Kenya
Kenya in Depth: How Wildlife, People & Landscapes Intersect
Program No. 24888RJ
Crisscross the equator on this deep dive into Kenya, where you’ll experience its astounding wildlife and the rich culture of its communities.
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15 days
14 nights
34 meals
12B 12L 10D
2
Arrival in Kenya
Nairobi
4
The Red Elephants county
Tsavo West National Park
5
Tsavo West; Mzima springs, volcanoes
Tsavo West National Park
6
The imposing Mt Kilimanjaro
Amboseli National Park
7
Amboseli park
Amboseli National Park
8
Northern Kenya/Samburu & Buffalo Springs National Reserves
Shaba National Reserve
9
River Ewaso Nyiro and crocodiles
Shaba National Reserve
10
Mount Kenya
Nanyuki Town
11
The Great Rift Valley
Lake Nakuru National Park
12
Great Rift Valley to Maasai Mara National reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve
13
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve
14
Return to Nairobi
Nairobi
15
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Some of the world’s most incredible landscapes, people and wildlife can be found in the heart of Kenya. Get ready to search for the Big Seven, which includes the Big 5 (African buffalo, rhinos, leopards, lions and elephants) plus elusive African wild dogs and cheetahs. Along the way, discover more about these animals and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them and their habitats, and delve into life in local communities as you meet members of the Maasai and Samburu tribes. Both tribes are semi-nomadic and very committed to their traditional ways of life, including herding livestock — which have come under threat recently with persistent droughts and loss of land. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture of Kenya, from its communities and traditions to the landscape and wildlife, and learn how they all interact with each other.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking and standing on uneven ground; some stairs. Full days with early morning starts. Riding for extended periods in safari vehicles over unpaved and very rough and dusty surfaces; getting in/out of vehicles requires flexibility. Elevations up to 7,500 feet.
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore Lake Nakuru National Park on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and search for flamingos along its shores.
- Enjoy a field trip to Ol Pejeta to learn about its wildlife conservation efforts and keep an eye out for rhinos and chimpanzees, who find refuge there.
- Experience the natural wonders of Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to lions, elephants and more and part of the Great Migration.
Suggested Reading List
(17 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Kenya in Depth: How Wildlife, People & Landscapes Intersect
Program Number: 24888
Africa's Great Rift Valley
Africa's Great Rift Valley stretches from the northern tips of Eritrea and Ethiopia down to Mozambique and as far east as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Filled with active volcanoes and vast lakes, the Great Rift Valley is populated by a wide variety of unique species and many different tribes of people, most of whom make their living off of the land. In the first chapter, Pavitt details the history of the formation of the rift that created the valley, and in the chapters that follow he discusses the geography and history of the different sections of the valley. The more than 200 stunning color photographs presented here feature the region's dramatic volcanoes and valleys as well as its people.
Birds of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Featuring a habitat-based approach to more than 270 bird species, this handy guide to fowl in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Speke Gulf includes 480 color photos and accessible text.
The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior
Bridging several worlds with tremendous grace, Saitoti looks back on his life among the Maasai, both as spokesperson for his tribe and as one of the first Maasai safari guides.
Big Five of Africa
Hinde's stunning photographs celebrate Africa's lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo.
Michael Nichols, Earth to Sky: Among Africa's Elephants, a Species in Crisis
Iain Douglas-Hamilton, J. Michael Fay, Peter Matthiessen, Cynthia Moss and David Quammen contribute to National Geographic photographer Michael "Nick" Nichols' stunning tribute to the elephant. Taken from two decades of work in Africa, the book includes a chapter on Daphne Sheldrick's work with orphaned elephants.
Serengeti Spy
A hoof-level view of the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Photographer Anup Shah lets the wildlife reveal themselves, placing small remote cameras at watering holes, outcrops and other strategic spots. The ground-level view is as surprising as it is clever, putting you face-to-face with lion and cheetah and wildebeest and all the creatures in action across the plains.
Kenya & Northern Tanzania (Serengeti) Map
A detailed map (1:1,100,000) with inset maps of Lamu, Nairobi and Mombasa.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
An attractive, colorful and informative sketch map of the area with notes on wildlife and conservation at a scale of 2:210,000.
Samburu
A stunning visual record of the life and traditions of the Samburu tribe of Kenya, featuring more than 200 color photos. Just north of the equator, where the Great Rift Valley provides some of the most spectacular scenery in Kenya, lies an inhospitable land that is home to the proud, semi–nomadic Samburu tribe. Their culture revolves around cattle, which give a man status in the community and allow him to procure a wife from a good family. Like their more famous relatives, the Maasai, the Samburu have withstood efforts to impose an alien culture upon them and continue to live as they always have done.
