Kenya: Cultural Connections, Maasai Mara & East Africa Safari

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.

Included Experiences

• Airport Transfer: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle.
• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

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.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Sit back and enjoy the scenery on your short flight from Nairobi to Lewa Downs.
• 7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Take a private Safari vehicle from the Lewa Downs Airstrip to the Laikipia. This transfer is likely to take 2 hours as a transfer, but will take closer to 3 hours, as we will see wildlife en route. The drive is via the Lewa Conservancy.
• Guided Bush Walk: A highlight of your stay at Il Ngwesi is the bush walk. Walking with the Maasai guides, the stories on the tracks and trails unfold around you as you learn to spot the different calls and habitats of the birds and animals. As you walk, you will hear the ancient tales as told by the Maasai people to explain the world around you.
• Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge Stay: Enjoy a truly unique stay at Il Ngwesi, an eco-lodge owned and operated by the Maasai community. Become immersed in the resident wildlife and Maasai culture, join your host on bush walks, learn more about traditional ways of hunting, watch the watering hole from a unique perch, and join in on some dancing to local music. The best part? Your stay is helping to support the nearby community while offering guests no barrier between each room and the vast savannah. Plus, the conservation efforts here have been instrumental in protecting a number of species only found in northern Kenya.

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.

Included Experiences

• Maasai Village Visit or Kenya Wildlife Safari Drive: Option 1: Enjoy a visit to a nearby Maasai Village where the group will learn about the Maasai culture. Witness how the lodge is also helping this community to develop and admire the exquisite beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings worn by both the men and women, and watch expert bead makers in action. Learn about the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Option 2: Join knowledgeable, local Maasai Safari Guides on a morning drive. Drive away from the crowds and take in some of Kenya's most spectacular scenery. The area is famous for its high population of big cats and is also home to the Great Migration. Climb aboard your safari vehicle and head out in search of wildlife!
• Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon to partake in the lodge's amenities, or simply relax in an unforgettable setting.
• Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge Stay: Enjoy a truly unique stay at Il Ngwesi, an eco-lodge owned and operated by the Maasai community. Become immersed in the resident wildlife and Maasai culture, join your host on bush walks, learn more about traditional ways of hunting, watch the watering hole from a unique perch, and join in on some dancing to local music. The best part? Your stay is helping to support the nearby community while offering guests no barrier between each room and the vast savannah. Plus, the conservation efforts here have been instrumental in protecting a number of species only found in northern Kenya.

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.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Enjoy a short flight between Lewa Downs and Mara-Keekorok Airstrip.
• Wildlife Safari Drive: You are in one of the world’s top safari destinations, known for its abundance of big cats – cheetahs, leopards and lions – as well as the two million wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelles and zebra that migrate annually across the vast grasslands in search of water. Set off on safari with our driver/guide on a private concession near the reserve and keep your eyes and ears peeled for movement and memories. Watch elephants and giraffe grazing, photograph zebras and wildebeest and, with a little luck, you'll even spot animals feasting on a recent kill.

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.

Included Experiences

• Wildlife Safari Drive: In the late afternoon, head out on another safari in the Maasai Mara. As the setting sun casts mesmerizing, warm hues across the landscape, it creates stunning silhouettes which enhance the photographic allure of the wildlife. During the afternoon, many animals can become more active, engaging in their daily rituals and increasing the chances of encounters.
• Free Time: Enjoy free time this afternoon back at the lodge. Simply relax in a gorgeous setting amid some of Kenya's premier scenery and wildlife.
• Dinner in the Bush: Dinner in the savannah is one of those meals that is much less about what you eat, and more about where you eat. The food will be delicious, without question, but it's eating in the open air with the sights, smells and sounds of Africa all around that make this experience unforgettable. From the bush kitchen straight to your outdoor table, bon appetit!

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.

Included Experiences

• Wildlife Safari Drive: In the afternoon, head out on another safari in the Maasai Mara. During the afternoon, many animals can become more active, engaging in their daily rituals and increasing the chances of encounters. The afternoon safari drive will vary in length depending on how long this morning's drive is. You can also choose to stay at hotel and relax.
• Tree Planting: Support a local reforestation project by planting acacia trees with your fellow travellers.

Optional Experiences

• Masai Mara Balloon Safari: Choose to pre-book a Hot Air Balloon safari over the plains of the Maasai Mara. Your balloon adventure ends with a delicious breakfast. Float above the Mara plains in a dimension of unsurpassed tranquillity and beauty. The hot air balloon lifts you into the clear blue sky at dawn and gives you an eagle’s view of the wildlife pageant below. You will glide over the treetops with the early birds and be wafted gently over the plains, above the bustle and bumps of the ground below, but cruising close to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Balloon Flight Times Pickup at 05:00 Flight at 06:00

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.

Included Experiences

• Safari Vehicle: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride as the group exits the Mara and begins the transfer to Nairobi.
• Café Ubuntu 3-Course Farm-to-Table Lunch: In the rural settlement of Maai Mahiu is the very special G Adventures for Good supported project, Ubuntu Café. A true social enterprise in the heart of Kenya, this initiative empowers the community, creating over 400 sustainable local jobs for mothers of children with disabilities, and supporting pediatric health and education programs in the region. Enjoy a delicious, organic farm-to-table lunch with tastes of quality coffee, breakfast tacos, soup, salad, freshly made pizzas, curry dishes and burritos.
• Farewell to Kenya Dinner: Join your group for one last dinner together in Kenya.

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today. Departure transfers to Jomo Kenyatta airport are included.

Included Experiences

• Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
• Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.