Community-Centric Ecotourism in Kenya
Overview
Kenya remains a destination that is very close to our hearts. As a kid, Kili spent time visiting family friends and exploring the many sides of this dynamic country. Apart from the migration which gets all the attention, some of the most innovative and successful conservation work can be found in Kenya. With more than 70% of Kenya’s wildlife outside of national parks, the country is rich with true community-led conservation initiatives and authentic cultural experiences.
As soon as you arrive in Nairobi, you’ll start off with a game drive through Nairobi National Park on your way to The Emakoko with easy access to many community and conservation projects. You can adopt an elephant at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, feed the giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, or visit Kazuri Beads, a factory that employs women to produce hand made jewelry that shines with a kaleidoscope of African colors. You’ll then fly over to the Masai Mara where you’ll interact with the Maasai people at Tangulia Mara, a fully Maasai-owned lodge. Afterwards, you fly up to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy where you’ll learn about their pioneering conservation and community work. Your base Lewa House will arrange visits to the Conservancy Headquarters or a Lewa Wildlife Conservancy sponsored school as well as the opportunity to meet the anti-poaching tracker dogs. Your last stop is at Sarara, and here you can visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and a local Samburu village.
By doing custom safari arrangements, we are able to feature areas that are conservation- and community-focused. For the traveler who wants to have a meaningful and impactful trip, this community and eco-centric itinerary is a great starting point.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, game drive transfer to The Emakoko for 2 nights on a fully inclusive basis
Day 2: Full day of wildlife viewing in Nairobi National Park and/or cultural touring in the Karen District
Day 3: Transfer to Wilson Airport for flight to Masai Mara, game drive transfer to Tangulia Mara for 3 nights on a full board basis
Day 4-5: Two full days of shared game viewing activities in the world-renowned Masai Mara
Day 6: Transfer to airstrip for flight via Wilson to Lewa, game drive transfer to Lewa House for 3 nights on a full board basis
Day 7-8: Two full days of shared game viewing and conservancy activities on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Day 9: Board private charter to Namunyak Conservancy, transfer to Sarara for 3 nights on a fully inclusive basis
Day 10-11: Two full days to explore Kenya’s Northern Rangelands with unlimited game drives, bush walks and hikes
Day 12: Transfer to local airstrip, charter to Nanyuki airstrip, flight to Wilson, drop off at Jomo Kenyatta Airport for international departure