A Guide to the Birds of East Africa, A Novel
Drayson draws on his time in Nairobi for this sweet novel about East Africa society -- revolving, naturally, around birding and the Hunt Ball at the Asadi Club. Reality intervenes in the shape of renegade Somalis.
African Warriors
An intimate, sometimes striking photo-essay detailing the folkways of the Samburu, a warrior-based society of northern Kenya. Magor, a Kenyan-born model who studied design in England, lived among the Samburu for six years, recording the daily rhythms and significant ceremonies of this traditional culture, whose members depend on herds of cattle, goats, and camels for their survival. Living in semi-arid scrublands, the Samburu follow rigidly circumscribed patterns that dictate age- and gender-based divisions of labor, family and social organization, and the timing and enactment of rites of passage.
Cathedral of the Wild: An African Journey Home
Varty depicts his life on safari in a beautiful and adventurous story of relationships and balance with others, the land, and the wildlife.
Wildlife of East Africa
This take-along guide to 475 common species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, trees and flowers of East Africa features full-color photographs with detailed descriptions on facing pages.
African Heroes, Samburu-maasai
Guzzini captures the rituals and travels of the mysterious Masaai communities of Tanzania and Kenya in beautiful, untouched photographs that honor the people and their land.
The Safari Companion
An invaluable encyclopedic guide to Africa's mammals by a noted scientist, this perennial bestseller includes black-and-white drawings, an overview of each animal group and in-depth information. Written with the typical safari-goer in mind.
The Tree Where Man Was Born
A classic portrait of East Africa, enthralling in its detail on nature and daily life. Includes Masai, Ngorongoro, the Kenyan highlands and Mathiessen's field trips, safaris and adventures in the Serengeti.
West with the Night
Beryl Markham evokes the landscapes, people and wildlife of East Africa in engrossing detail in this classic memoir of amazing adventures as a bush pilot in 1930s Kenya, a favorite.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
34 meals (
12B, 12L, 10D
)
4 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Departures and Overnight Flights to Kenya
Location:
In Flight
Evening:
Depart on overnight flights from the USA.
Day
2
Arrival in Kenya
Location:
Nairobi
Stay:
Eka Hotel
Activity Note
In transit to program.
Evening:
Arrivals in Nairobi in the late evening. Meet your Study Leader on arrival and check in to the hotel.
Day
3
Nairobi and Nairobi National Museum
Location:
Nairobi
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Eka Hotel
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; during the rainy season, streets can be muddy and slippery.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, your Study Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then visit National Museum and learn about the rich Kenyan history and heritage. Museum has different sections. We will have guided field trip and you will also have time to explore museum on your own.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will continue to explore the zoo part of the museum and visit the snake park as well that displays different spices that there are in East Africa. After visit we will have panoramic drive around Nairobi. In the afternoon we will return to our hotel and have some time to get ready for our fist safari next day.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local fare. Your Study Leader will be happy to suggest all the options around the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
The Red Elephants county
Location:
Tsavo West National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Activity Note
The drive from Nairobi to Tsavo East national Park will take approximately 4 hours and part of the road is unpaved. The game drive will be 2-3 hours long. There are no toilet facilities outside of the lodge.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will check out of our hotel and drive from Nairobi to untouched Tsavo West National park. Our drive will be over four hours with some stops. We will see the different sceneries and along the road to Tsavo. This will be our first insight into life in Africa out of the capital. Upon arrival to our lodge we will have lunch and then check in.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Meet your Study Leader for an orientation to game viewing and the wildlife of East Africa. Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Park are close to each other and once big park area but long ago were divided by the road and the railway that were built from Mombasa to Nairobi. Tsavo West National Park is rich in bio diversity. The area has wooded, hilly landscapes with volcanic marks and black lava flows. You will witness rugged wilderness of savannah grasslands, Acacia woodlands and lush game viewing. Diversity of plants and bird species is also one of the best in Kenya. This afternoon we will start our first game drive and learn about the nature.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Tsavo West; Mzima springs, volcanoes
Location:
Tsavo West National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start. Each game drive is approximately 2-3 hours long. There are no toilet facilities outside of the lodge.
Breakfast:
At the lodge after game drive.
