The
Kenya
trip
For the love of
THE GREAT MIGRATION​
​
WARRIOR CULTURE​
​
UNTAMED SAVANNAHS​
​
NAIROBI NIGHTLIFE
​
GOLDEN COASTS​
​
SWAHILI SPICES​
​
THE MAASAI MARA​
​
SAILING PARADISE​
​
kenya
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Kenya caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s searching for the Big Five in the Maasai Mara, diverse street food flavors in Nairobi, and ivory coastlines full of vibrant Swahili culture in Lamu.
​
Kickstart the adventure of a lifetime with a crew you’ll never forget in the Kenyan capital, where tantalizing nyama choma sizzles along streets buzzing with colorful languages and ancient traditions. Eventually, concrete towers will give way to Acacia Trees as we head west past the Great Rift Valley toward the legendary wildlife of the Maasai Mara. Between heart-stopping safaris in rugged grasslands and close encounters with rhinos and lions, you’ll even forge connections with the local Maasai community.
​
After the excitement of Kenya’s savannah, round out your adventure on the relaxing, white sand beaches of tropical Lamu. Explore coral stone Swahili architecture, try spicy local cuisine, and shout out those magical words you’ve known for years: Hakuna Matata!
2025 dates
Feb 26 - Mar 7, 2025
​
Jun 4 - 13, 2025
Jul 30 - Aug 8, 2025
2 Guy spots left
Sep 10 - 19, 2025
1 Gal spot + 2 Guy spots left
Sep 24 - Oct 3, 2025​
10 days/ 9 nights
starting at $5,999 USD
​
Limited single room upgrades starting from $669 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $975 deposit + 3 additional installments.
​
*Please note: Due to requirements from our suppliers, the Kenya Trip follows a 91-Day Cancellation Policy.
​
Included
-
9 nights of accommodations (2 nights in Nairobi, 4 nights in the Maasai Mara, and 3 nights in Lamu)
-
All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
-
23 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 dinners
-
In-country ground transportation
-
Roundtrip flight from Nairobi to Lamu
-
Entrance fees to Kenya’s national parks and reserves
-
Two full-day guided game drives in the Maasai Mara
-
Immersive Maasai cultural experience and overnight stay at tribal camp supporting the local Indigenous community
-
Warrior training with a local Maasai Tribe
-
Private tour and tasting at a women-owned tea farm in the Kenyan highlands
-
Locally led Nairobi street walking tour
-
Swahili cooking class in Lamu village
-
Traditional wooden dhow boat cruise around Lamu Island
-
FTLO Trip Leader
*Activities are weather-dependent on our Kenya tour; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
-
Flights to & from Nairobi
-
Mandatory trip insurance
-
Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)
-
Incidental expenses
day by day
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
eXPLORE
Day 1 - Nairobi
Mother Continent
Welcome to the gateway of adventure! With thundering herds of migrating wildebeests and infectious rhythms of Swahili tunes, Kenya is an experience like nothing else.
​
After touching down just outside of Nairobi, hop in a cab and make your way to our hotel in the center of the capital. More than 40 ethnic groups call this city home, and with Kikuyo, Luo, and Kalenjin influences (just to name a few!), this cultural melting pot is just as diverse as the nation’s wildlife. Settle in and soak up the scene over drinks with the crew before we head out to a nearby restaurant for a taste of local cuisine.
​
We know getting to Kenya isn’t exactly quick or easy, so we left the night free—you can grab some early shut eye or check out the Nairobi nightlife if you’re feeling up to it.
learn
Day 2 - Nairobi, Maasai Mara
Tea Partay
We’re getting up early and heading west for some of the most staggering scenes in Africa—Maasai Mara, here we come!
​
Don’t worry if you’re still a bit jet-lagged or if you had one too many Tuskers last night; we’ll be stopping at a working tea farm for a mid-morning pick-me-up. Fuel up on some much-needed caffeine in the rolling highlands as you learn the inner workings of one of the country’s most important industries, and then grab lunch with a view. That afternoon, we’ll hit the road again and ride toward endless golden savannahs pulsating with the promise of adventure.
​
Welcome to the legendary, magical, almost unspeakably moving Maasai Mara! We’ll spend the next three nights in a riverside camp near the Tanzanian border, so settle in, sit down for an early group dinner, and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure.
witness
Day 3 - Maasai Mara
Wild Country
Mornings in the Mara are something else. Imagine golden savannah light and crisp, clean air filled with the sounds of African wildlife. Don’t worry about setting an alarm—your new neighbors will let you know when it’s time to get up.
