OVER VIEW
Discover Kenya's Cultural Heritage.
This 10-day cultural journey takes you through the vibrant Samburu and Maasai communities, offering an immersive experience in Kenya’s rich cultural traditions and breathtaking landscapes.
Engage with the Samburu people, learn about their cattle-herding lifestyle and traditional crafts, then explore the Maasai culture through visits to their villages, where you’ll witness their iconic dances and customs.
Along the way, visit Lake Nakuru, the Hyrax Hill Museum, and the remote Majimoto village, home to healing hot springs. This journey blends cultural immersion with nature and history, giving you a deep connection to Kenya’s heritage.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the vibrant Bomas of Kenya and explore the Maasai Market for authentic crafts and cultural performances.
- Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Samburu Community, learning about their way of life.
- Discover the natural beauty of Lake Nakuru and delve into Kenya’s ancient history at the Hyrax Hill Museum.
- Engage with the Maasai in the Aitong Region, experiencing their unique culture and customs.
- Go off the beaten path to visit Maji moto and meet the Maasai Tribesmen & Women.
- Enjoy a nature walk in Maji moto Hills, guided by Maasai warriors, for an intimate experience of the landscape and its wildlife.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon arrival, you can either relax at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace. On your first day, you might consider visiting the Giraffe Center, home to endangered Rothschild giraffes, the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, which provides a nurturing environment for orphaned elephants, or the Karen Blixen Museum, where you can learn about the life and legacy of the Danish author behind Out of Africa.
Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.
Accommodation: The Norfolk Hotel
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 2: Nairobi Cultural Exploration - Bomas of Kenya and Maasai Market
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before diving into Nairobi’s vibrant cultural scene. Begin your exploration at the Nairobi National Museum, where captivating exhibits unveil Kenya's rich history and diverse heritage. Continue to the Bomas of Kenya, where mesmerizing traditional dance performances and cultural displays bring Kenya’s traditions to life. Wrap up your cultural journey at the lively Maasai Market, where you can find authentic souvenirs and engage with local artisans, each piece telling its own unique story.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Norfolk Hotel
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 3: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Today, journey to Samburu National Reserve, a place deeply connected to the Samburu people, a semi-nomadic pastoralist community known for their vibrant attire and rich cultural heritage. Often called the “Butterfly People” for their colorful clothing, the Samburu maintain traditions, dances, and crafts that reflect their harmony with nature and their traditional way of life.
Enjoy a late lunch followed by some relaxation at the reserve.
Optional Activity: Evening Game Drive
Embark on an evening game drive and keep an eye out for the Samburu Special Five—rare northern species including the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. This unique wildlife experience offers a chance to see species found nowhere else in Kenya.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Comfort Level: Midrange
Day 4: Cultural Experience with the Samburu People
Today, you’ll visit a traditional Samburu manyatta for an authentic cultural experience. Get to experience the Village Life of the Samburu Community. Discover the unique layout of the village, surrounded by thorny bushes for protection. Explore the mud-and-hide huts organized by family clans, reflecting Samburu traditions.
Participate and Observe the Daily Activities and Hands-On Experiences of the community. Daily tasks include milking cattle, preparing food, and crafting bead jewelry. Participate in traditional cooking methods and try your hand at herding livestock. In the evening, enjoy vibrant traditional dances, listen to stories passed down through generations, and shop for handmade crafts that support the local community.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ashnil Samburu Camp
Comfort Level: Midrange
Day 5: Samburu- Lake Nakuru - Hyrax Hill Museum
Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its stunning landscapes, flamingos, and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, check-in and enjoy lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, Head out to the Hyrax Hill Museum. The museum is set on an archaeological site where the remains of a Prehistoric Iron Age settlement have been discovered. Visitors can explore excavated artifacts, including tools, pottery, and jewelry, which were used by early communities that lived in the area. The site also features reconstructed traditional homes to help visitors imagine how ancient societies lived. With its rich collection and stunning views of Lake Nakuru, the Hyrax Hill Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those interested in Kenya’s cultural heritage.
Optional Activities: Game Safari in the Park OR Visit the Baboon Cliffs
Head out to a game drive where you may spot flamingos, rhinos, giraffes, and other unique wildlife OR Visit Baboon Cliff for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Flamingo Hill Camp
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara
After breakfast, head to Maasai Mara takes about 5-6 hours, offering stunning views of Kenya's diverse landscapes. You'll travel through the Great Rift Valley, passing rural towns and spotting wildlife like gazelles and wildebeests. As you approach Maasai Mara, the terrain shifts to vast grasslands with acacia trees and Maasai herders with their cattle, immersing you in the cultural vibrancy of the area. The drive is a scenic introduction to one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves.
Have lunch and thereafter, you may have a nature walk with the Masai, a unique opportunity to explore the Maasai Mara landscape on foot, guided by experienced Maasai rangers. This walk takes you through the grasslands and woodlands of the reserve, allowing you to experience the area’s flora, fauna, and cultural history up close.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 7: Bush Breakfast - Maasai Village in Aitong Region
Today, you have a bush breakfast then set off for an enriching cultural exploration of the Maasai villages in the Aitong Region, offering an authentic experience deep into the heart of the Maasai Mara. These villages, known as manyattas, showcase the enduring traditions of the Maasai people who have maintained their rich cultural heritage amidst the evolving landscapes of the Mara.
