Kenya – Home to the Big Five, Masai Tribe and Scenic Landscapes! Kenya will entice you with its brown – green landscape but surprise you with its beautiful African beaches. The first time I ever visited an African village was in Kenya – The Maasai Village. The best way to learn about a country is through its people. The bright shukas (sheets) that the Maasai people use as clothing provides a sharp contrast to the green and brown landscape of Kenya. They may live in small mud-thatched huts called Bomas, but they are adorned with the most intricate beaded jewelry. I loved the energy of the Maasai people! Holding hands with the chief, I took part in their circle and jumping dances known as Adumu. From them, I learned about how courtship works in that part of the world – Having a large herd of cattle helps! Mainly reliant on their livestock for survival, they are hard at work building fences to protect them from the wild national parks just in their backyard. Surely these villages are touristy but we have to applaud the effort the Maasai people make to tell us their stories. They need to be heard too!

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly into Nairobi and explore the city.

Day 2: Head to the Samburu National Reserve.

Day 3: Stay at one of the lodges on the bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and explore more of Samburu National Reserve.

Day 4: Head over to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Day 5: Stay at one of the amazing luxury tents and explore the Nakuru National Park. Watch out for flocks of Lesser Pink Flamingos.

Day 6: Head to the highlight of your trip – Maasai Mara! Visit the Maasai Mara Tribe Village.

Day 7: In the Maasai Mara you have the choice to explore from these options: Ngama Hills to the east, Oloololo to the west, the Mara Triangle, and the Central Plains.

Day 8: Head to Amboseli National Park to see the most majestic elephants in the wilderness.

Day 9: Boat Safari in Lake Naivasha.

Day 10: Return to Nairobi and fly out.

Stay

Hands down the Giraffe Manor is a bucket list destination on its own. Don’t miss it when visiting Kenya to begin your adventure. Sasaab Lodge is a great all –inclusive place to stay in Samburu National Reserve Area. The Olarro Lodges in Maasai Mara are pretty incredible. For a slightly more affordable option in Maasai Mara you can go with the Mara Serena Safari Lodge. These are all-inclusive options.

Tip

Start your trip with a one or two nights stay at the Giraffe Manor – It’s Incredible. You can add on Mombasa for a little beach town retreat with a local fare to end your Kenyan adventure. If time permits spend a bit more time in Nairobi to get a feel of life in a Kenyan Metropolitan City. If you are short on time absolutely visit the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Parks – This will guarantee you viewing The Big Five with amazing views. 

I was in Maasai Mara in March but the best time to go is June – October. April and May are best avoided. One of the greatest spectacles in Safari is the Great Wildebeest Migration. Between July – October millions of wildebeest and 250,000 zebras cross the Mara River in search of green pasture to give birth in February. One of the reasons I picked March for my trip was low crowd, but also to see the Mommy & Me pairs. February is birthing month, so in March you can witness all the wild animals grazing with their little ones.