Diverse Activities and Community Visits in East Africa
Overview
A group of close friends, 3 couples who all love to travel together, decided they were ready for a return to Africa for their second safari. After previously visiting Southern Africa, they were ready to turn their focus to East Africa. This group includes a few runners and avid bicyclists, so we know it’s important to include active experiences that get outside of the safari vehicle and into the rhythm of nature. We also wanted to incorporate the cultural activities and community visits that make an East Africa safari so special.
No other country could deliver on the group’s interests in a diverse range of activities combined with cultural experiences better than Kenya. In addition some of the world’s best wildlife viewing, Kenya offers numerous opportunities to visit local communities and learn about hoe-grown conservation projects.
Their itinerary starts off with outstanding big game viewing in the Masai Mara, followed by a conservation focus at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy where the group embarked on a walking safari known as Walking Wild. Next, they flew to Namunyak Conservancy, a place that Next Adventure finds very special because of the spectacular wilderness and authentic cultural experiences like visiting the Singing Wells and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Their last stop was a big finish in Rwanda for a short primate extension with 2 Gorilla Treks and a Golden Monkey Trek. This was the perfect finale to their eclectic, active and diverse itinerary.
Itinerary in Brief
9-10 Oct: Arrive into Nairobi (international flights not included). Private transfer(s) to Hotel for 2 nights. The following day can be spent visiting the Karen Blixen Museum, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center and/or Kazuri Bead Co-Op. Alternately, game drives in Nairobi NP are offered by the resident naturalist guides
11-13 Oct: Scheduled domestic flight from Nairobi Wilson to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Game drive transfer to Camp for 3 nights. Afternoon and two full days for game drives and wildlife viewing; a morning visit to Mara Girls School will be included
14-15 Oct: Scheduled domestic flight from Mara to Lewa, via Nairobi-Wilson. Game drive transfer to Lodge for 2 nights. Afternoon and full-day to explore the conservancy on game drives and visits to the Lewa Conservancy HQ, clinics and anti-poaching unit
16-17 Oct: Two full days for walking safari & camping with Walking Wild for 2 nights
18-20 Oct: Charter flight from Lewa to Mathews Mountains, transfer to Campf or 3 nights. Afternoon plus two full days for hiking, visits to Samburu community & singing wells, and one visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
21 Oct: Charter to Samburu airstrip and scheduled flight to Nairobi-Wilson. Transfer to restaurant for dinner, own account, and then to Nairobi International for the flight to Kigali (international flight not included). Transfer to Hotelfor 1 night
22 Oct: Morning tour of Kigali city with a local lunch. Scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park (about 2.5 hours) to check in at Lodge for 3 nights
23-24 Oct: Two gorilla treks!! Time-permitting, you can tour the area or arrange further hikes or community visits with your guide
25 Oct: Morning trek to see the Golden Monkeys. Return to the lodge for lunch & check out. Scenic transfer back to Kigali. Board international departures (international flights not included; extra night in Nairobi can be arranged in coordination with flights)