​
Today, we’re headed out on a full-day game drive in 4x4s, with safari guides leading the search for the Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard). Though these are the most iconic creatures in Africa’s most legendary land, they won’t fill the lion’s share of your day’s sightings. The Mara’s sprawling grasslands are also home to giraffes, cheetahs, and watering holes that sustain more than 32,000 zebras and 37,000 wildebeests!
​
As the sun begins to set, we’ll head to camp for dinner and fireside stories underneath clear African skies.
safari
Day 4 - Maasai Mara
Natural Habitat
Rise and shine, and get ready for another day of feeling blissfully inconsequential as we hit the park for round two.
​
Today, we're heading deeper into these wild plains, past termite mounds that litter the horizon like miniature apartment blocks. We’ll drive through groves of Acacia Trees shading sunny landscapes, where evocatively named plants like the African Bushman's Hat, Whistling Thorn, and Torch Lily are constant reminders that these untamed grasslands are far, far from home.
​
Just make sure you keep your camera ready, in the Mara, you never know what’s around the next bend. We'll head back toward camp for another group dinner followed up by a campfire where you can argue over who's got the best shot at a Nat Geo cover photo.
immerse
Day 5 - Maasai Mara
Warrior Culture
Today, we’re switching gears from epic wildlife to warriors who share a deep connection with these famous landscapes.
​
We’ll head to a nearby camp to spend the day and night with a local Maasai tribe, the semi-nomadic community who’ve roamed the Mara for centuries. Immerse yourselves in this self-sustaining society as you learn about traditional beadwork, the symbolic meaning behind facial scars, and a warrior way of life. You’ll even get the chance to visit a school and discover what it’s like to grow up in the Kenyan savannah. As thousands of Maasai men, women, and children still call this region home, the camp plays an integral role in society, actively supporting local communities through education and work projects.
​
That evening, at the foot of the lush, spiritual Loita Hills, you’ll forge connections that transcend language and culture as you discover the importance of these sacred lands.
mesmerize
Day 6 - Maasai Mara, Lamu
Jambo, Lamu!
After an unforgettable evening swapping stories and soaking in the wisdom of the Maasai, it’s time to say “ole sere” (goodbye) to our gracious hosts. They’ve opened their homes, hearts, and traditions to us, offering a glimpse into a simpler, deeply rooted way of life. Leaving the bush behind, we carry these cherished moments with us as we set off for our next adventure: the enchanting Lamu Island.
​​
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu is a living, breathing window into true Swahili culture. Picture narrow streets lined with intricate historic architecture, donkeys ambling unhurriedly through town, and dhow boats gliding across turquoise waters in the distance. It’s a place where time seems to pause.
​
We’ll take a quick flight from Nairobi to this coastal gem and begin exploring one of Africa’s best-preserved Swahili settlements. Over the centuries, Lamu has embraced influences from Persia, India, Asia, and Europe, creating its own unique culture. Lamu is kind of like this trip—people from different places and backgrounds coming together to create something special. You’ll feel this fusion come to life at dinner, where we’ll share laughs and stories as the ocean breeze drifts in—a perfect start to our time on this magical island.
relax
Day 7 - Lamu Island
Set Sail
There’s no better view of Lamu than from the open sea, so we’ll set out on the water for an experience as timeless as the island itself: a full-day dhow sailing and boat tour. These traditional wooden sailboats have graced the Swahili coastline for centuries, and today, they’ll carry us through stunning mangroves, hidden beaches, and serene lagoons—places so untouched they feel like another world.
​
This will be a day of unwinding: lounging on deck with the sun warming your face, laughter and conversation flowing effortlessly, surrounded by good company and the beauty of the Indian Ocean. We’ll savor fresh, local snacks on board between refreshing dips in the water.
​
As the day winds down, the dhow will glide back toward shore, its sails catching the golden hues of the setting sun. I mean... could you imagine a more perfect day out on the water? Afterward, the evening is yours—head out with your travelmates for dinner or treat yourself to a quiet night and an early bedtime if the day has you feeling blissfully spent. The choice is yours!
