East Africa: Safari Drives, Maasai Culture & the Great Migration

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.

The crimson dust of Amboseli swirls around the wheels of your safari vehicle as the afternoon sun paints the plains in gold. In the distance, search for the legendary peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is here that colossal elephants move with the slow, rumbling grace of ancient giants, while a parade of zebras amble through the tall, whispering grasses. This is Amboseli National Park, a striking landscape defined by the contrast of arid plains and life-giving swamps, featuring great photo opportunities of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Depart for Amboseli National Park in the morning after breakfast at the hotel in Nairobi. Upon arrival sit down for lunch at the lodge and get settled before an exciting afternoon safari drive out into the park in search of the resident wildlife; especially elephants.

Included Experiences

• 7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride as your travel between Nairobi and Amboseli National Park.
• Amboseli Wildlife Safari Drive: Charge up your camera batteries and get ready to document the drama of Amboseli. Big sky. Big mountain. Big elephants. Visit with some of the 1,500 African elephants that roam the park. Look for other wildlife and meet the resident Maasai along the journey. Marvel in the beauty of Mt Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, as it reigns over the landscape of this uniquely African location.

Explore Experiences

Leaving the wildlife of Amboseli National Park in Kenya behind, cross into Tanzania. Home to the Great Migration, the tallest mountain in Africa, and the world's largest game reserve, making Tanzania one of the most sought after destinations in Africa. Welcome to Arusha, and to Tanzania. While here, let the endless adventure and wildlife encounters deepen your connection with the earth. Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a morning safari drive as the group travels out of the park. After an included packed lunch, cross the border at Namanga, clearing customs from Kenya into Tanzania. Here, a local Tanzanian vehicle will then drive you to Arusha, where you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure before gathering for a group dinner this evening to celebrate the next leg of your adventure.

Included Experiences

• 7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Sit back and enjoy the scenery on your drive between Amboseli National Park and the border of Tanzania. There will be a safari drive as the group exits the national park from the lodge stay within.
• Border Crossing (Kenya - Tanzania): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list. You will enjoy a packed lunch as you approach the border.

Millions of years ago when the volcano erupted, the world's largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera was formed, creating Ngorongoro Crater. It is believed that animals like zebras, lions and rhinos fell into the crater almost 500,000 years ago and were trapped. The steepness of the crater is why you won't find a single giraffe inside. Travel to this incredible natural phenomenon and spend the day getting to know the landscape from both above at the breathtaking crater rim, and below on a safari drive and picnic near Hippo Lake on the crater floor. The day begins with breakfast at the hotel before continuing on from Arusha to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Travel to the impressive Crater Rim View Point featuring the vast caldera below. Then, drive down into the crater for a unique safari experience and a picnic lunch amidst the sounds of the African bush near the tranquil Hippo Lake. From an incredible density of wildlife to the vast open sky, this is the glimpse of Tanzania you've been searching for. Dinner will be had the lodge accommodations near the crater.

Included Experiences

• 7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private safari vehicle between Arusha and Ngorongoro Crater. Please note, this drive time includes the transport between the crater and this evening's accommodations.
• Ngorongoro Crater Afternoon Wildlife Safari Drive: Head down into the crater and to all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebras, gazelles, buffaloes and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the crater floor.
• Picnic Lunch at Hippo Lake: Gather around the tranquil Hippo Lake known as the Ngoitoktok Spring for a delicious picnic lunch amid the gorgeous Tanzanian scenery.

Explore Experiences

Ngorongoro Crater and The Serengeti are two of the world's most renowned safari destinations. Driving from one iconic spot to the next means three and a half hours of nonstop beauty, wildlife and adventure. But don't go anywhere, because your time in the Serengeti is just starting. So grab your binoculars and your camera and get ready to experience some of the most jaw-dropping wildlife encounters. Depart the lodge this morning for the Central Serengeti. The scenic drive takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Naabi Hill Gate, your entrance to the vast Serengeti National Park. Today is about maximizing your wildlife viewing opportunities. You will enjoy a safari drive en-route to your beautiful accommodations where you will have lunch before another afternoon wildlife drive out in the alluring landscape.

Included Experiences

• 7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
• Serengeti National Park Wildlife Safari Drive: This is the reason you came to Africa. Charge your camera, grab your binoculars and set out on safari. Your eagle-eyed driver will keep an eye out for wildlife – buffaloes, elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras and more. Enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow and the up-close look at wild Africa.

Explore Experiences

Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle flood the plains in their annual migration, trailed by the continent's most formidable predators. Prepare to be captivated as massive lions dissolve into the shimmering golden savannah, and towering giraffes emerge from the horizon, their grace humbling you as they stand right before your eyes. Choose to rise early for an exciting day of wildlife viewing and embark on the optional, once-in-a-lifetime chance to take to the skies on a Serengeti Balloon Safari, which includes a one-hour flight and a champagne breakfast upon landing. For those who choose to remain on the ground, enjoy an early morning safari wildlife drive in the area, followed by a delicious bush lunch back at the lodge. The afternoon brings another exhilarating safari wildlife drive in the Serengeti before being whisked away for sundowner drinks as the sun sets over the Serengeti. Return to the lodge to freshen up before gathering for a relaxing group dinner.

