Kenya Cultural Experience

Quick Facts

Days

10

Takes you to

Nairobi, Maasai Market, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, and Maji Moto.

SAFARI OVERVIEW OF

Kenya Cultural Experience

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.

SAFARI 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.

DETAILED ITINERARY

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.

Accommodation: Tamarind Tree 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: Tamarind Tree 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: Sentrim Samburu Lodge | 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: Sentrim Samburu Lodge | 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: Sentrim 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 and 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: Sentrim 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: Tamarind Tree 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.

Included in the Kenya Cultural Experience

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser 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 from the Kenya Cultural Experience

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.

Magical Kenya

Experience a safari in Kenya, offering Big Five game viewing, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters. Explore top attractions like the Masai Mara’s Great Migration, Amboseli’s Mount Kilimanjaro views, and Samburu’s leopards. Immerse in the rich Swahili culture with influences from Africa, India, and Europe.

Kenya’s highlight is the Great Migration, where mega-herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move in search of fresh grass, offering dramatic moments such as the Mara River crossings and predator encounters.

Kenya also pairs well with Tanzania and Rwanda/ Uganda, allowing for gorilla trekking and safari-beach combinations to experience both wildlife and relaxation.

Entry Requirements

Visa on Arrival: Travelers from most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other entry points. Ensure that your passport has at least two full blank pages for visas and stamps and is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.

Visa Waivers: Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states are granted a visa upon arrival with a 90-day fee waiver. East African Community (EAC) member state citizens receive a six-month entry pass free of charge.

Visa Fees and Application: A single-entry visa costs US$50. Applications can be submitted online at the eVisa portal. Payment can be made online or upon arrival.

Visa Exemptions:

East African Countries: Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi.
Commonwealth Member States: Short stays (up to 90 days) are visa-free for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Kenya: 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).

East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with multiple entries within 90 days for US$100. Apply online at the eVisa portal upon arrival, or at diplomatic missions. If applied for in advance, the first entry must be through the issuing country.

Money and Spending

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but US Dollars (post-2006 bills only) or Euros are widely accepted. Exchange money in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu for the best rates. Credit cards (mainly MasterCard) are accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants in Nairobi but rarely outside the capital.

Mobile Payments

M-Pesa: Kenya is known for its mobile money services, and M-Pesa is widely used for both personal transactions and payments at businesses. Many hotels, shops, and even vendors accept payments via M-Pesa, and it’s convenient for sending and receiving money.

To use M-Pesa, you’ll need to register your phone with a local M-Pesa agent. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider getting a local SIM card with M-Pesa for easier transactions.

Health and Medical Information – Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
Recommended: Tetanus, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, and Malaria prophylaxis.
Malaria: Precautions are essential. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider antimalarial medication.
General Health Tips: Drink bottled or boiled water and carry a basic first aid kit. Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling.

Best Time to Visit Kenya: Month-by-Month Guide

January & February: Best for Game Viewing and Peak Adventure

January: Ideal for game viewing during the summer season, outside of the rain periods. Perfect for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though temperatures can be high.
February: Great for safaris, particularly in the Masai Mara where rainfall is minimal. Perfect for Mount Kenya expeditions, with low rainfall and high chances of spotting wildlife at watering holes.

March to May: Wet Season with Fewer Crowds

March: Transition from dry to wet conditions. Rain becomes more frequent, making some areas difficult to visit due to muddy roads. However, lower costs and fewer tourists make it a more peaceful time to visit.
April: One of the rainiest months in Kenya. Ideal for photographers, as the lush green landscape and moody skies create beautiful settings. However, game drives may be challenging due to muddy roads.
May: Long rains are in full swing, especially along the coast. Not a great time for beach holidays but perfect for photographers and those looking to explore less crowded parks.

June to October: Best Safari Season and Great Migration

June: Start of the long dry season, making it the best time for safaris. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, and the weather is perfect for game viewing.
July: The Great Migration begins, with mega-herds of wildebeest and zebras arriving in the Masai Mara. Temperatures are pleasant, and the river crossings are a major highlight.
August: Peak of the Great Migration. Witness dramatic river crossings and predator-prey action. The weather is dry, making it an ideal safari experience.
September: Dry conditions continue, and game viewing remains excellent, with wildlife concentrated around water sources.
October: The migratory herds begin to leave, but resident wildlife still provides plenty of exciting safari opportunities.

November & December: Short Rains and Fewer Tourists

November: The short rainy season begins, leading to fewer tourists and lower prices. Despite the rain, this is a great time for a more peaceful safari.
December: Hot weather with occasional rain. A great time for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatchers, as bird numbers increase during this time.

Banking and Currency:

US Dollars cash is widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travelers 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 from 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 15 kg in soft bags

Health and Medical Information

Travellers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days before 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.

What to pack.

• 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