Kenya & Seychelles: Maasai Mara, Wildlife Safaris & Island Shores - 16 Days

From culture to wildlife to active adventures, Kenya has it all, and has well-earned its reputation as one of the best places for safari in Africa. But this adventure goes way beyond that, bringing you a step further off the beaten path. Welcome to Nairobi and to Kenya, where we invite you to leave your hesitations behind and dive straight into the action. Join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing. Afterwards, head out for a delicious welcome dinner.

Without a doubt the Maasai people have become the symbol of East Africa in many ways. North of Nairobi, south of Samburu, sits a very special lodge with a very special story. Il Ngwesi is owned and operated by the local Maasai community. The aim is to invite travelers to meet the community and feel completely immersed into your surroundings. It can be hard to really understand a culture when you are limited to a quick hour-long visit, and this experience at Il Ngwesi is the exact opposite. Spend plenty of time with your hosts, asking questions and discussing life. Join them on a bush walk to learn local techniques, or visit the village to learn how to craft some beautiful beadwork. With a laid back pace and a completely private experience, your stay at Il Ngwesi is completely worthy of its OMG status. After a short flight from Nairobi to Laikipia, transfer to a vehicle to make your way north to Il Ngwesi. Keep your eyes peeled as you will be on safari some of the way to the lodge. Stretch your legs this afternoon and join your Maasai guides on a bush walk as they teach you different bird calls and how to spot elephant tracks in the bush.

Awake this morning at Il Ngwesi and with no front wall whatsoever, the fresh air wafts in as the sun rises. Rooms are built in the traditional style using wood and earth to afford travelers the opportunity to feel connected to traditional Maasai life in a very unique way. The lodge has an incredible location, set away from other tourist spots, and your hosts and guides are the Maasai men and women from the nearby community. Though not quite as modern as other facilities in Kenya, Il Ngwesi brings you straight into the heart of a Maasai community who are keen to welcome you and engage with you from the moment you arrive.

Today you get to choose! Do you want to visit a local Maasai Village or spot wildlife? If the village visit sounds right, you will head off to one nearby and learn more about Maasai culture. If you're looking for something more wildlife focused, choose to embark on morning safari alongside extremely knowledgeable Maasai guides through some of Kenya's most spectacular scenery and spot the legendary wildlife of the plains. The afternoon is for enjoying the lodge's atmosphere and amenities before a delicious dinner together as a group. Today might just be the best day of your trip. For your OMG Day, choose between a cultural immersion visit to a nearby Maasai village, or set off on a morning wildlife safari drive through Kenya's beautiful landscape in search for the legendary creatures that call this place home. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy free time at the lodge before a group dinner in the evening.

Hosting the safari Big Five, the Great Migration and offering unparalleled wildlife encounters, the Mara is a destination you could easily spend weeks discovering. With some of the largest populations of lions, leopards and cheetahs in the world, Maasai Mara is one of the most legendary safari destinations. After your flight, waste no time before your first unforgettable safari out in its rugged grasslands. If safari is what brought you to Africa, then get your binoculars ready. After a flight to Maasai Mara, we'll head out on safari in the national park renowned for having the highest concentration of big cats in the world. You'll be amazed how these giant cats are still master disguisers.

You begin to recognize the soulful soundtrack of the wild at dawn, the comforting scent of the evening fire after an epic day on safari, and the responsive rhythm of the vehicle as it navigates the vast bush. The sheer wonder of discovery—witnessing a breathtaking spectacle of Earth's diversity—is an unforgettable thrill that stays with you. Thankfully, an extraordinary day of safari awaits to fill your spirit. Start your day with light snacks before heading out on an exhilarating, early morning safari wildlife drive. The golden light is sure to bring a special atmosphere to the whole wildlife route. Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. There will be free time to spend at your leisure. Choose to enjoy the property’s amenities. In the late afternoon, board the vehicle for another safari drive into the gorgeous scenery of the area as the sun begins its descent. This drive culminates in a beautiful bush dinner in the open landscape.

With some of the largest populations of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the world, Maasai Mara is one of the most legendary safari destinations. Waste no time today as you become immersed on safari through its rugged grasslands; a landscape you could easily spend weeks discovering. Find time to give back to the planet while searching for the legendary big five on morning and afternoon wildlife drives. The day begins with an exhilarating choice: soar above the vast plains of the Maasai Mara by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon Safari, gliding through the air as the beauty of dawn breaks. This breathtaking adventure concludes with a delicious bush breakfast. Alternatively, sleep a bit later and join your CEO for an included Early Morning Game Drive, seeking out the Mara's iconic residents as they begin their day. Those who choose to book the balloon safari ride will still be able to join the morning wildlife drive.

