16-Day Best of Kenya Cultural Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Nairobi

Our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari will start in Kenya’s tourism capital, Nairobi. You shall arrive via the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our Tour Leader will be ready to receive you and kick start the journey. Check-in in Nairobi Safari Club hotel. Rest of the day to be spent leisurely at the hotel.

Main Destination:

Nairobi (City)

Accommodation:

Nairobi Safari Club

• Luxury hotel located in Nairobi (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Nairobi National Museum - Bomas Of Kenya - Kaken Blixen Museum

On this day of our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari, we shall explore several sites within the greater Nairobi area. We shall start at the Nairobi National Museum, where we shall enjoy a great gallery showcasing all tribes of Kenya. Here we shall also visit the snake park and other galleries.
We shall then spend time at the Bomas of Kenya, which is another great showcase of the tribes of Kenya. Here, traditional ways of life are showcased through song, dance and village homestead models.
Our last call will be the amazing Karen Blixen Museum. Formerly the home of the famous Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), this historical Museum was once part of a large coffee farm.

Main Destination:

Nairobi (City)

Accommodation:

Big 5 Africa Tours - Homestay

• Budget guest house located near Rukungiri (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mt Kenya to Samburu – Tribes of Kenya Highlands

Leaving Nairobi early, we shall visit the Thingira Cultural Centre. This exciting site hosts traditional songs, cuisines and artifacts from the Kikuyu, Embu, Meru and Kamba tribes of the vast Mt. Kenya region.
We shall then head farther North to Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves; where our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari continues.
Night in Samburu.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Best Time To Visit June to September and January to February

High Season December to March and July to October (Busy)

Best Weather June and December (Cool and fresh after rain)

Wildlife in Samburu NR

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

ZebraCommon

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

Show more

HippoOccasional

HyenaOccasional

CheetahRare

Wild DogRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Samburu Game Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Samburu and Bufallo Springs National Reserve– The Samburu Tribe

This is a very exciting destination on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari. These spectacular reserves host some very unique wildlife such as the Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Reticulated Giraffe; most of which are not easy to find South of the Equator.
The mighty Ewaso Ng’iro North River meanders its way across these reserves giving life to this beautiful land. Local Doum Palms tangle their branches in the sky as if waving at the people, and provide the landscape with a beautiful touch. Enjoy tracking the local elephants and other members of the Big 5 on your game drives.
We shall enjoy an afternoon with the local community members from the Samburu tribe. We shall visit one of the cultural villages where we shall learn about their exciting culture and ways of life.
Night in Samburu.

Main Destination:

Samburu National Reserve

Accommodation:

Samburu Game Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Samburu NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Baringo– Tribes of Northern Kenya and a touch of the Rift Valley

Leaving Samburu, we shall drive to one of the best Rift Valley Lakes; where our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari continues. On the way, we shall enjoy great landscapes and beautiful sites. We shall enjoy a stop-over at the Baringo Equator line stop; where we shall interact with local crafts-women from the area.
This evening we shall enjoy a great dance from the Turkana tribe of Northern Kenya. The next morning, we shall enjoy a boat ride on Lake Baringo, where we shall learn about the local Njemps tribe. The boat ride is often a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safaris. We shall watch the local tribesmen as they enjoy fishing on the lake with handmade stick-lined canoes. These amazing canoes float effortlessly over the calm lake waters, with the fishermen paddling using small shoe-size oars.

Main Destination:

Lake Baringo

Accommodation:

Sandai Resort

• Budget resort located just outside Lake Bogoria NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Baringo To Lake Victoria- Via the Kalenjin Tribe -The Marathon Legends

Continuing our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari, we shall cruise through the Western wall of the Great Rift Valley as we head to Lake Victoria. We shall make roadside stops to enjoy local farmlands and plantations.
This day we pass through the Western Rift Valley Highlands, home to the Kalenjin tribe. We may come across the legendary marathoners of Kenya, who train in this great place before breaking World records. This place has become very famous for coaching, and athletes from across the entire World visit the area to coach with Kenyan athletes. We shall also enjoy local tea fields and learn about the growing of the famous Kenyan tea.
In the afternoon, we shall arrive at Lake Victoria where we shall enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery. This afternoon we learn about the fishing life of the local Luo tribe. Lake Victoria is always a highlight of our Best of Kenya Cultural Safaris.
Night in Kisumu.

