Kenya
Go Learn

Welcome to Kenya! After the long journey to get to Nairobi, we’ll use today to get settled in. Your driver will greet you at the airport and ensure you arrive safely at your hotel. Once you’ve checked in, take some time to relax and enjoy a meal at one of the many options at the hotel or nearby. If you can, try to stay awake a little longer to help adjust to the time difference. Rest well tonight because an incredible adventure begins tomorrow!

Hotel: Trademark Hotel  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll meet our drivers in the lobby and set out for an unforgettable day. Our first stop is the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where you’ll learn about their inspiring mission to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned or injured calves before releasing them back into the wild. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Giraffe Center to see and feed these graceful animals, an experience that is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Later, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before gathering in the restaurant for an early welcome dinner. Afterward, get a good night’s sleep; tomorrow begins bright and early with more adventure ahead.

Hotel: Trademark Hotel  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: B, D

It’s an early start today as we grab breakfast to go, meet our drivers in the hotel lobby, bid farewell to Nairobi, and head to the airport for our flight to Kisumu. Upon arrival, a private bus and luggage truck will be waiting to take us to our next destination, Lake Victoria. The journey includes a three-hour drive and then a scenic ferry ride across the lake to Takawiri Island. Once checked in at the hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax by the water, take a swim in the pool, or explore the island at your own pace. After a full day of travel, you’ve earned some rest.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner followed by a discussion with our trip leader, Adam, about what to expect tomorrow.

Hotel: Takawiri Sands Lodge  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: Full Board

We’ll start the morning with breakfast at the resort before embarking on a day on a Lake Victoria excursion. While swimming is not allowed due to the presence of crocodiles and hippos, you will enjoy a scenic boat ride across Africa’s largest lake to Bird Island, a true paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Spend several hours touring the island by boat and observing its incredible birdlife before returning to the resort for a relaxing lunch.

The afternoon is free for you to unwind, take in the views of Lake Victoria, or simply enjoy the tranquility of Takawiri Island.

Hotel: Takawiri Sands Lodge  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: Full Board

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. This lush forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including more than 600 species of orchids, nine of which are found nowhere else, along with approximately 370 bird species and countless rare butterflies.

We’ll be staying at the charming Rondo Retreat, the only accommodation located inside the rainforest. Originally a private home, Rondo now offers rooms in cozy cottages nestled among the trees. There is no Wi-Fi here, so prepare to unplug and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

After we check in, we’ll enjoy lunch in the dining room, and you’ll have the rest of the day to relax. Enjoy afternoon tea with homemade cakes on the veranda as you take in the peaceful forest views and watch the monkeys move through the trees.

Dinner will be served in the dining room, followed by a conversation with Adam about what to expect on tomorrow’s hike. Rest well because an unforgettable rainforest adventure awaits.

Hotel: Rondo Retreat  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: Full Board

We’ll start the morning with breakfast in the dining room before setting out with our guides to explore Kakamega Rainforest. This unique ecosystem is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals, including orchids, butterflies, and many bird species. While the forest is dense and wildlife can be elusive, you may hear or catch glimpses of creatures such as colobus monkeys or other small mammals along the way.

This hike will take us deep into the forest along scenic trails, so be prepared for a long walk and bring a rain jacket in case the rainforest lives up to its name. After the hike, we’ll return to the retreat for lunch and afternoon tea.

If you prefer, you can choose to stay behind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings from the veranda, listening to the sounds of nature.

The rest of the day is yours to relax before we gather for dinner in the retreat’s dining room.

Hotel: Rondo Retreat  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: Full Board

After breakfast, we leave Kakamega Rainforest behind and continue our journey to Nakuru National Park and Lake Nakuru. Located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, this stunning saltwater lake is home to one of the greatest bird spectacles on earth. While animal sightings vary, the park offers incredible opportunities to observe diverse wildlife such as rhinos, African buffalo, hippos, zebras, and hyenas along the way.

Once we check in and have lunch at the hotel, we’ll head out for our first game drive that evening. Grab your cameras, you won’t want to miss a thing! With luck, we may even spot lions as the sun sets over the savanna.

