Journey

A Family Journey of Adventure and Connection - From Mountains to Savannahs and onward to the Swahili Coast

We wanted to craft an itinerary that hits the sweet spot of traveling with teenagers - a blend of adventure and culture that keeps them engaged and exposed to meaningful, enriching experiences at the same time. This journey showcases the very best of Kenya, taking your family from the rugged beauty of Laikipia and Nanyuki to the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara and the centuries old Swahili culture of Lamu Island. It touches the soul of the country, with its different iconic cultures and landscapes, offering a variety of activities that blend conservation, fun, and culture. From hiking around Mount Kenya to experiencing Maasai traditions and exploring Lamu’s cultural magic, this itinerary will inspire your family with a deeper appreciation for nature, community, and shared moments.

Highlights

  • Game Drives in Laikipia 
    Spot rhinos, lions, and giraffes while learning about conservation efforts 
  • Walking Safari in the Maasai Mara 
    Explore the wilderness on foot with Maasai guides or WFF rangers
  • Mobile Camping Adventure
    Spend the night under African skies during an immersive camping experience 
  • Exploring Lamu’s Swahili Culture
    Visit historical landmarks like Lamu Fort and Swahili House Museum 
  • Water Sports in Lamu
    Enjoy paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking or windsurfing  in crystal-clear waters 

Trip Constellation Options

Day 1   (Arrival in Nanyuki)

Arrive in Nanyuki and settle into your surroundings at the base of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. After a warm welcome, take the afternoon to relax after your journey or explore the nearby area with a short walk to take in the stunning mountain views. Dinner will be served under the stars, featuring locally sourced ingredients that introduce you to the flavours of Kenya.

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Day 2   (Game Drive at Ol Pejeta or Solio Ranch)

After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy or Solio Ranch. These renowned wildlife sanctuaries offer incredible opportunities to spot rhinos, lions, giraffes, and other iconic African wildlife while learning about conservation efforts. Have a picnic lunch in the wild or back at your lodge before continuing exploring the conservancy or unwinding at your lodge. End the day with a cozy family dinner by the fireplace.

A Laikipia Lioness

Elewana Sand River Masai Mara - activities - Game drive - 2

 

Day 3   (Guided Hike Around Mount Kenya)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a guided hike through Mount Kenya National Park. Explore trails leading to Mau Mau Caves or Ngare Ndare Forest’s waterfalls and blue pools, while learning about local history and ecology from your guide. In the afternoon, after a packed picnic lunch in nature, continue exploring trails or relax by one of Ngare Ndare’s pools before returning to Nanyuki for a delicious dinner. 

 

Ngare Ndare Waterfall

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Day 4   ( Exploring Nanyuki’s Hidden Gems)

Begin your morning by discovering other Nanyuki’s unique attractions. Visit Tambuzi Rose Farm to learn about sustainable rose cultivation or tour Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage to meet rescued wildlife up close. For lunch, dine at Trout Tree Restaurant, a treehouse-style eatery serving fresh trout in a magical forest setting. In the afternoon, spend time climbing at the local Mount Kenya climbing gym before ending the day with a relaxed family dinner.

Day 5   (Fly to the Maasai Mara & First Game Drive)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your scenic flight to the Maasai Mara. Upon arrival, settle into your camp and enjoy a light lunch overlooking the savannah. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive across the Mara’s iconic plains, where you’ll spot elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and more. End your day with a bush dinner under the stars surrounded by nature’s sounds.

 

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Day 6   (Walking Safari & WWF Conservation Walks)

Start your day with breakfast before heading out on a walking safari led by Maasai guides. Learn about animal tracking, medicinal plants, and smaller wildlife as you explore the wilderness on foot. After lunch back at camp, join WWF rangers for an educational walk focused on conservation efforts, wildlife tracking techniques and rangers duties. Conclude your day with a late evening game drive followed by dinner under the starry African skies.

 

 

Day 7   ( Horseback Safari & Mobile Camping Adventure)

Begin your morning with breakfast before setting out on a horseback safari through the wilderness. This unique activity allows you to connect with nature while spotting wildlife up close in an active and exciting way. After lunch back at camp, you can decide to spend the night in the wilderness, on a mobile camping adventure. Throughout the experience you will also learn survival skills and gain a deeper insight into local ecosystems: a real thrilling experience for adventurous families!

Breathtaking views of the Laikipia Plateau

 

Day 8   (Final Game Drive & Visit to a Maasai Village)

Start your day with an early morning game drive to soak in one last glimpse of Africa’s incredible wildlife as you explore this iconic ecosystem. Later in the day, you can visit a nearby Maasai village where teens can engage with local community members through interactive cultural activities like spear throwing, traditional dancing, and storytelling around a bonfire. Wrap up your time in the Mara with one last dinner together under the stars.

 

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Day 9   (Arrival in Lamu, the Cradle of Swahili Culture)

Fly to the magical island of Lamu on Kenya’s northern coast. This is the cradle of the centuries old Swahili culture and a unique coastal destination soaking in culture and charm. Spend your afternoon exploring Lamu Town’s narrow streets lined with coral stone buildings and beautifully carved wooden doors, or the narrow beach alleys of Shela village before enjoying your first dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

 

 

Day 10   ( Cultural Immersion in Lamu & Sunset Dhow Cruise)

Dive into Lamu’s rich heritage by visiting the Lamu Fort or the Swahili House Museum in the Old Town. In the late morning, take part in a hands-on cooking class to learn traditional Swahili recipes alongside local chefs. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Lamu Channel aboard a traditional dhow boat. Sail through mangrove channels and soak in the breathtaking views of the sunset before ending your day with a cocktail at the iconic Peponi Hotel.

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Day 11   (Water Sports and FlipFlopi Project Visit)

Spend your final day paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling around Lamu’s archipelago. For the more adventurous ones, try windsurfing or kite surfing along Lamu channel. Later, visit the unique FlipFlopi Project and its incredible team to learn about innovative solutions to plastic pollution and sustainable practices through their recycled plastic dhow initiative. In the evening, you will have one last farewell dinner overlooking the sunset on Manda Beach, exchanging the highlights of this unforgettable trip.  

Activity - Water Skiing

Kinondo Kwetu Hotel Go Paddle, Galu Beach, Diani Beach, Kenya

 

Mountain Biking Mount Kenya
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Mountains on Steroids

Starting from $3,142

Wildebeest Migration in Zambia
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Luxury in the Wild: Zambia’s Secret Season and World’s Second-Largest Migration

Starting from $8,700

Safari In Kenya, expert guides taking you on curated safaris.
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Mobile Camping: Where Luxury Meets Untamed Wilderness

starting from $920 per person per night

alking Wild: Unique Camel-Assisted Safari Adventure
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Walking Wild: An Expedition With Camels

starting from $520 per night

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Safari | Beach | City
A Family Expedition in Kenya

starting from USD $4,550

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Kenya's Adrenaline Kayaking: Thrills on The River

starting from $550 per person for a total of 2 nights, 3 days

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Wild Eco: A Kenyan Odyssey

starting from USD $3,620

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CONTACT

enquiries@nomad.africa
Tel: +254 708 238 738

Purple Nomad Ltd
PO Box 69671 - 00400
Mwanzi Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

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