The Aitong Region is renowned for its vibrant communities and welcoming spirit. Here, every song, dance, and ritual is a celebration of life, rooted in a deep connection to the land. As you visit, you'll witness the intricacy of Maasai beadwork, traditional attire, and experience the exhilarating adumu—the iconic jumping dance performed by Maasai warriors.
Optional Activities
Enkaji Osiwo Forest – A hidden gem filled with diverse bird species and elusive wildlife, Enkaji Osiwo is a peaceful retreat. The intertwining branches create a natural canopy, sheltering numerous animals and offering visitors a tranquil, immersive experience in nature.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy – A vibrant conservancy home to lions, leopards, and cheetahs, contributing to the diverse wildlife of the Mara. Witness nature's beauty and the dynamic interplay of predators and prey on the expansive plains of the Maasai Mara. Later head back to the camp for relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Zebra Plains Mara Camp
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 8: Maasai Mara to Maji moto
This morning, drive to Maji moto (meaning "hot springs"), a remote and off-the-beaten-path Maasai village located on the slopes of the Loita Hills. Arrive in time for a delicious lunch and some relaxation.
In the evening, explore the unique natural hot springs that have a deep significance to the local community. The warm waters are believed to have healing properties, particularly for skin ailments, and are highly respected by the Maasai. Take the opportunity to learn about their traditional practices, relationship with nature, and the way they live in harmony with the environment.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Maji Moto Eco Camp
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 9: Maji moto - Nature walk -Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy a morning hike up the Maji Moto Hills, guided by the Maasai tribesmen through the Loita Hills and natural landscapes of Maji Moto. As you walk, learn about local wildlife, trekking as nomads, and the plants that are vital to Maasai traditions. Take in the natural beauty of the hills, along with the Maasai guide’s insights into the land and its wildlife, adds a unique touch to the experience.
After the hike, head back towards Nairobi, with a lunch stop en route, arriving in the evening to conclude your adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Norfolk Hotel
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Day 10: Departure
After a relaxed breakfast, make your way to the airport for your departure flight home. If time allows before your flight, enjoy a delicious lunch at the iconic Carnivore Restaurant, known for its wide variety of meats and vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, head to the airport to catch your flight, concluding your unforgettable journey.
• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.
• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars and a good camera.
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Nature blending clothes
Included in the Itinerary
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
- Community Led Programs in Nairobi
- Community Led Programs in Samburu
- Community Led Programs in Maasai Mara
- Community Led Programs in Maji Moto
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Guide
- Accommodation and Meals
- All Park Entrance Fees.
Excluded in the Itinerary
- International Airfares;
- Visa Fees;
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
- Optional activities unless specified as included
- Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.
Uganda, deservedly dubbed the Pearl of Africa, is in the Great Lakes Region in central Africa and boasts an ecological diversity that rivals that of many larger countries. Here, the Eastern Savannah meets the West African jungle. Uganda offers visitors incredible diversity through its multitude of varying ecosystems. Bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains (often called the Mountains of the Moon, the third highest in Africa), the Virunga Mountains, and Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria, it's a beautiful country bursting with birds and wildlife.
In no other African destination can one see a comparable variety of primates with so little effort - not just the great apes but also more than ten monkey species. And, if Uganda had primate enthusiasts grinning with satisfaction, it would have birdwatchers doing cartwheels. Uganda is, by far, the smallest of the four African countries in which more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it is particularly rich in western rainforest specialists - undoubtedly the finest birdwatching in Africa.
For most, the highlight is found amongst the forests in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where facing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most profound wildlife encounters you will ever experience. Discover tree-climbing lions around Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trek chimps in Kibale Forest or Kyambura Gorge, or snatch massive Nile perch up north at Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile cascades through a gap just seven meters wide. Adrenaline junkies will find Jinja simply exhilarating with its white-water rafting, kayaking, and bungee jumping activities. Jinja is rapidly emerging as East Africa's answer to the more southerly "adrenalin capital" Victoria Falls.
We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you'll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.
Entry Requirements:
Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.
Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.
Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$55). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug at least two weeks before your arrival.
You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.
Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.
Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commissions may issue visas where such commissions are located.
Visa Exempt Countries:
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).
connect@bushwander.com www.bushwander.com
East Africa Tourist Visa:
If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for 90 days for tourists only. The cost is USD100 per visa. For more information go to: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply if you are entering Uganda first, or alternatively, the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.
Banking and Currency:
US Dollars cash is widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travellers should use to EXCHANGE into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road e.g. for drinks, curios, tips. Please note that USD bills older than 2009 are not accepted. Ensure your USD bills are 2009 or younger. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.
Credit Cards:
Credit cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee of up to 5% may be charged. Ask first.
Travel, Transport, and Getting Around Flights:
Note that baggage allowance on all domestic flights is max 15 kgs in soft bags
Health and Medical Information
Travellers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis etc.), consult your physician first.
Tetanus and Cholera inoculations are recommended but not compulsory. Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler.
Malaria prophylactics are a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.
Diarrhoea / Giardia - Bottled water is readily available throughout Uganda, however, it’s advisable to bring medicine just in case.
This is a guide only. Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for the latest information