Morning:
This morning we will have our first early morning game drive. We will snack before going for game. Along the drive we will see wonderful nature, scrublands, acacia woodlands and many more different vegetation. Mizima springs is a green oasis that is made up of four natural springs that produces incredible amount of fresh water daily. This is the home of many hippos, Nile crocodile and tilapia fish that we are going to see in clear spring water pool. After our visit we will return to our lodge for breakfast and rest.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
After afternoon we will continue to explore the area more and start with our afternoon game drive. This part of east Africa has spectacular volcanic landscape. The western Tsavo, also known as Lava land, is also the home of volcanic Chyulu hills. You will discover rather lush nature, wonderful grassland and on the higher elevations montane forest as well. There are number of different mammals as many different bird species can be found on the hill. After our game drive we will return to our lodge for dinner.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
The imposing Mt Kilimanjaro
Location:
Amboseli National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Amboseli Ol Tukai Lodge
Activity Note
This day we will start from Tsavo West toward our lodge in Amboseli and the drive will at least 3 hours and most of the road is unpaved and can be rough some times of year.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
Depart after breakfast and checking out for Amboseli Nationa Park also known as the Elephant country at the edge of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is overshadowed by Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at about 19,340 feet above sea level. Amboseli National park is considered a jewel for being the only National park with the highest concentration of elephants per area that can be viewed at very close range. Other game abound including Zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo and the hippo.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
In afternoon meet your Study Leader for an orientation to game viewing and the wildlife of Amboseli. Proceed after the introduction on an afternoon game drive on this dusty-flat land of short grass and marshes.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Amboseli park
Location:
Amboseli National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Amboseli Ol Tukai Lodge
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start. Each game drive is approximately 2-3 hours long. There are no toilet facilities outside of the lodge.
Breakfast:
At the lodge after game drive.
Morning:
This morning we will have early start for our morning game drive to see the first moves of the animals in Amboseli on the plane of Mt Kilimanjaro. Prepare your binoculars for a great game drive, After our morning game drive we will return to our beautiful lodge for breakfast with the best view over the plane overlooking the animals.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
This afternoon your Study Leader will give you a presentation on Cultural heritage of Kenya. The emphasis is going to be on tribes in Kenya that are around 40, You will learn about similarities and differences, about specific ways of life and many more. After presentation we will get ready for our NP Amboseli afternoon game ready to learn and experience more of savanna.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Northern Kenya/Samburu & Buffalo Springs National Reserves
Location:
Shaba National Reserve
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start and includes internal flight to Samburu area via Nairobi Wilson airport. Each segment of the flight is around an hour. Afternoon game drive will be 2-3 hours long, with no restroom facilities available.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
After breakfast we will check out of our lodge and depart on an early morning scheduled flight to Samburu area to the Northern Kenya. We will need to change the planes at Nairobi. Upon arrival we will instantly experience a semi-arid environment with a game drive on your way to your lodge. Explore this unique park with varied landscape and wild animals. It is famous for the 'Samburu special 5' made up of reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa Oryx, Somali ostrich and Vulturine Guinea fowls.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Afternoon game drive will take place after short afternoon rest. We will learn about different landscape and more rigid life both for the animals and people in this different and hard land. Shaba, Samburu and Buffalo springs form together the large protected area. This dramatic dry grassland, semi desert will offer great experience this afternoon.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
River Ewaso Nyiro and crocodiles
Location:
Shaba National Reserve
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start. Each game drive is approximately 2-3 hours long. There are no toilet facilities outside of the lodge.
Breakfast:
At the lodge after game drive.
Morning:
This morning we will have early start for our morning game drive all the way to Ewasi Nyiro river, meaning the river of mud or brown water. River starts from Mount Kenya and it is very important for the life of all the area. The river is also home to crocodiles that we are going to see along with the other animals. After morning adventure we will drive back to our lodge for breakfast and some rest.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
This afternoon after lunch we are going for Samburu cultural village visit. Samburu are sub tribe of lager group of Maasai tribe and the area is called after them. We will meet the people in a village and learn about their life, habits, language and also about customs and how they have changed in the modern world. After village visit we will continue for an afternoon game drive.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Mount Kenya
Location:
Nanyuki Town
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Activity Note
This day includes drive from our Lodge to Ol Pejeta conservancy. The drive will be a bit over 3 hours with the stop for facilities.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
After breakfast we will check out form our lodge and head for Ol Pejeta Conservancy to arrive in time for lunch. We will take regional road and pas by many small villages and towns on our way. Mount Kenya, the second highest peak, after Kilimanjaro, in Africa will follow our route to the camp. We will see beautiful fertile land and learn about locals and how they live and work today. We will arrive to our camp for lunch and after lunch we will check in.
