Best of Kenya Cultural Safari – 16 Days

BEST OF KENYA CULTURAL SAFARI

Trip duration

16 days/ 15 nights

The Best of Kenya Cultural Safari can be combined with our Zanzibar Beach Holiday.

Cultural safaris in Kenya offer some of the best experiences in the entire World. Kenya has 42 major tribes; and a few more smaller tribes. These tribes have exciting cultural diversity; making a cultural safari in Kenya a definite bucket-list idea.

On our Kenya cultural safaris, we incorporate some great aspects of Kenyan history. We also add some great wildlife viewing sites, so that you get to enjoy the best of African wildlife. This ensures a very engaging and fun-filled learning experience during the Best of Kenya Cultural Safari. This is indeed the best cultural safari in Kenya; and we are sure you will enjoy it.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KENYA – NAIROBI

Our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari will start in Kenya’s tourism capital, Nairobi. We shall arrive via the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where our Tour Leader will be ready to receive us and kick start our journey. We shall then head to our hotel in Nairobi, where we shall check in.

On this day, if we have an early arrival, we may explore local attractions around Nairobi. The city has a national park at its edge, making it one of the most special conservation cities globally. Otherwise, we can relax and enjoy the nice Nairobi weather from our hotel.

Night in Nairobi.
DAY 2: NAIROBI NATIONAL MUSEUM, BOMAS OF KENYA AND KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM

On this day of our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari, we shall explore several sites within the greater Nairobi area. We shall start at the Nairobi National Museum, where we shall enjoy a great gallery showcasing all tribes of Kenya. Here we shall also visit the snake park and other galleries.

We shall then spend time at the Bomas of Kenya, which is another great showcase of the tribes of Kenya. At the Bomas of Kenya, traditional ways of life are showcased through song, dance and village homestead models.

Our last call will be the amazing Karen Blixen Museum. Formerly the home of the famous Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), this historical Museum was once part of a large coffee farm. The farm is also famous for being the focus of the legendary book and movie ‘Out of Africa’. The original farm was however sold separately to create the present suburb of Karen. The museum will give you a great insight into the life of Kenya’s pre-independence culture. The museum is located at the foothills of the famous Ngong Hills, a landscape site also featured in the film.

We shall enjoy a great dinner at a cultural restaurant; where Kenyan traditional dishes are prepared. This cultural dining experience is a great highlight of our Best of Kenya Cultural Safaris.

Night in Nairobi.
DAY 3: MT. KENYA TO SAMBURU – TRIBES OF CENTRAL KENYA HIGHLANDS

Leaving Nairobi early, we shall visit the Thingira Cultural Centre. This exciting site hosts traditional songs, cuisines and artifacts from the Kikuyu, Embu, Meru and Kamba tribes of the vast Mt. Kenya region.

We shall then head farther North to Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves; where our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari continues.

Night in Samburu.
DAY 4: SAMBURU AND BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVES – THE SAMBURU TRIBE

This is a very exciting destination on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari. These spectacular reserves host some very unique wildlife such as the Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Reticulated Giraffe; most of which are not easy to find South of the Equator.

The mighty Ewaso Ng’iro North River meanders its way across these reserves giving life to this beautiful land. Local Doum Palms tangle their branches in the sky as if waving at the people, and provide the landscape with a beautiful touch. Enjoy tracking the local elephants and other members of the Big 5 on your game drives.

We shall enjoy an afternoon with the local community members from the Samburu tribe. We shall visit one of the cultural villages where we shall learn about their exciting culture and ways of life.

Night in Samburu.
DAY 5 AND 6: LAKE BARINGO – TRIBES OF NORTHERN KENYA AND A TOUCH OF THE RIFT VALLEY

Leaving Samburu, we shall drive to one of the best Rift Valley Lakes; where our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari continues. On the way, we shall enjoy great landscapes and beautiful sites. We shall enjoy a stop-over at the Baringo Equator line stop; where we shall interact with local crafts-women from the area.

