Kenya: Cultural Connections, Maasai Mara & East Africa Safari

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.