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Two smiling Kenyan women in colorful, traditional beaded attire and headdresses stand in the savanna.
Kenya

Kenya in Depth: How Wildlife, People & Landscapes Intersect

Program No. 24888RJ
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Itinerary
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. Read More.
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
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Activity Note
Remember to bring your name tag.
Evening:
Arrivals in Nairobi in the late evening. Meet your Group Leader on arrival and check in to the hotel. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; during the rainy season, streets can be muddy and slippery. This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility assistance devices.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation. After breakfast, the Group 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. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our instructor, presenting lectures and conducting field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via jeeps unless noted otherwise. This program is not suitable for participants using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility assistance devices. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then drive to the National Museum and learn from museum staff about the rich Kenyan history and heritage. The museum has different sections, and we will have some time to explore it further on our 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 that displays different species found in East Africa. After our visit, we will go on a panoramic drive around Nairobi. In the afternoon we will return to our hotel and have some time to get ready for our first safari tomorrow.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions around the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving about 170 miles from Nairobi to Tsavo East National Park, approximately 4 hours; 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:
We will check out of our hotel and drive from Nairobi to untouched Tsavo West National Park. This will be our first insight into life in Africa outside of the capital. Upon arrival at our lodge, we will have lunch and check in. Along the way, our Group Leader will share some amazing stories about iconic wildlife such as Tsavo lions and Elsa the lioness. In 1898—during the construction of a railway bridge over the Tsavo River in present-day Tsavo National Park, Kenya—two maneless male lions began killing workers at night. The British-led project, overseen by Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson, came to a standstill as the lions—later known as the Tsavo Man-Eaters—dragged laborers from their tents despite protective measures like fires and thorn fences. Panic spread, and hundreds fled the site. After months of failed attempts, Patterson finally killed both lions in December 1898. He claimed they had killed 135 people, though estimates vary. Their remains are now displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago. The Tsavo lions are among the most studied man-eaters in history, with theories linking their behavior to injury or prey scarcity. Decades later, in 1956, game warden George Adamson and his wife Joy rescued three lion cubs after their mother was killed. While two were sent to a zoo, they raised the third, Elsa, and worked to reintroduce her into the wild. Released in Meru National Park, Elsa adapted successfully and even returned with cubs of her own. Elsa’s story, told in Joy Adamson’s book, Born Free, became a global symbol of wildlife conservation. After Elsa’s death in 1961, Joy founded the Elsa Conservation Trust, continuing efforts to protect African wildlife.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We’ll meet our Group Leader at the lodge for an orientation to game viewing and the wildlife of East Africa. Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Park were once a singular park before being divided by the construction of the road and railway from Mombasa to Nairobi. Tsavo West National Park is rich in biodiversity. The area has wooded, hilly landscapes with volcanic marks and black lava flows. We 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. We will then start our first game drive and learn about the nature of this area.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 this morning’s game drive.
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 other forms of 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 will see in a clear spring water pool. After our visit, we will return to our lodge for breakfast and rest.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore the area and start our afternoon game drive. This part of East Africa has a spectacular volcanic landscape. The western Tsavo, also known as Lava Land, is also the home of volcanic Chyulu Hills. We will discover rather lush nature, wonderful grassland and, on the higher elevations, montane forest as well. There are various mammals, and 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. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving about 70 miles from Tsavo West to the lodge in Amboseli, at least 3 hours riding time; most of the road is unpaved and can be rough at times of year.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
Checking out after breakfast, we will depart for Amboseli National Park, also known as the Elephant Country, at the edge of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is overshadowed by 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 abounds including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, and the hippo.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We’ll meet our Group Leader for an orientation to game viewing and the wildlife of Amboseli, after which we’ll proceed on an afternoon game drive on this dusty-flat land of short grass and marshes.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 our morning game drive.