ROAM
Day 8 - Lamu Island
taste of tradition
Lamu Island is a true gem—boasting unspoiled beaches, rich culture, and diverse landscapes. Today, we’ll take a deeper look into this incredible place with a walking tour through the town. Along the way, we’ll stop at some local favorites and dive into Lamu’s culinary delights—think flavorful Swahili dishes, spicy street foods, and fresh coastal ingredients.
​
You’ll have some free time in the afternoon before joining a hands-on cooking class led by an inspiring group of women in the evening. They have been perfecting their Swahili recipes for generations, and today, we’re lucky enough to have them share their passion with us. From kneading dough to frying golden samosas, you’ll learn the secrets behind some of the island’s most beloved dishes.
​
We’ll sit down to enjoy this full Swahili dinner that we prepared together, breaking bread (or should I say samosas?) surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of our new friends in the comfort of their home. And while you may be miles from home, by the end of the night, you’ll feel like part of their extended family. (And, of course, you’re already part of the FTLO one!)
sail
Day 9 - Lamu Island, Nairobi
Last Moments
As we board our flight back to Nairobi, we can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by, and yet, what a journey it’s been. From the tranquil shores of Lamu to the heart of Kenya’s bustling capital, we’ve covered a lot of ground—but the adventure isn’t over yet!
​
When we first arrived in Nairobi, we didn’t have much time to truly take it all in. Now, our local guides—a group of enterprising teens who grew up on Nairobi’s streets—will lead us through the city, offering a glimpse into life in one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan urban hubs. These young voices will show us Nairobi through fresh eyes, sharing their journeys and offering perspectives you won’t find in a guidebook. After a delicious lunch together, we’ll embark on the tour, discovering a city alive with history and filled with hope for the future.
​
As the day winds down, we’ll head back to the hotel to freshen up before gathering for one final dinner together. The setting sun will paint the sky with hues of pink and purple, offering the perfect backdrop as we celebrate the friendships formed, the memories made, and the undeniable bond we’ve created in just a short time. Because, honestly, it feels like we’ve known each other forever.
indulge
Day 10 - Nairobi
Kwaheri!
As we say goodbye to Kenya, it’s hard to believe how quickly this journey has come to an end. Give your travelmates one final hug and don’t forget to exchange socials and phone numbers—we have a feeling these friendships are going to go the distance.
​
And if you don’t have to head home just yet, why stop here? With Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a hub, why not extend your adventure and explore more of what Africa has to offer?
​
Consider stepping into the stunning landscapes of South Africa, where you can explore everything from Cape Town’s beaches to the depths of its history. Or maybe Morocco’s colorful souks, desert landscapes, and rich cultural blend are calling your name. Whatever your next destination, Africa has endless possibilities waiting. Until next time!
Book!
FAST FACTS
about Kenya
Kenya is a colorful mix of unique cultures, breathtaking nature, and rich history. Its ethnic groups, including the Maasai, Kikuyu, and Luo, among others, each contribute unique traditions and customs to the country's cultural fabric. From the iconic wildlife of the Maasai Mara to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, the country's natural landscapes offer unparalleled beauty and biodiversity. Kenya's history, from ancient civilizations like the Swahili Coast to the colonial era and struggle for independence, has shaped a resilient and dynamic nation celebrated for its heritage, wildlife conservation efforts, and stunning landscapes.
Good to Know
-
In Kenya, the official languages are English and Swahili.
-
10%-15% tips are standard at restaurants.
-
Kenyan currency is called the shilling.
Trip notes
-
For more information on vaccines required to visit Kenya, see the CDC website.
​​
​​
-
When you go on a Kenya safari, you'll head out early in the morning. Animals are most active in the hours after sunrise and before sunset.
​
-
Please note that our bush camps are less like traditional tented camps and more like modern rooms with beds, ensuite showers, and wash facilities. Though they’re located amidst incredible nature, they include the amenities you’d expect in a hotel.
​
* The Kenya Trip follows a 91-Day Cancellation Policy (2025) and a 95-Day Cancellation Policy (2026), different from other FTLO Trips.
flight information
Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
If you’re flying in on day 1, you should arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by 1:00pm to reach the hotel by 4:00pm. The cab ride should take about 40 minutes.
Fly out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
The group flight back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is included. We recommend booking your continuing flight from Nairobi after 3pm, to allow for any delays.
ALUMNI REVIEWS
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about our
kenya trip?
Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.