Afterward, return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening. Take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery or indulge in the hotel’s excellent spa services.

Hotel: Egret Savanna Camp  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: Full Board

Spend the day enjoying more game drives and soaking in the beauty of Lake Nakuru and its surrounding landscapes. This is your chance to look for wildlife you may have missed yesterday, from rhinos and zebras to giraffes and perhaps even lions. Between drives, take time to relax at the lodge, savor the views of the Great Rift Valley, or treat yourself to the spa.

Enjoy every moment of this unforgettable safari experience.

Hotel: Egret Savanna Camp  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: Full Board

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to our next destination: Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake located in the Great Rift Valley. Known for its thriving hippo population with over 1,500 living in the area and its diverse bird populations, the lake offers a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Kenya. We’ll enjoy a boat ride around the lake to observe the hippos and birds that make the lake their home.

Afterward, we’ll check in at Naivasha Sopa Lodge on the southern bank of the lake, enjoy lunch, and take some time to relax. If we’re lucky, we might see hippos grazing near the lodge in the evening.

Dinner will be served in the lodge’s dining area, and the rest of the evening is yours to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Hotel: Naivasha Sopa Lodge  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meal: Full Board

Following breakfast at the lodge, we’ll set out for Hell’s Gate National Park, a striking landscape formed by ancient volcanic activity. The park is known for its dramatic scenery, including Fischer’s Tower, Central Tower, and the deep Hell’s Gate Gorge, as well as its role as inspiration for the setting of Disney’s The Lion King. Unlike most parks in Kenya, Hell’s Gate allows visitors to explore on foot, making it an ideal destination for a nature hike.

Participants have the option to rent a bike and cycle through the park, take a guided walk, or ride in the trucks while enjoying views of the wildlife and rugged terrain.

After our excursion, we’ll return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax, perhaps by the pool, on the tennis court, or with an e-bike ride through the surrounding area.

Dinner will be served in the dining room, followed by a restful evening sharing stories from the day and soaking in the beauty of our surroundings.

Tomorrow we’re on the move again!

Hotel: Naivasha Sopa Lodge  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meal: Full Board

After breakfast, we’ll check out of the lodge and begin our journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. Located west of Nairobi and bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Masai Mara is renowned for its vast plains and the highest concentration of wildlife in the world. More than 40 percent of Africa’s larger mammals roam here, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos.

For the next three days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the beauty of “The Mara.” Our time will include thrilling game drives across the savanna, opportunities to spot incredible wildlife, and optional hot air balloon rides for a bird’s-eye view of this breathtaking landscape. Each evening, we’ll return to the comfort of Masai Mara Sopa Lodge, situated on the slopes of the Oloolaimutia Hills, offering an extraordinary setting to relax, stargaze, and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Hotel: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: Full Board

This morning, we bid farewell to the Masai Mara and begin our journey back to Nairobi. The drive offers another chance to take in Kenya’s stunning landscapes and vibrant communities along the way. We’ll also make time for some shopping, perfect for picking up souvenirs and local crafts.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll have time to rest and refresh before our farewell dinner at Carnivore, a renowned Nairobi restaurant celebrated for its unique dining experience and authentic flavors.

After dinner, the evening is yours to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

Hotel: Tamarind Tree Hotel  opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: B, D

Although today marks the end of our journey, we have the chance to fit in some final experiences before our flights. After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll board our private coach and visit the Karen Blixen Museum, a historic home that offers insight into Kenya’s colonial past and the life of the famed author of Out of Africa. We’ll also stop at Kobe Tough; a local artisan workshop known for its handcrafted beads and beaded leather goods, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Optional day rooms at the hotel will be available at an additional cost, along with access to the pool and dressing rooms while we wait for evening departures. Approximately three and a half hours before your flight, you’ll be transferred to the airport.

As we leave this beautiful country, we take with us new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the incredible experiences that made this trip so special. From hands-on activities to up-close wildlife encounters, this journey will stay with you for a lifetime.

Safe travels home and we look forward to seeing you at the reunion!

Acivity Level: Moderate
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.