Included Experiences

• Full-Day Serengeti National Park Wildlife Safari Drive: Spend the entire day in the gorgeous landscapes of Serengeti National Park, a true icon of Eastern Africa. The park is most famous for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, migrate annually across the plains in search of food and water. Try to spot the big five and simply enjoy the views across the vast, open grasslands known as the "endless plains". Tanzania’s Serengeti tends to be less crowded than some of Kenya’s reserves, so enjoy the scenery, the vast expanse of the grasslands, the play of light and shadow, and the up-close look at wild Africa.

Optional Experiences

• Serengeti Balloon Safari: Spirited aloft in a hot-air balloon, view the wildlife and terrain of the Serengeti that only the birds see. Enjoy a champagne breakfast and keep that shutter-finger good and limber—you’ll be using it plenty over the course of your hour in the air. Please note, additional fees will apply for passengers exceeding the 120 kg (265 lbs) weight limit.

Nestled in the highlands between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the vibrant market town of Karatu offers an authentic glimpse into Tanzanian rural life and serves as a key gateway to the region's most iconic wildlife parks. Experience the lively energy and learn about the unique, local culture while simultaneously enjoying the stunning, rolling green landscapes. Karatu is a place to pause, absorb the local rhythm, and prepare for—or reflect on—the thrilling safari adventures just a short drive away. After breakfast at the lodge, embark on an immersive wildlife safari drive between the Serengeti and Karatu. Pass through the vast planes and fertile landscapes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before arriving at your lodge near Karatu. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to relax and simply bask in your lovely surroundings.

Included Experiences

• 7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your safari vehicle between the Serengeti and Karatu. The group will enjoy a wildlife safari drive en-route through Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Free Time: Stretch those legs and relax this afternoon during free time at your beautiful lodge's property. Situated on a picturesque hill with spectacular views onto Oldeani Mountain and the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, the lodge is elevated with 360 degree views that extend all the way to Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara. This is your OMG stay.

A Day of Choices featuring a morning safari adventure or an Elephant Caves hike makes for an unforgettable day. Hoping to rise with the sun? Travel to Lake Manyara National Park for an early morning safari drive and bush brunch. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, choose a guided walk to the famous Elephant Cave, a watering hole used by elephants for their essential mineral intake. Sit down for lunch at a local, organic farm. No matter which experience you choose today, you are guaranteed to feel the vast grandness that is so unique to the East African landscape. Enjoy free time this afternoon at the lodge before a group dinner in the evening.

Included Experiences

• Lake Manyara Safari Drive or Elephant Cave Walk & Coffee Plantation Tour: Option 1: Lake Manyara is known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos that flock to the lake's alkaline waters. The core of the excursion is a wildlife safari drive through the park, where you can spot various animals like elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and the distinctive tree-climbing lions. Breakfast will be early before going to Lake Manyara to focus on birding. Then there will be two safari drives split up by a packed brunch in the park. You’ll return to the lodge in the early afternoon to rest and have free time. Option 2: After breakfast at the lodge, depart for Gibb’s Farm, featuring a multi-generational history of organic farming, and go for a walk to the Elephant Caves. These massive holes in the forested hillside were carved by elephants over the centuries as they used their tusks to access the mineral-rich soil. The walk is for about two hours through the forest landscape. Then, enjoy a coffee plantation tour and sit down for lunch at the farm before returning to the lodge a bit later in the afternoon for rest and relaxation.
• Free Time: Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure.

Explore Experiences

Rise with the sun and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a journey to the heart of East African culture in Mto wa Mbu. This vibrant town is a mosaic of life, home to 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes, offering a truly unique cultural immersion. Start your day with breakfast at the lodge before heading to Mto wa Mbu. Here, choose between a scenic bike ride through a banana plantation or a fascinating two-hour cultural village walk. The walk is a G Adventures-supported experience, where you'll connect with the community, visit the local market and farmer's fields, see traditional hut construction, and meet local artisans. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional local lunch of meat and plantains before departing for Arusha where your adventure comes to an end at the airport.

Please do not book onward travel prior to 5pm.

Included Experiences

• 7-Seat 4x4 Safari Vehicle: Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride with a pop-up top.
• Mto wa Mbu Banana Plantation Bike Ride or Village Walk & Community Lunch: Choose to go on a bike ride through a banana plantation or take part in a cultural walk to learn about life in this East African village. Mto wa Mbu has attracted some 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes. During the two-hour tour, visit the community's local market, go right to the farmer's fields, see how huts are constructed and meet artisans in their shops. Afterwards, sit down together and enjoy a traditional lunch of meat and plantains.