About the Culture - With over 60 languages spoken throughout the country, the official languages are Swahili and English. The remaining languages are composed of tribal languages as well as Asian and Middle Eastern languages such as Arabic and Hindi. Kenya is not only linguistically diverse but ethnically diverse as well. There are 13 dominant ethnic groups, most of which belong to Bantu tribes in the center and southwest. Other tribal groups include the Nilotic and Hamitic people. 13% of the population includes ethnicities such as people of Indian, Arab, and European descent. Culturally, Kenya is a community-based society rather than one focused on individualism. Kenyans are dedicated to building a safe and supportive community.
Typical 3-Day Expeditions - Spend your safari in Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park, the largest and oldest game park in the country. Spot herds of elephants through the flatlands and giraffes towering over the trees. Split in half by a railway that runs from Mombasa to Nairobi, the park is 22,000 square kilometers (nearly 8,500 square miles), making it one of the largest in the world. The closest airport is Moi International Airport, which is located five hours away, but there are three airstrips in the park. Stay the night in nearby tented camps or lodges.
Day 1: Your first afternoon in Africa will be spent exploring the eastern side of the park with the Big Five: red elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos. The eastern side of the park is also home to the world’s longest lava flow and the Galana River. When the river rises during the rainy months, the water turns into a deep orange color.
Day 2: This day is spent traveling from the east to the west. After an early morning game drive before breakfast, head to the Manyani Gate, which acts as the border between the east and the west. The western end of the park is known for its wildebeest, elephants, zebras, and even the occasional lion or hyena. Once arriving in the west, view the often serene Savana and famous Mzima Springs as you learn the deep history of the land — going back to the Early Stone Age. Even embark on a rock climbing trip and see the flat land from a new angle.
Day 3: At the crack of dawn on day three, begin your day with breakfast before heading out on a game drive towards the Mzima Spring. Watch hippos and crocodiles coexist with fishes before departing the park and returning to your hotel.
Typical 6-Day Expeditions - Spend the first two nights of your six-day trek in Africa at the eco-friendly Lenchada Tourist Camp near the Masai Mara Game reserve. During the day, drive or hike through the flatlands and see lions, elephants, giraffes, and gazelles. Even take a hot-air balloon trip over the miles and miles of wildlife.
Day 3: On day three, move to Camp Carnelley’s and spend the night in a tent and live alongside monkeys and hippos. Spend the day at Lake Naivasha, home to over 450 bird species, and see the lush papyrus and acacia trees. The lake is the main water source for zebras, elands, hippos, waterbucks, and buffalos. This location is great for night safaris and boat trips.
Days 4, 5, and 6 will be spent with AA Lodge Amboseli as your home base. During the day, go on safaris through Amboseli National Park where you will encounter Maasai giraffes, elephants, lions, and cheetahs while Mount Kilimanjaro will be in sight from the flatlands of the park.
Typical 10-Day Expeditions - Day 1: Begin your safari in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. As the fourth-largest city on the continent, it is vibrant and full of life with nature seamlessly woven in between the towering buildings. Get a taste of city life before diving into wildlife by visiting the museums, clubs, and cafes.
Day 2-4: After kicking off your trip in the city, travel to Amboseli National Park for days two, three, and four. The park is nearly 400 square kilometers (150 square miles), leaving plenty of plains, woodlands, and lakes to explore. Even get in close contact with herds of elephants or visit nearby villages. Your nights will be spent in spacious tents with bathrooms at Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli.
Enter the second half of your 10 day trip at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and enjoy a panoramic view of the Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia. Days four through seven will be spent exploring the conservancy, including the two rivers and countless streams. Go on a game drive, hiking, horseback riding, camel riding, or mountain biking through the stunning terrain.
Day 7-10: Days seven through ten are spent at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara, which is popular for its proximity to the wildebeest migration. Ride horses, go on a game drive, or even a hot-air balloon over the Masai Mara National reserve and experience lions, elephants, gazelles, and more in their natural habitats.