This evening we shall enjoy a great dance from the Turkana tribe of Northern Kenya. The next morning, we shall enjoy a boat ride on Lake Baringo, where we shall learn about the local Njemps tribe. The boat ride is often a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safaris. We shall watch the local tribesmen as they enjoy fishing on the lake with handmade stick-lined canoes. These amazing canoes float effortlessly over the calm lake waters, with the fishermen paddling using small shoe-size oars.

We shall also enjoy a walk through the Baringo area with our local guide as we learn about the local culture and landscapes. During the heat of the day, we shall relax by the lakeside as we enjoy the breeze.

Nights in Baringo.
DAY 7: LAKE BARINGO TO LAKE VICTORIA; VIA THE KERIO VALLEY – THE KALENJIN TRIBE (THE MARATHON LEGENDS)

Continuing our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari, we shall cruise through the Western wall of the Great Rift Valley as we head to Lake Victoria. We shall make roadside stops to enjoy local farmlands and plantations.

This day we pass through the Western Rift Valley Highlands, home to the Kalenjin tribe. We may come across the legendary marathon runners of Kenya, who train in this great place before breaking the World records. This place has become very famous for training, and athletes from across the entire World visit the area to train with Kenyan athletes. We shall also enjoy local tea fields and learn about the growing of the famous Kenyan tea.

In the afternoon, we shall arrive at Lake Victoria where we shall enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery. We shall also enjoy a boat ride here this afternoon as we learn about the fishing life of the local Luo tribe. Lake Victoria is always a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safaris.

Night in Kisumu.
DAY 8: KAKAMEGA AND KISUMU – TRIBES OF WESTERN KENYA AND LAKE VICTORIA

On this day, we shall visit Kit Mikayi, a famous cultural site near Lake Victoria. The name Kit Mikayi means “the stone of the first wife” in the local Luo tribe language. The “first wife” in the story means the rock where a man called Ngeso Kosanjo would always spend his days – as if spending with his first wife. Our local guide will lead us through this exciting cultural site and help us learn all about its history. This is always a great site for our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari.

We shall then visit the famous Crying Rock/ Stone of Illesi in Kakamega; where we shall enjoy learning about this phenomenal site. This stone is a special place for the Luhya tribe; and serves as a cultural shrine. The local people believe that the rock should always “keep crying” for good fortune to come to the community.

Nights in Kisumu.
DAY 9: LAKE SIMBI NYAIMA AND THIMLICH OHINGA HERITAGE SITE – KINGDOMS FROM A BYGONE ERA

Continuing our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari; we shall drive to the exciting Lake Simbi Nyaima; where our safari guide will help you learn about the cultural significance of this crater lake. The local community members here also help us learn more about their local beliefs and the folklore relating to Lake Simbi Nyaima.

We shall then proceed to Thimlich Ohinga Archeological and Heritage Site. This is a recent UNESCO World Heritage Site that is not visited by most cultural safaris in Kenya. Thimlich Ohinga is believed to be from the 16th century, and served as an enclosure for both people and their animals. The site is build in 1.5-4.5 metre walls; with four main enclosures namely:- Kochieng, Kakuku, Koketch and Koluoch.

This day is always a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari. We shall enjoy a guided tour of this amazing site led by one of the very knowledgeable local guides.

Night in Kisii.
DAY 10: KISII SOAPSTONE MINES TO MASAI MARA – THE KISII TRIBE

We shall spend the morning at the Kisii Soapstone mines, where we shall interact with local community members. Tabaka Mines are famous for the high quality carvings that are derived here. There will also be a chance to buy some souvenirs made by the community team.

In the afternoon we shall proceed into the amazing Masai Mara; where our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari continues.

Night in Mara.
DAY 11 AND 12: MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE – THE MAASAI TRIBE

Our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari will continue exploring the mighty Masai Mara. Renowned for the annual wildebeest migration, which is often regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, Masai Mara National Reserve is the crown of an African safari experience.

