bid farewell to your Maasai hosts after an incredible two days of cultural discovery. Head south to Nanyuki where you will meet with 35 of your new best friends. While chimpanzees may not originate from Kenya, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy opened to ensure a safe, peaceful and lifelong refuge for orphaned and abused rescued chimpanzees. Habitat loss, disease and hunting are among the main reasons chimpanzees are endangered and why Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary opened their doors. Today you have a special opportunity to visit the furry residents here at Sweetwater and take a tour of the sanctuary. Today we have the opportunity to visit The Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary supported by the Jane Goodall Institute. While visiting with the over 30 rescued Chimpanzees, discover how Ol Pejeta Conservancy is working to not only provide a safe place for these animals in need, but also to reduce the harm caused to primates across central and western Africa. In the afternoon, join a safari drive in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Nanyuki: Mt Kenya Exploration
Covered in afro-alpine flora and capped with glacier, Mt Kenya is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular landscapes in Africa. Experience another side of all that Kenya has to offer by hiking a portion of this impressive mountain. Starting from Sirimon Gate and trekking through 12 km of forested slopes, crossing rivers and enjoying wildlife filled panoramic views. Though you wont summit Mt Kenya, the views from the final viewpoint on the Sirimon route are undeniably breathtaking. Mt Kenya is the second tallest peak in Africa and today is your chance to climb part of it. Channel your inner mountaineer as you hike 12 kilometers across this extinct volcano. We'll take the Sirimon Route, popular for its unique forest and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for zebras as your trek this gentle hike.
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: Your OMG Day
Today you get to choose! Do you want to hike or do you want to ride? If hiking sounds right for you, you'll head off to the Oloololo Escarpment for a hike along the granite plateau. The escarpment receives more rain than any other place in the Mara triangle so picture thick, green vegetation and full watering holes that attracts thirsty wildlife. The hike takes around 3.5 hours and has an elevation gain of around 300 metres. If you're looking for something a little less green or less physical, choose to join your local guide on a morning safari drive. Both options allow for amazing safari time out on the grasslands. At night we continue our adventure in the wild savannah with a dinner in the bush. Today might just be the best day of your trip. For your OMG Day, stay active on a 3 hour hike along the Oloololo Escarpment, or join your local guide on a safari drive. In the afternoon, you'll head out on an afternoon safari drive that concludes with dinner in the bush under the stars.
Maasai Mara: Safari from Sunrise to Sunset
You start to recognize familiar sounds of wildlife at dawn, the smell of the fire in the evenings after a day on safari and the feel of the vehicle as it treads through the bush. The exhilaration of spotting something new, witnessing some incredible display of Earth's diversity, is hard to give up once you've felt it. Luckily one final day of safari awaits. After a morning on safari, we'll join a local reforestation project to plant native Acacia trees. This small exercise affords G Adventures travellers an opportunity to ensure the land and wildlife of the Mara is vibrant for years to come. While trees are planted on your behalf when you book an adventure with G, this morning you plant an extra special one in Kenya with your fellow travellers. Take a well-deserved break after lunch at the lodge before a final afternoon safari drive.
Nairobi: Farewell to Kenya
A final morning in the Maasai Mara brings the opportunity to capture a few final mental snapshots of your time on safari. Making your way north towards Nairobi, stop for a delicious lunch at Cafe Ubuntu, a social enterprise empowering women and families to provide for their communities through both the cafe and a crafts shop. Once in Nairobi, 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: 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 CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. 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.
