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Adventure Tours   >   Africa Adventure Tours   >  Kenya: Cultural Connections, Mt Kenya & Maasai Mara

Kenya: Cultural Connections, Mt Kenya & Maasai Mara Adventure Tour

Africa

  • Kenya

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.


What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge Stay, Il Ngwesi
Your G for Good Moment: Café Ubuntu 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


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


Travel Insurance  

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.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Tipping  

On the Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. Tipping is not included for the CEO or Porterage. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person, per day.

For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Africa to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.


Highlights  

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


Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear


Meals Included  

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners


Group Size Notes  

Max 12


About our Transportation  

This trip is done in private 7 seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles. With sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, these vehicles are designed for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, 2 vehicles will be used.


Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Group Leader Description  

On this tour, you will be accompanied by a group Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and an expert driver. The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. All of our leaders in southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning they've studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you'll have a leader from another country in the southern African region.

As the group manager and leader, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places where are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. In addition, as an integral part of the team, your driver is skilled and experienced driver who has intimate knowledge of the vehicle and routes travelled.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.


Rooming and "My Own Room" Exceptions  

Nights 2 and 3.


About Accommodation  

Rustic Community Owned Lodge (2nts), Hotel (2 nts), Safari Lodge (5nts)


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout


Transport  

Private vehicle, plane, walking, open-air safari vehicle.


Max Pax  

12


Accommodation  

Hotel (2nts), Safari Lodge (7nts).


Optional Activities  

Masai Mara
- Masai Mara Balloon Safari (480USD per person)

Day 1 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.

Day 2 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.

Day 3 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.

Day 4 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.

Day 5 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.

Day 6 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.

Day 7 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.

Day 8 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. You can choose to begin at sunrise with an optional hot air balloon ride over the Mara.

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.

Day 9 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.

Day 10 Nairobi

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.

Departure transfers to Jomo Kenyatta airport are included.

Details

Prices from: €5799.00

Duration: 10 Days

Service Level: Upgraded

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Trip Type: Small Group

Merchandising: New Trips

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Travel Style: The Geluxe Collection



Call Us: 01 2311889



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