Considered the ultimate wildlife haven in Kenya, Masai Mara has a lot to offer. From all members of the Big 5 (African Lion, Leopard, Black Rhino, Cape Buffalo and Savannah Elephant) to the numerous herbivores grazing the landscape in huge herds, this place is indeed amazing.

You will enjoy learning about this magical destination with our guides. Enjoy interesting game drives as you track the Big 5, the Big Cats and much more. We shall also keep an eye for antelopes like Common Impalas and gazelles like Thompson’s Gazelles. Local birds include Southern Ground Hornbill, Saddle-billed Stork, Lappet-faced Vulture and Kori Bustard.

We shall be spending a whole morning with one of the most-intact cultural communities in Africa; the Maasai Tribe. We shall have a local guide from the community to help us learn about the amazing life of the Maasai people. The village experience is a great highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari. On one evening we shall enjoy a dance with the Maasai tribe, as we sip some amazing sundowner drinks.

Nights in Masai Mara.
DAY 13, 14 AND 15: INDIAN OCEAN COAST – MOMBASA AND DIANI (TRIBES OF THE EAST AFRICAN COAST)

You will then catch a domestic flight to the coast. For the next days, you will enjoy a relaxed holiday at the scenic Indian Ocean beach. This is a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari; and allows a perfect location to relax and unwind. You can enjoy water sports, diving, snorkeling, boat ride, sunbathing and swimming along the vast Indian Ocean.

The main aim of visiting the coast will be to enjoy the Mijikenda Kaya Forests. These are 10 separate forests that are spread over the Kenyan Coast, containing highly valued remains of ancient fortified villages. These ancient villages are known as Kayas, by the Mijikenda tribe of Kenya. Kayas are believed to have been created by the 16th century. The Mijikenda people believe that these forests are now homes of their ancestors; and thus are protected as sacred sites. Kayas are listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

During our stay at the Coast, we shall visit one Kaya forest, namely Kaya Kinondo. Our local guide will help us learn all about the Kaya forests and also show us around this beautiful site.

On another day, we shall visit the historical Mombasa Old Town, where we shall learn about the traditional life of the Swahili people of Coastal Kenya. Later, we shall visit the historical Fort Jesus Museum; where we shall learn more about this exciting site. This day is always a highlight on our Best of Kenya Cultural Safaris.

Nights in Mombasa or Diani.
DAY 16: DIANI TO NAIROBI

On this day, you will enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. You will then be transferred to the local airport for a domestic flight to Nairobi.

On arrival, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for the international flight home; marking the end to our Best of Kenya Cultural Safari.
Highlight mammals and others
Highlight birds
Habitats covered
Photographic opportunities
Special moments

Pricing Table

	Peak Season (July-October, 23-31 December)	High / Mid Season (January-March, November-22 December)	Low Season (April-June)
1 Guest	9,600 US Dollars	9,460 US Dollars	8,250 US Dollars
2 Guests	12,890 US Dollars	12,730 US Dollars	11,100 US Dollars
3 Guests	18,240 US Dollars	17,900 US Dollars	15,100 US Dollars
4 Guests	21,540 US Dollars	21,140 US Dollars	17,950 US Dollars
5 Guests	26,890 US Dollars	26,350 US Dollars	21,960 US Dollars
6 Guests	30,180 US Dollars	29,590 US Dollars	24,810 US Dollars
Single room supplement	1,210 US Dollars	1,170 US Dollars	770 US Dollars

Services to be provided/items included:

Full time access to a 4×4 open-roofed safari vehicle throughout your trip; with our qualified driver-guide

Complimentary airport transfers on the stated safari starting and completion days

Home/ hotel/ airport pick-up and drop-off during the main safari dates

Accommodation in shared twin or double or triple or family rooms (Please note: single rooms are available at an extra single room supplement, single or solo travelers do not need to pay a single room supplement, because the price for 1 person already includes the single room supplement)

All meals as per the safari plan

Unlimited drinking water during the entire trip – to be provided in the vehicle

Conservation areas, reserves, conservancies and park entry fees as per the safari plan

Local flights where included in your safari (please check with our office to know which flights are included for your specific safari)

All taxes