Afterwards, participate in a meaningful Tree Planting Experience before a satisfying lunch at the lodge. Later, choose to join the included afternoon safari drive out into the landscape or stay behind at the lodge and simply relax before a final group dinner there this evening.

Savor a final, soul-stirring morning within the legendary Maasai Mara, capturing last precious mental snapshots of your incredible safari adventure. As you journey northward toward the bustling heart of Nairobi, pause for a delicious and meaningful lunch at the the tour operator-supported Cafe Ubuntu. This inspiring social enterprise not only offers delightful cuisine but also empowers local women and families, fueling their community's growth through the cafe's vibrant atmosphere and a beautiful crafts shop. Enjoy one final morning safari drive as you exit the breathtaking Maasai Mara National Reserve. Stop by the the tour operator-supported Café Ubuntu for lunch en route to Nairobi. Once in city, join your CEO and fellow travellers for a final farewell meal.

This busy metropolis and capital city has an intoxicating mix of African and Indian culture, which are both well-represented in the local cuisine. Enjoy artsy cafes with a cup of famous Kenyan coffee, and bring your dancing shoes -- Nairobi has a fantastic nightlife. For a taste of history and archaeology, visit the National Museum, home to most of the great prehistoric finds made by the famous Leakey family. Free day in Nairobi.

The different shades of blue in the water along the coastline seem almost unreal as your plane touches down on Mahé Island. Sitting some 1500 kilometres from mainland Africa, the archipelago sits blissfully in the Indian Ocean and is home to incredible beaches, wildlife and culture. We welcome you to the Seychelles, and we invite you to go beyond the resort walls as you immerse yourself in the vibrant landscapes of this incredible part of our planet. Transfer to the Nairobi airport for the flight to the Seychelles, where you'll be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. In the evening meet up with the CEO and any new fellow travellers who are joining the tour before dinner at the hotel.

Kick off the adventure on a day that is all about you. Feel like a hike? Head into Morne Seychellois National Park to walk along Copolia Trail and soak in the panoramic views. Can't wait to see the giant land tortoises? Take an excursion to the Cap Lazare Private Nature Reserve and visit the free roaming giant tortoises who reside on the property. Whichever option you choose, your first full day in the Seychelles will be unforgettable. Choice of activity today, both options with lunch. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure.

Swap one gorgeous island for another as you travel by ferry across the Indian Ocean to Praslin. Waste no time as you drive to the tip of the island to Anse Lazio Beach, considered by some to be the most beautiful beach in the Seychelles or even the world. Judge for yourself and take advantage of the time to swim and relax on the golden sand and in the turquoise water, edged by lofty palm trees and giant boulders. Travel by ferry from Mahé Island to Praslin. Swing by the hotel to drop off bags and get beach towels before driving to Anse Lazio Beach for time to relax and swim. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Imagine a day of cruising from one blissful paradise to another, swimming and snorkelling all along the way from sandy beaches in warm azure water. Now, prepare to live it as that day has finally arrived! Cruise to the St Pierre Islands and to Curieuse to stand in awe of the roaming giant land tortoises, one of the few places on the planet to be able to do so. Stroll along the mangroves and swim at idyllic spots before returning to Praslin with a full stomach and and an even fuller heart. Full-day catamaran cruise to Curieuse & St Pierre Islands with swimming and snorkelling opportunities throughout the day. Enjoy a barbecue lunch on board and return to Praslin and to the hotel in the late afternoon.

One last exploration on Praslin Island awaits as you venture into the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve where the Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest seed, grows naturally. Wander through this otherworldly forest of towering palms, keeping en eye out for resident birds and wildlife along the way. A short ferry ride brings you to the island of La Digue, our home for the next 2 nights and our new base of exploration by foot and by bicycle. Take a morning excursion with a local guide to the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve. Hop on a ferry to La Digue Island and enjoy a free afternoon. Bicycles are provided for the time spent on La Digue.

Spend the morning paddling a clear kayak over coral reefs and schools of tropical fish, passing the iconic giant boulders of Anse Source d'Argent. Continue to a remote gem of a beach only accessible by water with time to laze, swim or wander on foot to some other nearby stretches of white sand and blue water. The remainder of the day is yours to continue beach-hopping on foot or by bike or simply soak it all in from the hotel pool. Take a guided clear kayak excursion at Anse Source d'Argent with ample time for swimming and relaxing on the beach. Free afternoon to explore or relax.

A gently-paced morning brings you another final day in paradise as you again swap islands and make your way back to Mahé where this adventure all began. Spend the afternoon doing any last-minute shopping for those who are interested, otherwise it is a perfect opportunity for some more time by the water before regrouping in the evening to share a last meal with your travelling companions. Take a midday ferry back to Mahé. The afternoon is free before a farewell dinner in the evening.

The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time. A departure transfer to the airport is included for your departing flight.