Morning:
We will have an 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. 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:
The Group Leader will give us a presentation on the cultural heritage of Kenya, focusing on the more than 40 tribes here. We will learn about similarities and differences, specific ways of life, and more. We will then get ready for our Amboseli afternoon game drive to learn about and experience more of the savanna.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start and includes an internal flight to Samburu area including a connection at Nairobi Wilson airport. Each segment of the flight is approximately 1 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 the Samburu area in Northern Kenya. We will need to change planes at Nairobi. Upon arrival, we will instantly experience a semi-arid environment with a game drive on our way to our lodge. We’ll explore this unique park with its 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:
After a short rest, we’ll head out on our afternoon game drive. We will learn about different landscapes and a more rigid life both for the animals and people in this different and hard land. The Shaba, Samburu, and Buffalo Springs reserves form the large, protected area. This dramatic dry semi-desert grassland will offer a great experience this afternoon.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 our game drive.
Morning:
We will have an early start for our morning game drive all the way to the Ewasi Nyiro, meaning the river of mud or brown water. It starts from Mount Kenya and 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 other animals. We will then drive back to our lodge for breakfast and some rest.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will drive to the Samburu cultural village, named for a subtribe of the larger Maasai tribe. We will meet the people and learn about their lives, habits, language, and customs, as well as how they have changed in the modern world. After our visit, we will go on an afternoon game drive.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
This day includes a drive from our lodge to Ol Pejeta conservancy. Driving about 95 miles, over 3 hours riding time with a stop for facilities.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will check out of our lodge and head for Ol Pejeta Conservancy to arrive in time for lunch. We will take a regional road and pass by many small villages and towns on our way. Mount Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro, will follow our route to the camp. We will see beautiful fertile land and learn about the locals and how they live and work today.
Lunch:
At the camp.
Afternoon:
After lunch and check-in, we will explore Ol Pejeta, a not-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 an unequaled number of both black and white rhino population. Apart from rhinos and chimpanzees, the conservancy hosts a large selection of other African animals. After an exciting afternoon, we will return to our camp for dinner.
Dinner:
At the camp.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving about 105 miles from Ol Pejeta to Lake Nakuru, approximately 4 hours total riding time with two stops.
Breakfast:
At the camp.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will check out from our camp and start driving parallel to the Aberdare mountain range, making a brief stop at Thomson’s Falls as we descend the rift valley from the east. Today we will also get to cross the equator on our way, making a brief stop. We will continue towards Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Valley lakes. Water level varies constantly, which changes the surroundings frequently. The 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 our Group Leader. After the 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, especially pink flamingoes, pelicans, and cormorants. Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary was established here in 1984 at the height of poaching for rhino horns. 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. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving about 135 miles from Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara, approximately 4 hours riding time with some stops. Afternoon game drive will be 2-3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We will check out of 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 to October. This led the Mara to be considered one of the eight natural wonders of the world. We will again pass the villages and small towns and enjoy the ride to our comfortable camp.
Lunch:
At the camp.
Afternoon:
After lunch and check-in, we will have a presentation on Maasai Mara wildlife by the Group Leader. Afterwards, we will set out on a game drive from our camp, keeping a watch for many resident lion prides or the fastest of all, the cheetah. Maasai Mara is an extension of the great plane of Serengeti and part of the great animal migration. This well-known national park will offer us a new adventure.
Dinner:
At the camp.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
At the camp after our early morning game drive.
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 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, our Group 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 and the apparent purity, hopefulness, discipline, and pride of the Maasai people they share this time with. Our Group Leader will prepare us for the reality of this visit and challenges in an improvised village market that is part of the culture. After the visit, we will set out on our final game drive. Enjoy the sounds and sights as we say farewell to the Maasai Mara. Later, we’ll join our Group Leader for a final wrap-up session and presentation.
Dinner:
At the camp. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure tomorrow.
Activity Note
This day includes an early morning start. Each game drive is 2-3 hours long, with no restroom facilities available. This day includes one internal flight from Mara to Nairobi that will take approximately an hour. Late afternoon minibus transfer to airport for the flight home.
Breakfast:
At the camp.
Morning:
We will check out from our camp and head toward the airstrip for our flight to Nairobi. We will enjoy an 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:
Down time. Late afternoon, we will transfer to the airport ahead of late-night flights.
Dinner:
On your own. This concludes our program.
Evening:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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