Main Destination:

Lake Victoria

Accommodation:

Sunset Hotel Kisumu

• Mid-range hotel located in Kisumu (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kakamega and Kisumu-Tribes of western Kenya and Lake Victoria

On this day, we shall visit Kit Mikayi, a famous cultural site near Lake Victoria. The name Kit Mikayi means “the stone of the first wife” in the local Luo tribe language. The “first wife” in the story means the rock where a man called Ngeso Kosanjo would always spend his days – as if spending with his first wife. Our local guide will lead us through this exciting cultural site and help us learn all about its history. This is always a great site for our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari.
We shall then visit the famous Crying Rock/ Stone of Illesi in Kakamega; where we shall enjoy learning about this phenomenal site. This stone is a special place for the Luhya tribe; and serves as a cultural shrine. The local people believe that the rock should always “keep crying” for good fortune to come to the community.
Nights in Kisumu.

Main Destination:

Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Best Time To Visit December to February and June to July (Less rain)

High Season Mid-December to March and July to October (Not busy)

Best Weather December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Kakamega Forest NR

HippoRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

LeopardRare to None

CheetahNone

Show more

ElephantNone

GiraffeNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HyenaNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Sunset Hotel Kisumu

• Mid-range hotel located in Kisumu (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Simbi Nyaima

Continuing our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari; we shall drive to the exciting Lake Simbi Nyaima; where our safari guide will help you learn about the cultural significance of this crater lake. The local community members here also help us learn more about their local beliefs and the folklore relating to Lake Simbi Nyaima.
We shall then proceed to Thimlich Ohinga Archeological site. This is a recent UNESCO World Heritage Site that is not visited by most cultural safaris in Kenya. Thimlich Ohinga is believed to be from the 16th century, and served as an enclosure for both people and their animals. The site is build in 1.5-4.5 metre walls; with four main enclosures namely:- Kochieng, Kakuku, Koketch and Koluoch.
This day is always a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari. We shall enjoy a guided tour of this amazing site led by one of the very knowledgeable local guides.
Night in Rongo town.

Main Destination:

Thimlich Ohinga (Ruins)

Accommodation:

Cold Springs Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Homa Bay (Lake Victoria)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kisii Soapstone Mine to Maasai Mara– The Kisii Tribe

We shall spend the morning at the Kisii Soapstone mines, where we shall interact with local community members. Tabaka Mines are famous for the high quality carvings that are derived here. There will also be a chance to buy some souvenirs made by the community team.
In the afternoon we shall proceed into the amazing Masai Mara; where our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari continues.
Night in Mara.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Best Time To Visit June to October (For general wildlife viewing) and August to October (For wildebeest migration)

High Season June to October and December to March

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Masai Mara NR

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

CheetahCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

Show more

BuffaloCommon

HippoCommon

HyenaCommon

LeopardOccasional

Black RhinoRare

Wild DogVery Rare

White RhinoNone

Accommodation:

Aa Lodge Mara

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masai Mara NR

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Masai Mara National Reserve- The Maasai Tribe

Our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari will continue exploring the mighty Masai Mara. Renowned for the annual wildebeest migration, which is often regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, Masai Mara National Reserve is the crown of an African safari experience.
Considered the ultimate wildlife haven in Kenya, Masai Mara has a lot to offer. From all members of the Big 5 (African Lion, Leopard, Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo and Savannah Elephant) to the numerous herbivores grazing the landscape in huge herds, this place is indeed amazing.
You will enjoy learning about this magical destination with our guides. Enjoy interesting game drives as you track the Big 5, the Big Cats and much more. We shall also keep an eye for antelopes like Common Impalas and gazelles like Thompson’s Gazelles.

Main Destination:

Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation:

Aa Lodge Mara

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Masai Mara NR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kenyan Coast – Mombasa and Diani (The Miji Kenda Tribe)

You will then catch a domestic flight to the coast. For the next days, you will enjoy a relaxed holiday at the scenic Indian Ocean beach. This is a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari; and allows a perfect location to relax and unwind. You can enjoy water sports, diving, snorkeling, boat ride, sunbathing and swimming along the vast Indian Ocean.
The main aim of visiting the coast will be to enjoy the Mijikenda Kaya Forests. These are 10 separate forests that are spread over the Kenyan Coast, containing highly valued remains of ancient fortified villages. These ancient villages are known as Kayas, by the Mijikenda tribe of Kenya. Kayas are believed to have been created by the 16th century. The Mijikenda people believe that these forests are now homes of their ancestors; and thus are protected as sacred sites. Kayas are listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
During our stay at the Coast, we shall visit one Kaya forest, namely Kaya Kinondo.

Main Destination:

Mombasa (City)

Accommodation:

Plaza Beach Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located at Bamburi Beach (Mombasa Beaches)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mombasa-Nairobi

On this day, you will enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. You will then be transferred to the local airport for a domestic flight to Nairobi.
On arrival, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for the international flight home; marking the end to our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari.

Main Destination:

Nairobi (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.