Lunch:
At the camp.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will explore Ol Pejeta non-for-profit wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia County. First we will visit the chimpanzee enclosure at feeding time during the afternoon game drive. Ol Pejeta is known worldwide being the home to the last living northern white rhino. It also boasts of un-equaled number of both black and white rhino population. Apart from Rhinos and chimpanzees, conservancy hosts a large selection of other African animals. After an exciting afternoon we will return to our camp for dinner and overnight.
Dinner:
At the camp.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
The Great Rift Valley
Location:
Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Activity Note
This day includes drive from Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru. Our drive will be around 4 hours today and will schedule a couple of stops to break this enduring journey.
Breakfast:
At the camp.
Morning:
After breakfast we will check out from our camp and start drive parallel to the Aberdare mountain range making a brief stop at Thompson's falls as we will decent the rift valley from the East. Today we will also experience Equador crossing on our way and will make a brief stop. We will continue towards Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Vally lakes. Water level varies constantly and this changes the surroundings frequently. Lake is close to Nakuru town, one of the biggest in the area.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will have an orientation to game viewing and the wildlife of Lake Nakuru National park by your Study Leader. After presentation we will start our afternoon game drive to enjoy the enchanting landscape of Lake Nakuru national park. It is famous for the rhino, buffalo, impala and hundreds of marine birds. Lake is known for the big number of bird’s spices especially pink flamingoes, pelicans and cormorants. It was here at the height of poaching menace for the Rhino horn is where the government started the first Rhino sanctuary in 1984. After our game drive we will return to the lodge for dinner enjoying the beautiful view of the lake and the area.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Great Rift Valley to Maasai Mara National reserve
Location:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Activity Note
Drive from Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara will be approximately four hours with some stops. Afternoon game drive will be 2-3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
This morning we will check out form our lodge and will drive towards Maasai Mara National Park. We will drive through the rift valley floor towards the Mara plains. Maasai Mara is famous for the annual migration of the wildebeests; a phenomenon experienced annually from July through to October. This made the Mara to be considered one of the 8 natural wonders of the world. We will again pass the villages and small towns and enjoy the ride. Upon arrival to our comfortable camp we will have lunch and then check into our tents.
Lunch:
At the camp.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will have presentation on Maasai Mara wild life by your Study Leader. In the afternoon after presentation we will set out on a game drive from our camp keeping a watch for many resident lion prides or the fastest of all cheetah. Maasai Mara is extension of the great plane of Serengeti and part of the great animal migration. This well know National park will offer us new adventure.
Dinner:
At the camp.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Masai Mara National Reserve
Location:
Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start. Each game drive is 2-3 hours long, with no restroom facilities available. While not required, participants are welcome to bring donations of clothing and school supplies for the children of the Maasai Village visited in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
At the camp after game drive.
Morning:
In the morning as the light brightens over the Mara, we will head toward another morning adventure to experience Mara mornings and the animals of this splendid savanna. We will see more animals and will enjoy the beauty and serenity of this beautiful land. After our game drive we will come back to our camp for breakfast and rest.
Lunch:
At the camp.
Afternoon:
After lunch your Study Leader has scheduled a brief introduction talk on the Maasai cultural village. It is truly a journey into timelessness, back to the way things have been for thousands of years. Some Road Scholars remain forever touched by the experience, the apparent purity, hopefulness, discipline, and pride of the Maasai people they share this time with. Your Study Leader will prepare you for the reality of this visit and also challenges on an improvised village market they have as the part of their culture. After the visit in the afternoon we will set out on your final game drive. Enjoy the sounds and sights as you say farewell to the Maasai Mara. Later join your Study Leader for a final wrap-up session and presentation.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner in the camp.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Return to Nairobi
Location:
Nairobi
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Eka Hotel
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start. Each game drive is 2-3 hours long, with no restroom facilities available. This day include one internal flight from Mara to Nairobi that will take approximately an hour. Late afternoon transfer to IAJK for the flight home.
Breakfast:
At the camp.
Morning:
This morning we will check out from our camp and head toward the air strip for our flight to Nairobi. We will enjoy additional game drive on the way. After landing at Nairobi we will drive to the hotel for lunch and check in for our day room to rest and prepare for our flight back home.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Afternoon to rest and pack/repack before trip home. Late afternoon transfer to the airport
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
On your own.
Day
15
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Transit from the program.
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MEALS
34 Meals
12 Breakfasts
12 Lunches
10 Dinners
LODGING
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- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
- Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025
- Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
- Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
- Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
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- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
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