Kenya
Go Learn
June 15-29, 2025
Double Occupancy: $8495 per person
Single Occupancy: $8995 per person
Airfare is not included.
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Go Learn is thrilled to be returning to Africa! Join us for 15 stunning days in beautiful Kenya as we travel from bustling city to tranquil lake to rainforest to savannah. We’ll start our journey in exciting Nairobi before flying to beautiful Lake Victoria to enjoy a couple of days near the water. Next, we’re off to the Kakamega Rainforest, Kenya’s only tropical rainforest, before making our way to Kenya’s glorious Masai Mara Reserve. Along the way, we’ll see the spectacular wildlife that only Kenya can offer!
With trip leader (and U professor) Adam Blundell, we’ll learn about birds, eco-tourism, and sustainability as we traverse this majestic terrain. From flamingos to elephants, to hippos, lions, and leopards, this will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the wilderness of Kenya.
We’re excited to be returning to Kenya to see what excitement it has in store for us this time!
Today is dedicated to arrivals. You’ve flown half way around the world to Nairobi and you’re tired! Rest up and stay hydrated, we’ll meet you at the airport and see you safely to your hotel. Once checked in, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to sit by the pool or explore the shopping area connected to the hotel. Try to stay awake as long as you can so you adjust more quickly!
Get some rest, adventure awaits!
Hotel: Trademark Hotel opens a new window
Activity Level: Moderate
We’ll start bright and early with breakfast on the go and a 6:00 AM pickup from our local guides to head to Nairobi National Park. During our drive through the park, we’ll receive our first glimpses of the many wild animals that call the park home. Afterward, we’ll visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, followed by the Giraffe Center. These hands-on experiences are sure to be a highlight! You’ll learn about the orphanage’s mission as they care for the infants before reintroducing them into the wild. Then you may get to feed a giraffe or two!
We’ll stop for lunch on your own before heading to the Kibera Slums. Here we’ll be guided on a tour of the area by a member of the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy who will show us firsthand how hundreds of thousands of Kenyans live. The Academy offers these tours to raise funds to help girls from Kibera. The experience can be quite impactful.
Then we’ll return to the hotel and the rest of the evening is yours. You can grab dinner at your leisure and rest up for tomorrow.
Hotel: Trademark Hotel opens a new window
Meal: B
Activity Level: Moderate
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll bid farewell to Nairobi and head to the airport to catch our flight to Kisumu. Once we land, we’ll be met at the airport by our hotel shuttle and make our way to Lake Victoria. We’ll check in to the hotel and then the rest of the day is yours to relax by the water or explore the island by bike. After a long day of travel, you’ve more than earned it!
We’ll meet for dinner in the evening and afterward; we’ll have a discussion with our trip leader Adam about what we can expect to see tomorrow.
Hotel: Rusinga Island Lodge opens a new window
Meals: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate
We’ll breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a day on the water. No swimming, I’m afraid (must keep an eye out for crocodiles and hippos). We’ll depart the lodge by boat and head to Takawiri Island—an ornithologist’s paradise. We’ll spend an hour or so on the island before heading back to the lodge for lunch.
The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. You’re on vacation after all!
Hotel: Rusinga Island Lodge opens a new window
Meals: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate
After breakfast, we’ll reunite with our drivers and say goodbye to Lake Victoria. Today, we make our way to an entirely new ecosystem - Kakamega Rain Forest. Kenya’s only tropical rainforest, Kakamega Forest has a vast variety of flora and fauna. There are over 600 species of orchids, 9 of which are endemic. There are approximately 370 different bird species and an abundance of rare species of butterflies.
We’ll be staying at the charming Rondo Retreat, located inside the rainforest, which began its life as a private home and is the only hotel located within the rainforest.
After we check in, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore. You can enjoy afternoon tea on the veranda and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Dinner will be in the hotel dining room before a chat with Adam about what we can expect to see on tomorrow’s hike.
Get some rest!
Hotel: Rondo Retreat opens a new window
Meal: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate
We’ll breakfast early and set out to explore the Kakamega Forest with our guides. In addition to orchids, birds, and butterflies, the forest is home to flying squirrels, mongoose, civet, serval, and genet cats, smaller antelope, and numerous species of bats and primates, most famously, the colobus monkey. We’ll take a moderate hike exploring the forest trails (bring a rain jacket in case the forest lives up to its name!) before returning to the hotel for lunch. The rest of the day is yours.
Dinner will be in the retreat dining room in the evening.
Hotel: Rondo Retreat opens a new window
Meals: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and continue our journey. Today we’re headed to Nakuru National Park and Lake Nakuru. Located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the beautiful Lake Nakuru is home to one of the greatest bird spectacles on earth. Throughout the year, millions of flamingos will gather here to feed on the abundant algae that thrive in the warm water. We may also spot rhinos, African buffalo, hippos, zebras, and hyenas in the area or on the drive there.
Once we check in and have lunch at the hotel, we won’t waste any time to set off that evening for our first game drive. Grab your cameras, you won’t want to miss a thing! Fingers crossed we spot some of the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalo)!
Afterward, we return to the hotel to have dinner and you can spend the evening enjoying the stunning Kenyan scenery on your own.
Hotel: Flamingo Hills Tented Camp opens a new window
Meal: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate
Today is filled with more game drives, lectures, and relaxation as we enjoy our second day at Lake Nakuru.
Enjoy!
Hotel: Flamingo Hills Tented Camp opens a new window
Meal: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate
Today we’re on the move again. We’ll breakfast at the hotel and then it’s back in the trucks to make our way to Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley. The lake is famous for its strong populations of hippos with over 1,500 living in the area as well as a large number of bird species. We’ll enjoy a boat ride around the lake before disembarking for a guided tour and hike on Crescent Island.
We’ll spend the night at the Naivasha Sopa Lodge, located on the southern bank of the lake. Fingers crossed we can see hippos stop by for some grass on their way “home” from a day at the lake.
Hotel: Naivasha Sopa Lodge opens a new window
Meals: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
After breakfast, we’re on the move again. We’re taking a little road trip to Hells Gate National Park. Named after its geothermal activity, and used as inspiration for the main setting of Disney’s The Lion King, visiting Hells Gate National Park is a “walk on the wild side.” The park is notable for its wide variety of wildlife and its scenery, including the Fischer's Tower and Central Tower columns and Hells Gate Gorge. Hells Gate makes for a perfect destination for our nature hike.
After the day’s excursion, we’ll head back to the lodge for dinner and another restful evening admiring the surroundings and spending time getting to know one another. Tomorrow we’re on the move again!
Hotel: Naivasha Sopa Lodge opens a new window
Meals: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
After breakfast, we check out of the Lodge and it’s onwards to the main event: The Masai Mara. Located to the West of Nairobi, the Masai Mara borders Tanzania and the great Serengeti National Park. Known for the highest concentration of wild animals in the world, more than 40% of Africa’s larger mammals can be found here. Keep an eye out for the Big 5.
The next three days are dedicated to exploring “The Mara”, with its vast expanses, incredible wildlife, and stunning beauty. We’ll enjoy game drives, optional hot air balloon rides, and the extraordinary accommodation at the Mara Serena Lodge.
Hotel: Mara Serena Lodge opens a new window
Meals: Full Board
Activity Level: Moderate
Today we say our farewells to the Mara and begin the journey back to the big city. Along the way, we’ll see more of Kenya’s beautiful people and landscape, and (hopefully) catch a few more glimpses of the majestic wildlife.
Once we reach the hotel, you’ll have time to rest and refresh before we meet for our farewell dinner at local favorite, Carnivore.
Afterward, the rest of the evening is yours.
Hotel: Tamarind Tree Hotel opens a new window
Meals: B, D
Activity Level: Moderate
Departure day! After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll be driven to the airport by our lovely drivers and delivered safely with enough time to make your flight.
We leave this beautiful country having made friends and memories, but the best thing about this journey is the incredible and immersive experience we had. Hands-on, up close, and with a trip leader always willing to fill in the knowledge gaps. This trip will stay with you for a lifetime!
Safe travels home. We’ll see you soon for the reunion!
Meal: B
Professor Adam Blundell has been affiliated with the University of Utah for more than 25 years. He obtained three degrees including his graduate schooling at the U, and has been working with students and research ever since. He is an Ecoexplorer with roles as a Zoologist, Ecotourism Instructor, Cultural Sustainability Course Director, and Research Expedition Facilitator. His research background includes: wildlife biology, medical research, avian studies, natural resource usage, sustainable development, and ecotourism opportunities. Professor Blundell has been in the departments of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the College of Science, and the School of Medicine for 20 years; serving in a variety of roles. Currently, Adam is teaching high level college courses to current high school students during the primary academic year, and leading educational programs abroad during school breaks and summer semester.
Go Learn is excited to offer programs led by Adam Blundell, for our participants looking to learn more about wildlife, cultures, and magical places... all with a sense of adventure.
Pre-Departure
Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins before you ever leave home. Go Learn will supply you with all the information, tips, and documents you'll need to have an enjoyable tour. We're always available to answer questions too—let us know how we can make your journey a smooth one!
About Kenya
Our trip will take us to central West Africa, to the biodiverse country of Kenya. Split in half by the Equator, the year is divided into the seasons of “long rains,” from March to early June, and “short rains,” occurring from October to early December. Average temperatures are lowest from July to August, marking the pinnacle of the famous Great Migration period when over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the Masai Mara ecosystems. This is truly one of the greatest wonders of the natural world. While giant herds of these grazers move across Northern Tanzania and Kenya, predators such as crocodiles, lions, hyenas, and leopards also have their days of abundance.
In 1964, Kenya achieved its independence from colonial rule, but the land’s history reaches far back, with multiple influences creating a colorful past, translating to an immensely diverse culture and people. From local tribes, such as the Mau Mau, to the coastal Swahili culture, Arab trade culture, Portuguese and British colonial rule, all contributing to the fabric that makes Kenya so special. One of the last tribes of Kenya to encounter the modern world is the Maasai people, the nomadic hunters and farmers of the Masai Mara ecosystem.
Weather
Our journey takes place in late June just as the winter season is about to begin. We are expecting clear skies and moderate temperatures with highs hovering around 80° F and lows around 50° F. Quite pleasant for safari tours!
Activity levels and restrictions
While none of Go Learn’s adventures are truly extreme, our journey across Kenya is considered Level 3 out of the three participation levels we offer. This trip will feature long days, remote places, long hikes and walks, wild animals, and all the wilderness and nature that makes this country so unique. Level 3 may include days of walking up to, and in excess, of 10 miles. We’ll encounter sandy paths, rocks, hills, and unpaved trails. While vehicle-assisted, our safari days will take us into the bush and onto river banks. You must be able to get in and out of the vehicles on your own.
We encourage you to read our . Participants are expected to move and carry their own luggage.
If you have concerns about your ability to walk, stand, or hike for the duration of this trip, please contact Go Learn so that we can advise you.
Starting in 2025, U.S. travelers will need an ETIAS 'visa' for many European countries and a UK ETA 'visa' for travel to or through the UK, including transfers and layovers.
Dates
June 15-29, 2025
Size
Trip is limited to 20 participants
Cost
Double occupancy: $7,999.00* per person
Single occupancy: $8,545.00*
*Prices indicated are after the early bird 5% discount.
Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.
See for payment and cancellation details.
Included
Not included
